Dance in Connecticut: Dancing On A Dime

IT’S A “SWING’ THING

Getting there. Sometimes that is the most difficult part. Getting there means having the confidence to get up on that dance floor and ‘shake what ya got’. For some, new to dancing, building that confidence can often be a very daunting task. Depending on the individual, dance lessons alone may not be enough, regardless of gender.

For those of us fortunate enough to reside in Connecticut, there is a solution, albeit one that requires some commitment. There are three separate non-profit organizations, in Connecticut, whose sole purpose is to promote dancing. If you reside in the New Haven County area that group is CSDS (CT Swing Dance Society), in Hartford County, HCD. (Htfd Community Dance), and in the New London County area, SS. (Shoreline Swing).

Once a month, on average, these organizations put on a dance event. Usually there are ‘beginner’ lessons offered w/ the low price of admission. If you commit to going several time a year, become a regular face in the crowd, chances are you’ll add to your dance skills and the confidence will follow. All have one thing in common.

Swing. Specifically: east coast swing. Relatively easy to learn and it teaches the fundamentals of lead/follow in a partner dance.

If you attend the monthly dance at the W. Hartford Town Hall  (Hartford Community Dance), on the first Friday of each month, expect a large crowd of beginners like you. It starts with a one hour beginners group lesson with the band going on stage shortly thereafter. A dj will provide music during the breaks and refreshments such as cookies, water and lemonade are are available  if you get the munchies.

Should you be at the East Lyme Community Center (Shoreline Swing) on the 3rd Saturday evening the format is very much the same. A beginner dance lesson, band and dj music during the breaks. Punch bowl, snacks are also available.

In New Haven County  ( Connecticut Swing Dance Society) doesn’t always provide a band for their monthly dance, which is usually held in Branford at the Dance in Rhythm studios, preferring to provide excellent guest dj’s catering to the Lindy Hop/Balboa/Blues crowd. Select Jazz musicians are generally preferred and it is a great environment to learn.

There is much more information available about the dance community throughout Connecticut. Please visit the corresponding sites and hit some hardwood.

See you on the dance floor.

Also check out the CTOutandAbout.com Events Calendar for more dance events, and all the great local bands playing out.