Swing Island

Taipei Swing lives on!

2010-07-25T05:22:00.000-07:00

Yes, there IS swing dancing in Taipei! However, this blog is no longer being maintained. For current, up-to-date information on lessons, socials and events, please go to www.taipeiswing.com or email JC Cheng at taipeiswing@gmail.com

Dance happy!

Maria

Workshops and upcoming session

2010-05-12T16:05:00.000-07:00

Taipei Swing is happy to announce a season of fresh starts! We've got new 8-count workshops planned for our dancers ready to upgrade, a special beginner workshop for those interested in coming to check out what swing is all about, and a new session starting at the end of May. Here are all of the details:

Intermediate (8-count) Workshop

Sunday, May 16, 3.30-5.30pm

Beginner Workshop

Sunday, May 23, 3.30-5.30pm

NT$200

Beginner Class (6-count, 6-week session)

Thursdays 8-9pm, May 27-July 1

All classes held at:

Danswell, 293 ZhongXiao East Rd., Sec. 4, 9th floor

MRT: Sun-Yat Sen Memorial Hall, exit 1

Pricing:
1. Completely new students receive a trial 3-class card for only NT$150

(not applicable to special beginner workshops)
2. 4-class: NT$1000
3. 8-class: NT$1800
4. 12-class card: NT$2400
5. walk-in students: NT$300

Validity of cards from date of purchase:
3-class card: valid for 3 weeks
4-class card: valid for 6 weeks
8-class card: valid for 11 weeks
12-class card: valid for 16 weeks

New Session Begins April 8 + new Intermediate Workshop!

2010-04-05T05:05:00.000-07:00

Hey Taipei Swing people,

Great job to everyone who stayed with us this past session! We learned a lot, but that doesn't mean we learned it all. Continue with us for our next session to increase your swing vocabulary even more.

And, calling all newcomers - now is the time to join! We are beginning our next sessionthis Thursday, April 8, which will run through May 13.

Also, for those of you ready to take your dancing to the next level, we're also offering an intermediate workshop. Come join us to see what all this buzz about 8-count is about. See below for details.

CLASSES

What: Beginner class
When: Thursday 8-9pm
This session we are doing Cycle C. Even if you've taken beginner class before, remember that each cycle features a different sequence of moves, so there's something for everyone. We suggest taking the beginner class for 3-4 sessions before moving up to intermediate.
Where: Danswell, 293 ZhongXiao East Rd, Section 4, 9th floor
MRT: Sun-Yat Sen Memorial Hall, exit 1

What: Intermediate workshop
When: Sunday, April 25
This special class will run for 2 hours and will introduce you to the basics of 8-count (aka Lindy Hop). Students must have completed at least one beginner cycle in order to participate. More details on exact time and location coming soon.

**Please remember to carry your dance shoes with you - the studios do not allow people to enter in their street shoes.

***Followers are advised to wear shoes with flat, smooth soles to allow for easier turning.

As always, please inform us 24 hours in advance if you will be unable to make class. Otherwise, the class will still be counted on your membership card. Please contact either myself (0961.321.694) or JC (0988.556.606) if you will be unable to come.

SOCIALS

Friday nights are Swing Nights at Capone's!
BoPoMoFo plays live from 9-11pm
Taipei Swing offers an introductory class in between sets.
DJ music after the band.
Capone's is just off of ZhongXiao East Rd., Section 4. MRT: Sun-Yat Sen Memorial Hall, exit 2 (look for Capone's immediately to the left as you come out of the exit)
www.capones.com.tw

EVENTS

Ninjammerz Korea 2010
April 16-18

www.ninjammerz.kr
(some of us from Taipei are going - join us for a fantastic weekend of dance in Korea!)

Great Wall Swing Out
April 16-18
www.greatwallswingout.com

Dance happy!
Maria

Special Beginner Workshop and Swing Party

2010-01-05T18:51:00.000-08:00

If you've heard about swing or been thinking about taking classes, then Taipei Swing has a special event just for you!

What: Special Beginner Workshop and Swing Party

When: Sunday, January 10

Time: 3.30-5.30pm

Where: Siris Lounge & Bar, 157 AnHe Road, Section 2

(just across from Carnegie's)

Price: NT200 (includes lesson and a drink)

No experience or partner necessary. Come join us and invite your friends for an active, fun afternoon!

Just fyi, flat, smooth soled shoes work best. Ladies, please avoid wearing open-backed shoes or high heels.

Dance happy!

Maria

Happy New Year from Taipei Swing!

2009-12-27T18:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!

We had a great time dancing our way through Christmas, but now it's time to give ourselves a bit of a rest for New Year's. Therefore, classes are canceled this week, both Beginner on Dec. 31 and Intermediate on Jan. 1. In addition, our usual Friday social at Capone's is also canceled. All activities will resume again according to our regular schedule beginning January 6.

I hope you all take this time to ring in the New Year with family, friends and loved ones. Best wishes to all for a joyous, healthy, safe and prosperous 2010!

Maria

Charleston workshops this weekend!

2009-12-17T02:24:00.000-08:00

What better way to shake off these rainy Taipei winter blues than to warm up with some Charlestons?

Charlestons are not only a predecessor to what is considered Lindy Hop today, but are also a still very alive and integral part of swing dancing and a great way to keep up with faster music. Expand your dance vocabulary and come join us!

What: Charleston Workshops with Angela Hong
When: December 19th & 20th, 4-5.30pm
practice 5.30-6pm
Where: Danswell, 293 ZhongXiao East Rd., Section 4, 9th floor
MRT: Sun-Yat Sen Memorial Hall, exit 1

Workshop Pricing
Option 1: use your Taipei Swing Card - 2 classes per workshop
Option 2: 1 workshop, $300; 2 workshops $500.

**Please remember to carry your dance shoes with you - the studios do not allow people to enter in their street shoes.

***Followers are advised to wear shoes with flat, smooth soles to allow for easier turning.

Retro Dress Up Night @ Capone's

2009-09-20T19:50:00.000-07:00

This upcoming Friday, September 25, is a special RETRO DRESS UP NIGHT at Capone's. Choose your own swinging decade, but whether it's the 20s, 30s, 40s, or 50s, come dressed to impress!

Change of venue for class on 9.17

2009-09-16T22:17:00.000-07:00

Tonight's Beginner class will be held at NTUST (Tai Ke Da), 43 Keelung Road, Section 4. Nearest MRT: Gongguan, exit 2.

We will be in IB-303. The International Building (IB) is directly to the right of the main gate on Keelung Road.

Class is from 8-9pm. However, we have the room starting at 7.30, so come early if you'd like to practice.

Dance happy!
Maria

New Session Begins 9.10

2009-09-13T23:49:00.000-07:00

We have some changes to our schedule this session, so please take note of the following:

Beginner class (place for class on 9.17 TBD)

Thursdays 8-9pm

This session runs from September 10 - October 15. We are covering the moves in Cycle C.

Intermediate class

new day and time TBA

Classes are still held at Danswell (unless otherwise noted), 293 ZhongXiao East Road, Section 4, 9th floor. MRT: Sun-Yat Sen Memorial Hall, exit 1.

This Friday, August 21 - AN EXTRA SPECIAL SWING NIGHT @ CAPONE'S

2009-08-19T23:42:00.000-07:00

BoPoMoFo and The Muddy Basin Ramblers are teaming up to host a benefit concert for the Morakot flood victims.

All donations will go directly to the victims. Capone's will also donate 10% of the bar proceeds so here's your chance to drink like a fish for a good cause. There will be a lucky draw raffle, too.

Music starts at 8pm with the David Chen and the Muddy Basin Ramblers.

www.capones.com.tw

Come out and dance for a good cause!

See you on the dance floor,

Maria

New Beginner session starts this week, 7.22

2009-07-21T21:43:00.000-07:00

So, word about swing dancing is starting to get around town... perhaps you're one of those people who've heard about it and are curious to give it a try. Well, this week is your lucky week! Taipei Swing is having a new Beginner class starting this week, on Wednesday, July 22.

Last session our beginner dances learned the set of moves in Cycle A. This new session will feature new and different moves in Cycle B. Whether you're new to the beginner class or a returning student, there's something for everyone!

When: Wednesdays 8-9pm
Where: Danswell, 293 ZhongXiao East Road, Section 4, 9th floor
MRT: Sun-Yat Sen Memorial Hall, exit 1

Danswell does not allow street shoes into the studio, so be sure to carry the shoes you plan to dance in with you.

See you on the dance floor!
Maria

Swing Nights @ Capone's

2009-07-20T06:06:00.000-07:00

Our Friday night Swing Nights at Capone's continue to be a success week after week! Regulars and newcomers alike come out to enjoy the groove and blues of BoPoMoFo's energetic jump blues, and those with curious feet crowd the floor for the intro lesson given by Taipei Swing in between sets of the band.

This past Friday, 7.17, we were also lucky enough to have two fun and friendly visiting dancers with us - Joanna from San Francisco, and Koichi from Osaka. You're both welcome back at any time!

Come out and see what the fun is all about for yourself - every Friday night starting at 9pm. www.capones.com.tw

Asian Swing Scene

2009-06-29T03:42:00.000-07:00

Hey Taipei Swingers,

There's lots going on over the summer and into the fall around Asia. Mark your calendars and save your pennies so that you can take part in these various events:

TOKYO SUMMER SWING WORKSHOP - Tokyo, Japan - July 18-19
http://iswingtokyo.com/events2/ssw

PUSAN SUMMER SWING FESTIVAL - Pusan, Korea - Aug 7-9
http://www.pssf.or.kr/2009/en/main.jsp This is going to be a huge event. Over 750 Korean dancers have registered. There are only 100 spots open to foreigners, so register soon!

JEJU SWING CAMP - Jeju, Korea Aug
http://www.pssf.or.kr/2009/en/main.jsp

MENARI BALI LINDY CAMP - Bali, Indonesia - Oct 16-18
http://bali-lindy.webs.com/ They are offering a special discount based on how far you're coming from until July 10. From Taipei, that comes to $38 off the full price of $310. Register now and save!

And of course, in the meantime we've got our regular schedule of classes and socials here in Taipei:

Beginner class
Wednesday 8-9pm

Intermediate class
Thursdays 8-9pm

Classes take place at Danswell, 293 ZhongXiao East Road, Section 4, 9th floor. MRT: Sun-Yat Sen, exit 1.

And our Friday night socials at Capone's continue to be a hit and to draw regulars and newcomers alike. Keep it coming!
www.capones.com.tw.

See you on the dancer floor,
Maria

New Beginner Class

2009-06-17T06:57:00.000-07:00

We're happy to announce the opening of a new Beginner Class, starting next Wednesday, June 24! Here are the details:

Beginner Class

Wednesdays, starting 6.24

8-9pm

Danswell Studio, 293 ZhongXiao Road East, Section 4 (MRT: Sun-Yat Sen Memorial Hall, exit 1)

Please note that the studio asks dancers to leave their street shoes at the door, so be sure to carry the shoes you will dance in with you.

The rest of our schedule remains the same:

Intermediate Class

Thursdays 8-9pm

Danswell Studio

Swing Night at Capone's

Fridays, live band 9-11pm

Intro class from Taipei Swing in between sets

free bottle of sparkling water with purchase of drink or food

www.capones.com.tw

See you all on the dance floor!

Maria

June Swings!

2009-06-09T23:37:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend with the kick-off of our Swing Night with BoPoMoFo at Capone's this past Friday and our Beginner Workshop on Sunday was fabulously fun!

Let's keep the energy up this week!

Thursday @ Danswell
8-9pm - intermediate class
9-9.20pm - practice

Class this week will continue to review our swingout fundamentals, plus the swingout with compression and the 8-count side pass we introduced last week. And of course we'll add on to our repertoire with a new move or two.

Please remember to let us know if you cannot make class 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, we will still count the class towards your membership card if you're a no-show.

After picking up some new moves, it will be time to practice them on the dance floor at....

Swing Night @ Capone's - every Friday
BoPoMoFo plays live 9-11pm
intro lesson by Taipei Swing in between sets
free bottle of sparkling water for those who participate
www.capones.com.tw

Friday night is a great time for newcomers to refresh their basics and for everyone to bring their friends. Let's show Taipei that we can swing!

And, we will be opening up a new Beginner Class very soon. We'll keep you posted as soon as we have confirmation for a day and time.

See you on the dance floor!
Maria

Big week for Taipei Swing

2009-06-03T00:56:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a great time over the Dragon Boat Festival and is well-rested from the long weekend.

We've got a big week this week for Taipei Swing. First, classes are back on their regular schedule:

Thursday, 8-9pm @ Danswell

This week we will refresh our memories and our feet with some swingout basics and of course increase our swing vocabulary with some new moves.

Please remember to inform us 24 hours in advance if you will not be able to make the lesson.

Then, this Friday, June 5, is the kick-off for our new Swing Nights at Capone's. BoPoMoFo will get everyone up and swinging with their lively jump blues. In between their sets, Taipei Swing will give a beginner lesson. Come on out and invite your friends!

And then, on Sunday, June 7, Taipei Swing is holding a special beginner's workshop from 7-9pm at Siris Cuisine and Lounge, 157 AnHe Rd, Sec. 2 (just across from Carnegie's). $300 entry fee includes a free drink. Members of Taipei Swing can enter for FREE - we want you there to help show how much fun swing is!

New June Events

2009-05-25T04:20:00.000-07:00

Calling all dancers in Taipei!

Taipei Swing is holding a special Beginner's Workshop on June 7. This is the perfect time for anyone who's been away from swing for a while to come back and get back into the groove, and of course for all those newcomers or otherwise curious onlookers to come out, see for yourself and give it a try. It's fun!

When: Sunday, June 7, 2009

Time: 7-9pm

Where: Siris Cuisine & Lounge (just across from Carnegie's)

#157 AnHe Road, Section 2

台北市安和路二段157號

Fee: NT$300 - includes one drink

AND....

Starting in June...

Friday nights will be Swing Night at Capone's!

Come groove to the jump bluesy tune of BoPoMoFo live, starting at 9pm. Taipei Swing will provide an introductory swing class in between sets. They will even push some tables aside to make more room for dancers - so come ready to strut your stuff!

Mention that you've come to dance at the door, and you'll get a coupon good towards a bottle of sparkling water. Gotta stay hydrated!

Friday will then replace the Sunday intro class at Barbados. We may still have dancing at Barbados, depending on how many people are up for it. Check in with us at our Facebook group page, Taipei Swing, or email swing.island@gmail.com to find out if we will still be dancing at Barbados on Sundays.

May at Taipei Swing

2009-05-07T02:26:00.000-07:00

Our schedule for May looks pretty much the same as it was for April - hooray for consistency!

Here's the lowdown:

Thursdays @ Danswell

8-9pm - intermediate lesson

9-9.20pm - practice

Danswell is located at 293 ZhongXiao E. Rd., Sec. 4, 9th floor. MRT stop: Sun-Yat Sen Memorial Hall, exit 1.

Please remember that Danswell asks all dancers to leave their street shoes at the door, so be sure to carry your dance shoes with you.

Fridays @ Capone's

This is our opportunity to do our thing to the jumping and bluesy tunes of BoPoMoFo, Taiwan's best jump blues band.

www.capones.com.tw

Sundays @ Barbados

7.30-8pm - intro/beginner lesson

8pm - ? open dancing

There is a $50 fee for the lesson, and a one-drink minimum for all dancers.

Barbados is located at 101 Songren Rd., XinYi District, Taipei.

AND, we will have a special Beginner's Workshop later this month, on May 21. Mark your calendars now and tell all of your friends! Details to follow shortly.

See you on the dance floor!

Maria

Weekly Swing Update

2009-04-14T20:32:00.000-07:00

Hey Taipei Swingers,

Looks like Spring has finally decided to join us :-) So come out and celebrate your Spring spirit with 3 days of dancing this week/weekend:

Thursday @ Danswell

8-9pm - intermediate lesson

9-9.20pm - practice

Last week we added the Lindy Circle to our 8-count repertoire. Join us this week to practice and hone the basics we've already covered and to learn a new move or two. I see swing outs with inside turns in our future... and more!

Friday @ Capone's

BoPoMoFo is back! Kick off the weekend right with lively jump blues, great drinks, a friendly, fun-loving atmosphere, and of course, lots of dancing!

Sunday @ Barbados

7.30-8pm - intro/beginner lesson

8pm - open dancing

A swing scene is only as strong as the number of newcomers joining. Sundays are the time to invite your friends and encourage newcomers to give swing a try and see just how much it is.

See you on the dance floor!

Maria

Live jump blues, 4.10

2009-04-10T00:18:00.000-07:00

Taipei Swing is getting BoPoMoFo-cated tonight, 4.10, at Capone's. We're all on a dancing high after our fabulous weekend at the Korea Lindy Revolution (KLR) with the Silver Shadows and many of our international dance friends, so we're eager to get out and cut a rug. Come join us!

BoPoMoFo plays live jump blues from 9-11pm. For location information, go to www.capones.com.tw.

Also, for anyone interested in meeting up beforehand, we'll be meeting at the Sun-Yat Sen Memorial Hall MRT stop, exit 2 at 7.30pm to go grab some grub before we dance.

See you on the dance floor!

End of March, intro April class update

2009-03-25T06:37:00.000-07:00

Hey Taipei Swing,

Last class in March - tomorrow, 3.27!

We'll go over the Charleston moves that David worked on with us, plus add a thing or two and show you how to get out of it. So, unless you'd like to spend the rest of your dancing life in tandem Charleston, you should definitely come out!

Even though this Thursday marks the last Thursday in March, we will continue right on into April. Since our Thursday crew is doing so well, I'd like to bump the classes up to work with 8-count material, which means that it is no longer a beginner class. However, starting this Sunday (3.29), we will offer introductory classes at Barbados, from 7.30-8pm, just before the open dancing. There will be a $50 charge for the class. There is a one-drink minimum for everyone, whether you come for the class or just for the open dancing.

With all these changes happening, please take careful notice of the schedule for April:

Thurs. 4.2

8-9pm - intermediate lesson

Danswell

Sun. 4.5

7.30-8pm - intro/beginner lesson

8-? - open dancing

Barbados

Thurs. 4.9

8-9pm - intermediate lesson

Danswell

Sun. 4.12

7.30-8pm - intro/beginner lesson

8-? - open dancing

Thurs. 4.16

8-9pm - intermediate lesson

Danswell

Sun. 4.19

7.30-8pm - intro/beginner lesson

8-? - open dancing

Thurs. 4.23

8-9pm - intermediate lesson

Danswell

Sun. 4.26

7.30-8pm - intro/beginner lesson

8-? - open dancing

Thurs. 4.30

8-9pm - intermediate lesson

Danswell

Sun. 5.3

7.30-8pm - intro/basic lesson

8-? - open dancing

All classes at Danswell include a warm-up about 10 minutes before class starts, and a free practice session for 20 minutes after class. Please remember to carry your dance shoes with you - no street shoes allowed in the studio.

Classes at Danswell can be counted toward Taipei Swing memberships. However, classes at Barbados should be paid at the time of class.

See you on the dance floor!

Maria

The blues come to Taiwan...

2009-03-19T21:54:00.000-07:00

It's been a fun-filled 2 days of dance so far with David in town, and tonight (3.20) will be no exception. Come join us for his Intro to the Blues class at NTUST, IB-306 from 7-8pm and see for yourself why swing dancers so often love to have the blues...

Then, after sending David off to the airport (don't go!), we'll take all our new bluesy moves up to Capone's for another night of live music with BoPoMoFo. www.capone's.com.

And, Sunday will find us back at Barbados as usual, starting at 8pm. It'll be the perfect wrap up to our 3-day dance adventure with David - we can practice all our new moves with all our new friends :-)

Barbados is located at 101 Songren Rd, XinYi District, Taipei. It's in the back of the Capital Building, in between Brown Sugar and the Outback.

See you on the dance floor!

Maria

Special classes this week 3.18-3.20

2009-03-16T23:23:00.000-07:00

Hey Taipei Swing Dancers!

The time is upon us - David Trinh will be arriving tomorrow (3.18) to grace us with 3 days of special classes. Here's the schedule:

Wednesday 3.18
Cool Moves
8-9.30pm
NTUST, IB-306

Thursday 3.19
Intro to 8-count
8-10pm
Danswell (our usual studio)

Friday 3.20
Blues and/or open workshop
7-8pm (possibly starting at 6.30)
NTUST, IB-306

For those of you new to NTUST, IB stands for International Building, which is located immediately to the right of the main gate.

NTUST (www.ntust.edu.tw)
43 Keelung Rd., Sec. 4
IB-306

MRT: Gongguan, exit 2
Bus, 1, 11, 12, 254, 275, 650, 673, 907

All classes can be applied to your regular Taipei Swing membership card.

Don't have a card? No problem! You can purchase a card at the time of class, or just pay the regular drop-in rate of NT$300.

Please note that our policy of 3 complimentary classes to new members does not apply to these special classes.

See you on the dance floor!
Maria

P.S. Turns out that BoPoMoFo will be playing live at Capone's again this Friday, along with some special Swiss guests. So, after we have our lesson and practice, we can all head up to Capone's to put our new blues moves to some live music! www.capones.com.tw

Open dancing at Barbados tonight 3.15

2009-03-15T01:53:00.000-07:00

We are on for open dancing at Barbados tonight! The fun starts at 8pm and goes until....? Come out and join us to practice your moves or pick up some new ones, enjoy some good music, and of course, great company!

Barbados

101 Songren Rd (in the back of the Capital Bldg., b/w Brown Sugar and the Outback)

XinYi District, Taipei

See you on the dance floor!

Maria

Upcoming Events

2009-03-10T22:11:00.000-07:00

All this rain lately has been a drag, but luckily we have 2 very special events coming up this week and next to help us dance those rainy day blues away...

First, this Friday (3.13), Taipei's very own Chicago-style jump blues band, BoPoMoFo, will be playing live again at Capone's (www.capones.com.tw). For this evening, we will also be graced with the presence of visiting dancer and friend from Hong Kong, Brian. So come out for some good tunes, good booze, good eats and good feets!

Second, David Trinh will be coming to visit us March 18-20. Mark your calendars now and keep these dates free! David is a lindy/blues dancer and instructor from Canada who has spent the last several months traveling around Asia and working with all of our local swing scenes. We are his last stop before he returns to Canada.

David will guest teach our regular Thursday class on 3.19, as well as hold extra, special classes on Wed. 3/18 and Fri. 3/20. Full details to come.

If you've taken a little break from swing lately, this is the perfect time to dust off your dancing shoes and come back to join us. This is also a great time to invite your friends and for anyone who is curious about swing dancing to come out and see what it's all about.

See you on the dance floor!

Maria

BoPoMoFo play again this Friday 3.13

2009-03-08T04:43:00.000-07:00

BoPoMoFo, Taipei's jump blues band, will grace the stage at Capone's again this upcoming Friday, March 13. Come out for some great Italian fare and jumping tunes that are sure to get your feet up and dancing and your booty shaking in the air!

Capone's is located on ZhongXiao East Road, Sec. 4, just outside Sun-Yat Sen Memorial Hall MRT stop, exit 2.

For exact time and address, go to www.capones.com.tw

See you on the dance floor!

SEA Jam 2009 & March updates

2009-02-19T05:49:00.001-08:00

Taipei Swing is off to SEA Jam 2009 this weekend, Feb. 20-22, proudly represented by 4 Taipei dancers - that's double the amount from last year, when Claire and Maria were the first dancers from Taipei Swing at this annual event. This year, Taipei Swing is excited to go back to Singapore and share our love of dancing with dancers from all over Asia, as well as to reunite with old friends, make new friends, let Asia know that Taipei is now on the swing map, and of course to learn from and dance with such swing greats as Matt Bedell, Naomi Uyama, Skye Humphries, and of course the legendary and inspiring ambassador of swing, Frankie Manning! For more information on SEA Jam, check out www.swingapore.com.

Not going to SEA Jam this year? Never fear! We'll be back and raring to dance on Monday, February 23, carrying on with class and open dancing from 8.30-9.30pm at HRC. Please see the previous post for exact location information.

Then, as February swings into March, Taipei Swing will have a new day and a new home! The March schedule is as follows:

Thurs. 3/5

8-9pm - beginner lesson

9-10pm - open dancing/practice

Thurs. 3/12

8-9pm - beginner lesson

9-10pm - open dancing/practice

Thurs. 3/19

8-9pm - beginner lesson

9-10pm - open dancing/practice

Thurs. 3/26

8-9pm - beginner lesson

9-10pm - open/dancing practice

All classes in March will be held at Danswell, 293 ZhongXiao E. Rd., Sec. 4, 9th floor; MRT, Sun-Yat Sen, exit 1.

Please note that Danswell asks dancers to not wear street shoes inside the studio. Therefore, please be sure to carry your dance shoes with you and change into them at the studio.

Pricing:

Drop-in students: NT$300

4-class cards: NT$1,000

8-class cards: NT$1,800

12-class cards: NT$2,400

NTUST students with ID: free

open dancing/practice: NT$50 for all dancers

See you on the dance floor!

Maria

February class schedule - update

2009-02-08T04:19:00.000-08:00

February got off to a good start last week as we reviewed our triples, connection to the floor and our partners, and some basic steps. So let's keep going!

Mark your calendars for the dates below to make sure you can join us as we further build our repertoire of moves in February:

Wed. 2/11

8-9pm beginner lesson

9-10pm open dancing/practice

Mon. 2/16

8.30-9.30pm beginner lesson

9.30-10.30pm open dancing/practice

Mon. 2/23

8.30-9.30pm beginner lesson

9.30-10.30pm open dancing/practice

All lessons in February will take place at HRC, 299 ZhongXiao E. Rd., Sec. 4, B2. MRT Sun-Yat Sen, exit 1.

There is a $50 entry fee for open dancing/practice sessions.

Also, don't forget that BoPoMoFo will be playing on Valentine's Day, Saturday 2/14 at Sappho, starting at 10.30pm. Let's celebrate our love of dancing by going out!

Sappho de Base

AnHe Rd., Sec. 1, Lane 102, #1, B1

(just north of XinYi Rd.)

February class schedule

2009-02-01T17:38:00.000-08:00

Hey Taipei Swing Dancers,

A new session of classes starts this upcoming Wednesday 2/4! For all of you dancers who have taken a break over the holidays, and for all newcomers curious to see what it's all about, this is the perfect time to come out and get your feet moving again.

Wednesday 2/4

8-9pm - beginner lesson

9-10pm - open dancing*

HRC Dance Studio

299 ZhongXiao E. Rd., Sec. 4, B2

MRT: Sun-Yat Sen Memorial, exit 1

*Please note that because we are now using studio space, there is a flat $50 fee for open dancing.

Times are subject to change for subsequent weeks in February, so be sure to check back regularly for the most up-to-date class information.

See you on the dance floor!

Swing tonight 2/1

2009-01-31T18:46:00.001-08:00

Hey Taipei Swing,

Now that all the feasts and fun of the Chinese New Year are behind us, we're back on for social dancing at Barbados. Come out and dust off all those moves that got neglected from nights spent at the mahjong table, and bring a friend! Open dancing starts at 7pm.

See you on the on the dance floor!

Swing tonight 1/29

2009-01-28T19:40:00.000-08:00

Hey Taipei Swing,

Happy Year of the Cow! I'm sure after all the family fun and feasts we've all been enjoying these past few days, our feet are itching to move away from the dinner or mahjong table...

So, we're back on for dancing tonight to help everyone work off those holidays pounds! Come join us at HRC, 299 ZhongXiao E. Rd., Sec. 4, B1.

7-8pm: intermediate practice

8-9pm: beginner lesson and/or open dancing

Since this is a holiday week, our agenda for this evening is fairly open and flexible. If people want to learn a new move or two, I'll be happy to oblige. Or, if people prefer to just dance and celebrate the new year, we can do that, too. Either way, bring your swing!

Swing this Sunday (1.18) at Barbados

2009-01-14T00:23:00.000-08:00

Hey Taipei Swing Dancers,

So, it's been confirmed - social dancing is back ON this Sunday (1.18) at Barbados. The fun starts at 7pm. Bring a friend and be sure to come out and dust off all of those dance moves by practicing them out on the dance floor!

Schedule updates for January

2009-01-13T01:15:00.001-08:00

All right, after all of these cancellations lately, it's time for some GOOD news to go up on this blog! While there is one more cancellation for class this Wednesday (1.14), it looks like there will be social dancing again at Barbados this Sunday (1.18).

Also, beginning next week, we will very likely have a new studio space available for our lessons. So a big thanks to JC for going out and pounding the pavement to find us a new home!

Check back regularly for more information about exact days, times and locations. And in the meantime, keep swinging!

Wednesday Venue

2009-01-06T07:16:00.000-08:00

Hey Taipei Swing,

I'm afraid we've got some bad news - Hips has decided to close on Wednesdays :( This is really too bad since they have been very nice to us.

However, the good news is that we can still have class at my place! Class will still be at 8.30pm - just drop me a line if you need directions.

See you soon!

New Year's Eve schedule adjustment

2008-12-31T00:18:00.000-08:00

Hey Taipei Swingers!

Since tonight (12.31) is New Year's Eve, there is NO swing at Hips. Instead, we will make up the class on Friday, 1.2, at my place at 8.30pm. If you'd like to join us, send me an email at maria.kelley@yahoo.com for directions.

Best wishes to all for a happy and healthy 2009 - Happy New Year!

Maria

Christmas Swing

2008-12-19T23:35:00.000-08:00

Season's Greeting Taipei Swing Dancers!

Just a reminder - because this upcoming Wednesday (12.24) is Christmas Eve, Hips is having a special Christmas event - which means NO swing at Hips this Wednesday. Class will be held instead at my special "garden" apartment. Email me for directions - maria.kelley@yahoo.com.

After class, we will all head up to Sappho to dance to the live music of Taipei's BoPoMoFo.

What better way to welcome Christmas?

Upcoming dance camp in Korea

2008-12-03T22:51:00.000-08:00

Camp Swing It - CSI Korea!!

CSI Korea is a weekend-long party all about dancing, socialising, every level of classes by world champion teachers and meeting with Frankie Manning-A 'living legend' of Swing dance.

When: Jan. 16th .2009 (Fri.) ~ Jan. 18th .2009 (Sun)
Where: Camp in Pyoung-tek,Korea (near from Seoul)
Who's coming: Frankie Manning (www.frankiemanning.com)
Dawn Hampton
Peter Loggins & Mia Goldsmith (peterandmia.com)
Mikey Pedroza & Nina Gilkenson (www.mikeypedroza.com, www.andyandnina.com)
Vincenzo Fesi & Isabella Gregorio

How to register: Unfortunately, an English version registration-site is not prepared yet, so just send an E-Mail message including your Name, Nationality and class level to admin@campswingit.comor julie9612@nate.com

1. Registration ( 1 USD = 1,465 Won ; 1 RMB = 215 Won)
camp fee is different according to registration time:
1) Dec 1th ~ Dec 15th: 250,000 won (170 USD)
2) Dec 16th ~ Jan 15th: 270,000 won
3) Jan 16th ~ : 290,000 won

2. Registration includes:
1)Accommodation: 2 nights
2)Meal: 5 times ( Saturday morning till Sunday lunch)
3)Snack and beverages will be provided during the party (Friday and Saturday Night)
4)Class: every person can choose the level of class and also can attend any class except for master class.

Classes will be approximately 7-9 hours - each level minimum 6 hours. Detailed Schedule of classes will be announced later. For those who don't want to take class (only attend party) will get discount 50.000 won.

3. level of classes:
1)elementary: for those who do lindy hop for less then 1 year (lindy hop beginner)
2)intermediate 1: for those who do lindy hop for over 1 year, for those who have difficulties in understanding musicality and styling.
3)intermediate 2: for those who do lindy hope for about 2 years, for those who are familiar with musicality and styling.
4)advance: for those who already be a lindy intermediate teacher or any special class.

4. refundment 1)14 days before event: 15% charge 2)7 days before event: 30% charge3)1 day before event: 50% charge

Class schedule update

2008-12-03T22:49:00.000-08:00

Attention Taipei Swing Dancers!!!!

I just want to make sure everyone notices that our weekly Sunday classes at Barbados has been put on hold until further notice. That means there is NO swing on Sundays for the time-being.

However, we do still have classes and open dancing at Hips on Wednesday nights, so come on out and feel free to invite your friends!

Hong Kong Lindy Exchange (HKLX) 2008

2008-11-26T08:59:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, 11.21-11.23, was the first-ever Hong Kong Lindy Exchange, put together by Karen Tong. Dancers from all over Asia attended the event, including lindy hoppers from Singapore, Vietnam, South Korea, and both Beijing and Shanghai in mainland China. While the Taiwan showing was small, we were proud and glad to represent ourselves with Mindy, JC, and Maria. And did we have a blast! This event was held in a fantastic city and hosted by a crew of fantastic people - we had too much fun to really put into words.

We are so grateful to Karen for putting together such an all-inclusive event - from social dancing Friday night, to dancing on the Avenue of the Stars (through sunset) on Saturday, riding a junk boat, then heading off to a Jumbo boat and restaurant for dinner and dancing Saturday night, only to be topped off with an excursion to the big Buddha Sunday afternoon (replete with dancing, of course), a thrilling cable car ride down the mountain, and a rocking farewell party at Grappa's Sunday night.

This was a great chance for Taipei Swing to be recognized within the Asian swing community and for some of our members to experience the extents that swing dancing can carry you. It was a truly magical event that has left us thirsty for more dancing and socializing - more, more, more! We miss all the new friends we made in Hong Kong!

First Hong Kong Lindy Exchange

2008-11-20T21:05:00.000-08:00

Hong Kong is hosting its first-ever lindy exchange this weekend, November 21-23. We're very excited for this great opportunity to visit a beautiful city, meet and dance with other lindy hoppers from all over Asia, and to let the Asian lindy hop community know that Taipei exists on the swing map.

However, since the exchange takes place over the weekend and 3 of our main dancers - Maria, JC and Mindy - are attending, that means we need to cancel Barbados this Sunday, 11.23. So, no class or open dancing at Barbados this weekend. However, we will resume our regular schedule on Wednesday at Hips.

Blues Bash this weekend 11.14 & 11.15

2008-11-10T15:34:00.000-08:00

This weekend we're lucky to have back-to-back opportunities to get out and get our blues groove on to some great live music.

First, on Friday, 11.14, come out to the Cosmopolitan Grill to get a taste of all the fabulous music you'll be able to enjoy at the Blues Bash. For the line up as well as location, go to their website at www.cosmo.com.tw.

Then, for the big Blues Bash on Saturday, 11.15, I'll let our jump blues buddy DC put it in his own words:

Hi, y'all,

The Blues Society on Taiwan in association with the Dream Community is hosting our fifth international Blues festival, Blues Bash on Sat, Nov 15. This year, we're featuring Blues artists from Japan and Korea as well as Taiwan.

http://www.bsot-bluesbash.info/bluesbash%20frameset.htm Chinese text can be seen at http://mp763.pixnet.net/blog

The Blues Bash is Taiwan's only 'True Blues' festival series. The BB5 promises to be the biggest and best Blues Bash series offering nearly continuous music from 3 pm to 11:30 pm on four stages. (See the attachment for the program schedule.)

The BSoT and the Dream Community are non-profit cultural organizations; both are dedicated to promoting cultural events in Taiwan. For more details, please call or text me at 0955-793-478 and visit our website.

Hope to see you all there to share some great Blues music and lots of fun and prizes.

Blues on,

DC Rapier

Balboa workshops this Saturday 10.18

2008-10-14T04:57:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, October 18, Colorado State Balboa Champion Jason Swihart will be offering us FREE Balboa workshops!

3-4pm - the basics
4-5pm - expanding on the basics
Place: NTUST, room to be announced
43 Keelung Rd, Sec. 4, MRT Gongguan, exit 2
Administration Fee: NT$50 (goes towards supporting Taipei Swing)

Balboa is a hugely popular version of swing dancing and is great for handling music that is too fast for triple step. It's also a great way to expand your general swing knowledge and vocabulary. Plus, it feels fantastic and is a lot of fun to dance. To get an idea of what it's all about, you can watch Jason dance with his partner here - http://tw.youtube.com/watch?v=qIEmkjroG54

So even if you've taken a break from swing for a little bit recently, this is the perfect time to come back and remind yourself what all the fun is about!

Please register in advance by emailing maria.kelley@yahoo.com so that we can have an idea as to how many people will attend.

See you on the dance floor!

Maria & JC

New System for Taipei Swing

2008-09-30T16:37:00.000-07:00

Hello Taipei Swing Dancers!

Starting in October, Taipei Swing will start operating on a membership basis. Here's how it's going to work:

Schedule

Wednesdays @ Hips
B1, No. 277, Sec 2, Dun-Hua S. Rd., Taipei City; tel: (02)2378-9955
(Close to HePing E. Rd., and Far Eastern Hotel, next to Salt & Bread Restaurant)
8.30pm - intermediate class (focusing on 8-count moves)
9.30pm - open dancing

Sundays @ Barbados
No. 101, Songren Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei City; tel: (02)8780-5265
(Across the street from Neo 19, behind the Capital bdg, next to Brown Sugar)
7.30pm - beginner class (focusing on 6-count moves)
8.30pm - open dancing

Because we're starting fresh with a new system, both the beginner
class and the intermediate will be open to all (for October only). The
beginner class will begin with 6-count basic, while the intermediate
class will focus on 8-count moves.

Classes will run on 4-week sessions.New students may join in weeks 1
or 2 only. New people who show up on weeks 3 or 4 will be asked to
wait until the beginning of the new session to attend class.

In addition to the classes outline above, Taipei Swing will begin
Tuesday evening practice sessions again in November. These practice
sessions will be free and open to everyone. However, they will be
purely practice sessions - no instruction will be offered.

Pricing

Taipei Swing membership cards will be given to students who sign up
for classes. If you want to only attend the beginner or intermediate
class, you can purchase a 4-class card. If you take both classes or if
you are interested in committing to 2 months of classes, you can
purchase an 8-class card. Likewise, if you're interested in committing
to 3 months of classes, you can purchase a 12-class card. Completely
new students will receive a complimentary 4-class card (drink coupon
not included). Pricing is as follows:

Single class: $300 (drink coupon included) - non-members
4-class card: $1000 (drink coupons included)
8-class card: $1800 (drink coupons included)
12-class card: $2400 (drink coupons included)

See you on the dance floor soon!

Maria & JC

Swing and typhoons don't mix...

2008-09-27T21:22:00.000-07:00

Due to the typhoon, swing at Barbados will be canceled tonight (9.28).

I look forward to seeing everyone back on the dance floor either this upcoming Wednesday (10.1) at Hips or next Sunday (10.5) at Barbados, or both!

2 Venues with BoPoMoFo this weekend 9.26 & 9.27

2008-09-24T17:52:00.000-07:00

'live and kickin' Chicago Blues

Taiwan's finest Blues Band

2007 IBC semi-finalists

Come shake your booty to the Blues!

Friday, September 26th

Tavern-Premier Heineken Beer Garden

9pm ~ 11pm

Ladies, enjoy our outstanding Heineken Beer Cocktails for free

The Tavern-Premier, Tel. 87800892 www.tavern.com.tw

and

Saturday, September 27th

@ Sappho de Base

10:30 to 12:30 or ??

Support your local music scene

NT$200 at door

no minimum

Miller beer - NT$110 ALL NIGHT!

House Cocktails - NT$150

Shots - NT$100 from 1:30am to 3:00am

Sappho de Base (02) 2700-5411

#1, Lane 102, AnHe Rd. Sec. 1, B1

http://www.sappho102.biz/

Monthly Swing Jam at Franz & Friends

2008-09-21T19:40:00.000-07:00

This Wednesday, Sept. 24 is time for our regular monthly swing jam at Franz & Friends. This is a great opportunity to come out and listen to some lovely live jazz music, enjoy the swanky yet relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant, and of course to use all of your dance moves out on the social dance floor!

House band comes on at 8.30pm. RSVP required as space is limited. Please let me know if you plan to attend by emailing me at maria.kelley@yahoo.com.

Franz & Friends is located on BaDe Road between DunHua N. and GuangFu N. Roads. For more info, check out http://www.franzandfriends.com.tw/

See you out on the dance floor!

Final 2 weeks of FREE classes

2008-09-15T07:03:00.000-07:00

From now until the end of September, I will continue to offer free swing classes at both Hips on Wednesday nights and Barbados on Sunday nights.

Wednesday 9.17 & 9.24 @ Hips
#277 DunHua Nan Lu, B1, just north of HePing Dong Lu
8.30pm - Intermediate class
9.30pm - open dancing
1 drink minimum
(02)2378-9955
台北市敦化南路二段277號B1

Sunday 9.21 & 9.28 @Barbados
No. 101, Songren Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei City
(Across the street from Nero 19 & Behind the Capital building & Right next to Brown Sugar pub)
7.30pm - Beginner class
8.30pm - open dancing
(02)2378-9955
台北市信義區松仁路101號1F
(Nero 19 對面, 群益大樓後面, Brown Sugar酒吧旁邊)

So come out and dance as much as possible these next 2 weeks while the lessons are free...

(Though don't worry, we won't charge too much come October - more to come on that).

Jazzing up July

2008-07-27T17:56:00.000-07:00

Taipei Swing is concluding July with a bang!

It started this past Saturday evening when dancers turned out at 228 Peace Park for live jazz at Taipei's Jazz Festival. While the music was a little underwhelming, a few songs proved danceable. Way to go to Kim, Melody, Mindy, Derrick and JC for dancing before the crowds!

Now for upcoming events....

This Tuesday, 7.29, will be my last Tuesday class for the summer before I head back to the States in August. So come out to NTUST, room IB-510, as usual, to stock up on moves you can practice while I'll be away.

7pm - Beginner

8pm - Intermediate

Go to www.ntust.edu.tw for more information on exact location.

Then, this Wednesday, 7.30, is our next Swing Jam at Franz & Friends. Come out and enjoy a classy evening of dancing and live music. The house band comes on about 8pm and plays until about 10.30pm. For location information, go to www.franzandfriends.com.tw.

RSVP is required, since space is limited. Reply to me at maria.kelley@yahoo.com to let me know if you can make it.

We're back at Hips on Thursday, 7.31, for another evening of social swing. Introductory lesson starts at 8pm. It's a great opportunity for newcomers to get an idea of the dance, so feel free to bring friends who haven't yet made it out to Tuesdays or Sundays.

And don't forget, there's open dancing to DJ JC from 9pm on, so even if you're not a total beginner, you can still come out and dance the night away!

Hips is located at the intersection of DunHua S. Rd, and HePing E. Rd, just down the street from the Shangri-La Hotel.

That's all the happenings to round out our jazz-filled July.

However, we've got a special treat to help us kick off our August. Local band, David Chen & The Muddy Basin Ramblers, are playing live at Cosmo on Saturday, August 2. Check out their website, www.muddybasin.com for sound bites. This band is very energetic and dynamic - not to be missed!

8 minutes workshop

2008-07-10T12:03:00.000-07:00

You can really learn something here. Have Fun!

New Location for Thursdays

2008-07-01T21:20:00.001-07:00

Starting tomorrow, 7.3, our new Thursday venue will be at Hips, located at the intersection of DunHua Nan Lu and Heping Dong Lu. There's no cover charge, but there is a one drink minimum per person.

I will be giving an introductory lesson at 8pm, so this is the perfect time to bring along friends who are curious about swing but who have no prior experience. There will be open dancing after the lesson.

For more information about the venue and for a map of their location, go to their website at www.hips.com.tw

See you there!
Maria

Oriented 6.29

2008-06-30T04:28:00.000-07:00

A big thanks to JC for arranging with the coordinators of the Oriented Taipei chapter to have us give a demo performance and introductory lesson. Oriented, a social and business networking group, held their monthly gathering at Japan Box inside the Asia World complex. It was a pleasure to dance for them and a very welcomed opportunity to help spread our love of swing dancing and to drum up more awareness of and interest in it about town.

Not to mention that JC did a kick-ass job on his first swing dance performance!

Tuesdays start again next week 7.1!

2008-06-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

Tuesdays at NTUST are back for July! We've got a new, bigger room which means less swinging into each other, but also more desks to push aside.

When: Tuesdays
7pm - beginner
8pm - intermediate
Where: NTUST, 43 Keelung Rd, Sec. 4, International Building, room 510
(the International Building is immediately to the right of the main gate on Keelung Rd.)
MRT: Gongguan, exit 2

I'll be starting a completely new session for both beginners and intermediates, so this is the perfect chance for newcomers to join in or for those previously in the beginner class to jump up to intermediate.

Classes start this upcoming Tuesday, July 1, so mark your calendars!

Maria

6th Swing Jam at Franz & Friends

2008-06-25T09:49:00.000-07:00

Our 6th Swing Jam at Franz and Friends tonight (6.25) was perhaps a bit more on the socializing side than on the dancing side, but that's okay. We were graced with a sizable outcome of relative newbies, so we can excuse their relative shyness on the dance floor - this month!

Next month, however, a different story is expected. We expect to see absolutely everyone out on the dance floor at some point! That'll be July 30th, to be precise, so mark your calendars and keep practicing!

Farewell, Cannon

2008-06-06T01:01:00.000-07:00

We all know that Billy has emerged as one our biggest swing enthusiasts in our growing Taipei scene. However, before hooking up with Jon and his gig at Plan B, I was running a quiet but steady swing dance group at NTUST. Among the students of that group, there was one who, just like Billy, took a real liking to the dance. He not only picked up the steps quickly, but also took the time to practice with others outside of class. He brought his friends to classes and helped spread a love of the dance through the school. His name was Cannon.

Cannon graduated from NTUST last June, but was accepted into a master's program, also at NTUST. I was thrilled at the prospect of dancing with him for 2 more years. However, he ultimately decided to do his military service before continuing with his graduate studies. Unfortunately, he contracted a serious lung illness during his service, and passed away early in the morning on Thursday, June 5.

As I knew Cannon, he was a quiet, sincere young man full of potential. He will be missed.

Tuesday class update

2008-06-06T00:57:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that this upcoming Tuesday, 6.10, will be the last of my regular classes. I'll be taking a little breather for a couple of weeks after that to do some traveling. So come out to get in some practice!

7pm - Beginner
8pm - Intermediate

IB-308, NTUST, 43 Keelung Rd., Sec. 4. (the IB building is immediately to the right of the main school gate)

After this week, classes will start up again in July. Stay tuned for exact time and location.

Double-header of dance - tonight, 5.23

2008-05-22T19:24:00.000-07:00

TONIGHT - Friday 5.23 - "Double-header"

First, practice at NTUST, 7-10pm
Student Center, 3rd floor

Second, dance to LIVE music!
New Orleans Traditional Jazz, 9-11pm (maybe later if we insist on an encore)
at Capone's, 312 ZhongXiao East Rd., Sec. 4
www.capones.com.tw

Some recent goings-on from Elizabeth

2008-05-18T00:54:00.000-07:00

Vickey's Farewell
Vickey, a dancer from Toronto, Ontatrio, Canada is leaving Taiwan later this month, and that meant a farewell gatearing of sorts was needed. Having the event Mother's Day weekend meant that many places were gonna be busy, so I did some early scouting for places that could easily accomodate a larger group on one of the busiest weekends for restaurant. Hung Kan was the place of choice, and it's a 24-hour Cantonese place in the heart of the city in a busy strip along Zhongxiao E. Road. It has something for everyone, from small dim sum items to main dishes and desserts. It was a night where 12 of us got together for dinner wher we wined and dined on some good cantonese food. Nearly everyone had a camear, and there was quite a bit of shutterbug syndrom going on, with Jan taking the cake for shutterbugness. Vickey came up with the idea that we should treat ourselves to dinners like this more often, and voiced her opinion that Hung Kan should be a place of choice, as I have a VIP !
card to dine there, and I should organize this stuff. I think we need to have dinners/get-togethers like this more often, and perhaps we can promote swing dancing at the same time. After dinner, some of us headed over to Vieshow to catch Iron Man, and Gracie, a dancer from Chicago made an appearance to hang out with us before flying home the next day. As the only showing we were able to get was a late one, we grabbed smoothies from the food court, looked at pics taken over the course of the evening, and relaxed a bit before some of us called it a night to catch the last MRT's back home after fun evening out.

Azabu Sabo and Coldstone
It's Mother's Day sunday, and I came up with the spur-of-the-moment idea to rally together those of us in Taipei without Mother's Day plans to get dinner and dessert afterward. We went out to Azabu Sabo by 101, and as Leven and Cadence had just gotten back from Thailand, dinner discussion was about the adventures they had for a week in Thailand. After dinner and several rounds of green tea, we took a short walk to Coldstone for their ice cream creations. It might've been the ice cream or the habit of dancing sunday nights or both, but wer started dancing outside New York New York, with an audience watching, possibly gawking, but who knows. Anyway, some of hummed or sang some swing tunes and thsoe not humming were dancing in the dark.

New Thursday Venue!

2008-05-14T06:26:00.000-07:00

Thanks to JC for setting up a new night of swing dancing on Thursdays, starting this Thursday, May 15th.

Where: Barbados
No.101, Songren Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei City
(in the back of the building, behind the Outback Steak House and Brown Sugar Jazz Club)
台北市信義區松仁路101號1F
Tel: (02) 87805265
http://kitchens.lifestyle.msn.com.tw/restaurant/restaurant-2656.htm
Time: 7:30pm - beginner lesson (as in introductory beginner); 8pm open dancing
Entrance Fee: $0

We hope to see you all there Thursday!
Maria

4th Swing Jam at Franz & Friends

2008-05-02T03:35:00.000-07:00

Our 4th monthly Swing Jam at Franz and Friends saw a great turnout of local Taipei swing dancers - so much so that we had to sit at 3 separate tables. The evening was filled with conversation, laughs, and of course, dancing!

Having such a big turnout was particularly pleasing considering that many of our regulars will be leaving us over the coming weeks. This was perhaps the last chance we had to all be out and dancing together. And to make the occasion even more memorable, Billy surprised and impressed us all (and especially me) by busting out several new moves and tricks - many of which he'd learned completely on his own. While they all didn't work out exactly as intended (particularly the backward dip ;-P), we all admire your diligence, experimentation and enthusiasm!

Our next monthly Swing Jam will be the last Wednesday in May, on the 28th.

To our departing dancers...

2008-04-24T04:48:00.000-07:00

Considering how many of you are leaving us fairly soon :-( I figured I'd pass along a little treasure of the swing world in North American - yehoodi.com. This site offers news and events for swing things happening all over the U.S. and Canada. For those of you heading back in May, you might want to look into their information on the New York Lindy Exchange or the Jitterbugs Camp in Seattle (actually, you can meet up with Raphael again there - he's going!)

The site was begun by Manu Smith and someone else whose name I don't remember. They're New York based, so the site is also New York based. But just click on either the calendar or the national events links, and you'll find stuff happening all over the place.

And for those of you shortly heading on to other ventures, please know that you'll be missed back here in Taipei, but keep on dancing and don't forget about us!

Last night at Plan B

2008-04-21T19:12:00.000-07:00

Turns out that this past Sunday (4.20) was the last of our regular Sunday nights at Plan B. But, luckily we had a good turnout so our swing community had a chance to give our original venue a proper dance-filled farewell.

On a personal note, it was also fortuitous that Raphael happened to be in town this past weekend, so he was also able to have a final dance at Plan B - which is only fitting considering that that's where we met (awwwww).

Meanwhile, Jon is hard at work arranging another venue for us on Sunday evenings, so stay tuned this week for news regarding where we'll be meeting next week.

Swing Outfit-Shoes

2008-04-05T06:06:00.000-07:00

"Swing" is not just about music or dance, it is also a style of dressing and style of era.
That´s why sometimes Swing Dancers dress themselves in a "old fashion" way. In my opinion they don´t look old fashion, actually they look festive and elegent.
First thing you have to own is one pair of dance-shoes. They should be slippery so that you can slide gently on the dancefloor.
Swing Dancers will often recognized by wearing this kind of black & white shoes!

Why do we need slippery shoes: 1. they protect your knees from the brake. 2. you can have more fun while you slide, You can slide easily and farther.

For Lindy Hop and Boogie Woogie Ladies don´t wear high-heel-shoes. Because we do kicks and hops. It could be dangerous for everyone, ex. our leader, the one who dances next to us and ourselves!
The same design is also made for ladies in many different colors.

It is not unusual to wear black shoes, cuz everyone likes to wear black shoes. The black and white design is classical. Usually those real good dancers wear white shoes. WHY??? Because our feet look bigger in white shoes and on the all black-shoes-dancefloor those white shoes get automatically more attention.

---------------------------------------------------
Most important is that you are wearing comfortable shoes while you dance. The more you dance the more important are your shoes to you. Don´t let your feet get pain after a crazy Swing Night!

A Rather Swanky Swinging Affair

2008-04-01T07:40:00.000-07:00

We had the immense pleasure of attending the wedding banquet of two of our most loyal swing scene regulars - Wayne and Peiyi. They pulled out all the stops with a beautiful evening at the Spot - decadently catered and decked out with a live swing/blues band, BoPoMoFo.

Jon gave an introductory lesson and the rest of us kicked up our heels dancing.

And of course Wayne and Peiyi had a chance to show off some of their newly acquired skills for all their guests.

Congratulations to Wayne and Peiyi, and thanks so much for letting us share in your joyous occasion!

Upcoming Events

2008-03-20T15:07:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone:

We've got a lot going on this weekend and upcoming week, so I just wanted to send a quick reminder.

Friday 3.21 (tonight) - Practice Party through the Swing/Salsa club at NTUST.
Come out and polish all the moves you've been learning on Tuesdays and Sundays, and maybe pick up one or two new moves!
WHERE: NTUST, 43 Keelung Rd., Sec. 4, Student Center, 3rd floor (above the campus post office)
TIME: 7-10pm
PRICE: free!

Saturday 3.22 - Dance to BoPoMoFo at Bliss
This is the Chicago-style blues band that played at Wayne and Peiyi's wedding. They're a lot of fun to listen to, and of course, to dance to!
WHERE: Bliss, 148 XinYi Rd, Sec. 4 (just one block east of DunHua)
TIME: 10pm - introductory lesson
10.30 - live band
PRICE: NT$200

Wednesday 3.26 - Dancing at Franz & Friends
Come join our monthly Swing Jam at this classy yet cool restaurant and dance to the swinging sounds of the house band. RSVP necessary. Please contact me at maria.kelley@yahoo.com if you plan on attending and I'll put you on the list.
WHERE: Franz & Friends, 25 BaDe Road, Sec. 3, B1
TIME: 8pm
PRICE: one drink minimum

And of course don't forget our regular classes with Angela and Jon at Plan B on Sunday and with Maria at NTUST on Tuesday.

See you on the dance floor!
Maria

Bliss - venue with LIVE BAND

2008-03-17T20:56:00.000-07:00

BoPoMoFo, the band that played at Wayne and Peiyi's wedding banquet, will be playing again this Saturday (3.22) at Bliss at 10.30pm. With their upbeat, swinging sound, this is an opportunity not to be be missed!

I will likely be giving an introductory lesson either before they go on or in between their sets, or both, so this is a good time to bring along friends who are interested in learning swing but haven't come to any of our other classes yet.

For more info on exact location and cover charge, check out Bliss' website at "www.bliss-taipei.com"

I hope to see you all on Saturday!

(And don't forget our practice party at NTUST on Friday - it's the perfect time to warm up and perfect all your moves so you'll be ready to show off on Saturday at Bliss).

Weekly Friday Venue - New!

2008-03-13T18:17:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Wade for organizing a new weekly Swing/Salsa Potluck Practice Party through the Swing/Salsa Club at NTUST. Now we have even more opportunities to dance every week!

When: Fridays, 7-10pm
Where: NTUST, 43 Keelung Rd., Sec. 4 (MRT Gongguan, exit 2)
Student Center, 3rd Floor (above the Post Office on campus)

This is event is FREE but please keep in mind it is a potluck party, so be sure to bring along some snacks or something to eat.

See you out on the dance floor!

感謝Wade的支持，台科大的Swing/Salsa Club 決定舉辦每星期五的Club Party，
時間：每週五晚上七點到十點
地方：台科大學生中心（校區郵局上面三樓）
基隆路四段 43號
免費入場，請自備飲料或零食

星期五見！

Shim Sham with Frankie Manning

2008-03-10T02:35:00.000-07:00

You´ve got to learn Shim Sham!

Singapore Sea Jam

2008-03-06T01:42:00.000-08:00

Most of you probably have heard about Sea Jam.
But what is Sea Jam actually?
Well, it is a dancing camp in Singapore/Sentosa, where you can attend 6 dance lessons a day and join the party afterwards. It is also the biggest Swing Workshop Event in Asia.

This year we´ve got teachers from Sweden: Hanna and Mattias, from France: Bruno and Vero, and the Father of Swing: Frankie Manning.
Hanna and Mattias dance in a very crazy-fun way. Bruno and Vero tought us The French Connection, which looks gental, smooth and elegant.
And our 95-year-old Frankie showed us the most important thing of Swing: its Spirit. He talked a lot about how to get the Swing motion into your body, understanding of Jazz music, passion, love and joy of dancing.
After meeting Frankine personally, we finally know why and what we are doing for Taipei Swing.
It is because we are having so much fun while we dance and we want to show you guys that you can enjoy music by moving your body, too. Play your body as an instrument, you´ve got Swing in you!

However, we met some Swing Dancers from other countries, too. From Korea, Japan, Australia, Beijing, ShangHai, Hong Kong, Vietnam...
It was indeed a international event. So maybe you are interested in coming to Sea Jam next year.
Keep dancing!
Claire & Maria

新加坡的Sea Jam是亞洲最大的ｓｗｉｎｇ活動。一個週末的時間，每天有超過六個小時的課程及晚上的舞會，讓愛舞的人跳個夠。
這個已經舉辦三年的ｓｗｉｎｇ大會，總是吸引許多國家的舞者前來，今年多了台北的Claire和Maria，我們竟然遇到來自台中的Dan和Tomoko，另外還有北京，上海，香港，西貢，首爾，東京，剩至還有澳洲的朋友到場，相互切磋。
除了聖陶沙的好天氣，師資方面是最吸引人的誘因，今年來了一對瑞典的老師Hanna&Mattias，他們舞風誇張，極富運動力。來自法國的Bruna&Vero則是舞風優雅細緻。但是這一次最最令人必來的原因是ｓｗｉｎｇ始主Frankie的出席，九十五歲的他顯然因為舞動而健康。在他的演講中，所有的人都聚精會神的盯著他，希望光是見到他本人就可以學到他舞藝一半。
演講中他時時散發著對ｓｗｉｎｇ的熱愛，也因為他投射出的ｓｗｉｎｇ精神，讓我們兩個了解自己在台灣推廣ｓｗｉｎｇ的意義何在；為了將ｓｗｉｎｇ正面又好玩的特質與台灣朋友分享，因為ｓｗｉｎｇ已經如此國際化，我們也希望國際化的台北，成為世界舞者紛紛文明而來照訪的地方。
無論如何，真的希望喜愛爵士音樂及文化的朋友，都能以分享的心態，將ｓｗｉｎｇ的歡樂帶給周圍的人！

Balboa Practice

2008-03-04T16:32:00.000-08:00

In keeping with Adam's advice to PRACTICE, it's time to get together and work on all those Balboa moves he showed us.

When: Saturday 3/8, 5-6pm
Where: The Apartment
LinYi Street, Alley 61, #15

This is going to be very casual, not a formal lesson. Though if anyone missed Adam's workshop and wants to catch up on Balboa, do come out and we'll all work on the steps together.

Call 0961.321.694 or email maria.kelley@yahoo.com with questions.

Otherwise, see you all Saturday!
Maria

F&F

2008-03-03T23:42:00.001-08:00

Last Wednesday we had our 2nd Swing Jam at restaurant Franz and Friends.
Not only Swing Dancers but also some Tap Dancers joined this event, too.
At the end we even had Shim Sham all together.
Here are some pictures for you who did not able to come last Wednesday.

The next meeting will be on the 26th of March.
Put your name one Maria´s Reservation List soon!
Contact: maria.kelley@yahoo.com

The Return of Tuesdays with Maria

2008-02-20T05:54:00.000-08:00

With the start of new semester at NTUST also comes the start of Maria's Tuesday evening swing group, beginning next Tuesday, 2/26.

This semester we have some improvements. They are:

2 classes
7pm - Beginner
8pm - Intermediate
9pm - practice session

And a room! We'll now be meeting in IB-308 (still in the same building as before, just no longer in the lobby).

Come out, bring your friends and share in the fun!

For more information, contact Maria at maria.kelley@yahoo.com.

Swing at Franz and Friends

2008-02-17T19:51:00.000-08:00

這個月開始，每月的最後一個星期三，城市舞台文藝沙龍邀請爵士樂團ｌｉｖｅ演奏ｓｗｉｎｇ音樂，無論喜歡聽爵士音樂或喜歡跳舞的ｓｗｉｎｇ舞者，都歡迎來這裡齊聚一堂，交流感情，切磋舞藝。
前十二位預約者，享有餐飲優惠。
預約請寫E-MAIL給Claire:clairenici@goog.email.com
>詳細介紹請見: "城市舞台文藝沙龍/Franz & Friends"

From now on, every last Wednesday in the month, there is a live Jazz Band playing Swing Music at Restaurant "Franz and Friends". Either you like Jazz Music or you like to dance Swing, you are welcome here to enjoy this lovely Wednesday evening.
>more information please check "城市舞台文藝沙龍/Franz & Friends"

SWING Workshops with Adam

2008-02-15T07:03:00.000-08:00

三月一日，星期六/1-4:30ｐｍ BALBOA WORKSHOP
三月二日，星期日/1-4:30ｐｍ LINDY HOP WORKSHOP
在台科大:基隆路四段，43號（捷運公館站/二號出口）

提前報名: workshop x 1=300元，台科大學生 200元
workshop x 2=500元，台科大學生 400元

當天報名: workshop x 1=400元，台科大學生300元
workshop x 2=600元，台科大學生500元

連絡方式: CLAIRE: clairenici@googlemail.com
MARIA: maria.kelley@yahoo.com
這就是BALBOA

When: Saturday, March 1.
1-4:30pm Balboa Workshop
&
Sunday, March 2.
1-4:30pm Lindy Hop Workshop
(each workshop will have a 30 minute break in the middle.)

Where: NTUST (Tai Ke Da)
#43 Keelung Road, Section 4 (MRT Gongguan, exit 2)

Parties: Saturday night at NTUST, 8pm
Sunday night at Plan B, 8pm

Prices: Advance Registration: NT$300 for single workshop, NT$200 for NTUST students
NT$500 for both workshops, NT$400 for NTUST students
At the door: NT$400 for single workshop, NT$300 for NTUST students
NT$600 for both workshops, NT$500 for NTUST students

For more information, contact CLAIRE at clairenici@googlemail.com
or MARIA at maria.kelley@yahoo.com

這就是LINDY HOP

Balboa/Bal-Swing

2007-12-16T18:30:00.000-08:00

在30及40年代Balboa/Bal-Swing是非常受歡迎的交際舞,這幾年又再受到注目,世界個地都漸漸有起了Balboa瘋o
這個舞蹈起源於(大概)1934年,在美國洛杉磯附近的Orange County,它的名字來自位於洛杉磯南部的一個地區,叫做Halbinsel Balboa,在這樣的Balboa島上曾有過最有名的專門舞會(Rendezvous Ballroom),可惜已被燒毀o
當年的Balboa是以close position為主,當然男士們穿著西裝而女士們穿著長洋裝,兩人靠得很近(有的老師稱之為T-shirt connection),幾乎只專注於腳上功夫o因為跳舞的人太多,為維持安全,向來八拍的Balboa當然在某些舞廳是被嚴格規定舞者不可脫離close position/T-shirt connection的o(也就是不可以Break-Aways)
由國標Foxtrotts和Boxstep延伸出的Balboa,隨者爵士樂的盛行,被傑出的年輕舞者(Maxie Dorf, Lolly Wise)拿來搭配當時流行的SWING Music,於是這樣定了型的Balboa在Orange County就此被肯定,又為了不被其他混淆脫離搖擺舞的主幹,這種舞也被稱為Bal-Swing!
Balboa可以配合個種速度的曲子(120-300bpm),適合各種年齡的舞者,所以Balboa再次受到大家的熱愛,出現在個大swing camp及festival 上o
下次有人問你"Do you wanna Bal?"可千萬不要錯過機會!
ps:大師們都說:要學balboa不難,可是要學得好卻不怎麼容易!

七分多鐘的大師合集讓你們一次看得夠,2005在法國尼斯的Balboa Festival)

About Swing, 每週一句

2007-12-08T01:06:00.000-08:00

林蒂舞的核心與靈魂是什麼？是有玩耍的心態、有發覺自己身體能做什麼的欲望、能把玩耍的態度和身体的動作與舞伴分享的能力。

What is the heart and soul of the Lindy? It’s having a great sense of play, a desire to explore what your body can do, and the ability to share that with a partner.

這兩位就玩得很盡興!

About Swing, 每週一句

2007-11-25T21:44:00.000-08:00

“摇擺舞就像視覺的爵士樂。你可以有上千種變化。没有止境的變化
“(Swing dancing) is like visual jazz. There are a thousand things you can do. There’s no end to it. The Lindy Hop just as a very loose base to it and people make up new moves all the time.”
…Paul Overton, American Lindy Hop Champion

Let's have a look at a part of American Lindy Hop Champion!
讓我們來看看美國林蒂舞比賽的畫面!

Swing Nicht at Plan B

2007-11-22T18:45:00.000-08:00

搖擺舞課程

持續了兩個月的Swing Night at Plan B在每個星期日九點提供免費的搖擺舞基本課
受到大家的支持
許多參加的朋友在舞技上也有了相當的進步
於是我們不僅會計續Swing Night at Plan B的計劃
十二月開始的每個星期日
我們將在晚上八點提供進階課程
聯絡方式:taiwanswingdancemovement@googlegroups.com
Claire:0928-428871
Angela:0986410914

About Swing, 每週一句

2007-11-20T00:47:00.000-08:00

“摇摆是個動詞，而不是形容詞。。。所有爵士樂都摇擺。它不得不。爵士樂不摇擺就一文不值了。”… Artie Shaw
“Swing is a verb, not an adjective…. All jazz music swings. It has to. If it doesn’t swing, it’s nothing.” … Artie Shaw

如果我沒記錯
片裡吹單簧管的就是Artie Shaw
原來他那年代大家是這樣瘋swing的!

The 1st Taipei Lindy Bomb

2007-11-15T22:15:00.000-08:00

There will be the 1st Taipei Lindy Bomb this Sunday the 18th of November.
We'll be congregating at the folloing locations for shameless public self promotion and flyering.
等待已久的台北swing終於要踏出下一步!
為了能讓大家更容易找到我們這群swing dancers,我們決定上街來找你們,
所以這個星期日11月18號在以下的地點,你會看到我們的出現,
歡迎參與the 1st Taipei Lindy Bomb!

12:00 台科大,台大 (公館捷運站三號出口/Gongguan MRT Exit 3)
13:00 中正紀念堂站五號出口/ CKS Memorial Hall MRT Exit 5
14:00 西門站/Ximen MRT Exit 6
<>
17:15 台北火車站六號出口/Taipei Main Station Exit 6
18:00 台北市政府站三號出口/Taipei City Hall MRT Exit 3
19:00 台北101 (靠近台灣市政府大門口)/Taipei 101 Outside Main Entrance (near Taipei City Hall MRT)
20:00 誠品敦南店/Eslite Books Zhongxiao Dunhua MRT Exit 6

此時間安排為建議行程,若有遲到現象或其他疑問,你可以和我們聯絡:Claire 0928428871 或Angela 0986410914
*We are unlikely to be 100% on time, as this is a tentative schedule. If you need more information or there is any question, please contact: Claire 0928428871 or Angela 0986410914

歡迎參與我們的Lindy Bomb
join us ^_^

SWING on Tuesday (With Maria)

2007-11-15T22:13:00.001-08:00

There is also swing during the week
Tuesdays with Maria
Beginner Lesson at 8pm
Tai Ke Da (NTUST)
43 Keelung Road, Sec.
4International Building lobby
搖擺星期二
給有興趣的初學者
免費的搖擺舞課
台灣科技大學北市基隆路4段43號
科技大樓一樓大廳

contact/聯絡方式:maria.kelley@yahoo.com

Größere Kartenansicht

Taiwan Swing 2007

2007-08-21T02:46:00.000-07:00

幾位愛好搖擺舞的舞者，終於齊聚一堂在台北舉辦了規模雖小卻精緻的Swing Workshop。
九月十九日的下午，在"Plan B"的第一場台北Swing Wokshop舉辦的相當成功，沒想到在台灣有這麼多的Swing舞者，連在台中工作的一位美國Kim先生也特別為了這次活動上台北，在上海工作的Orchid也帶了上海的朋友們來到台灣參與，一同想要將搖擺舞的歡樂氣氛散撥到台北！
我們的美國籍老師Jon以他幽默的方式教了我們基本的Swing舞步，再加上幾個轉圈的動作，讓大家在晚上的舞會上玩得很開心。

Balboa 007, Workshop in Berlin

2007-04-23T04:33:00.000-07:00

除了Lindy Hop，在歐美的還有一個屬於搖擺舞的Balboa，用的音樂比Lindy Hop節奏更快，因此舞步比要小，相對也比較注重細節。
柏林的Balboa圈子才建立了兩年，會跳的人也不是很多，然而法國卻搶先一步，專業舞這多半來自法國，所以；柏林加油了！
一般內行的舞者早已學會將Lindy 和 Balboa合併。不只如此，現在歐洲搖擺舞圈內流行的是將Balboa和探戈結合在一起，使它成為節奏快卻仍然感性的舞蹈。
柏林最主要的balboa網站是"BerlinBalboa"，建立者們稱熱愛Balboa的舞者為Balboholics，很可愛的名字，有一種無法自拔的熱情！
今年來柏林參加Balboa 007 Workshop的老師也來自法國："Zack & Maryse"
"Andy & Christelle"
亞洲的Balboholics在哪呢？

Bluuuues

2007-02-28T07:34:00.000-08:00

這個週末我認識了另一個屬於爵士舞蹈的Blues。音樂用詞是為“藍調“。
配合Blues的音樂也就是爵士裡的藍調，聽起來慵懶，有時搧情的的節奏及演奏方式，幾乎只是在舞台上左右搖擺，其中可是慍釀著豐富的感情喔，藍調可以說得上是爵士裡的探戈。有趣的是，你以為舞者只是左右來去的搖擺，有時轉個圈似乎很簡單，事實上，只要有想像力，的確不難，應用時間和節奏的變換、腳步的配合，加上對音樂和舞伴的信任，藍調比“搖擺舞“容易學。
因為我自己也是才剛認識這個藍調爵士舞，手邊也沒有週末Workshop的照片或影片，只能提供一個倫敦Blues的網站，"Blues Revolution">。這裡的連結（Link）裡可以找到很多相關訊息，只是多半有關英國，就當參考吧！請見諒。

柏林的搖擺舞台 part 2

2007-02-07T04:53:00.000-08:00

今天柏林的搖擺舞台也不算小，主要有兩個Club，以會員方式收會費，而會員可以在那裡免費上課。再來還有其他舞蹈較室友開Swing課程，雖然比較貴，可是不用一只繳會費，上多少課繳多少錢。
我個人是參加ｃｌｕｂ，第一有學生優惠，第二比較有歸屬感，像個大家庭一樣，大家是為了嗜好而來，沒有競爭的壓力。
上上下下加起來有近200 Swing Dancers在柏林。
由於柏林和漢堡很近很近，常常也會有舞者兩邊跑，到處參加舞會。漢堡的搖擺舞台我還沒接觸過，可是柏林的舞會就已經不少。我最常去的是在柏林鬧區的Clärchens Ballhaus，我大學同學的奶奶在二次世界大戰期間也來這裡跳過舞。每個星期三免費入場，有現場 DJ。
夏天在柏林國會後面有露天的人工沙灘(Bundespressestrand)，可以在沙灘的舞台上跳舞，累了在旁邊的吧台點一杯調酒，還可以坐在躺椅上欣賞別人跳舞，室內也有舞池，建築透明，就在運河旁，健康的氣氛，對我來說這個國會後的沙灘是柏林做有活力的地方。（ｐｓ；不只可以跳Swing，也有Salsa和其他活動）
再來當然有其他舞蹈教室辦得舞會，讓學生們練習，歡迎外面的舞者來切磋。

週末的工作坊--Darmstadt Workshop

2007-01-24T11:05:00.000-08:00

在歐洲時常會有Swing Workshop，這類的工作坊通常在週末，搖擺舞迷們來這裡接受一個週末的密集訓練，像我，週末過完了，我的雙腿還因為跳太多舞了在抖。
Anyway， 3/19-3/21我參加了Darmstadt （達木斯塔特，法蘭克福附近的城市）的一個搖擺舞工作坊。我合一群Swing迷們一同坐五個小時的火車，就為了來上課，果然不失所望，來自美國、加拿大、法國和德國的老師，各有獨特的教學方式，各有各的本領，總之我們學了很多，也欣賞到他們的舞姿。星期五和星期六晚上的舞會，是最精彩的部份，有life jazz band，大家利用這個機會不只認識來自個地的舞者，也互相交換學習心得。
更多ｉｎｆｏ；

Swing Me

柏林的搖擺舞台

2007-01-16T11:49:00.000-08:00

柏林曾經是搖擺舞的勝地，在二次世界大戰前有很多的場合可以跳搖擺舞，直到希特勒禁止。

"Swing Kids"

這部電影就是在講述這段歷史。
然而被遺忘很久的搖擺舞，因為爵士愛樂者的增加，又提高了身價。
在我的室友Alice在家表演給我看之前，我對這個舞蹈一無所知，跟她去上課也只是好奇心作祟，加上許多熱愛搖擺舞的舞者提供許多免費的機會教受基本舞步，就這樣不小心我也走上了柏林的搖擺舞台。對我而言只是多認識一對歷史上曾有過的High Light，但這些舞者的使命是讓這段High Light重現。
ps:我必須加一句話，很可惜的，我所認識的Swing舞台，已經很少有這樣豪放的搖擺氣氛。

Easy Swing

2007-01-15T13:40:00.000-08:00

社交舞中的Swing 中文翻譯是“搖擺舞“。其實ｓｗｉｎｇ一詞本來是30年代的爵士音樂風潮，這類爵士的代表音樂家有Benny Goodman、Duke Ellington、Count Basie和他們的
Big Band等等，聽過他們大名的人，對ｓｗｉｎｇ應該不會感到陌生。
而搖擺舞則是配合這類音樂掘起的舞蹈，充滿活力和節奏感，消耗很多運動量！
無論音樂或舞蹈都不是我用言語能夠傳達的藝術，解釋再多都不如自己看一段Swing舞蹈影片：

Swing Me

（點選這一頁的ｖｉｄｅｏｓ）