Tag: Blues Dancing

March 2019 Reno Swing and Blues News

Posted by Clayton On March 13, 2019

1. Swing Dancing @ Plaza Maya on 1st Tuesdays – 1642 S Wells in Reno at 7 PM

We’d love to see you at our new monthly dance venue… We’ll be dancing at Plaza Maya tonight. Lesson at 7 PM, dancing from 8-10 PM. All ages, no cover charge. Just bring a few bucks to support Plaza Maya, who is extending happy hour specials to us for the event (which includes $1 street tacos, 2-for-1 margaritas and bottled beer, and more). Their full restaurant menu is also available.

Facebook event with details is HERE

Plaza Maya is at 1642 S. Wells Ave. in Reno (right on the first roundabout). Here is a MAP. There is very limited on-site parking, but lots of street parking in the area.

2. Charleston Classes start Wednesday, March 6th at 7 PM.

“Charleston” – 4 Week Series Class – Come dance Charleston with us! Charleston was the pre-cursor to swing dancing, but was also integrated into swing dancing. This is a 4 week series DISCOUNTED $35 passes are available online HERE.

Pre-requisite: At least 6-8 weeks of Jitterbug class (or equivalent experience). No previous Lindy Hop or Charleston experience required.

It’s a 4-week series that starts March 6th. Come a few minutes early to get signed up, or use the link above to reserve your spot online (with a discount).AND OF COURSE… we also are continuing the weekly Jitterbug class, plus social swing dancing afterwards (from 8ish PM to 9:30 PM), and social blues dancing from 9:30 on.

3. Little City Blues – Thursday, March 21st @ Plaza Maya starting at 7 PM

Blues dancing is BACK! Little City Blues- Blues dancing and lesson

Join us at Plaza Maya (1640 S Wells in Reno) on Thursday, March 21st. Lesson starts at 7 PM with dancing following from 8-10 PM. This dance has no cover charge, but donations will be accepted… and we would love for you to support our venue by purchasing some food or drink. IN FACT, They are extending Happy Hour specials to us throughout the event (including $1 Tacos!).

Here is the event LINK if you want to RSVP or help spread the word!

And check out the specials!!

4. GET FUN RENOSWINGS! T-SHIRTS
If you want a Reno Swings T-Shirt or hoodie, you can order in your preferred size and color HERE. They are also available in long sleeve and hoodie options.

Thanks so much! We’ll see you on the dance floor!

Cheers-

Clay and Cullen
info@renoswings.com
707-843-0895 cell

May 2018 Swing & Blues Dance Update for Reno

Posted by Clayton On May 2, 2018

CONTENTS
1. Wednesday Swing Dancing Class Schedule – 7 PM (Charleston Series Starts This Week!)
2. Shim Sham Shimmy! Class on Wednesday, May 30th (One Night Only!)
3. Reno Barefoot Blues – Thursdays at 8:30 PM @ Midtown Community Yoga
4. Loyalty Program – EARN FREE NIGHTS OF DANCING
5. Get your T-Shirts!

1. RENO SWINGS! ON WEDNESDAYS
Here is our schedule for May 2018:

6 PM Intermediate Practice – We open the hall up a little early for intermediate guided practice. It is designed for experienced dancers to come work on your dancing (dancers who already have taken several months of Lindy Hop). We will focus on different topics, and encourage you to bring questions or things you want to work on. There is no cost for this practice time if you are taking either the Jitterbug or Lindy Hop class.

7 PM Jitterbug Class – Open to everyone… no partner or experience necessary. We’ll breeze through the basics and get you up and running quickly… then we’ll take you through 3-5 different moves each week. This class is drop-in. $10/General and $7/Students each week (includes social dancing which follows). NEW – you can buy a discounted 4 week pass online HERE.

7 PM CHARLESTON Class – We will be teaching a 4 week Charleston class this month, starting TOMORROW! Charleston was the pre-cursor to Lindy Hop, but continued to be danced through the swing era. PREREQUISITE: There is no pre-requisite for this class, but we do ask that you commit to the month so that we can have continuity within the class. $40 for the month, $25 for students – DROP-IN’s only allowed the first week of class. You can sign up online HERE before class starts tomorrow for a $5 discount off the month). Includes social dancing afterwards.

What is Charleston? There are several different styles. Here is a little clip from a 1920’s style Charleston class we did a few years ago: ’20’s Charleston Class Review

8 PM Social Dancing – we’ll spin the tunes for dancing and practicing what you learned in class. If you can, stay and play with us!

Reno Swings! is held at the American Legion Hall at 877 Ralston St. in Reno. Map here

We accept cash, check, bitcoin (or ETH or LTC) and credit cards at the door. You can also buy class passes online (see links above). We recommend wearing comfortable clothes and shoes, and we don’t recommend big heels. You are free to bring a water bottle, or we have water for sale for $1.

RSVP and share the FACEBOOK EVENT

2. SHIM SHAM SHIMMY
Pretty much every week at our Wednesday RenoSwings! dance, the dancers dance the Shim Sham Shimmy (sometimes just called the Shim Sham), a swing-era jazz line dance. You can see it HERE

As our series class is a 4-week series, and this month has 5 Wednesdays, we will be holding a special Shim Sham Class on Wednesday, May 30th.

This class will be at 7 PM, and is open to all dancers of all levels. Cost is the same as normal – $10 per person/$7 Students.

Hope to see you there!

3. RENO BAREFOOT BLUES – THURSDAYS
We blues dance every Thursday at Midtown Community Yoga (600 S Virginia St. in Reno… entry on the side street Moran). Drop-in lesson at 8:30, dancing from about 9:15 to 11 PM. $5 for the whole night… and the floors are super nice, so we dance without shoes (barefoot or in your fancy socks). Would love to see you… super chill environment, and fun dancing.

What is blues dancing? Blues is a simple yet creative partner dance. Here in Reno, we dance a form that is informed by the historic forms of blues dancing, but not limited to them. We also dance “fusion”, a mixture of blues with other dance elements.

HERE is a video made by a former Reno dancer, Joe Gray, of Fusion Dance Life that captures the feeling of Fusion dancing.

RSVP and SHARE the FACEBOOK EVENT

4. LOYALTY PROGRAM
Our Loyalty Program is rocking and rolling…. As a thank you to those who attend on a regular basis, this program will reward you with free nights of dancing! Here is how it works – pretty simple:
A. When you come dancing, we’ll ask you if you want to be in the loyalty program.
B. All you need to do is enter your cell phone number each dance night when you check in, which will automatically earn you a star.
C. Collect 5 Stars and you get in a free night of dancing! No punch cards, keeping track… we track it all and will let you know when you’ve got a free night to use.
D. BONUS FEATURE – this loyalty program works for BOTH RenoSwings! on Wednesday nights AND Reno Barefoot Blues on Thursday nights. Redeem your free night of dancing at either venue, and receive a star for attending either dance.

5. GET FUN RENOSWINGS! T-SHIRTS
We just rolled out our next RenoSwings! T-Shirt design. We’ll be sporting them at our events this week. If you’d like to get one, you can order in your preferred size and color HERE. They are also available in long sleeve and hoodie options.

Reno Swing and Blues Dancing Update March 2018

Posted by Clayton On March 6, 2018

Lots going on this month! Reno Lindy Hop is growing like crazy, and blues dancing is back. We hope to see you out dancing with us…

CONTENTS
1. Wednesday Swing Dancing Class Schedule – 7 PM
2. New Loyalty Program – EARN FREE NIGHTS OF DANCING
3. Reno Barefoot Blues – Thursdays at 8:30 PM @ Midtown Community Yoga
4. Shows, plus Workshop Special Deal

1. RENO SWINGS! ON WEDNESDAYS
Here is our schedule for March, starting TOMORROW:

7 PM Lindy Hop Class – THIS WEDNESDAY is the first week of a 4-week progressive Lindy Hop class (building from week to week). This month we’ll be focusing on swing outs. PREREQUISITE: We ask that you have a couple months (at least 6-8 weeks) of jitterbug under your belt before tackling Lindy Hop. We also ask that you commit to the month so that we can have continuity within the class. $40 for the month, $25 for students. You can sign up online HERE before class starts tomorrow for a $5 discount off the month). Includes social dancing afterwards.

What is Lindy Hop, you ask? Here is a short video explanation: What is Lindy Hop?

8 PM Social Dancing – we’ll spin the tunes for dancing and practicing what you learned in class. If you can, stay and play with us!

6 PM – We will open the hall up a little early for intermediate guided practice. It is designed for experienced dancers to come work on your dancing. We will focus on different topics, and encourage you to bring questions or things you want to work on. There is no cost for this practice time if you are taking either the Jitterbug or Lindy Hop class.

Reno Swings! is held at the American Legion Hall at 877 Ralston St. in Reno. Map here

We accept cash, check, bitcoin (or ETH or LTC) and credit cards at the door. We recommend wearing comfortable clothes and shoes, and we don’t recommend big heels. You are free to bring a water bottle, or we have water for sale for $1.

RSVP and share the FACEBOOK EVENT

2. NEW LOYALTY PROGRAM
We are excited to announce our new Reno Swings! loyalty program. As a thank you to those who attend on a regular basis, this program will reward you with free nights of dancing! Here is how it works – pretty simple:
A. When you come dancing, we’ll ask you if you want to be in the loyalty program.
B. All you need to do is enter your cell phone number each dance night when you check in, which will automatically earn you a star.
C. Collect 5 Stars and you get in a free night of dancing! No punch cards, keeping track… we track it all and will let you know when you’ve got a free night to use.
D. BONUS FEATURE – this loyalty program works for BOTH RenoSwings! on Wednesday nights AND Reno Barefoot Blues on Thursday nights. Redeem your free night of dancing at either venue, and receive a star for attending either dance.

RSVP and SHARE the FACEBOOK EVENT

4. SHOWS + WORKSHOP SPECIAL DEAL
There are several shows coming up with danceable bands. Thought we would share some of that info, in case you want to come dance:
– MARCH 8th (Thursday) – Squirrel Nut Zippers @ The Saint in Reno – this show is sold out, but they said they would have a few tickets available at the door when they open at 7 PM. I think they were about $34 presale including fees. This is a 21+ Venue – details: LINK
– MARCH 16th (Friday)- The Ponderosa Playboys @The Red Dog – this little trio played at The Loving Cup a couple months ago, and it was delicious! They are the opening band on March 16th at the Red Dog Saloon in Virginia City, which does have a little dance floor space. All ages venue… still working on start time and cover charge (if any). Keep an eye on our Facebook page.
– MAY 12th (Saturday) Beats Antique @ Cargo in Reno – These guys are amazing for blues/fusion dancing. Tickets aren’t cheap, but should be a killer show. Info: LINK

Sacramento Lindy Hop Workshop Special Deal
On March 24th, a great pair of teachers from Arizona, Dabney and Karen Hopkins are coming up from Arizona to teach a Lindy Hop Workshop. One of our swing dancers, Alison, has worked out a special deal with the organizers for a reduced price of $40 (normally $50) per person for Reno-area dancers, as well as help finding a place to crash if needed. For the special deal, you’ll need to message Alison or the Wolf Pack Swing Dance Club as they are still working out final details. There may be carpools going over the night before (Friday) to dance at Midtown Stomp.

BONUS….
WORLD DOMINATION PLAN STEP 1 – SOCIAL MEDIA BLITZ
We have a dream to see vintage partner dancing absolutely take over Reno and Northern Nevada. We really feel like Reno Lindy Hop and Reno blues dancing could be something really special. It’s growing, but we’d like to supercharge that growth. So we have an idea – will you help us?

For the next 4 weeks, we want to blitz Facebook and other social channels with our events. If you’ve got a Facebook account, we’re asking you to RSVP to our events… as well as like, comment and particularly share them. If our dances show up over and over, we believe that it will build positive momentum and grow our numbers quickly.

Facebook, like it or not, is like high school. The popular kids get all the attention, so the more you interact with us, the more people will see out stuff!

So if you can, please take a moment to interact and share our events. Let’s see if we can make them show up everywhere and get a bunch of new people to join us.

Swing Dance Event LINK HERE

Blues Dance Event LINK HERE

Thanks so much! We’ll see you on the dance floor!

Cheers-
The RenoSwings! Crew

Blues Dancing Venue Change Tonight (Nov. 9th) – Midtown Community Yoga

Posted by Clayton On November 9, 2017

Throw Back Thursday – Blues Tonight at Midtown Community Yoga

Thursday, November 9th, 2017

Hey all-

Sorry for the late notice. A scheduling conflict at our normal venue has us dancing at Midtown Community Yoga tonight! Their cork wood floors are pristine, so we’ll be dancing without shoes… barefoot or socks.

Bring your friends… just $5 for the night.

CAN YOU HELP US SPREAD THE WORD? Here is a link to the Facebook event – will you take a moment to RSVP and share it on your page?

https://www.facebook.com/events/129785674452454/

I’m bringing the mood lighting, and the sound system! We’re going to rock this place!!! Would be amazing to pack the joint.

SCHEDULE

7:45 PM We’ll open the place up for intermediate warm up/practice

8:30 PM – “0-60” Blues Lesson – This week’s focus is Musicality (this is one of my favorite lessons!)

9ish PM – Open dancing until 11 PM

LOCATION

Midtown Community Yoga – 600 S Virginia St. (entrance on Moran) MAP

And as a reminder – there will be no Blues Dancing on Thanksgiving.

Cheers-

Clay
renoswings.com

November 2017 Reno Swing Dancing

Posted by Clayton On November 6, 2017

Come Dance With Us!

CONTENTS
1. COLLEGIATE SHAG on Wednesdays at 6 PM – POSTPONED
2. Blues News – 0-60 Blues Class at 8:30 PM, Int. Practice at 7:45 PM
3. Holiday Schedule – Thanksgiving
4. Live blues music for dancing Wednesdays
5. We’ve got T-Shirts!

1. Wednesday Night Swing – Come Shag With Us! (G-Rated – we promise!)

UPDATE: We have postponed our shag class. We will instead be focusing on a different concept/technique each week (except the day before Thanksgiving). You are welcome to drop in to join us if you have basic Lindy Hop experience. Just $10 per night and $7 for students. Includes the jitterbug class and dancing.

Here is a little clip of us doing some shag:

Collegiate Shag Video

And, of course, we will have a Drop-In Jitterbug Lesson (40’s style street swing) each week at 7 PM, followed by social dancing starting around 8 PM. $10 for the Jitterbug and dancing ($7/students), Super fun and easy to pick up… no partner or experience necessary.

Reno Swings! Wednesday dance is held at the American Legion Hall at the corner of Ralston and 9th St. in Reno.

Please take a moment to RSVP on our Facebook event, and share it or tag anyone you think may be interested.

FACEBOOK EVENT

2. Thursday Blues Dancing at The American Legion Hall – 8:30 PM Lesson (with Intermediate warm up at 7:45 PM)

Join us for a killer night of dancing. No experience needed… dance the blues in socks or shoes.Location: American Legion Hall – Post 1 “The Darrell Dunkle:

Address: 877 Ralston St. Reno, NV (Corner of Ralston and 9th) MAP LINK

FORMAT:

7:45 PM – Intermediate Warm Up – If you are an experienced blues dancer, come a little early and use this semi-structured time to work on your dancing. We’ll have the hall open and will guide learning and practice, focusing on some more involved concepts (No additional cost for those who stay for the 0-60 class. Pre-req: at least 2 months of blues dancing experience).

8:30 PM – 0-60 Blues Basics Class – This fast-paced half hour class will give you a basic foundation in blues dancing and will get you up and running in no time! COST: $5 (includes social dancing) No pre-requisites.

9:00 PM Social Blues/Fusion Dancing – Practice the things you learned in class, or just come boogie with us! Social dancing/practica will run until 11 PM. COST: $5 (included if you take the class).

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD! Here is the event LINK – take a moment to SHARE it…

What else do you need to know? This new all-ages venue has a great wood dance floor which lends itself to dancing in shoes (we recommend flats or very small heels with some slip to the sole) or in socks… both are welcome. It has several swamp coolers to help keep it cool in the summer. We will be using our killer 2000W sound system so you can FEEL the music. We will have bottled water for sale for $1, but you are welcome to bring your own. There is plenty of street parking in the neighborhood. If you want to grab something to eat just before or after this event, the Pub N Sub is one block up Ralston St, and they are open until 11 PM.

3. Holiday Schedule – THANKSGIVING

As we approach the holiday season, we’ve made a couple of adjustments to our regularly scheduled dances:

Wednesday Night Reno Swings! – We WILL hold a dance the night before Thanksgiving, November 22nd. However, there will be NO series class at 6 PM. Since it’s a 5-week month, we will complete the 4-week series at 6 PM on the 29th.

Little City Blues – There will be NO Little City Blues dancing on Thanksgiving Day (November 23rd).

4. Live Blues Music for Dancing
After RenoSwings! on Wednesday nights (see item 1 above), some of us head over to The Saint (761 S Virginia in Reno).
There is a live blues jam that is pretty awesome that runs until 11 PM. No cover… just buy a beverage to support the venue. Big dance floor and good live blues music – hope to see you there. This is a 21+ venue.

NOTE: Going forward, we will be focusing our attendance one Wednesday per month. Keep an eye out for an announcement.

5. Northern Nevada Lindy Hop T-ShirtsA friend of ours has designed a T-Shirt for us. It is available in men’s, women’s and youth sizes in multiple colors. If you’d like to order one, they are available here:

LINDY HOP T-SHIRTS

If you’re on Facebook, don’t forget to “like” Northern Nevada Lindyhoppers to keep up to date on all the fun dancing going on in the area. There are other opportunities to dance in town, and we will be creating a calendar with all of them shortly.

Cheers,
Clay & Cullen