May5Written by:Phil Whitehead
Tuesday, May 05, 2009 
May Full Swing Express!
Well the year is racing by and I’m please to report we’ve got a bumper crop of fantastic new dancers moving on up! Welcome to all of you and I hope you enjoy your new hobby as much as we do.
We are dedicated to making the best learning environment that we can and due to these larger numbers of attendees in recent weeks we need to ask if you can please register before the start of each beginners block so classes can be kept as even as possible. Thanks for your help with this!
Last month saw the launch of our very first Glitterbomb Burlesque class which is going great guns, and we’ve even hosted our very first Hens Party. We’re now opening bookings for the next block – But it’s filling quickly!
Read on for details and for heaps of social dancing opportunities coming up soon.
On a sadder note, Frankie Manning, the inspiration to many of us, passed away last week. Frankie you were incredible and your humour and energy will be sadly missed.
1. Glitterbomb registrations open for Block 2!
2. New classes and important update
3. Local gig guide – Heaps on this month
4. Upcoming Events in NZ, Australia & beyond
5. Swing Jam Birthday shout out
1. Glitterbomb Burlesque!
Block 2 starts Wednesday 20th May 8.30pm 22 Webb St, Wellington and is already half full!
Let Ms Tittle-Tattle take you through the traditional burlesque basics from shimmies to pin-up posing and more. Learn to command a stage, gain confidence, body awareness and get that little extra oomph.. Whatever you use it for is up to you!
Small and friendly, this is a relaxed and fun course for ladies of all shapes and sizes, focussing on the traditional dance movement and “tease” element of the burlesque era.
Places are strictly limited and registration for the 6 week course is required in advance, so get in quick to secure your place. Bring your high heels and attitude! 18 and over only, please.
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2. CLASSES
City studio - 22 Webb St , Wellington (above the Locksmith shop)
Starts Weds 20th April
Level 1 Lindy 6.00 – 7.00pm
Do you have friends, colleagues or family talking about starting a new hobby or new form of exercise? Bring them along to Beginners and watch them catch the Jitterbug! No partner or previous experienced required. We will take you through the basics and give you the confidence to get out there on the dance floor. Expect lots of great tunes! Please register so we can keep numbers as even as possible!
Level 2 7.15 – 8.15pm (new time)
For dancers who have completed 2 Beginners blocks or those of you who want to hone their technique. The focus is on building up the basics (swing out, lindy circle etc) and lead/follow techniques while having a lot of fun. We can now link up moves, add styling and learn to play with the music.
Glitterbomb Burlesque - Level 1 8.30-9.30pm (new class)
This is a fantastic introductory 6 week course in the fine art of traditional vintage burlesque, taught by our very own Ms Tittle-Tattle. Places are strictly limited to 30 fabulous ladies and attendance is by registration for the 6 week course only. Email now to secure your spot.
Starts Monday 1st June
Level 1 Lindy 7.30 – 8.30pm
Do you have friends, colleagues or family talking about starting a new hobby or new form of exercise? Bring them along to Beginners and watch them catch the Jitterbug! No partner or previous experienced required. We will take you through the basics and give you the confidence to get out there on the dance floor. Expect lots of great tunes! Please register so we can keep numbers as even as possible!
Petone studio - Wilford School Hall on William Street
Starts Thurs 21st May
Level 1 Lindy 7 - 8pm
See description above. Fantastic large floor, plenty of room to practise your swinging moves. This is usually a more intimate class which offers great 1 on 1 time!
Social practice time 8.00-8.30
Come along early or stay after class for some social time. Teachers will be on hand to help with any questions you may have.
Level 2/3 Lindy 8.30 – 9.30pm
Classes focus on pushing those swing limits! This is a mixed level class for those starting level 2 and those progressing to level 3, with a focus on individual attention!
Cost: All courses cost $60 per person for a 6 class pass, valid at either venue.
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3. Local Gig Guide
Dances are where it all comes together. You’ve worked hard in class to pick up the steps and sweated on getting them right so join the gang and head out for some fun and to practice your moves.
Check it out:
Wellington Heads
Lots of gigs coming up this month from this great danceable band, come check them out!
- Friday 8th May - New Orleans Dinner Club, Allen St
- Friday 15th May- Southern Cross, Abel Smith St
- Friday 22nd May – New Orleans Dinner Club, Allen St
- Friday 5th June New Orleans Dinner Club, Allen St
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Hot Club Sandwich play the Jetty Cafe, Petone. Sunday 10th: MOTHERS DAY! 6.30pm $35 with meal.
Great tunes, dance floor and a wonderful view over the harbour.. what a better way to spend your Sunday (you might even like to take your mum!)
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May Tea Dance with the fabulous x7’s! Sunday 17th May 3.30 – 7.30pm
Hutt City Musical Theatre Hall, cnr Mitchell St and Oxford Tce, Lower Hutt
Let get a group together to head along and support this fantastic event, just for dancers!
- No parking problems
- Great music
- Great dance floor
- Afternoon tea/coffee and refreshments provided
- BYO
Bookings are essential for catering purposes
$15 payable at the door
Bookings - phone or email:
Gay: 478 6920 or Sue: 567 6625
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May Happy Feet Dance – Saturday May 23rd
7.00pm – 11.00pm Link Church Hall, Cnr Laings Road and Myrtle St, Lower Hutt
Come along for an awesome night of dancing.
Dust off your dance shoes; pull out your nattiest threads... BYO a plate for the best dance supper in town.. tell your friends, bring them along to the FREE lesson 7-7.30pm, get your toes tapping...only $5 entry!!!
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4. Upcoming Events
Two fabulous exchanges coming up.. get in pronto!
NZX009 – The Greatest Exchange on Earth 28-31st August in Auckland!
If you haven’t registered yet, make sure you do so before 28 May in order to get the Early Bird Special of $30 off a NZX009 Full Pass or NZX009 Combo Pass. Register now and check out the details at www.jitterbugs.co.nz/nzx009
Fantastic teachers, great dancing and a whole weekend of swing PLUS a Balboa stream! Get in fast. A great way to really take your dancing to the next level.
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Big Band Festival 2009, Christchurch 21st – 26th October 2009
Woweee, what a line up! Christchurch’s annual exchange this year features some of the best teaching couples around;
Hanna and Mattias from Sweden and Shance and Ruth from Perth!
Workshops, dancing and an endless supply of big bands for your dancing pleasure!
Check out http://hepcatswing.com/bbf/index.phpfor details and registration now!
5. Swing Jam Birthday shout out:
Happy birthday to our May swingers! I can see there are going to be a whole lotta jams this month!
- May 5th – Saman Bassam
- May 10th Clare Connolly
- May 12th Phil Van Der Reyden
- May 14th Vanessa Kirkham
- May 22nd Jared Tasker
- May 24th Annika Corley
- May 31st Phil Whitehead
If you know of anyone else having a birthday and in need of a jam remember to dob ‘em in!
Until next month.. just keep swingin’
The Full Swing Team
www.fullswing.co.nz