Sunday, May 2, 2010

May 28-30, St. Petersburg Swing Dance USA

May 28, 29 and 30, 2010 witness the triumphant return of Swing Dance USA's National Convention. This Memorial Day weekend event features 3 incredible nights of dancing, music, national dance competitions, and 2 full days of dance workshops at the historic St. Petersburg Coliseum in St. Petersburg, Florida. Join swing dance and music enthusiasts, social dancers and dance competitors of all ages, levels, and talents to experience the magic of the swing era.

The Historic St. Petersburg Coliseum
Built in 1924 and host to a veritable who's who of dance bands since its opening, the St. Petersburg Coliseum captures the Magic of the Swing Era at its peak when dance bands ruled the airwaves.  Known as "The Finest Ballroom in the South" this fabulous venue has hosted swing legends that include Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Cab Calloway, Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, and many more. The Coliseum is located at 535 Fourth Ave. N., St. Petersburg, Florida 33701 (727) 892-5202.

One Hour Reception Party - FREE-to-the-Public
Both Friday and Saturday night from 8 to 9 pm Swing Dance USA hosts a free sneak preview to mix, mingle, and see some of the national competition from the balcony of the Coliseum. The first 100 attendees to check in at the reception with a ticket to the evening's dance receive a free gift with the event logo.

National Dance Competitions
Featured competitions are Jack and Jill, Strictly Lindy, Balboa, Jitterbug, Hellzapoppin', Team Showcase, and the Swing Dance USA Championship Showcase where winners receive $750 in prize money. Official Chairman of Judges is Rebecca Strickland from Tallahassee, Florida, with honorary judges spanning the nation's swing scene.

Workshop Classes
Workshop classes start at 10am Saturday and Sunday. Partner dance classes include Lindy Hop, Balboa, East Coast Swing, Collegiate Shag, Jazz, Blues, Charleston, Musicality, Shim Sham, and more.  A full workshop schedule with beginner, intermediate, advanced, and masters classes can be found at the event website: http://SwingDanceUSA.com

Instructors
International Swing Dance Stars Joel Plys, Gina Helfrich, Crista Seipp, Hilary Alexander along with national and regional competitors Joel Green, Lacy Ward, Jeff and Amanda Miller, Rob and Dawn Shrewsbury, Scot Alsop, Andrea Kugelman, Tim Adams, Sheven Kekoolani, Ellen Scott, Seth Dietzel, Allison Fonseca, Don Kruse, Rebecca Strickland, Lovelynn Jensen, Fran Johns and Jaki Bedard comprise a list of amazingly talented instructors from across the US.

Vendors and Sponsors
Vendor and advertising opportunities are available. Individuals and companies can help support competition dancers by becoming contributing sponsors of the Swing Dance USA Championship Prize and Scholarship Awards. Email: info@SwingDanceUSA.com or call (813) 5-SWING-5.
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Where to Purchase Advance Tickets
Advance tickets are available online at http://SwingDanceUSA.com and in-person at all Tampa Swing Gang Events http://Swingang.com .  Tickets may be purchased in-person at the St. Petersburg Coliseum on the day of each show.

Ticket Options
Friday, May 28, 2010 – St. Petersburg Coliseum
Friday features Florida's Swingin'est Big Band – the Ten O'Clock Band with special guest singer Emily Gail from Atlanta, Georgia.  Embellishing the styles of Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman and many other greats of the swing era, the Ten O'Clock Band captures the big sound of real swing music with five saxes, four trumpets, four trombones, plus piano, bass, guitar, drums, and vocals. The band's bold and brassy sound lets you experience the classic days of swing as it was meant to be experienced.  Since their formation in 1996, they have performed engagements at many of Florida's prominent venues. Tickets for Friday night's show are $22 in advance and $25 at the door.  Doors open to the main ballroom at 7:30pm for dancing and competition.  Live music starts at 9 pm and the dancing goes till 1 am.

Saturday, May 29, 2010 – St. Petersburg Coliseum - Vintage Night
Direct from Los Angeles, California, one of the world's premier swing dance bands, Jonathan Stout and his Campus Five, hit the stage at 9 pm playing their unique brand of swing dance music.  This group features jazz vocalist Hilary Alexander, who has performed with the Bill Elliott Swing Orchestra and Mora's Modern Rhythmists. Jonathan Stout's guitar style has been heavily influenced by Freddie Green, Charlie Christian and Django Reinhardt, among other pre-bebop guitar players. The combination of Hilary, Jonathan, and the Campus Five results in one of the most danceable swing bands on the national scene today.  They have traveled the world to play for major jazz festivals and were featured on an episode of the Ellen DeGeneres Show.  The Campus Five released three albums, 2003's "Jammin' the Blues" and 2004's "Crazy Rhythm" and due to growing demand for their music, "Moppin' and Boppin'" was released in 2007.  Tickets for Saturday night's show are $22 in advance and $25 at the door.  Attendees are encouraged to sport some vintage swing dance attire and may enter a contest for prizes. Doors open to the main ballroom at 7:30pm for dancing and competition.  Live music begins at 9 pm and the dancing goes till 1 am.

Sunday, May 30, 2010 – Tampa Zendah Grotto – The Grand Finale After Party
Tickets for Sunday night's show are $10 at the door.  Swing dance lessons are from 6 to 7pm.  Dancing and competitions continue with three of Florida's top DJs from 7 pm to midnight at the Zendah Grotto located at 4402 West Ohio Avenue in Tampa, Florida.  For a map and more information on the Sunday dance visit http://Swingang.com.

Ultimate Weekend Pass
The Ultimate Weekend Pass includes access to all weekend events including daytime workshops and evening dances Friday through Sunday at midnight. For a limited time advance purchasers of the Ultimate Weekend Pass receive a free Swing Dance USA T-shirt.

Ala Carte Tickets
Each day's workshops, as well as each evening's dances, can be purchased via an ala carte menu.

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