Tampa Bay's Swing Dance News for October 9th 2007

Tampa Bay's Swing Dance News

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Swing Time Newsletter — Tuesday OCT 9th 2007

Dear Swingsters,

This week, we swing Wednesday at the Gulfport Casino Swing Night, Thursday at Swing Centro,... and then Friday it's Swing Time! at the Gulfport Casino, with live music by Tampa Bay's most exciting swingin' act, Charlie Vegas & the New Blues Combo! To kick off these three events, we're offering three different lessons, in East-Coast Swing Wednesday (learn several turns & footwork variations, plus how to move, send, and follow with style), Lindy Hop Thursday (check out our unique & easy-to-learn approach to Lindy... this will be our only Lindy Hop offering in October), and Charleston Friday (our very popular class on side-by-side Charlestons and variations). All promise to be exciting events with great dance crowds, top-notch music, and exciting swing dancing! Read on for details about all of the above, plus a full schedule of dance classes and events!

Just two weekends from now is Swing Time's 7th Anniversary Celebration, a huge weekend of live music and swing dancing in Tampa and Orlando featuring one of the U.S.A.'s top swing bands, Dr Zoot! Ticket sales are going strong... this week we're offering tickets, which will cost $15 at the door, for only $11 if purchased at this coming Wednesday's (10/10) Gulfport Casino Swing Night or at this coming Thursday's (10/11) Swing Centro. This special rate is good two nights only at the above events, and will not be repeated. In fact, this Thursday (10/11) will be your last chance to buy advance tickets at Centro Asturiano. See below for the full scoop on Swing Time's huge 7th Anniversary Celebration, including live-music main events, Jack-and-Jill dance contests, late-night blues dances, dance workshops, and more!

Starting this Wednesday, Gulfport Casino Swing Night admission goes to $7, its first increase since year 2001.

Also in this newsletter: Photos of the Week... Halloween Costume Ball... Halloween Monster Bash... and more! See you on the dance floor!

Sam

PHOTOS of the Week... Win a FREE PASS if your picture appears below!

New photos -- 120 of them -- are online from last Wednesday's Gulfport Casino Swing Night and last Thursday's Swing Centro event! Directly below are the Photos of the Week! If you appear in any of the photos below, you win a free pass to a future event! Just email us back, from your own email account, by this Wednesday October 10th at 4:00pm, and let us know your name and which photo you're in, and we'll have the pass ready for you to pick up at the next event! Also, not everyone receives the Swing Time email newsletter, so if one of your friends appears in the photos below, do them a favor and let them know they've won, and let them know to email us to claim their free pass. Only people in the foreground of the photos below are eligible; people in the background are not; and, you must reply by the above deadline to win! Enjoy the new photos, and feel free to grab the ones you like for your personal web profiles and pages!

Can't see the photos above? You'll need to enable images in your email program; it's easy to do -- just look for the button! Likewise, if you can't click the links below, you'll need to enable links in your email program.

Photos - OCT 3 - Gulport Casino Swing Night Photos - OCT 4 - Swing Centro

This Friday, October 12th, 2007
Swing Time! at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom
featuring Charlie Vegas & the New Blues Combo
Tampa Bay's Most Exciting Swingin' Act!

Get ready to jump... get ready to rock... get ready to swing! ...with Tampa Bay's most exciting swingin' act, Charlie Vegas & the New Blues Combo! This talented & energetic band features sax, drums, bass, and Charlie himself on guitar, harmonica & vocals. Whether it's uptempo & jumpin' or low down & gritty, these guys deliver a huge and varied repertoire of dance favorites... along with the power, the sound, and the excitement that'll pull you up out of your seat and get you onto your feet! It all happens this Friday, October 12th at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom, starting with a group swing-dance lesson, 8-9pm (no partner needed), followed by live music & dancing, 9pm-1am, plus a dance show or contest at intermission!

Swing Time is Florida's Premier Swing Event, held the second Friday of every month in Tampa Bay at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom. The Gulfport Casino is located in the St. Petersburg area at 5500 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport FL 33707.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Live Music & Dancing w/ Charlie Vegas & the New Blues Combo, 9pm-1am
Swing Dance Instruction (no partner needed), 8-9pm
Dance Show or Contest at Intermission

All Ages & Smoke-Free
Friendly Social Atmosphere
Beautiful Waterfront Ballroom
Huge Dance Floor
Prize Giveaways
Full Bar

$11 Admission includes Free Lesson; Free Parking!

For more info, visit www.SwingTime.info on the web, or click the links below:
[Band Bio] [Map & Directions] [More Info]

Swing Time's
7th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION!
Friday October 19th at Centro Asturiano in Tampa
Saturday October 20th at Dance Orlando
2 Nights! 2 Cities! 2 Grand Venues! 2 Huge Events!
Both events feature one of U.S.A.'s Top Swing Bands... DR ZOOT!

Swing Time celebrates seven years of putting on Florida's premier swing events, with two nights of spectacular swinging in two of Florida's swingin'est cities! Friday, October 19th, 2007, Swing Time returns to the place where it all started in October 2000 -- the Grand Ballroom of Centro Asturiano in Tampa! Then on Saturday, October 20th, 2007, the excitement moves to Dance Orlando, Orlando's grandest dance hall! Both nights of Swing Time's 7th Anniversary Celebration feature one of the U.S.A.'s top swing acts, Dr Zoot! And each night of the Celebration includes hours of live music & dancing (9pm-1am), a group swing-dance lesson (8-9pm; no partner needed), anniversary cake, prize giveaways, and a Jack & Jill dance contest at intermission with $100 cash first prize!

Dr Zoot is a horn-driven swingin' 7-piece dance band, complete with trumpet, trombone, sax/flute/clarinet, piano, guitar, upright bass, drums, and vocals! From jumpin' originals to big band favorites, these guys play it all, give it their own unique style, swing hard, and have fun doin' it! The excitement is contagious, which always keeps the dance floor movin' & shakin'! Now in their 10th year, Dr Zoot has recorded six CDs (their latest 2006 release is Pay the Viper), and their music has been featured in numerous CD compilations, TV shows, and films. The band is wildly popular with swing dancers and music lovers across the USA, regularly playing the nation's heppest clubs and dance venues, from New York to L.A., from Glen Echo's Spanish Ballroom in DC to the Showboat Casino in Atlantic City... and soon to appear in Tampa and Orlando for Swing Time's 7th Anniversary Celebration!

Based out of Pittsburgh, Dr Zoot made their first-ever Swing Time appearance back in April, and here's what we had to say: "In the seven years we've been putting on live-music swing-dance events, many people, including lindy hoppers, swing kids, and old timers too, told us this was the best band ever. The band did an amazing job for the dancers, delivering a powerful mix of original music plus modern arrangements of big-band favorites, all played with tremendous passion and energy. The band superbly mixed the tempos and styles, keeping the dance floor packed all night long. From the rave reviews of people who attended, and from the band's highly evident talent and musicianship, this was one of the top swing acts to ever hit Florida!"

Centro Asturiano is located at 1913 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa FL 33602 (at the corner of Palm Ave. & Nebraska Ave. in Ybor City).

Dance Orlando is located just north of Orlando at 311 Dane Lane, Longwood FL 32750.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS (BOTH NIGHTS)

Live Music & Dancing w/ Dr Zoot, 9pm-1am
Swing Dance Instruction (no partner necessary), 8-9pm

Jack & Jill Dance Contest at Intermission -- Big Cash Prizes!

All Ages & Smoke-Free
Friendly Social Atmosphere
Beautiful Grand Ballroom
Huge Dance Floor
Prize Giveaways
Refreshments
Free Parking
Cash Bar

Tickets: $12/event (in advance) -or- $15/event (day of)
-or- attend both events for just $20 (advance purchase required)
Purchase Advance Tickets securely online at www.SwingTime.info
-or- in person Wednesdays (10/10 & 10/17) at the Gulfport Casino Swing Night
-or- in person Thursday (10/11) at Swing Centro
-or- in person at Dance Orlando

For more info, visit www.SwingTime.info on the web, or click the links below:
[Tickets] [Band Bio] [Tampa Map] [Orlando Map] [More Info]

MAKE A DAY OF IT IN ORLANDO (and TAMPA)
Additional Events for 7th Anniversary Weekend

Tampa FRI October 19th:
Friday Dinner Options : See Below
Friday Evening 8pm-1am: Swing Time! 7th Anniversary Celebration @ CENTRO ASTURIANO w/ Dr Zoot!
Fri Late-Night 1am-5am: J's Blues-Dance House Party (See J Friday at Centro for Directions)

Orlando SAT October 20th:
Saturday 11:00am - 5pm: Cool Moves / Footloose & Fancy Free Workshop @ Rollins College w/ Joel & Lenka
Saturday 5:00pm-6:00pm: Aerials Master Class @ Rollins College w/ Joel & Lenka
Saturday Dinner Option: See Below
Saturday Night 8pm-1am: Swing Time! 7th Anniversary Celebration @ DANCE ORLANDO w/ Dr Zoot!
Sat Late-Night 1am-5am: Blues Dance @ Zebra Room (2609 Gowen St, Orlando FL 32806, ~$5 Admission)

Swing Time's 7th Anniversary Celebration is shaping up to be a huge weekend of live music and swing dancing! Swing Time is bringing one of the U.S.A.'s top swing bands, Dr Zoot, to headline two incredible nights of dance excitement at Centro Asturiano in Tampa (Fri 10/19) and at Dance Orlando (Sat 10/20). In addition, local organizers, instructors, and dancers are stepping up to bring you late-night blues dances plus a Saturday workshop in Orlando with swing-dance champions Joel & Lenka! If you're looking to make a day of it in Orlando, for Saturday's Dinner check out Ali Baba's Restaurant, which serves up a huge buffet of some of the best Persian / Middle Eastern food anywhere (including kabobs, desserts, and dozens of vegetarian dishes too); and it's located just a few blocks from Dance Orlando. If you're looking for Friday Dinner options, may we recommend the Grass Root Organic Restaurant in Tampa Heights, which offers superb Vegetarian/Vegan/Raw cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere; or for more mainstream fare, check out the Tampa Bay Brewing Company in Ybor City, which offers some great burgers, entrees, sandwiches, pizzas, and microbrews; both restaurants are just a few blocks drive from Centro Asturiano.

UPCOMING SWING TIME DANCE CLASSES
All Lessons Free! (with Paid Admission to Event)
All Lessons Taught by Sam & Allison
No Partner Needed; No Prior Experience Needed
All Levels & All Ages Welcome!

This Week:
Oct 10 2007 (Wed) 7-8pm @ Gulfport Casino Swing Night: EAST-COAST SWING - Circling, Sending, Moving & 4 Turns
Oct 11 2007 (Thu) 7-8pm @ Swing Centro (Centro Asturiano): LINDY HOP - Outside Turns & Swingouts
Oct 12 2007 (Fri) 8-9pm @ Swing Time! (Gulfport Casino): CHARLESTON - Side-by-Side Moves

...and Beyond:
Oct 17 2007 (Wed) 7-8pm @ Gulfport Casino Swing Night: SWING MIX - Turns & Jig Walks, Open/Closed, Single/Double
Oct 19 2007 (Fri) 8-9pm @ Swing Time! (Centro Asturiano): EAST-COAST SWING - 6 Inside Turns for Follows & Leads
Oct 20 2007 (Sat) 8-9pm @ Swing Time! (Dance Orlando): EAST-COAST SWING - 6 Outside/Arch Turns + Combos/Double-Turns
Oct 24 2007 (Wed) 7-8pm @ Gulfport Casino Swing Night: SWING MIX - 1- and 2-Armed Turns & Windmills
Oct 25 2007 (Thu) 7-8pm @ Swing Centro (Centro Asturiano): EAST-COAST SWING - Rubberband + 5 Outside/Arch/Ladies'/Men's Turns
Oct 31 2007 (Wed) 7-8pm @ Gulfport Casino Swing Night: SHIM SHAM - + Bonus Dance!
Nov 1 2007 (Thu) 7-8pm @ Swing Centro (Centro Asturiano): CHARLESTON - Front-to-Back Kicks & Variations
Nov 7 2007 (Wed) 7-8pm @ Gulfport Casino Swing Night: EAST-COAST SWING - Left-Right Wraps, Pivot Turns, Single/Triple
Nov 8 2007 (Thu) 7-8pm @ Swing Centro (Centro Asturiano): LINDY HOP - Circles & Closed Swingouts
Nov 9 2007 (Fri) 8-9pm @ Swing Time! (Gulfport Casino): EAST-COAST SWING - 5 Turns from Open & Closed, Moving, Single/Triple
Nov 14 2007 (Wed) 7-8pm @ Gulfport Casino Swing Night: SWING MIX - Free/Tuck/Inside Spins & Turns, Ratchet & Tag
Nov 15 2007 (Thu) 7-8pm @ Swing Centro (Centro Asturiano): EAST-COAST SWING - Tuck & Quick Spins, Rebounds & Wraps
Nov 21 2007 (Wed) 7-8pm @ Gulfport Casino Swing Night: EAST-COAST SWING - 4 Cross-Armed Turns, Belt Slide, Behind-Back Switch

GULFPORT CASINO SWING NIGHT !
EVERY WEDNESDAY in Gulfport (St. Petersburg, FL)

Swing Music & Dancing, 8pm-Midnight
Dance Lesson, 7-8pm (no partner needed)
Shim Sham, Dance Jams, Prizes, Mixers, & More!

Beautiful & Historic Waterfront Grand Ballroom
Friendly Social Atmosphere
One of the World's Best Dance Floors!

* All Ages * Smoke-Free * Full Bar * Free Parking *
Admission $7 (includes Free Lesson)

[Map & Directions] [More Info]

SWING CENTRO !
EVERY THURSDAY in Ybor City (Tampa, FL)

Swing Music & Dancing, 8pm-Midnight
Dance Lesson, 7-8pm (no partner needed)

Exciting Social Atmosphere!
Fabulous Vintage Grand Ballroom
Huge Floating-Wood Dance Floor

* All Ages * Smoke-Free * Full Bar * Prize Giveaways *
Admission $7 (includes Free Lesson); Free Gated Parking
Students Get 2-for-1 Admission!

[Map & Directions] [More Info]

UPCOMING SWING TIME EVENTS
Click the links below for details on each event

EVERY WEDNESDAY: Gulfport Casino Swing Night

EVERY THURSDAY: Swing Centro

Oct 12, 2007 (Fri): Swing Time! at the Gulfport Casino
    featuring Charlie Vegas & the New Blues Combo!
    Tampa Bay's Most Exciting Swingin' Act!
    Tickets: $11; purchase at the door

Oct 18, 2007 (Thu): No Swing Centro Tonight... SWING ON FRIDAY instead of Thursday
One Week Only -- Swing at Centro on Friday October 19th (see below)

Oct 19, 2007 (Fri): Swing Time! at Centro Asturiano in Tampa
7TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION !
featuring Dr Zoot!
One of U.S.A.'s Top Swing Bands!
Tickets: $12/advance -or- $15/day of event
Click here for Ticket Info or to Purchase Tickets!

Oct 20, 2007 (Sat): Swing Time! at Dance Orlando
7TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION !
featuring Dr Zoot!
Modern & Exciting Swing Band w/ Piano & Horn Section!
Tickets: $12/advance -or- $15/day of event
Click here for Ticket Info or to Purchase Tickets!

Oct 25, 2007 (Thu): Special Event at Swing Centro
HALLOWEEN MONSTER BASH !
Costume Prizes, Theme Music & Decor, Treats & More!
Admission: $7

Oct 31, 2007 (Wed): Special Event at the Gulfport Casino Swing Night
HALLOWEEN COSTUME BALL !
Tampa Bay's Best Halloween Dance Party for Six Years Running!
Admission: $7

The SECOND FRIDAY Swing Time! at the Gulfport Casino
of EVERY MONTH: Live Music & Dancing!

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