I started going swing dancing at various spots around the city when I was 16. Mostly at 18+ places rather than 21+, but still: bad girls, I know. (Not really bad. We were swing dancing. There are worse things to be sneaking into places to be doing.)
That’s me celebrating my 17th birthday at the now-defunct (at least in its old incarnation) Supper Club. I remember that night because this guy who seemed incredibly sophisticated and worldly – he was probably 19 – asked me to dance, and he was that kind of amazing dancer who makes you feel like you’re amazing too: dips, lifts, and all. Of course I was immediately positive that I was in love; of course he only ever asked me to dance that one time. But still. I’ll always remember that night, because that’s the reason that dancing can be such a joy: those moments when you’re not thinking about the steps or your nerves, and you feel like pure grace.
Anyway, I have a sort of related question for you: I used to frequent Swing 46 and the Supper Club, with occasional stops into local events at dance studios, but I’m pretty out of the scene at the moment. (Oh, and just to lower those expectations: I’m nowhere near a fabulous dancer. I know the steps and can more or less avoid embarrassing myself…but that’s about it.) I’ve been thinking I’d like to tape an upcoming segment at a bar/restaurant with fantastic 1920s/30s decor (a little before swing hit its stride, yes, but that’s the decor look I’m shooting for) and a good dance scene (or at least a dance floor).
There must be places like this in the city. Probably a lot of them.
Know of any?
