eats & interests seattle

Dancing seems to be one of those things that everyone is scared of. Or thinks is “lame” (or maybe people just say it’s lame because they are scared of doing it). Whatever the reason, I’ve found that many… most… people shy away from dancing. And I’m not talking about dancing at a club — that people seem to do pretty easily — I’m talking about the ultra formal-sounding, scary ballroom dancing.

However, with “vintage” styles being all the rage recently and for the past couple years, many more people have picked up on things like swing dancing — or even other types of “ballroom” dancing like Salsa and Tango, and I’ve seen more and more classes and dances being offered in the city.

So I have to say I was surprised, but not that surprised, when I heard about these cool events being hosted throughout the summer:

Dancing at Dusk (website)

Every Thursday throughout the summer, a live band sets up at a park downtown and people get down, for free. That’s where I was for First Thursday in July — the first in the Dancing at Dusk series. Each Thursday: a new band and a different style of dancing; each month, a new park. A bunch of people come out to socialize, listen to music, have fun, and dance!

I’ll admit I have some background in swing dancing, and I’d been itching to dance for awhile, which is why I showed up that first Thursday. But have no fear, all you tentative guys and dolls out there — if you think this sounds like fun but have never danced before, there are free dance lessons before the night gets going. From 6-7pm you will learn all you need to know to swing dance, salsa, tango, or whatever the theme is that night. Then from 7-9pm you dance your heart out.

And most of the people there are beginners! I swear. Everyone’s probably in the same boat as you, risking embarassment (messing up isn’t as embarassing as you think, and everyone does it) — and everyone walks away having had an entertaining and enjoyable evening.

This week looks like it’s going to be my favorite of them all: Portage Bay Big Band is performing and the theme is Big Band Swing (Lindy Hop — the dance I have the most background in!) I’m not sure if they’ll teach Lindy or opt for the slightly less complicated East Coast Swing, but I do know they’ll make it easy enough for everyone to learn and have a great time, and the music will definitely be great. This week’s dance is in Freeway Park (around 8th & Seneca), and even if you don’t plan on dancing you should come out and listen to the music.

So put on your cutest vintage outfit, grab the boyfriend or your best group of gutsy girlfriends, and come on out. I’ll definitely be there — so don’t be shy and be sure to say hello! To leave you with some inspiration, here is one of my favorite Lindy Hop videos (way better than anything you’ll see on “So You Think You Can Dance”, haha):