Swing Dancing Is Alive And Kicking in County Tipperary
For those who are not familiar with the social dancing craze that is taking over bars and halls up and down the country, Swing Dance refers to dances that developed alongside jazz music in the 1920s-1940s, with the origins of each dance predating the popular “swing era”. During the swing era, there were many styles of swing dancing, but those that have survived beyond then include Lindy Hop, Balboa, Collegiate Shag, and Lindy Charleston.Today the most well-known of these dances is the Lindy Hop, which originated in Harlem in the early 1930’s. Fast forward to the 21st century and swing dancing is now alive and kicking in County Tipperary!
Clonmel Swing Dance Scene. Photo by Tipperaryphotos.com
Once a week swing dance groups in Thurles and Clonmel come together for social dancing, fitness, friendship and general mental well-being as they learn and practice their moves under the guidance of group teacher and Cork native Maeve Hunter. Maeve travels from Cork twice a week to each group sharing her knowledge and appreciation of all things swing with like minded group members. As if she isn’t busy enough, she also runs monthly dance events in Cork under the name Swingcopation, and helps out at swing dance events across Europe. The Thurles Swing Dance Group is running just over a month and welcomes new members. Clonmel Swing Dance Group formed over six months ago and since inception, members have taken part in the Clonmel Busking Festival and fundraising events.
Both groups are steadily growing from week to week as men and women of all ages are swept up by the Swing Dancing phenomenon. No experience needed and all levels of dance knowledge are welcome.
Thurles Swing Dance Scene has a group page on Facebook and invites anyone who is remotely interested to drop in, join the group, dip their toes in Swing Dancing (pardon the pun) and see if it’s for them.Classes run every Monday (except bank holidays) from 7pm to 8pm in The Source Arts Centre Community Space. Costs €10 per class €5 students. Contact swingdancescenethurles@gmail.
Clonmel Swing Dance Scene has a group page on Facebook with details of regular events and their Thursday night weekly classes from 7.30pm are posted.Contact clonmelswingdan
