Saturday

23 January 2010

Chiswick Town Hall, Heathfield Terrace,

London W4 4JN

THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT

"Swingin' the Blues" is an annual event which has previously offered a whole day of Blues & Swing style workshops from some of the very top UK Blues teachers, followed by an evening of Blues & Swing dancing with allegedly the best DJ’s in the world.

Now in its 10th year '"Swingin' the Blues" has developed and grown into the only truly dedicated 'Blues' Event on the UK dance calendar and is bound to attract a diverse and interesting crowd.

This event starts with the The Saturday Workshops which will start at 11am and run through until 7pm, with a break for lunch at 2.30pm when we will have a lunchtime show ' One Hundred Years of Swing' for your entertainment.

The "Swingin' the Blues Ball" will kick off at 8pm with a Cuban Blues class with Marc and Rachel and run through in three rooms until 12.00am.

That is one hell of a weekend of dancing...Enjoy!!

To book on line click here

THE BLUES

-An extract from 'The World according to Nigel' -

I’m often asked - "What is Blues?"

As a Musician I would answer that "Blues is a set of chord changes in a 12 or 16 bar pattern, differentiated with flattened 3rd’s, 5th’s & 7th’s often used by players as a basis for improvisation"

The Dancer’s answer is more complex. "Blues is an elaborate fusion of ideas from every dance style, from the mambo of Dirty Dancing to the romanticism of Ballet. The tempo and space given by the music allows a freedom of interpretation and improvisation that is seldom found in partner dances" 
 

The Teaching Team

SIMON AND KIRSTY SELMON

The American Blues dance Champions in 1999 and twice the UK Lindy Hop Champion, Simon and Kirsty are undoubtedly one of the most influential swing couples of the modern era.

Along with their status as an internationally acclaimed dancers & teachers, they have very strong links with both the television & film industries having been involved with such films as "Swing, "War Brides" & the ITV classic "Back Home".

They have also featured in the 4 part TV dance documentary with Deborah Bull (Simon having the enviable task of being her partner!) 

 

 NIGEL AND NINA

The Double UK Jive & Showcase Champions, Nigel & Nina have now been performing and teaching together for over a decade. Despite being best known for their Modern Jive, Nigel & Nina have a truly extensive repertoire which includes almost every style of 'swing' related dance, from the sophistication of West Coast to the dynamism of Boogie Woogie.

Nigel & Nina have performed extensively throughout Europe and have made numerous stage and screen appearances including the West End Show "The Cotton Club".

LUCKY SKILLEN

Through the magic power of his vibrant smile, Lucky brings dancing joy wherever he goes. Lucky is one of the top Blues dancers in the USA and has taught and performed across the globe. He was a featured dancer in the national tour of the musical Forever Swing and is a member of Frankie Mannings New York performance troop. We are delighted to welcome him back to STB

 DAVE AND VAL ROKOV

The 'King & Queen' of Blues is more than a fair description of this incredible couple. With style, flare and much more than a modicum of sexuality the 2004 ‘UK Blues champions’ really are at the top of the tree when it comes to getting down & dirty on the dance floor.

With over six years of dancing, teaching & performing experience together, expect something ’red hot’ in their workshops 

HOWARD AND NICOLA

Howard and Nicola have been teaching and performing as well as competing in all styles of Modern Jive and Blues for several years throughout the UK and Europe. They first began dancing and competing together in 2001, since then they have reached over a dozen major national finals including Jive Masters twice.

Their popularity is due to a clear and confident teaching style mixed with good humour and impressive demonstrations. Their enthusiasm is simply contagious revealing a genuine passion for both teaching and performing.

AMIR GILES

Amir has danced Rango for the Princess Royal, peformed with Nicole Cutler (of Strictly Come Dancing Fame), with the London Swing Dance Society and for the Royal Opera. He is a graduate of the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, and has studied Tango around the world and in Buenos Aires.

He has been invited to teach and perform Jango for almost every modern jive organisationin the UK, holding workdhops for Ceroc, Blitz, Rebel Yell and many more.

MARC AND RACHEL

Smooth movers and the creators of Cuban Blues, Marc and Rachel will be holding a Masterclass Session to show you how passionate, versatile and inventive this Blues idiom can be.

'SWINGIN’ THE BLUES'
Event Information

You can book for the whole event  or for the workshops and Ball that make up the day's programme.

Follow the links to the booking system where you will see options to book as described.

This event has sold out in previous years. To avoid disappointment book ahead, book on line! Although there MAY be tickets available on the door for the evening events this CANNOT be guarenteed.

If you are booked onto the Saturday Workshop event then please read the following information VERY carefully…

 The doors open at 10.30am and the first workshop starts at 11am sharp.

Please try and be on time as people arriving late are disruptive to the flow of the workshops.

If coming by car please allow plenty of time to park...

(AT LEAST 30 MINUTES) 

...as Chiswick can be very very busy on a Saturday.

 (It will definitely help if you bring enough change for the meters).

Details of parking can be found at the bottom of this page under 'Additional Parking Information'. 

 When you arrive at the reception your name or the name of your group leader (the person who bought the tickets) will be on a list.

You need to register at the front desk by giving the name of your group leader which if all goes to plan will be on the list of attendees.

When arriving, please enter the double doors and turn left. Go through a single door and you shall see two desks. One is for Members and the other is for none members. If you are a Ceroc Membership Card owner please make sure you have it ready along with your group booking surname. All non-members are to complete and bring along the following Ceroc Membership Entry Form www.ceroc.com/members/MembershipForm.pdf

Your Ceroc membership card will be swiped to record you attendance at the event as is normal practise.

All participants will be given an event wristband, which you need to wear during the day (and also to gain  admission for the evening event), along with an event programme which will include a schedule of the running order for the day and any last minute information/instructions.

 As there will be no official break for lunch we suggest you bring some food and refreshment with you. Alternatively within easy walking distance of the venue on the main shopping drag there are many eateries to choose. There will also be something exciting going on to entertain you during the lunch hour.

 ******

 The workshops will finish around 7pm and there will be a dinner break while we set up for the “Swingin’ Blues Ball” which will start at 8pm with a Cuban Blues' class in from the fabulous Marc and Rachel.

This event has limited capacity due to the venues specific licensing restrictions.

 IF YOU ARE ATTENDING THE WORKSHOP DAY AND HAVE FRIENDS WHO WISH TO JOIN YOU IN THE EVENING PLEASE TELL THEM TO BOOK ON LINE
TO GUARANTEE A PLACE

 THERE IS NO ENTRY OR RE-ENTRY TO THE VENUE AFTER 10.15PM.

This is a specific licensing stipulation of the venue and is totally outside of our control. This means if you arrive after 10.15pm you will not be allowed into the event and there is nothing WE can do about it!

 The “Swingin’ Blues Ball” runs across 3 rooms from 8pm through until 12.00pm.

In the main room the music will be more MJ mainstream and Swing; the smaller hall will be Pure Blues and there will be a Utopia room upstairs playing an esoteric mix of tunes. Please see the event time table for a schedule of DJ's.

 There will be a licensed bar running until 11.30pm after which there will be soft drinks sold.

There is a secure cloakroom operating during the evening event but not during the day.

 Should you have any issues not resolved here please email stb@ceroclondon.com

or call either 07946 221 042 or 07956 532 721 for assistance.

PLEASE ENSURE YOU ALLOW ENOUGH CAPACITY IN YOUR ESTIMATED JOURNEY TIME FOR THE FOLLOWING:

1). THE UNEXPECTED (ALLOW 30 MINUTES)

2). SATURDAY MORNING TRAFFIC (ALLOW 15 MINUTES)

3). FINDING A PARKING PLACE (ALLOW 30 MINUTES)

4). REGISTRATION FOR THE EVENT (ALLOW 5 MINUTES)

5). FIND A PLACE FOR YOUR BAG & COAT (ALLOW 5 MINUTES)

THE BASIC PREMISE IS IT IS BETTER TO BE EARLY THAN LATE :o)
 

The Money Bit

 The Saturday Workshops & Ball (All Day & Night) : £35.00

"Swingin' Blues Ball" (Evening Only) : £10.00

NO ADMISSION AFTER 10.15PM AT CHISWICK DUE TO THEIR     

SPECIFIC LICENSING RESTRICTIONS

TO BOOK ON LINE CLICK HERE

Your name will be on a guest list held at the front desk at the venue. Just turn up and give your name (or your group leaders name dependant upon whose name the booking was made in) to gain entry. Doors open at 10.30am for the workshops and at 8pm for the Ball. (No admission after 10.15pm).

Please note: You will receive an automated email response with your transaction reference number if you book on line. If you book by post you will not be contacted automatically. Please send an email for written confirmation .

 If you have any queries or just want to know more about the event then please contact the numbers below:

For booking enquiries telephone Bill on 07946 221042

or email: stb@ceroclondon.com

All general enquires phone Nigel on 07956 532721
 

Chiswick Town Hall

Designed by the architect W.J. Trehearne, Chiswick Town Hall was originally built as a Vestry in 1876. It was later extended by Arthur Ramsden in 1901 and is bedecked with rich tiles and stunning stained glass giving it one of the most beautiful Victorian interiors in London. 
 

 
Location

Chiswick Town Hall is located in Heathfield Terrace London W4 4JN just off the Chiswick High Road. It is located on the south side of Turnham Green which has an imposing church in the middle of it

Bus routes 27, 237, 267, 391, E3, H40 and H91 stop within 1 or 2 minutes walk.

Chiswick Park tube station is about 5 minutes walk away and Gunnersbury station (BR) is within

a gentle 10 minute walk.

If your planning to travel by car there is limited parking around the venue (see below) so allow plenty of time

and bring change for the meters should you need it.
 

ADDITIONAL PARKING INFO

We understand that there are charges on all meters on a Saturday. Please do calculate finding a parking space into your travelling time and be sure to bring enough change.

**ALWAYS CHECK THE TIME PLATE WHERE YOU PARK YOURSELF**
(We obviously do not accept any liability for parking issues including fines etc)