ANCHORAGE DANCING

IN A

“WEEK” OF

February 7 thru February 16, 2012

Remember to check AKSWING’s “Front Page” Ads for Event Details!

www.akswing.com

(or clic on the nutshell above)

And…

Don’t miss out on

“COOL STUFF”

(New cool stuff sort of monthly – down at the bottom of this page)

FORMAT- I) DANCE ALERTS (lessons & club music); II) LESSONS; III) Future Lesson Events; IV) CLUBS FOR DANCING & LISTENING UNTIL YOU LEARN TO DANCE (Latin, and country, swing, R&B etc.)!

I. Dance Alerts:

Thursdays: Nellee & Bobby’s Beginning & Beyond Swing n’ Salsa Lessons 6 to 9 p.m. at The Moose Lodge. Lindy Hop (Savoy and smooth) & Swing Line Dance Lessons 6-7 p.m; East Coast Swing: 7-8 p.m.; Salsa: 8 to 9 p.m. - $7 for 1 lesson, $10 for 2 lessons, and $7 for the whole evening with our coupon card! We have the flashy moves to spark up your east coast swing, west coast swing, Lindy Hop & Salsa! Gee, you can even spark up your hip hop with some of them! If you’ve caught the Latin & Lindy Bugs – we’ve got the moves for you! (www.akswing.com) The Moose Lodge is located at 4211 Arctic Blvd (on the east side of Arctic just north of Tudor Road). No partner necessary. No prior experience necessary – we’ll teach you from scratch. “Drop-Ins” are welcome! Teens and adults – you don’t need to be 21 to come. For more info call Nellee @ 223-0387. Lots of free parking, same low price, and all ages are welcome! Basic and beyond lessons. We’ll teach you something you don’t know about line, swing and salsa dancing – all for that same low price! J We teach the fancy moves you see on Dancing With The Stars (and more)!! Our lessons are free for active military. DANCE ALERT: Don’t miss our Valentine Sweetheart Special!! Free lessons (yup, you got it!) for couples this February & March. Just one catch – you must be new dancers (0 to 3 months of prior lessons). Not a couple? Gee, grab a friend! Too much experience or just dancing with yourself? Come anyway -- our lessons are still a steal and as cheap as $7 for 3 lessons in one evening! J

February 11, 2012: WCSA’s Valentine dance. Co-hosted by Fred Astaire Studios and Alaska Dance Promotions. Lessons: 2 levels of Night Club 2 Step @ 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dance 8:30-11:00 p.m. Lesson & Dance is $8 pp, Dance is $6 ($1 discount for WCSA members). Location: The Fred Astaire Studios, 1300 E. 68^th Ave. For more info: (http://www.wcsalaska.org). Future Dance Dates: March 17 and April 21, 2012!

Feb. 11, 2012 (Saturday): Free swing dance with D.J. Jeff @ Tap Root. 6-8 p.m. Tap Root is located at 3300 Spenard Road (in the old Fly By Night building).

Nellee says: “Keep these events in mind folks”:

Feb. 17, 2012 (Friday): Strictly Swing presents its monthly Swing Dance & Lesson at the Anchorage Senior Center, 1300 East 19th St. $7 BUCKS! Lesson 7-8, DJ’d Dance from 8 to 11 p.m. (Djs TBA) (Lesson – Beginning Swing with TBA) – Music for East & West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop and Swing related Dances. We’ll be dancing all year – once a month! The Senior Center provides free popcorn & coffee and sells bottled water and soft drinks! All ages are welcome; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Future dance dates: (Every 3^rd Friday)! For more info! (http://www.strictlyswingak.com)

February 24, 2012. 4^th Friday Social Dance & Lesson by Gene & Teresa at the Anchorage Senior Center, 1300 East 19th St. Only $7 for the lesson & dance. Lesson: TBA (7-8 p.m.); Dance is 8 to 11. The Senior Center provides free popcorn & coffee and sells bottled water and soft drinks! All ages are welcome; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Future dance: Every 4^th Friday. For more info: 350-1433 or 980-5080 or genedance@gmail.com, or tk_n_ak@yahoo.com J

March 24, 25, 2012: Latin Dance & Music Retreat. Salsa & Bachata Lessons, Concert Performance with Tito Puente Jr., Dance Contests and Dance Party @ Club Soraya. Full Pass: $110 per person, limited to 1^st 25 persons who sign up; also passes for lessons and day passes. For more info & purchase tickets: www.AlaskaDancePromotions.com or Call Michelle Holland @ 907.336.0333 or 907-529-2430 or info@AlaskaDancePromotions.com.

July 26-29, 2012: Alaska Salsa Festival at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage. This is the 3^rd Annual Festival and it will be great as usual! Workshops! Dance Contests! Professional Exhibition Dancing! Dances! For more info www.AlaskaDancePromotions.com or Call Michelle Holland @ 907.336.0333 or 907-529-2430 or info@AlaskaDancePromotions.com.

WEEKLY ANCHORAGE DANCING:

II. Lessons:

Mondays & Tuesdays: Beginning level lessons with Dave (8 types, "new" type each month) at the Golden Lion from 7 to 8:30 p.m. ($7). Lessons: Jan. Mon. Country 2 Step, Tues. East Coast Swing; Feb. Mon. West Coast Swing, Tues. Country 2 Step; March – Mon. Waltz, Tues. WCS (playing with the basics). The Golden Lion is located on the corner of 36^th Avenue and the New Seward Highway. The dance floor is on the 2d floor in the hotel’s bar. Then stay and dance to live music by Don Walker, 8:30 to 11 ish on Tuesdays.

Tuesdays:

Square & Round Dance Center Lessons: Lessons are from 7:00-8:30 p.m. No prior experience necessary. $8.00 pp. For more info: 344-9256. (www.thedancingbears.com) The Square & Round Dance Center is located at 432 East Harvard Avenue on Government Hill in Anchorage. Contact Jeanette for info: 272-2868. Lessons: Feb. Country 2 Step lessons downstairs (with Jerry Morrison). For more info: http://www.thedancingbears.com/db01-12.pdf

Swingset Houligans: Swing dance lessons and dance at Change Point Church (upstairs cafeteria), 6689 Changepoint Drive. Lesson (East Coast, Lindy, Charleston, West Coast Swing) 6:30 – 7:00 pm, Dance 7-8 p.m. Lesson and dance are free. For more info: email them at swingsethooligans@gmail.com

Wednesdays:

February 15 thru March 28, 2012: Lindy Swing Dance lessons by Nellee & Bobby from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Alaska Fitness Club Gym at 2700 A Street, Suite B (Mall at corner of N. Lights & A Street). Lindy Hop from beginning to beyond basics. Free lessons, if you are a member of the Club. Club memberships cost as little as $45 per month. Questions? Call Nellee at 907-223-0387. Dance Alert: These Lessons are progressive, so mark your calendar to learn Lindy Swing starting February 15.

Square Dance lessons: 2d thru 4^th Wednesdays of the Month (plus a dance on Saturdays). Lessons by Mike & Debbie Preskitt start at 7 p.m. Location: Anchorage Square & Round Dance Center, 432 Harvard St. on Government Hill. For more info: Contact: Debbie dmpreskitt@gci.net or 345-9556 or 907-350-0447.

Clogging Lessons: Free beginning lesson every Wednesday at The Moose Lodge, 4211 Arctic Blvd. 5:45-6:45 p.m. Public welcome. No partner required. Wear smooth sole comfortable shoes. For more info: Call Julie @ 743-6924. North by Northwest Cloggers.

Tango Lessons ($5) and Milonga ($5) at Club Soraya with Dan Bocchio & Hiroko Oliver- starting at 7 p.m. Club Soraya is located “on the corner” of 4^th & D in the Ship Creek Mall. The entrance to the club is through the Mall. For more info: http://tangotrance.blogspot.com/

Line dance lessons: Mad Myrna’s at 8 p.m. with DJ Deb. Small cover charge. 8 p.m. Dance alert: Mad Myrna’s is a family friendly gay bar (yes, Bobby & I can vouch for it – and the lessons are fun, Nellee).

Wednesdays & Thursdays: Charlotte & Frank give Line Dance lessons from 6 to 7 p.m. ($7) Ballroom Dance lessons from 7 to 8 p.m. ($7) - $10 if you take both lessons each night, and after Charlotte's lessons, Don Walker plays great dance music at the Golden Lion (no cover, and be sure to tip Don), located upstairs in the hotel’s bar (36^th & New Seward Highway). Lessons: TBA - Ballroom.

Don Walker plays (live dance music) at the Golden Lion at 8:30 p.m. - following Charlotte’s lesson – no cover (be sure to tip Don). (www.dwguitar.com)

Thursdays:

Nellee & Bobby’s Beginning & Beyond Swing n’ Salsa Lessons 6 to 9 p.m. at The Moose Lodge. Lindy Hop (Savoy style & smooth) and swing line Dance Lessons 6-7 p.m.; East Coast Swing: 7-8 p.m.; Salsa: 8 to 9 p.m. - $7 for the evening! We have the flashy moves to spark up your east coast swing, west coast swing, Lindy Hop & Salsa! Gee, you can even spark up your hip hop with some of them! If you’ve caught the Latin & Lindy Bugs – we’ve got the moves for you! (www.akswing.com) The Moose Lodge is located at 4211 Arctic Blvd (east side of the street just north of Tudor Road). No partner necessary. No prior experience necessary – we’ll teach you from scratch. Track 1: Beginning and beyond basics East Coast Swing, Track 2: Beginning & Beyond Smooth Lindy (West Coast Swing) & Lindy Hop (you choose). Lessons include techniques of lead and follow, basic moves, kicks, drops, lifts, flashy stuff, and lindy Charleston (side by side & tandem moves), whip and swing out variations and incorporating flashy lindy hop moves into West Coast Swing. Track 3: Beginning & Beyond Salsa. Lessons include salsa basics, techniques of lead & follow, and incorporating swing moves into your salsa! Swing Line Dance lessons teach you jazz steps and attitude to put in your swing & salsa dancing too! If you know the moves we’re teaching – we’ll teach you moves you don’t know! “Drop-Ins” are welcome! Teens and adults – you don’t need to be 21 to come. For more info: call Nellee @ 223-0381 or email @ ak_sound@hotmail.com. Lots of free parking, and all ages are welcome! Lessons are open to the public, and they are free for active military. DANCE ALERT: Don’t miss our Valentine Sweetheart Special!! Free lessons (yup, you got it!) for couples this February & March. Just one catch – you must be new dancers (0 to 3 months of prior lessons). Not a couple? Gee, grab a friend! Too much experience or just dancing with yourself? Come anyway -- our lessons are still a steal and as cheap as $7 for 3 lessons in one evening! J

Flight Deck: Beginning & Beyond "Swing" (Westcoast, Hustle, Salsa or Night Club 2 step) with Jim & Jennon, 7-8 p.m. ($7), Beyond Basics dance lessons 8-9 p.m. ($7) – OR stay & take both lessons for only $10! (http://www.akdance.com/index.htm). The Flight Deck is located on the south west corner of International and Arctic Blvd. Lessons: Feb.: Night Club 2 Step; March: Salsa; April WCS; May: Hustle. “Drop-Ins” are welcome!

Fridays:

Golden Lion: Beyond Basics WCS, Nite Club 2 step or Hustle lessons with Liv & Van. ($7, or $25 for a 4 lesson punch card), Beyond Basics/Intermediate Lessons from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Golden Lion is located at the corner of 36^th Avenue & the New Seward Highway. Lessons are located in the bar on the 2d floor. “Drop-Ins” are welcome! Lessons: Feb. WCS. “Drop-Ins” are welcome! For more info: (http://www.wcsalaska.org).

Golden Lion: Beginning Hustle or West Coast Swing lesson from 7:30 to 8:30 pm with Jim & Jennon or Liv & Van ($7) and dj music afterwards starting at 8 p.m. The Golden Lion is located at the corner of 36^th Avenue & the New Seward Highway. Lessons are in the hotel’s bar on the 2d floor. Lessons: Feb. Hustle March WCS; April Hustle; May WCS. For more info: (http://www.wcsalaska.org) “Drop-Ins” are welcome!

Don Walker plays at the Golden Lion at 8:30 p.m. - following the WCSA lesson – no cover (be sure to tip Don). (www.dwguitar.com)

The Anchorage Senior Center 1300 East 19th St. Friday Night Dances – every Friday: Dances begin at 8 p.m. Popcorn & coffee are included. All ages are welcome; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. February 24,2012 – Dance and lesson (Type WCS) by Gene & Theresa, 7-11 p.m., Music: 50% latin, 100% danceable, cover $7 (for lesson & dance); Feb. 17, 2012 – Strictly Swing D.J. Dance 8:30-11 p.m. (Lesson: Beginning Swing with TBA @ 7:30; Djs TBA, cover $7 for lesson & dance). .

Club Soraya has latin dance lessons at 9 p.m. ($5) and a dj’d latin dance starts at 10 p.m. ($8) – Special deal: Lesson & Dance is still $10 – Kagan gives the latin dance basics lessons on Fridays. The entrance to Club Soraya is under the sign @ 4^th & D Streets and then go in the Ship Creek Center Mall.

Contra Dances: Dancing Bears Friday contra dances. Different callers & bands each week. $8 members, $10 public, $2 students. 7:30-10:30 p.m. Stay tooned for dances that crop up between the scheduled ones! Location: Wendler Jr. High, Corner of Northern Lights & Lake Otis in Anchorage (unless otherwise indicated). For more info: 344-9256. (www.thedancingbears.org ) Dance Alert: Check the Bears’ calendar for info on their Friday Contra Dances. 2/ 10/12 Contra Dance: Wendler, Band is Muskeg Sally, Caller is Jim Haack.

Platinum Jaxx: Dance Fever Fridays. Dance to Dj Wise - music for a variety of dances. 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. No cover. Restaurant and Bar. 901 6^th Ave. (Corner of 6^th & I streets).

Saturdays:

Club Soraya has latin dance lessons at 9 p.m., and a dj’d latin dance starts at 10 p.m.; Dance & Lesson: $10, Dance only $8 – Chris & Michelle from Alaska Dance Promotions give latin dance lessons on Saturdays. (www.alaskadancepromotions.com). The entrance to Club Soraya is under the sign @ 4^th & D Streets and then go in the Ship Creek Center Mall. Dance Alert: There is a cover charge and you must be 21 and over.

Golden Lion: Swing Dance and Line Lessons with Charlotte and Frank on Saturdays, 7-8 p.m.($7), The Golden Lion is located on the corner of New Seward Highway and 36^th Ave. “Drop-Ins” are welcome! http://www.akdance.com/index.htm). Dance to live music by Don Walker starting @ 8:30 p.m. Dance Alert: Saturday evenings are Swing Dance Saturdays at the Golden Lion.

Carpenters’ Hall: 35 Plus Singles Club Dance and Lessons. Dance Lessons by Jerry Morrison from 7-8 p.m., Dance 8 p.m. to midnight. $18 pp includes, Lesson, Dance and food. 407 Denali Street. For more info: 952-0751. Dance Alert: Nellee says Jerry’s lessons are reason enough by themselves to go to this event.

And: Check out the “Future Events” section below – there are dances sponsored by different individual groups almost every Saturday.

Don Walker plays at the Golden Lion at 8:30 p.m. - no cover (be sure to tip Don). Saturday is Swing Dance night (but Don plays other types of music too). (www.dwguitar.com)

Sundays –

Rumboso Ballroom’s latin beyond basics lesson – salsa, meringue, cha cha or bachata - (8-9 p.m., $5) & dance to the music of DJ Angelito from 9- 12 p.m. (free) at Platinum Jaxx's. Be sure to buy drinks &/or food while you’re there – so they’ll keep the doors open for dancing! Dance alert: People 21 and under can dance until 11 p.m. Platinum Jaxx is located at the corner of 6^th & I Streets in downtown Anchorage. For more info: http://www.rumbosoballroom.com/index.html

Asia Gardens: Janice's Tango Lessons! Group Lessons every Sunday. Beginning & Beyond Salon Style Lessons, 4-4:50pm and 5-5:50pm; practice before & after the lessons. Learn at your own pace! No partner necessary. Students with prior experience will be taught more advanced patterns. Very Friendly People & Atmosphere---Location: Asia Gardens, 7828 Old Seward Highway (between 78^th & 79^th Ave.). Cost: $15 pp for lesson or $20 for both lessons. More info: 243-3840 or danceelegance@ak.net. Dance Alert: Be sure to take some Private Tango, Salsa & Romantic Night Club Slow dance lessons with Janice: Call and book private lessons that fit your schedule. $50 per lesson, single or couple. Call Janice at 243-3840 or danceelegance@ak.net. Dance Alert: Be sure to call Janice to reserve your spot at the Sunday Lessons!

Change Point Church: Dance Connect’s weekly Sunday Dance & Lessons are back! Lessons are from 7:30 to 8:30 & the free dance is from 8:30 to 10 p.m. The first series of lessons are 1/22/12 through 2/26/12 (6 weeks of swing dancing) – Beginning East Coast Swing with Sara. $5 per lesson or $20 for the series. Location: upstairs in the cafeteria at Change Point Church. Address: 6689 Change Point Drive, 99518. Dj’d dance music for swing, waltz, latin dancing.

Future Lesson and Non-club Dance events, workshops & holiday parties :

February 11, 2012: WCSA’s Valentine dance. Co-hosted by Fred Astaire Studios and Alaska Dance Group. Lessons: 2 levels of Night Club 2 Step @ 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dance 8:30-11:00 p.m. Lesson & Dance is $8 pp, Dance is $6 ($1 discount for WCSA members). Location: The Fred Astaire Studios, 1300 E. 68^th Ave. For more info: (http://www.wcsalaska.org). Future Dance Dates: March 17 and April 21, 2012!

Feb. 11, 2012 (Saturday): Free swing dance with D.J. Jeff @ Tap Root. 6-8 p.m. Tap Root is located at 3300 Spenard Road (in the old Fly By Night building).

February 24, 2012. 4^th Friday Social Dance & Lesson by Gene & Theresa at the Anchorage Senior Center, 1300 East 19th St. Only $7 for the lesson & dance. Lesson: TBA (7-8 p.m.); Dance is 8 to 11. The Senior Center provides free popcorn & coffee and sells bottled water and soft drinks! All ages are welcome; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Future dance: Every 4^th Friday. For more info: 350-1433 or 980-5080 or genedance@gmail.com, or tk_n_ak@yahoo.com J

March 3, 2012 (Saturday): Paul’s monthly Mostly Waltz Dance at Fred Astaire Studios. 1300 E. 68^th Ave. Free yummy snacks & Water. Dance is from 8 to 11 p.m. - $5 cover. Dj music for swing, latin, ballroom – and Waltz! J

March 10, 2012 (Saturday): Back to Basic’s monthly dance party! Location: The American Legion Hall, 840 Fireweed Lane. Time: Lesson – 7to 8 p.m.; Dance – 8 to 11 p.m. Cost: $7 (free for American Legion members), the American Legion Auxillary will have yummy snacks for sale. Music for foxtrot, waltz, swing, tango and other ballroom dances. Hosted by Patrick & Roxanne. Future dances: Every second Saturday. Dance Alert: No February Dance b/c of a Legion Fur Rondevous event.

March 10, 2012 (Saturday): Fred Astaire’s monthly dance party! Valentine’s Dance co-hosted with WCS and Alaska Dance Promotions. Location: The Fred Astaire Studios, 1300 E. 68^th Ave. Time: 8-11 p.m. Cost: $7 ($5 Fred Astaire students), includes snacks & H20. Music for foxtrot, waltz, swing, tango and other ballroom dances. Hosted by Daniel & Emory. Future dances: stay tooned.

March 30 – April 1, 2012: Swing Into Swing Dance Camp. Lindy Hop, Balboa and Blues Dancing. For more info contact Rick Ruiz at ruizr_3@yahoo.com

Stay tooned for : Alaska Dance Group’s next dance workshop & Dance – Lessons by TBA. Location: Roger’s Lake Hood Hangar (3850 Aircraft Dr. N. at Helio Place in Anchorage). Dance Alert: stay tooned for more info. Or http://www.akdance.com and http://www.musicanddance.com/mad/staff.html.

Stay tooned for info on West Coast Swing Alaska’s next dance workshop and Dance – Coming soon in Fall 2012 –. Stay tooned our “Front Page” ad (www.akswing.com) for all the details of the individual lessons, times, location (Fred Astaire Studios 1300 E. 68^th Ave.), costs and package deals! Lessons are TBA. For more information: (http://www.wcsalaska.org). and www.akswing.com (look for the schedule & cost in the “Front page” ad). Future WCSA Workshops: stay tooned!

IV. Club Events (Dancing & Music)

A. Latin Dance Music – Live & Dj’d:

Club Soraya in the Ship Creek Mall, located at the west end of the mall, at the corner of 4^th & D Streets – Go thru the Mall to get to the dance floor & bar (and pool tables). Club Soraya has the biggest club dance floor in Anchorage – it’s wood and crafted to be supportive, yet springy. Dance Alert: The club’s entrance is under the sign @ 4^th & D and thru the Mall.

Thursday at Club Soraya: Reggae! 8 p.m. til ??? $3 cover, drink specials, free foo, prizes. DJ dance by DJ BYRDMAN DADDY 12000 & DJ Nutman. Host: THA MAK. Essential Reggae, Reggaeton, Island Reggae music.

Friday at Club Soraya: Dj latin dance after the basic latin dance lesson. Dance starts at 10 p.m. and is $8 (come for the lesson & dance & the price is $10 pp). Hector and his band, El Combo Tropical sometime play latin dance music on Fridays too!

Saturday at Club Soraya: Dj latin dance music starting @ about 9 p.m. Club Soraya has the biggest wooden dance floor in Anchorage! It’s the place to go for latin dancing (Salsa, Merengue, Bachata & more).

Sunday: Club Soraya's latin dance with Dj Majic – Family music and activities: 3 to 10 p.m. then dance the night away to Dj latin dance music until - 2:30 a.m.

Platinum Jaxx Restaurant, located at the corner of I street & 6^th Avenue. Sundays, Latin dj dance 9- 11 p.m. (free after Ritmovida’s latin dance lesson). FYI: The club’s dance floor is a raised concrete floor surrounded by a cozy concrete enclosure. Dancers under 21 are welcome until 10 p.m. For more info: www.Ritmovida.com

B. Country, Swing & Blues:

Office Cocktail Lounge: The Office Cocktail Lounge is located at 545 E. Northern Lights Blvd. (N. Lights & Fairbanks). Featuring music by local musicians. For more info call: 274-4042

The Peanut Farm Restaurant, in the Sports Bar area, clears the tables from their dance floor and has live music for dancing - rock & blues (groups like Soulman Sam and Silver Train)- music starts at 10 p.m. (no cover). They play great music to dance to – just tell the waitpersons you want to dance & they’ll move the tables off the floor. The floor is a little small, but great to dance on. Stay tooned for Schedule: Usually there is no cover.

The Golden Lion upstairs in the hotel’s bar and restaurant area – has a large wooden dance floor. Live music by Don Walker on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays after the dance lessons & Saturdays: 8:30 – 11:30 p.m. Great music for east & west coast swing, cha cha, country 2 step, waltz and other types of dancing! [Don’t miss Wednesday & Saturday for “swing dance” nights]. Don has added a bunch of new tunes to his repetoire – so come on down. For Don’s schedule: (http://home.gci.net/%7Edwguitar/). No cover charge, but be sure to tip Don.

Eddies’ Sports Bar: Thursdays thru Saturdays, Eddie's Sports Bar has live dance music in the club’s cozy basement bar. Past & current performers: Brook Faulk, Don Walker, Ken Peletier (Ken is now the “house band”), Mike Olson. You know you’ll have a good time!. Usually no cover charge. 6300 Old Seward Highway (563-3970).

The Carousel Lounge on Spenard Road: Fridays & Saturdays, dance to performers like the Mike Olsen Band. Wood dance floor (larger than some, smaller than Club Soraya). FYI: Ladies, bring a friend to dance with you. J Usually no cover charge.

The Flight Deck, located on International Airport Road near Arctic Blvd. Live & Dj music for dancing on Wednesday thru Saturday nights. Good-sized dance floor, $3 soft drinks (the club has a full bar, but Bobby & I just drink cokes...). No cover charge.

Chilkoot Charlies’ on Spenard Road (near Fireweed Blvd.). Live & Dj music for dancing and listening. Cover varies. Weekly Programs: Sun. Alcatraz Blues Jam 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. (south), Dj James 10 p.m. (north); Monday Dj James; Sun. thru Tues. Rockband/Karaoke @ 10 p.m. (south); Wed. Ladies in free; Wed- Sat. Budweiser Big Show; Special Events: too! For more info:http://www.koots.com

Blues Central, located at 825 West Northern Lights Blvd, has music to groove to almost every night of the week. It also has the legendary Chef’s Inn restaurant. The wood dance floor is postage size, but occasionally the crowd will part and you’ll get to dance to some great music. For info on the current live music: 907-272-1341; bluescentral@msn.com . Cover charge varies.

The Last Frontier Club on Muldoon Road: Wednesdays, live music to different bands each week. Nellee & Bobby have seen Full Tilt (great blues/rock dance band), and lots of new bands advertised. We’ve heard this is a great place to dance – the Dj will play any type of dance music you ask for and they have live bands too. Thanks for the report Dong! J Dance Alert! Last Frontier has dance music every night of the week!

Rum Runners: located at 4^th & A Streets in beautiful downtown Anchorage, has live music on Sundays thru Wednesdays and Djs for the rest of the week. Live music by bands like Silver Train & musicians like Melissa Bledsoe (also of the Aquanets) – great music for swing dancing. Rum Runners is under new management. I haven’t tried them out for awhile, but they did have a fair sized dance area under one of the old managements. They sell food too! Live music Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Dj music (mostly hip hop – which can be great for hustle) on Wedsdays thru Fridays. Salsa, once a month – usually the 2d Thursday of the month.

Taproot: located at 3300 Spenard Road, has live music almost every night of the week – and a dance floor too! Sundays: Blues Jam 8 p.m. – 1 a.m.; Mondays: Jazz after Dark 9p.m.-1 a.m.; Tuesdays: Open Mic 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.; Weds: Country/Bluegrass Hoedown; Thurs - Sat: New Music Shows weekly (cover varies). Cover: Sunday – Wed: free; Thurs – Sat: varies. For more info: http://www.taprootalaska.com Come & dance to live music!

The Whaler on Muldoon Road: Fridays & Saturdays, live music – they have a great wooden dance floor if they haven’t covered it up. By the way – no cover! Stop in and check them out – Loud, energetic & fun! Small dance floor (“cosy”) in front of the band. Reviewed by Nellee.

COOL STUFF! COOL STUFF!

February 1, 2012:

Check out this senorita’s dance frame, ladies – she keeps it and woof how she can dance! (Yup, woof!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPA0-OGyJW8&feature=related

Gracias, Tony!

January 5, 2012:

Ok, here’s some self promotion: Roxanne choreographed a Christmas Lindy Hop routine for an Eskimo Christmas party. See Patrick, Roxanne, Nellee, Brian, Bethan and Michael dance to Michael Bubble’s version of “Jingle Bells!”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBOZk0i_zQk

And here’s a great reason to learn to follow (it gets funnier & funnier, so hold on to your (um..) hat:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juFhqO9A69E

December 1, 2011:

A boogie woogie routine at the European Swing Dance Competition:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Bw4JlzcSKA&feature=related

November 2011:

Ben & Debbie, ride ‘em cowboy lindy routine:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlLJBmtsYqU&feature=related

September & October, 2011:

The best lindy hop routine ever: Natalie Gomez & Yuval Hod. Nellee says: “No one has had a more exciting routine at camp Hollywood!”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mVFlVMIoe4

August 4, 2011: Lindy Swing @ Swing Brother Swing in Bologna, Italy 2011

Lindy around the world…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdClJO2X4tI

July 1, 2011:They call it “Swing Latino” – but it’s a Hungarian couple dancing west coast swing to slow rockabilly and hiphop tunes. Kind of weird, but it works.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXpyDPUeWlw

June 9, 2011:

See Patrick Swayze & Jennifer Gray latin dancing from the Finale in “Dirty Dancing” – would they win Dancing With The Stars?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpmILPAcRQo

May 1, 2011:

See Frankie Manning Shim Shaming in Australia in 2007! Nellee says “This is a really good video of how he used to call and dance the Shim Sham! J

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQYt_6IY9tg

March 3, 2011:

Lindy contest: It takes awhile to start, but it’s worth the wait (but hey – they stole our name…)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcMUtyyi5o4

February 2, 2011:

The “TANGO SWING” is sabroso. Check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPNUcw3eufY

January 1, 2011:

Ryan & Jenny – Lindy Hoppin’ at the Groovy Movie Anniversary Party 2010:

Check out how the English lindy hop!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3FWQXrAOts

December 2, 2010:

See why Bobby calls Salsa "Latin Swing!"

Columbian swing dancers in London:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eQAWysFY_w

November 1, 2010:

Doug Silton’s Westcoast Swing Pod cast – check out some of the music they play @ Lindy Groove in California!

http://whereswestie.podbean.com/

October 1, 2010:

The best spot for finding the best vintage lindy hop movies ever!

Evolution of Lindy Hop = AWESOME!"
http://one2swing.com/archive/2010_08_31_dailyone2swing.php

September 1, 2010: See Fred Astaire & Sid Cherise dance to Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” – the dancing that inspired Michael’s music video – danced to Michael’s music, instead of the original music from the film Band Wagon.” See Fred do the “moon walk!” Thanks, Patrick & Roxanne!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gB0UNey-Uk

August 1, 2010: Swing Guys (from Italy) – 2 of them won Camp Hollywood with this act in 2007!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDWxqXlEPqU&NR=1

July 1, 2010: Marcus & Barbel & Balswing!

(You can get this good too - Ya gotta start somewhere, so come to the Anchorage Joel Plys Workshop 8/19/10)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JARbUltZqno

June 3, 2010: Colombian Salsa Swing!

(This one is a guy thing, except when they throw in a few swing aerials for the girls...)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvbN4oSOOc0

May 5, 2010: Latin Lindy Hop!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXRgqfpcf84

April 14, 2010:

This was filmed in St. Louis @ The West County Swing Dance Club. Pretty neat 4 minutes.

Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEli2rrrJwI

March 3, 2010:

Watch Me Now Line Dance (we teach this one on Thursdays @ 6 p.m. @ the Moose Lodge in Anchorage)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aek_T86-6Po

February 3, 2010:

A collection of Salsa dance videos (including salsa style hip hop) – We teach Salsa @ the Moose Lodge on Thursdays (4211 Arctic Blvd, Anchorage):

http://www.tube4salsa.com/net/

January 13, 2010:

Dancing from the Movie “Swing Fever” (1944) & some great (“live”) music! (We teach ECS & Lindy @ the Moose Lodge on Thursdays @ 7 p.m. (4211 Arctic Blvd., Anchorage).

(This is the classic Jean Veloz dancing scene – see the transition from Lindy Hop to WCS!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crmyOtMpFQE

December 16, 2009:

Nordic Champions, Cuban Salsa 2009: Hey, like Bobby says, it’s just latin swing dancing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BOBjAuRqdk

And Cuban Salsa from “So you think you can dance?”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyuXcyucytA&feature=fvw

December 2, 2009:

Lindy Hoppers rocked this year’s US Open!

You can view the Lindy Hoppers first place clips here!

Shesha and Sarah Strictly Lindy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b58CzZo0CY4

David and Kim Sophisticated Swing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yb23SVUhIUc

One2Swing's The California Rolls (group dancing)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLmDg9QsvQ8

November 27, 2009:

Hustle you won’t believe, by Jamison Kilburn!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISIlxL_3hV8

And a non-dancing funny: Draw a pig & find out who you really are:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISIlxL_3hV8

November 18, 2009:

Fancy Salsa dancing (I can see why she needs heels) - dressed up with swing moves!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPtPag7U_dY

November 11, 2009:

Ode to Forgetfulness - Sound Familiar???

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=7lSliucgygc

November 17, 2009:

Fancy Salsa dancing (I can see why she needs heels) - dressed up with swing moves!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPtPag7U_dY

November 10, 2009:

Not about dancing, or is it?

Ode to Forgetfulness - Sound Familiar???

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=7lSliucgygc

November 3:

Check out Melissa Rutz and Jordan Frisbee dancing WCS.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHk6zqtycr8

October 7, 2009:

Check out Mike Eads and his cw dance partner Annick.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqnMwXnrnlU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqnMwXnrnlU

October 7, 2009:

Doug Silton & Ben Morris’ new west coast performance!

The Super Jews of Swing brought you Blyers of Glory,

& Now bring you... Jewlander!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqKd-dTSNrY

Sept. 29, 2009:

2009 “Pro” Lindy competition:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKeKF-jcYMk

Sept. 23, 2009:

OK here’s a non-swing website – sometimes I digress...

http://peopleofwalmart.com/

Sept. 16, 2009:

Couldn’t go to Camp Hollywood 2009?

Here are some winning team competition videos:

Love Me or Leave Me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOmbDmadFQ0

All the Cats Join in/Traffic Jam: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtZTWrL9_0E

Sept. 8, 2009:

It don’t mean a thing if you ain’t got that swing – whether it’s country 2 step or east coast swing!

Here’s Robert Royston country 2-stepin’ & swingin’ away (2005 Swing Diego):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2JyzpXSk4E

Lindy Show Down (2006) – can you dance this fast & this good? America Has Talent eat your heart out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAAAV7BB1HU

Oh boy! Here is some really cool stuff!

Here’s some lindy hop videos – 1 funny one (but some advanced moves) and two winning numbers from Camp Hollywood 2009 (team lindy):

Here’s some good reasons for guys to learn to dance:

http://www.dancedancedance.com/whtwomen.htm

Here's a great website for lindy info. It's kind of an archive, but the info is right on.

http://www.just-the-swing.com/his/swing-history/swing-revival

Here's a great interview with Jean Veloz - the girl in Groovy Movie & a bunch of other west coast swing start up. She goes through how swing evolved from Frankie Manning in Harlem showing Dean Collins how to swing to the present:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJNo_K5kWoc

Thanks, Rusty!

Did you miss Camp Jitterbug? Well here’s the Camp Jitterbug 2009 Lindy Jack & Jill finals:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UwF593fNgc&NR=1

Here's a rather startling one! The Ross sisters sing a swing song about potato salad (hoy, hoy Millie) while they bend over backwards so far they literally more than double over! I think they are made out of some combination of jelly and slinkies. Any way you definitely don't want to miss them (well, ok you kind of did - they performed this in 1944):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mVpGmoES3w

Thanks, Karen!

In honor of Frankie Manning “The Ambassador of Swing” – he’s now dancing with the stars in heaven:

To enjoy his life and his dancing, click on these links for wonderful clips:

A Day At The Races (his choreography)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzpVeJodMSo
Hellzapoppin (he's in the overalls)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTg5V2oA_hY
A nice story about him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e00F7OimG6U
Frankie and the Big Apple

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY5rdZdZ_b4

Here's one you definitely don't want to miss: Stand By Me - performed sequentially and at the same time by blues singers all over the world -

http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2539741 .

Thanks, Mary!

Thinking about attending the Myles & Tessa Lindy & Westcoast swing workshop May 2-3, 2009?

Well, take a peek at this video – see ‘em dance the dances!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GkyZ3uKW_8&feature=related

"Taxes and Swing Dancing" are really one and the same! Check it out:

http://one2swing.com/archive/2004_04_15_dailyone2swing.php

Thanks, Ben!

Want to learn how to swing dance? Here's the how to instructions from "Groovy Movie" circa 1944:

http://video.google.com/videosearch?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=s&hl=en&q=lindy+hop+movies&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=On_mSYXbOJGatAP33YHjAQ&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&resnum=4&ct=title#

And here's a link to the trailer Swing "The Movie" with folks you never figured were swing dancers:

Wondering what Lindy dancing looked like way back when?

Check out this video – and get the low down from the Man himself, Frankie Manning:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pMDf4ciCRs

And, this is just too cool:

Robert Royston has a SWING dance movie coming out in May 2009! Lindy Hop AND west coast swing:

http://www.lovendancing.com/

(Thanks, Doug)

Here's another cool website - it's SWING DANCE T.V. - watch LIVE swing dance competitions & see interviews and lessons:

http://www.globaldance.tv

(Thanks, Tony!)

And don't forget there's dancing on regular t.v. too:

Check out SwingDanceStuff.com for Free Digital Downloads from the Boston Tea Party 2009 and the workshop reviews from our free workshop on March 21st (with Doug Silton, Ben Morris, and Melina). Even if you couldn't go - now you can learn what everyone else did in California & Boston. No charge! (If the link doesn't work then copy it to your browser: http://www.swingdancestuff.com. Doug has a lot of good info for Lindy, ECS, WCS & salsa on his website!

Thanks, Doug!

Remember to support the clubs, social dances & dance lessons – so they won’t disappear and leave us dancing in our kitchens!

QUESTIONS? CALL NELLEE AT 223-0387 OR JUST CHECK OUT THE MAIN PAGE ON MY WEBSITE FOR

MORE INFO (www.akswing.com). Want to be on my swingmail list? Email me at admin@akswing.com.