Bainbridge Swing Dance in Ohio
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People of all ages and skill levels come to the Bainbridge Swing Dance for live music
The Bainbridge Swing Dance in northeast Ohio is a well-established dance that averages 180 people every first Friday of the month. Each month, producer Will Craig schedules a live band that is skilled in playing Big Band, Swing, and/or Blues music. It is, unquestionably and consistently, one of my favorite dances to attend (Will Craig also produces monthly Contra Dances in northeast Ohio). I, personally, have been attending this dance for over 15 years.
One of the reasons Will’s dances are my favorite is because of the atmosphere his approach has created. Dancing, especially for beginners, can be quite intimidating. Attending a dance alone, even more so. Will Craig has subdued the intimidation factors, significantly.
A basic dance lesson is provided an hour before the live music starts. You do not need to know a single soul to participate in the lesson, nor to remain for the dance. During the lesson, you are taught the basic Jitterbug step (also known as East Coast Swing) and a new dance move. The lesson is conducted in one big circle around the dance floor. Throughout the lesson, you will be switching partners. This is a great way to learn how to dance as well as give you an opportunity to make connections for dancing later. Many of the seasoned dancers attend the lesson in order to offer guidance.
Learn East Coast Swing (also known as Jitterbug) step during the dance lesson (included in admission) before the live music begins.
Once the live music and dancing begins, don’t be shy. People are friendly and helpful at the Bainbridge Swing Dance. It is commonplace to dance with different people throughout the evening. And don’t hesitate to ask questions of the experienced dancers. I have learned most of what I know by asking fellow dancers, “how do you do that?” at the Bainbridge Swing Dance. There is a unique mentality at these dances. Knowledgeable dancers welcome new dancers. It perpetuates the fun.
On a personal note, Will Craig (the producer of the dance) is a fantastic guy. He puts a lot of time and energy into cultivating community. He is purely motivated by the honest desire for good, wholesome fun; and it shows. His productions are phenomenal. Will would be one of the first to say, he doesn’t do this all on his own. He has orchestrated a fine group of reliable people who work with him to make his dances successful. If you would like to contribute to this great event, simply approach him and ask, “how can I help?” Believe me, there is GREAT reward in participating in these dances. Will has given me one of the most precious gifts that anyone has given me. That is dance.
I love dancing, especially to the live bands. Attending the Bainbridge Swing Dance is like being in an old movie. It is jolly and romantic (even when you are attending alone). No matter what mood I am in, when I start dancing at the Bainbridge Swing Dance, I instantly have a smile on my face.
You do not have to dance if you do not want to. Many people attend the Bainbridge Swing Dance just to listen to the live music. Will has hand picked each of the bands that play on stage. They are trained to play for dancers. Among my favorites are Dr. Zoot, Blues DeVille, The Dan Zola Orchestra . . . Actually, I should probably just name them all! I have NEVER been disappointed with the music at the Bainbridge Swing Dance. You can find out who is playing each month on the dance’s FaceBook page, www.fb.com/BainbridgeSwingDance.
The Bainbridge Swing Dance is typically held at the historic Bainbridge Township Town Hall (17826 Chillicothe Road aka Route 306; Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023). GPS have a hard time finding this establishment. The town hall is located behind the fire station, on Ohio State Route 306, just south of U. S. Route 422 in Bainbridge, Ohio. (Occasionally, the dance is held in the Timmons Elementary School Gymnasium, so watch their FaceBook page for details www.fb.com/BainbridgeSwingDance.)
The Bainbridge Township Town Hall is an appropriate setting for such a lovely dance. There is an elevated stage where the band plays. The dance floor is made of wood and the windows are the big, old, tall windows that OPEN to let fresh air in. When you are dancing you are extremely grateful for those big windows, even in the winter time. Which reminds me, I recommend you wear light clothes that will enable you to feel a little cool. (You will not stay cool for long.) Some people even bring a second shirt to change into during intermission. Oh yes! Intermission.
Staying true to old-time customs, Will Craig has door prizes to hand out during intermission. So hold on to your admission ticket. The number on it could be called. You could walk out with free tickets for a future dance, a CD from the band that is playing that night, or even a decadent baked good that is provided by the concessions stand.
The Bainbridge Swing Dance, with live performance, begins at 9:00 p.m. Preceded by a one-hour swing dance lesson at 8:00 p.m. Experienced and non-experienced dancers are welcome. This public, family-friendly event is open to all ages. No partner is required for the lesson or the dance. Admission is $10 per adult, $8 per youth or $25 per family. Admission includes the 8:00 p.m. lesson and 9:00 p.m. live performance and dance. A different live band performs the first Friday of every month. For additional information, please contact Will Craig by calling (216) 316-0068 or E-mailing willrcraig@gmail.com. This dance is sponsored by Kenston Community Education. You can also find the band schedule at www.fb.com/BainbridgeSwingDance.
Do not miss this fantastic dance. It is my favorite. People from every generation attend. People at every skill level attend. It truly is an exceptional place to dance. The atmosphere is welcoming. No partner is required. It is a great place to make new friends.
