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By Janis Russell
Photos courtesy of Luann Neil
March 12, 2015 (La Mesa)- On Saturday, February 28, Foothills Christian held its second annual swing into spring dance, benefitting the school’s lacrosse team.
After a welcome was given by Joel Plys from Swing Dancing San Diego with 2ply Swing, he invited those interested for a beginner friendly swing dancing lesson. He taught the lesson with his wife Jackie, who is expecting their first baby in April. Each person had paired up with a partner to learn the basic steps. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Many times, Joel had the boys rotate counter clockwise and switch partners.
After Foothills lacrosse coach Bill Nigh gave a welcome and did their first raffle, he mentioned that a CD of the band, Uptown Rhythm Makers, who played most of the night, had CDs available for $12.
Most of the night consisted of the students and adults dancing for fun. At one point, mothers were invited to dance with their sons.
Twice during the night, the Hang Ten Hoppers, which are part of Swing Dancing San Diego, gave a couple performances with Joel by their side. This group consists of dancers who are interested or not interested in performing, or are in need of Swing dance era performances at an event.
Joel came up with an idea for the swing dance mixer, where everyone got up and danced with a partner. Many, not all, people came up and danced. Then they were instructed to switch partners by Joel several times.
Near the end of the night, there was a dance contest. The top 3 finalists got a prize. They consisted of one pair of adults and two pairs of teens. One pair of teens got first prize because they received the loudest and enthusiastic applause by the audience.
Two teens from the Hang Ten Hoppers showcased a dance they were doing in an upcoming 30 second showcase, but they instead performed for 50 seconds.
Throughout the night, there were a few more raffles.
ECM asked Nigh who came up with the idea of the swing dancing fundraiser, and why. Nigh said he came up with the idea because “I thought it’d be a fun way for the boys to dress up and learn about the history of swing dance.” Last year, they had raised $500.
For more information about swing dancing San Diego, go to: http://www.swingdancingsandiego.com/#/home/4555803152. You can also contact Joel at (619) 347-9366 or joel@swingdancingsandiego.com.
To learn more about the Hang Ten Hoppers, visit: http://www.swingdancingsandiego.com/#/hang-ten-hoppers/4572350430
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