Swing Out!
February 15, 2023
The Big Apple team ventured out to Hell’s Kitchen this month for a night out on the town. They put their dance moves to the test at New York’s very own Swing 46 Jazz and Supper Club. The intimate space between the audience and the live band, combined with the dark, mood lighting really set the tone for this jazzy atmosphere. All that was missing was a heavy cigar smoke in the air and colorful fringe dresses, and we would have been transported right back to the 1940’s.
The night started with drinks, appetizers and performances by the first band, which gave a slightly more modern take to the big band music. The musicians were all younger in ages and took more liberties in their musical selections. The songs were all instrumental and offered a variety of different rhythms and tempos. Our dancers warmed up the floor with different Swing variations, Foxtrot, Bolero, and even a Mambo! It was great to see how they interpreted the different rhythms and tried dance after dance until the right one fit. And this is what social dancing (especially to live music) is all about. Listening to the music that’s playing, and playing around with the dances until you find the one the suites the music best! There is no wrong answer - only the dancer’s interpretation. The audience was very warm and seemed to appreciate the dance show in addition to the live music!
Once the band finished, the group was lead in a class presented by one very unique character, “Manuel”. He led the team in one of the most bizarre swing line dances we had ever witnessed. It included a special array of moves, which involved air guitar, saying goodbye to the Queen, and taking a shot. Well one thing was for certain: a few shots were definitely required in order to make some of those “moves” work! But as unique as it was, it left everyone laughing and really letting loose. It’s safe the say that Michael, Sasha, and Enxhi were definitely the ones that struggled the most.
The night continued with some great entree options, and later welcomed a new smaller band, Swing-a-Delic, that played some spectacular musical pieces accompanied by great vocals. This band seemed much more put together than the previous, and the experience of the musicians didn’t go unnoticed. This was definitely the highlight of the night, and the food was almost forgotten as the music really inspired some great dancing that left everyone not wanting to sit down. Our dancers seemed to steal the show throughout the night, and made several other couples in the audience want to get up and dance as well. And isn’t that the point? Where is the fun in going out and sitting down while great live music is playing around you - when you could be enjoying it on the dance floor instead? Never miss a chance to dance!
A big thank you to everyone for joining us. Where shall we dance to next?
