Tampa Bay's Swing Dance News for January 2nd 2019

Carolina Shag Lessons start tonight and happen every Wednesday in January, 6-7pm, at the Gulfport Casino Swing Night featuring special guest instructor, Renee Lipman. Carolina Shag is a dance known for its fluid and fancy footwork that's currently experiencing a surge of popularity. It's similar to East-Coast Swing, but is danced to R&B and what's known as "Beach Music". Instructor, Renee Lipman, has been bringing Carolina Shag to Tampa Bay for the last three years. She recently had the opportunity to compete and win first place with Shag champion, Brennar Goree.

Tomorrow (Thursday, January 3rd) — Learn & Advance in Lindy Hop — 3 Levels — The most complete Lindy Hop curriculum available in Florida. Courses are designed and taught by Sam from Swing Time, and range from absolute novice ( Lindy Hop I ) to fairly advanced ( Lindy Hop III ). They take place at Simone Salsa studio in Tampa.

Courses are open to everyone, including dancers who learned their Lindy Hop elsewhere. Experienced Lindy Hoppers can test into the appropriate level and skip lower levels. We're confident that everyone who takes a course will benefit, advance, and learn new things. Get More Info / Register for Lindy Hop Courses

This Saturday, January 5th, our friends at Palladium Theater host a concert featuring Victor Wainwright & the Train! International Blues Challenge winner, Victor Wainwright, returns to the Palladium with his horn band, The Train. Victor Wainwright is a raucous, high-octane performer and crowd pleaser with soul to spare. He's currently up for a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album. Boogie Woogie piano master, Bob Seeley, opens the show. The historic Palladium Theater is one of Tampa Bay's best and most affordable performing arts venues. It's located at 253 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (Phone 727-822-3590).

Friday, January 11th, is Soul Night at the Gulfport Casino. Dance 8pm-midnight to the best in Funk, Soul, Disco, Motown, Rhythm & Blues, featuring an exciting mix of retro & modern dance music, great for a variety of partner dances (Hustle, Swing, West-Coast, Blues, Fusion, etc) plus group, line, and freestyle dancing! Arrive early for a West-Coast Swing Lesson 7-8pm. Just $10 includes the dance AND the lesson. Students get $6 admission if they show up by 7pm and take the lesson. Soul Night happens at the Gulfport Casino the 2nd Friday of every month.

Swing Time welcomes special guest instructor, Renee Lipman, who'll teach the 7pm West-Coast Swing lesson. Renee is a mover and shaker in the West-Coast world who's largely responsible for the resurgence of West-Coast Swing in Tampa Bay. Since 2006, she's won numerous competitions, including a silver medal in the 2007 U.S. Open Swing Dance Championships.