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Spring Workshop: Dan and Jenny

Posted on February 9 , 2012
Times/Locations:

Saturday, March 10th (All Levels)
10am to 5pm @ First Baptist Church

Sunday, March 11th (Intermediate)
10am to 5pm @ 1313 Hollis

Price:

In advance ( in class or online)
$25 / one day
$40 / both days

At the door
$30 / one day
$50 / both days

Paying for the workshop in advance is a win-win-win. It is important for us to know in advance how many people will show up. It will help planning and reduce registration time on the workshop day. You will save $5/day if you register early. This workshop is greatly subsidized by the DSDS treasury to be made affordable for halifax dancers. This identical workshop in a city with a full-grown dance scene would be around $80/150.

Register online now

Instructors:

Jenny Sowden and Dan Repsch


If you haven't heard of them, Dan Repsch (Philly) and Jenny Sowden (NYC) are universe-renowned swing and blues dancers and DJs! We are very lucky to have them visit and teach our spring workshop. This event is a rare opportunity and a must-be-there kind of situation. Don't miss them while they are here!

Here are some links for you all to explore:

Jenny's homepage:
http://www.jennifersowden.com/

Dan's bio (from some random website):
http://www.jookjointshimmyblues.com/p/about-dan-repsch-instructordj-dec-17th.html

Dan and Jenny's recent blues choreo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghCmdmobaUQ


★ ★ ★             ★ ★ ★





Halifax Swing Factory: FEB 17

Posted on February 9 , 2012
HALIFAX SWING FACTORY - Friday Feb 17, Mar 23 and April 20 @1313 Hollis Street

Halifax Swing Factory is the monthly social dance open to EVERYONE! If you ever though of trying out swing dancing or you are unable to attend our regular classes, Swing Factory is the easiest way to start swing dancin' fast!

The doors open at 8pm, and there is a beginner (no experience or partner required) lesson at 8:30 to teach you some sweet sweet swing moves and get you dancing right away! After the lesson our DJs will play music for the rest of the night so you can practice you moves on the dance floor. Swing dancing is a great way to meet new people, get moving, and have a great Friday night!

Our last Halifax Swing Factory of 2011 will take place on Friday Feb 17, Mar 23 and Apr 20. The dances will take place downtown at a little dance studio at 1313 Hollis Street, and will cost you only $5 to attend. (We are a volunteer organization and this fee covers the studio,equipment rentals, and related expenses)

I hope to see you all there!

Swingology

Posted on February 9 , 2012
Swingology is playing at Company House on February 18, 8:30 - 11:00. They would love to see us come out and make a big evening out of it. Cover is $15.00, but they are offering a student discount of $10.00 (discount applies to all DSDS members).

Winter 2012 is here!

Posted on January 4 , 2012
2012 is here, which means holidays are over and swing dancing is back in your weekly schedule! This semester is going to be a busy one with a new weekly social dance venue and many other dance opportunities! Here are some quick links to get you up to date and dancing in no time:

Weekly lessons: what class should I take →
Weekly lessons: dates and times →
Weekly lessons: prices and registration →
Social dancing @ Pipa →

Swing with the Fishes 2011

Posted on October 31, 2011
Swing with the fishes is only 2 weeks away! You can pre-buy the tickets for $15 online via PayPal or at the designated locations in the city (see on the poster below). Also, if you would like to put up a poster in your neighbourhood, workplace or really anywhere, or just give it to a few friends, you can download the pdf file!

Friday Night Blues

Posted on October 11, 2011
Friday Night Blues presents its first beginner lesson and social dance for the Halifax scene on October 14. Come and learn another way to dance to the Blues bands of Halifax and to those slower songs played during Swing social dances.

No partner necessary, no experience required, this event is designed for everyone to participate. Doors open at 7:45 and the night kicks off with a beginner lesson from 8-9 followed by an hour and a half of social dancing -perfect for experimenting and having fun with the concepts taught throughout the evening.

Admission is a mere $5 and the lesson and dance are at Serpentine Studios (Studio 200), 1668 Barrington Street. The entrance can be found on Argyle Street, to the left of the Foggy Goggle Restaurant & Bar.

For additional inquiries contact Friday Night Blues at blueshalifax@gmail.com or visit the Friday Night Blues website

Fall 2011: Regisration Info

Posted on September 2, 2011

September is here, which means the whole new semester of classes is about to start. Whether you are a returning dancer or a beginner with absolutely no experience, exciting times are soon to come! DSDS execs are planning long and hard for the upcoming term, and not all details are finalized yet. But here is what you need to know for now.


INFO FOR BEGINNERS:


FREE Beginner Trial Lessons September 10th & 17th.You got it. That is FREE.

No Partner required.
No Experience required.
No Commitment - you don't pay unless you decide to register for lessons.

Where: First Baptist Church, 1300 Oxford Street
When: Saturday Sept. 10th & 17th @ 7:00pm
Who: You! And all your friends - no dance experience required, and no need to bring your own partner.

What to Bring:
-Please bring a pair of clean, indoor, non-marking soled shoes to dance in. Generally shoes with little to no tread work best, and ladies generally dance in flats rather than heels.
-There is no water fountain at the church, so feel free to bring a waterbottle.

Property Rules:
The church property is a non-smoking, non-littering, and alcohol free property. We also work hard to leave their floors clean and unscuffed (see above re shoes). Please help us maintain our friendly relations by respecting these rule while on church property.

Registration:
$20 students/low income or $28 community members. Cash accepted at lessons on September 10, 17, & 24th. Cheques made out to the Dalhousie Swing Dance Society also accepted, or pay online by PayPal. This price includes ALL your lessons for the semester, which is approximately 10 - 12 weeks of lessons!

IMPORTANT: Beginners wishing to register for Fall classes MUST attend any one of the beginner lessons offered Sept 10th, Sept 17th, or at Swing Factory on Sept 23rd before attending the Sept 24th class, as the class will progress to new moves that day and no new members will be accepted until classes begin again in January.


INFO FOR RETURNING MEMBERS:


On September 10th there will be a special "Steals and Tricks" class from 7:00 - 8:00 for all returning dancers (entering Level 2, 3, or 4). These classes are always a fun time, and they add a little flare and fun to your time on the social dance floor afterward!

Remember to bring cash or cheque to register for the semester. New price is all-inclusive for any number of classes: $20 student/low income, $28 community. You can also pay online by PayPal.

Please also remember to respect Church policies of clean, non-marking soled shoes, and no alcohol, smoking, or littering on church property.

Starting September 17th we will begin our regular lesson schedule, which will be announced very soon.

JSO Show on September 10th

Posted on September 2, 2011

That's right, Jubilee Swing Orchestra's first show of the fall lands conveniently on our first day of lessons! We're ending lessons & social dancing at 9:00 so everyone can make it out to the show: Saturday, September 10th, 10pm @ The Seahorse. Check them out on Facebook for more info!

PS: It's Mad Men themed! Also, we are in the process of negotiating a discount on cover similar to last year - we'll announce the verdict at lessons that night, but bring your DSDS membership card to take advantage of any discount available!

Orientation Week Events

Posted on September 2, 2011

These events are designed to have a little fun dancing out in social settings, and to encourage new people to come out to our free trial lessons. All previous dancers are welcome to drop by for a few minutes or an afternoon to dance and tell people about your fantastic experiences swing dancing with DSDS! All new or potential dancers are welcome to drop by to chat and learn more about the club!

Thursday Sept 8th: Kings Society Fair. Location: Kings University Quad. Time: TBA.
Tuesday Sept 13th: Swingin' in the Sun @ the SUB. Location: Dal SUB, outside the front doors. Time: 1 - 3 pm
Wednesday Sept 14th: Dal Societies Fair. Location: Dal SUB.

Images by Angelina Coccimiglio

Posted on August 23, 2011

About a month ago, a bunch of us went to the JazzFest grand finale featuring Alex Pangman and the Jubilee Swing Orchestra. Angelina Coccimiglio was there too, and she shared some of her photos with us! The following photos are copyright © 2011 Angelina Coccimiglio.



WHOA!
JazzFest Finale
JUBILEE SWING ORCHESTRA
ALEX PANGMAN
JULY 16

Posted on June 29, 2011

The title pretty much says it all! We all love dancing to the JSO sooo much that no one would even consider missing this show! What you need to do now is this: check out the JazzFest page for the show. And this page here, for the late night show. Oh yeah, and also prebuy the tickets... because they are going to go fast!

Also, you should check out JSO and Alex Pangman's websites.

Halifax Swing Factory!

Posted on June 9, 2011

Halifax Swing Factory is the monthly social dance open to EVERYONE! If you ever though of trying out swing dancing or you are unable to attend our regular classes, Swing Factory is the easiest way to start swing dancin' fast!

The doors open at 8pm, and there is a beginner (no experience or partner required) lesson at 830 to teach you some sweet sweet swing moves and get you dancing right away! After the lesson our DJs will play music for the rest of the night so you can practice you moves on the dance floor. Swing dancing is a great way to meet new people, get moving, and have a great Friday night!

Halifax Swing Factory will take place on Fridays: June 24th, July 22nd and August 19th. The dances will take place downtown at a little dance studio at 1313 Hollis Street, and will cost you only $5 to attend. (We are a volunteer organization and this fee covers the studio,equipment rentals, and related expenses)

I hope to see you all there!

Summer Classes Starting THIS WEEKEND!

Posted on May 26, 2011

That's right. I know you have all been waiting for this! The classes will recommence on Saturday, May 28th

The classes will be every other Saturday and will take place at the First Baptist Church on the following days:

May 28th
June 11th
June 25th
July 9th
July 23rd
August 6th

There will be 3 levels:

Beginner: No previous experience required. 7-8pm
Intermediate: If you have taken the beginner class! 8-9pm
Advanced: At least one year of dancing experience. 9-10pm
Social Dancing: 7-10pm

And if you are not sure which level you should be taking, feel free to ask one of the instructors! Also, if you are a follow, try taking beginner class as a lead, and leads: try following!

The price is only $10 for one level + $5 for each additional level, for the ENTIRE 6-LESSON SERIES!!

So I hope to see you all this Saturday, and stay tuned for more info on Summer events!

P.S. The word on the street: everyone is hitting bearlys after the lessons this saturday... maybe you should too!

AGM and SUPERNOVA This Saturday!

Posted on April 7, 2011

Saturday, April 9

First Baptist Church


7:30 Annual General Meeting (AGM) upstairs for DSDS members
7:30 Drop-in Swing SuperNova lesson downstairs
9:00ish Social Dance begins
10:00 - 11:45 LIVE BAND - The Tritones

Adjusted Schedule for April 2nd

Posted on April 1, 2011

This week we are at the Cameron Room, Howe Hall, 6230 Coburg Road. Because of the limited space, we have to adjust the lesson schedule:

7pm: Level 1, no level 3
8pm: Social Dance
9pm: Level 2 and 3 combined
No Level 4 class.

IMPORTANT!!! AGM Survey

Posted on March 24, 2011

Ok, this is very important! We need your input really bad, so we can prepare for the AGM. Please fill out our AGM Survey by April 5th!

DalDanceShow on Sunday, March 27

Posted on March 25, 2010

Our choreo group is performing this Sunday at the DalDance annual show. The show will start at 7pm. It's $7/students with an id, $10 for community. Come support our dancers and enjoy an evening of dancing :)

Workshop Review Videos

Posted on March 25, 2010

Greg and Laurie offered to video tape a "workshop review diary" and we couldn't say no! The review videos are here! Also check out the video from the Instructor Jam!

Since I was updating videos, the videos from Level 3 charleston sections are now up as well!

Shirley Jackson @ Bearlys Tomorrow!

Posted on March 25, 2010

Shirley Jackson & her Good Rockin' Daddys are playing at Bearly's tomorrow night! You know what to do!

Greg and Laurie Workshop!!!

Posted on March 5, 2011

Greg Avakian & Laurie Zimmerman are coming all the way from Philly to teach our spring weekend workshop! More info will be up soon as we work out the details. Meanwhile, clear your calendars for that weekend, and check out their website!

All Levels Workshop: Saturday March 19th

Location: First Baptist Church
Time: 10am - 5pm

Intermediate Workshop: Sunday March 20th

Location: TBA

Price: $25 for one day or $40 for both days.

Register Online

Saturday workshop is open for all members: both beginner and intermediate dancers are encouraged to attend. Sunday workshop is open to Level 2 and up.

Jubilee Swing Orchestra!

Posted on March 9, 2011


'nuff said. Members get 1/2 discount if you show your card!



A Wink & A Smile

Posted on March 9, 2011


Date: Friday March 18th @ Paragon Theatre

Details: A sizzling theatrical production, plus live music and dance! Expect eyes to be poppin and jaws to be droppin'. Performers will heat up the stage with dramatic fire taming, striptease, sultry satire and a playful fan dance -- all to the swingin beat of early rock'n'roll. Enjoy a wild night ahead, as we swing back in time to the rockin' 1950s!

Discount: $10 when you show a DSDS Membership Card (that's 1/2 price!)

Schedule of events:

8pm - Free Show Miss Molotov & Greg The Magic Man
9pm - Doors open
9-10pm - Dal Swing Intro Lesson!
10pm - Shake Down Combo
11pm - Burlesque First Act
11:45pm - Intermission
12am - Burlesque Second Act
1am - The Trouble Shooters Chuck Berry Tribute Act
2am - Close



Swing Workshop For Beginners

Posted on February 16, 2011

When:        Sunday, February 27    [ 10am - 3pm ]


Where:       Studely Gym Dance Studio    [ see map ]


Price:          $25    [ includes DSDS membership ]


The goal of this workshop is to allow people who attended SwingSuperNova dances to learn more swing moves and technique without attending our regular Saturday night lessons. During this Sunday workshop we will teach you all of the material we covered in the regular beginner class up to this point. This will allow you to join our regular Saturday night lessons, and attend the big guest instructor workshop in March!

If you are not familiar with Dalhousie Campus, Studley Gym Dance Studio is located in the basement of the Studley gym [ see map ].

Registration is open online or at the door.



New Moves Online!

Posted on February 24, 2011

New moves from the beginner class are up! Check them out in the Media Collection > Moves to Remember

Swing SuperNova this Saturday

Posted on February 24, 2011

Swing SuperNova Social Dance Series is an effort to make swing dancing more accessible to community, even after the semester lessons have already started, while encouraging beginner dancers to practice their newly-learned skills on the dance floor!

Monthly Social Dance


The SuperNova dances are currently scheduled for the following Saturdays: January 29, February 26, March 19, and April 9 . Please pay careful attention to the website updates and newsletters as there is a chance this schedule might change.

Beginner Lesson


A one hour beginner "NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY" lesson will start off the night at 7:30pm! It will teach you everything you need to dance the night away! Bring all your friends, and learn how to swing dance one step at a time!

Cover and the "Event Membership"


If you are already a DSDS member, the admission is free! Otherwise you have two options:

1. Either pay a $5 cover for each SuperNova event you attend. If you plan on coming to all four events, you would spend about $20 altogether.

2. Get the "Event Membership" for $15, which will allow you access to all SuperNova events! You will get a membership card and will be added to the mailing list! And remember, DSDS members get a discount at the upcoming Jubilee Swing Orchestra dances! If you order the membership online, you will be able to pick up your membership card at any of our events!

Evening Schedule


7:30pm - 8:30pm                  Beginner Drop-In Lesson
8:30pm - 11pm          Social Dance

Swing music new and old provided by some of Halifax's premier lindy hop DJs for your dancing pleasure.

Location


First Baptist Church,1355 Oxford Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Get Directions

Swing Workshop For Beginners

Posted on February 16, 2011

When:        Sunday, February 27    [ 10am - 3pm ]


Where:       Studely Gym Dance Studio    [ see map ]


Price:          $25    [ includes DSDS membership ]


The goal of this workshop is to allow people who attended SwingSuperNova dances to learn more swing moves and technique without attending our regular Saturday night lessons. During this Sunday workshop we will teach you all of the material we covered in the regular beginner class up to this point. This will allow you to join our regular Saturday night lessons, and attend the big guest instructor workshop in March!

If you are not familiar with Dalhousie Campus, Studley Gym Dance Studio is located in the basement of the Studley gym [ see map ].

Registration is open online or at the door.



Events Calendar

Posted on February 15, 2011


Your Name / Company


You now have an opportunity to sponsor Swing with the Fishes '11 by donating balloons! It's only $2/balloon, and your name or your company's name will go on a tag of these balloons! There is no limit on how little or how many balloons you can donate: buy one, and come to next years Fishes knowing that there is a balloon out there with your name on it, buy ten and see them all over the room! Donations from local businesses are welcome. Please contact us if you are interested in alternative ways of sponsoring Fishes'11 event.



What's That Move?

Posted on February 14, 2011

As we promised on Saturday, we filmed all of the moves we've done so far in the beginner class [ well, almost all of them ], and put them up on the website! You will find the videos in the Media Collection > Moves to Remember section of the website, or you can click here to access it right away!

These videos are for members only. The login is swing. We told you the password in class, and will send it out to the email list later this week. Hint: it is two names.

Valentine Sweetheart's Dance

Posted on February 6, 2011

For those who did not attend the previous Jubilee Swing Orchestra dances: they are AMAZING! Don't forget: DSDS members get a discount if you have your membership cards. Claim one at the lessons on saturday!

Swing + Salsa = ♡ ♡

Posted on February 6, 2011

This Friday, February 11, DSDS and Halifax Salseros are putting together (again!) a joint event! Come out to 1313 Hollis Street from 7:30pm to 9:30pm! For 2 hours, we'll alternate between swing and salsa music! Bring your dance shoes, $2 and dance! This is a perfect opportunity to steal some sweet moves and styling from other dancers!

Please bring your favourite swing music!

Swing SuperNova TONIGHT!

Posted on January 29, 2011

Don't forget! Come out and swing the night away! Bring all of your friends! more info. The event will happen at the usual Saturday night venue, the First Baptist Church. get directions.

DSDS Membership Cards!

Posted on January 28, 2011

DSDS Member ship is not just about lessons! It is about community and social dancing! In light of the recent cooperation between DSDS and Jubilee Swing Orchestra, we designed the membership cards that will be issued to all current DSDS members! We are also offering the special Event Membership for those who missed out on the lessons this semester, yet want to come to the Swing SuperNova events, participate in other club activities, and get all of the DSDS member privileges!

     


Hey current members: come get your membership this Saturday! You'll need it to get the discount at the JSO's Valentine's Ball! Special thanks go to Robin for the amazing card design!

Swing SuperNova Community Dance

Posted on January 22, 2011

On Saturday, January 29th, come one, come all to Halifax's newest night of swing dancing! Whether you are a seasoned lindy hopper or want to try it out for the first time, this is the place to be. Friendly people, great music, and a big hardwood floor to strut your stuff! DSDS members get in free! Cover is $5 and includes the drop-in lesson for community. Or you can get an Event Membership which will cover all four SuperNova dances this winter + more for $15!

8:00-9:00 Drop-in lesson
New to swing dance? This one-hour crash course will get you out on the floor the very same night! No partner or experience necessary.

9:00-midnight Dance!
Swing music new and old provided by some of Halifax's premier lindy hop DJs for your dancing pleasure.

Read more about the SuperNova Series

Swing Orchestra, TONIGHT!

Posted on January 22, 2011

DSDS members get a 50% discount! We will [ try ] to distribute the membership cards tonight.

Swing + Salsa = ♡

Posted on January 19, 2011

This Friday, January 21, DSDS and Halifax Salseros are putting together a joint event! Come out to 1313 Hollis Street from 7:30pm to 9:30pm! For 2 hours, we'll alternate between swing and salsa music! Bring your dance shoes, $2 and dance, dance, dance. If you guys like it, we'll do it again!

Know Your Execs

Posted on January 10, 2011

Check out the new updated Currents Execs page. These are people who have the answers to all of your swing - related questions!

New Semester & Classes

Posted on January 6, 2011

January is here, and a whole new semester of classes is starting up this Saturday, January 8th! Lots of new things are going on, so please take a careful look at the new class options and class schedule.

There is a brand new Beginner ( Level 1 ) class, open to everyone with absolutely no experience or partner required! You can try it out by coming to the free drop-in lessons on Saturday, January 8th and Saturday, January 15th. After that, the lessons will start to progress.

The classes cost only $15/$18 for students and $18/$20 for community members for the ENTIRE SEMESTER. We are a non-profit society and all of our instructors are volunteers. Most of our expenses include renting dance space, flying in workshop instructors, puting on community events, etc. You can REGISTER ONLINE , or at the beginning of the classes. Note that online registration is very easy and will save you a wait in a lineup!

I hope to see you all this Saturday!

Check It Out!

Posted on January 6, 2011

DSDS members get a discount!

Happy Holidays!

Posted on Dec 20, 2010

The semester is over. That means the whole new beginner class is restarting in January! More details are to come. The lesson structure is changing a bit too, so stay tuned for that as well. Also: good news. We are planning monthly community social dances with an intro lessons open to everyone.

Check back first week of January for more information, and while you are impatiently waiting for new info: enjoy your holidays!

OMG it's G&A!!!

Posted on Nov 22, 2010

That's right. Geoff and Andrea's workshop is this weekend! This is the biggest workshop of the term and you are guaranteed to improve your dancing over 9000%. Please pre-register online or at the workshop.

Workshop details

Directions to Fishes!

Posted on Nov 11, 2010

★ DIRECTIONS ★

6136 University Avenue
Halifax, NS

Remembrance Day & the Fishes!

Posted on Nov 7, 2010

Come to Pier 21 at noon on Thursday, November 11th and dance! Read more!

And of course,

SWING WITH THE FISHES! THIS WEEKEND!


Buy tickets cheap online now or $20 at the door!

Greg and Laura's Workshop!

Posted on Oct 31, 2010

Don't miss Greg and Laura's Workshop next weekend! Find out more on the workshops page!

New Fishes'10 Poster

Posted on Oct 23, 2010

The Fishes'10 poster for this year is finished! Robin did an amazing job (yet again!) designing it from scratch and here it is! If would like to download a printable version of the poster click here for the file in PDF format.

Workshops, Workshops, Workshops!

Posted on Oct 22, 2010

Sari and Alec tomorrow, Laura & Greg in early November, and then Geoff and Andrea in late November! Find out more on the workshops page!

New Website Launch!

Posted on Oct 18, 2010

Mark and Irenee are very excited to launch the new DSDS website!

We hope that new design is as improvement in functionality, and will allow easier faster access to the latest society updates and news!

Check out the Media section for the pictures, videos and other resources that you might have missed before.

Please remember that the website is still under construction! Most of the important pages like Online Store and class info are already up!

Online Store

Posted on Sep 27, 2010

We are trying something new! By registering securely online via PayPal you will manage to avoid the registration lineup and save us the hassle of late registration!

If you purchase tickets to Fishes or a T Shirt, please talk to us in person at the lessons and we will give you the goods!

Go to the Store

Back to School

Posted on Sep 5, 2010

Hello, school year! The lessons are restarting on September 11th! First three lessons are free, so why not come and try it out?

Murphy's Blues

Posted on May 11, 2010

Hey all! Come to Murphy's by the water tonight! 9:30. Check out their poster

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