ORGANISERS of Warwick’s Jumpers and Jazz Festival are taking the jazz groove to new heights in 2014.
Warwick Tourism and Events CEO Tracy Vellacott said that on the back of an extraordinary performance by 10-piece big band the Well Swung Daddies in 2013, organisers identified that a “twin” to an exciting jazz program would be the introduction of swing dance classes.
“We know festival goers are willing to join in spontaneous dance opportunities, so by offering some classes, at a minimal cost, we are looking forward to greater dance participation at the festival and a more engaging cultural visitor experience,” Mrs Vellacott said.
“To me, nothing says ‘feel good festival’ more than dancing,” she said.
Swing dance is a style performed to the swing style of jazz music popular from the 1920s through to the 1940s.
Empire Swing, Brisbane’s premier swing dance school, has been contracted to teach dances like Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston and Blues styles.
With multiple locations around Brisbane including Fortitude Valley, Woolloongabba and Paddington, the school caters for different levels of dancers from beginners through to intermediate and advanced swing dancers.
As well as classes, Empire Swing put on a fortnightly dance social in Brisbane called “Swing Shack”, which kicks off with an absolute beginners’ class followed by social dancing to DJ’d swing music guaranteed to get toes tapping and feet dancing in no time.
Mrs Vellacott said that organisers constantly evolved ideas to keep the festival fresh and swing dance classes would be a welcome addition to a program of over 100 artistic, cultural, jazz and even the odd sporting event.
The finale of the classes will be a public demonstration by Empire Swing at the Warwick Credit Union Saturday Stroll ‘n’ Swing on 26 July.
Classes are $10 per couple and to register or for more details, phone Warwick Tourism & Events on 46619073.
Locals and visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in the festival by downloading the full program from www.jumpersandjazz.com.au to plan their experiences throughout the 10 days. The printed program is available 10 June.
