Summer Swing Dance Series Kicks off this Weekend at High Pointe

May 26, 2004

If swing is your thing, then there are six big band-powered events to kick up your heels to this summer, beginning Memorial Day weekend.
The Northern Express Summer Swing Dance Series presented by Savoy Swing with the High Pointe Golf Club in Williamsburg, has put together its third annual series of swing dances under a big top pavilion. Drawing ages ranging from 16 to 75, the events will combine the excitement of live big band with the appeal of swing music and dance in an outdoor setting.
The music will be served up by the Up North Big Band, the only practicing big band in Northern Michigan. The group is a full-fledged 17 piece big band featuring male and female vocalists. While most of the repertoire is from the great swing bands headed up by the likes of Glen Miller, Duke Ellington and Count Basie, there will also be a mix of Latin, waltz, and other styles to round out the evening.
The dances are organized and hosted by Paul Paradis with dance partner Kaye Krapohl (Savoy Swing), Northern Michigan’s most experienced couple in both swing dance and event organizing. Each dance will start with a one hour lesson covering the basic footwork, style, and connection used in swing dance as well as a few moves and\or tricks. The goal will be to cover new material throughout the series to keep it interesting.
Dances will be held on Fridays, May 28, June 11, July 23, August 13 and 27 with the lesson at 8 p.m. followed by dancing from 9-12. Of special note is a dance on Wednesday, July 7, which will start one hour earlier (7 p.m. lesson, 8-11 p.m. dancing).
The cost is $12 per person (includes lesson) with those under 16 and 65+ in for $5. All tickets are at the door. High Pointe Golf Club is located three miles from Acme on M72 East, towards Kalkaska. Look for their marquee and large American flag at the entrance.