After intensive study on the ‘Swing Shift” idea, I’ve now designed a new Teaching System I believe will be the best way forward to learn this great Dance form in a group lesson or workshop format.

I’m hoping and expecting that as this method proceeds it will accelera’e the WCS learning process. I had used my previous system for the past 14 years with great success, constantly upgrading as new elements and theories were added over the years. THIS new concept however, I think will be an upgrade over anything currently being used in group lessons or workshops for the following reasons, and I probably haven’t thought of them all : Read more ›

• I found it best to teach the Shift immediately after the Sugar Push. This way, even after just learning a sugar push, students can keep switching partners after a few repetitions, but is always the last step for switching partners
• Instructors may add appropriate level ability variations in each level, teaching proper techniques throughout. Read more ›

I don’t think there has ever been anything written that can truly soften the blow, nor alleviate the pain that friends and family feel when losing a loved one. We can find some comfort in our faith, some joy in our memories and some motivation to treat our own mortality with more respect, but never an answer as to ‘why’ that will satisfy our curiosity. ‘Time’ is an elusive element whose measurement while incremental, can’t be negotiated. We can only hope to share the time we have, with those we love, in such a way as to feel proud and fortunate for the opportunity to have done it together. For those who have known John, we are fortunate to have been a friend and can take some solace in celebrating the life of strong character, respect, compassion and integrity that he lived every day. Our sincere sympathies and thoughts need be with Sarah, with whom John found true love and because of whom, has moved on a contented man. Read more ›

Once again Thanks to all of the WCS community support especially across Florida, our FloorPlay New Years Swing Vacation Event 2008-09 was a terrific success! This was Floorplay’s 9th WCS event overall and although not the largest ever we still had a very smooth, fun filled time attended overall by 515 eager, friendly dancers with 460 (including staff) for New Years Eve alone. I never see reason to have to inflate the numbers (like some events do), nor ‘sugar-coat’ any problems that inevitably occur during the course of any event in order to claim success. Read more ›

Congratulations to all of the competitors whether you placed or not. It’s not an easy thing to perform in front of large crowds and there were many newcomers who’ took the leap’. Never one to hold back an opinion however, I think most everyone played it too safe. When competing – EXPRESS YOURSELVES!

Congratulations to our new 2008 Florida State Swing Dance Champions: Christopher Lo & Dawn Sgarlata

• 2nd – Andrew Makowski & Brianne Cline
• 3rd – Jimmy Formelio & Cynthia Meyer
• 4th – Demery Strickland & Sharon Huang
• 5th – Blaise Tamo & Jennifer Lasseter Read more ›

I’ve known Ron for at least 14 years and he is well known all over the country and in the WCS community in particular. Ron’s passing will be a great loss to the community, and even more so for his family and friends, especially at this time of year.  Our condolences go out to those closest to him, and we wish them peace and strength to help them through their, and our, tragic loss.  We have all been ‘connected’ to him in some way.  If you’ve ever danced at our event in the past (Floorplay New Years Swing Vacation), as well as this year’s to come, or at many of the events around the country, you are dancing on his floor.  I’m sure he will rest well knowing he is still serving the dance community he loved so much. Read more ›

Once again Thanks to all of the WCS community support especially across Florida, our Floorplay New Years Swing Vacation Event was a terrific success! This was Floorplays 10th WCS Event overall and although not the largest and having to overcome the change of venues, we still had a very smooth, fun filled time attended by about 470 eager, friendly dancers. I never see reason to have to inflate the numbers (like some events do), nor ‘sugar-coat’ any problems that inevitably occur during the course of any event in order to claim success. Read more ›

Congratulations to all contestents!

Florida State Swing Dance Champions

• 1st – John Harris & Mary Jane Harper
• 2nd – Rick Weston & Dawn Sgarlata
• 3rd – Jimmy Formelio & Cynthia Meyer
• 4th – John Grassia & Dori Eden
• 5th – Tommy Gibbs & Renee Lipman Read more ›