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DC's West Coast Swing dance community enters at new era..
Big changes
ahead for the area's Largest Weekly West Coast Swing Party. In recent years
Friday dances at Cherry Hill have experienced phenomenal growth. Attendance
often exceeds 200 dancers and has even topped 300 on occasion. They have
become legendary for their size, diversity and how they bring so much talent
and enthusiasm together. All this growth has introduced some new challenges
for the organizers, dancers and for Cherry Hill..
May 31st will be the last Friday night West Coast Swing Dance at Cherry Hill Park. Beginning the following Friday, Dance Jam Productions will host weekly West Coast Swing lessons and social dancing at the New Hollywood Ballroom Dance Center just 3 miles away in Silver Spring. This move creates an opportunity to expand the hours and lesson programs and to enjoy a much larger dance floor. We will once again have room for socializing at tables surrounding the floor and a secondary space for private lessons and practice. A full service snack bar serves beer, wine and snacks and we'll continue to provide ice water, sodas and our
own snack & dessert buffet. Lessons will now be 45 minutes each. Basics class begins at 7:30, Beyond Basics at 8:15 and social dancing follows at 9pm. We can play late! June 7th will be a
"1st Friday" so it is the start of the monthly beginner class series.
That means 1st time students who arrive in time for the 7:30pm class are
invited to stay the whole night for free. There are many more exciting new
features being planned. Stay tuned for more details..
Recently I've played the role of primary instructor, DJ and host of Friday night dances but as a long time social dancer in this community I know many other hosts have contributed greatly to the legacy of Cherry Hill. Here's
a brief look back at the fascinating evolution..
Since the early 90's swing dancers from near and far have enjoyed Cherry Hill Park's large floating hardwood dance floor. Weekly social dancing began there with Bobbie Fries' singles dances before she went on to open the original Hollywood Ballroom nearby. Craig Hutchinson and Evey Cherow hosted monthly swing dances in the 90's. Frank Stanek and later Dean & Dawn Garrish brought weekly country western instruction and dancing there which continue today. Ken & Donna Roesel, followed by Mike & Debbie Tuttle introduced new energy to the West Coast Swing weekend dances. I hosted my
own first public dance there more than 12 years ago. Over the past two decades literally 1000's of students have participated in group classes and special workshop events. I feel honored to have had the support of this community and look forward to moving with you into a new chapter of its history..
See you on the dance floor soon ... Dave.
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One time special events and closings: July 5 - Closed. Everyone will be in Rockville for
WCS@IDB
WEEKLY
WEST
COAST
SWING DANCE CLASSES Learn
one of today’s most fun, exciting, versatile, contemporary social
dances. It's loads of fun than anyone can
enjoy. Fridays offer friendly, casual, group classes where all ages are
welcome. No partner or experience is required. All you need is a desire to
have some fun, meet friendly people and learn a new social skill. Beginner
classes are taught as a progressive month long series which begin every 1st
Friday of the month. The beyond basics classes offer dancers with some experience
a chance to learn more complex patterns, styling and techniques. Click here for teacher
information.
WEEKLY
WEST COAST SWING SOCIAL DANCING Meet and dance with a diverse
group of friendly people from across the Washington DC area and beyond. This
area has long been home to one of the countries largest and most diverse
social dance communities. West Coast Swing has become very popular here over the
last decade. Cherry Hill has hosted weekly social dancing for over 13+ years
and remains a centerpiece of the community. Many of the regulars have been
dancing here for years. Sodas & snacks are served during the dance. You may bring
your own alcohol beverages. Smoking is not allowed indoors.
There is lots of easy, free parking.
The conference center is
located in an RV park campground. It's important that dancers entering and
exiting the park drive slowly and quietly so we don't disturb the campers.
Dances must end at 11:30pm and everyone must leave the premises immediately
afterwards.
For additional information email
or call 301.330.7708
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SCHEDULE
7:45pm Doors Open (meet & greet, practice & warm up)
8:00pm Basic Beginner West Coast Swing class (Get started in this class)
8:30pm Beyond Basics West Coast Swing class (Move into this level after
completing the Basics series)
9:00pm Big Dance Party goes until 11:30pm
*1st Fridays of the month are beginner night! - The entire 8-9pm lesson hour
is devoted to 1st time beginners and those working on improving their basics.
This is the BEST night to get started learning west coast swing.
VENUE Cherry Hill Park's Conference Center
features a large 3600 square foot floating hardwood dance floor, one of the
nicest in the entire DC area. The park is easy to find, located close to
routes I95 & I495. It has lots of safe, easy, free parking, clean
facilities and a friendly staff. The ballroom is non smoking. You may bring
your own alcohol beverages.
MUSIC FORMAT You'll
enjoy dancing to a DJ mix that includes current & classic favorites for
West Coast Swing. You may hear an occasional cha cha,
waltz, 2step or some other partner dance. Expect to hear a wide variety of
popular music from many genres including R&B, Blues, Pop, Jazz, Country,
Motown, Soul & Hip Hop. Dave Moldover is the
resident Friday night DJ, teacher and host however we often have guest
instructors and guest DJs featured.
COST $12 cover includes lessons, snacks, sodas
& dancing. (1/2 price discount for full time undergrad students with ID)
DIRECTIONS 9800
Cherry Hill Rd. College Park, MD. 20740.
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IMPORTANT! - The park entrance has a
security gate which is normally open during our dances, however If the
gate is closed when you arrive the code is 74000. If you forget the code,
there is usually an attendant in the guard booth who will let you in.
Do not
park in RV campsites & Respect No Parking signs elsewhere. There is
tons of parking beyond the conference center & under the power lines.
From the Beltway I-495/95, use Exit 25 (US
Route 1 South, College Park). From US Route 1 (Baltimore Ave.) make
immediate right onto CHERRY HILL ROAD. Go 1 mile to park on left.
From Baltimore, North of the DC Beltway Southbound
I-95, use Exit 29B (Route 212-Calverton) Follow Route 212 (Powder Mill
Road) one mile, turn left onto CHERRY HILL ROAD. Go one mile to park
entrance on right.
To Conference Center take
the main drive past the guard booth to the gate. Code 74000 opens
the gate. Proceed to the dead end, turn right. The conference center will
be on your left in 100 yards. |
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TEACHERS
& DJs
Dave Moldover - regular host, instructor
& DJ
Don Herron - guest instructor
Kay Newhouse - guest instructor
Debbie Lynn Tuttle - guest instructor
Kiona Leah - assistant instructor
Christina Ferrari -
assistant instructor
Sharon Roberts - guest DJ
We occasionally host special guest instructors and DJs. Use the
box below to sign up for our mailing list so you can stay informed about
these special occasions.
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