"Swing Dance" Thursday on Horne Square

Following the success of Clayton's first "Downtown Dance Party" last month, the Downtown Development Association (CDDA) is sponsoring a second dance party Thursday, Aug. 11--this time featuring Swing Dancing.

The event will be hosted once again by local dance instructor Raquel Williams, with $5 Swing Dance lessons from 7:15 to 7:45 pm for those who want them. The dancing music begins immediately afterward.

“The first ‘Dance Party’ attracted about 50 people, which was great for lessons,” said CDDA Promotion Committee Chair Debbie Romano. “Everyone who attended said they really enjoyed it and wanted us to continue the event.”

Williams, the owner of DPM Studios, will play swing music from various eras until 9 pm at the new Horne Square. Refreshments will include Pelican Sno-balls, DD&J’s Kettle Corn, beer, wine and soft drinks.

Swing Dance is actually a group of dances that developed with the swing style of jazz music in the 1920s-1950s, although the earliest predate swing jazz music. The best known of these dances is the "Lindy Hop," a popular partner dance. The unique style of dance remains popular throughout the world, including this country. Each local swing dance community has a distinct local culture, though, and defines the dance, and its "appropriate" music, in various ways.

For more information, please contact the CDDA at 553-1545 or DPM Studios at 655-5346 or email at claytondowntown@gmail.com