Rhythm Shuffle: Third annual lindy hop and balboa workshop

By Zoë Lavatelli:

I don't think I will ever cease to marvel at the breadth of arts and culture that Buffalo has to offer its residents. Founded in December of 2007 by Rob Leach, the community organization called "SwingBuffalo," has been growing ever since its inception. In the words of Rob Leach's wife and assistant organizer, "Swing Buffalo is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to sharing the enjoyment of authentic, historical forms of swing dancing." These forms of swing dancing were wildly popular from the 1920's through the early 1940's, and include Lindy hop, Balboa, Charleston, and vintage jazz. All members of the growing organization are dedicated volunteers, working hard to bring these wonderfully fun, engaging, and socially oriented dances to the community.
   
On September 17th through the 19th, Swing Buffalo is hosting its third annual lindy hop and balboa workshop, Rhythm Shuffle, at the beautiful Polish Cadets Hall at the corner of Grant and Amherst Sts. International swing dance champions, Bobby White and Kate Hedin, (www.bobbykate.com) will provide all-day instruction on Saturday in the art of lindy hop and on Sunday in the art of balboa. This exciting weekend will start off at 8:00 p.m. on Friday night, with a crash course in swing dancing to get beginners out on the floor. Following, there will be a social dance at 8:30 p.m. with two live bands: Reverend Soapbox and the Rabble Rousers, and Dr. Jazz and the Gypsy Boys.


 
Classes will continue Saturday the 18th, starting at 10:15 a.m. and feature two "tracks," one series of classes will be beginner level, while the other series of classes will be for the more experienced dancer. Both Saturday and Sunday nights will feature social dances with special guest DJs from Nashville, TN and Cleveland, OH, and on Saturday, Dr. Jazz and the Gypsy Boys will return for another night of delicious swing. Almost everything will take place at the Polish Cadets Hall, an air-conditioned venue with a large and fast wooden dance floor. To top it off, on Friday and Saturday there will be late-night blues parties--one of which featuring local band 3 of a Kind playing live blues music for some sultry dancing on Saturday night...
 
At www.RhythmShuffle.com, one can sign up with a single registration fee that covers the entire weekend. Also, each and every class or dance can be paid for individually at the door for $15 each. There is also a one-day option for either Saturday or Sunday that will include all classes. The organizers of Swing Buffalo urge and remind the community that no partner or experience is necessary; they would just like to dance with you.