PHOENIX
– Swing dancing may have reached its peak in the 1940s
but the Arizona Lindy Hop Society have is dedicated the
keeping the spirit of the lively dance form alive.
The
group has been busy promoting swing dancing in schools,
churches, night clubs and even on the streets to expose
people to the dance.
The
ALHS is an organization immersed in the art of swing dancing
that is focused on the promotion and preservation of American‑born
dance forms.
To
ensure the survival of the dances, the society conducts
classes in all types of venues in the Valley.
“I
think there is a misconception about swing dancing that
it was just a trendy thing to do after the Gap commercial
of the late 1990s,” said Steve Conrad, of the ALHS. “The
fact is, swing dancing has been around for more than 80
years and survives today because it is done to great music
and the people are friendly."
The
Lindy Hop, the first dance done to swing music, had a
resurgence of populatity in the late 1990s and is currently
enjoying a second revival. Television shows like “So You
Think You Can Dance” featured the Lindy Hop as one of
the dance challenges and “Dancing with the Stars” highlighted
several swing numbers.
“The
shows on television have made dancing more popular in
general,” Conrad said. “Now we just have to show people
why Lindy Hop and swing are great dances to learn.”
The
Lindy Hop Society now offers a swing night beginning at
7:15 p.m. with a lesson every Thursday on the veranda
of the 1932 historic Wrigley Mansion named for its first
owner, chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr.
A
DJ or live band takes over from 8 p.m. to midnight.
There
is a $10 cover charge with a $3 discount for those who
dress in vintage clothing of the 1920s‑1950s.
The
night is for ages 21 and older but on live music nights
all age groups are admitted. There will be live swing
music July 27 at the Wrigley Mansion with Sherry Roberson
and friends doing a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald.
Jazz
performer Barbara Morrison comes to the Mansion on Aug.
30 from Los Angeles.
The
Wrigley Mansion is located at 2501 E. Telewa Trail in
Phoenix. For more information visit AZLindy.com.
