Sam
Published: October 12, 2005
Every Friday night from 8:30 to midnight, the American Legion takes a step back in time to the days of flappers and speakeasies for a night of swing dancing. Friday’s swing nights serve as an introductory to the dance that has been around since the 1920s for all ages and skill levels.
“There are very few places in Pensacola someone can go for such good, clean fun” said Meagan Glover, co-owner of swing night at the American Legion. “It’s a very pure place.”
Started by Joe Occhipinti about seven years ago, swing nights originally drew only about a handful of dedicated dancers each week. Soon, swing night had a house band, the Swingin’ Dick Tracey’s, which played on an almost weekly basis.
By 2001, swing was drawing crowds, and the weekly disk jockey, and now co-owner of swing night, Travis Glover, decided to design a Web site for the dancers who came each week (Pensacolaswing.com). After the site was created the numbers of attendants really grew, and in 2003, swing grew to a big sensation.
Thanks to the Web site, each week there were numerous photos from the previous week, and occasionally videos to keep everyone happy in between swing nights. As swing multimedia keeps growing, so does the swing community, holding various workshops, performing for public audiences (Swing Kids), and increasing the variety of style.
At a Friday swing night, one will find that a large number of dances are done aside from single time swing. Other featured dances include lindy-hop, jitterbug, west-coast, shag, bal boa, Charleston, and some ballroom and Latin such as tango, fox-trot and salsa. Musically expect to hear a lot of big-band and rock-a-billy, with some jazz and Latin music.
“It’s a rockin’ establishment,” Andrew Pascoe, a PJC music major, said. “(Swing has) been here forever and will only get bigger.
Want to go?
The American Legion Post 33, 1401 W. Intendencia Street, plays host to swing dancing from 8:30 p.m. to midnight every Friday. Cover charge is $5, and lessons are free with the cover. Beginning and intermediate lessons are from 8:30-9:30 p.m. and dancing starts at 9:30 p.m. All ages and skill levels are invited, no partner necessary. Dressing up is optional but encouraged. Check out Pensacolaswing.com. for vintage clothes, news and information.
Ryan Quirk
Music
Been Dancing for 7 years
No private instruction
“It’s really cool that we have a retro ‘thingy’ where kids can have fun in a clean environment. This establishment proves that good things never die. I give it the ‘Awesome Club’ seal of approval”
“I like to start by getting there early to chillax with everybody for a while before going to get some delicious. When I get back we all make fun of beginners before Travis say ‘Its Friday night, it’s swing night!!!’ Then I have fun dancing until the swing circle when all hilarity ensues. By the end of the night I got the all warm face so I leave to do more chillaxin’ and to get some more delicious. I usually get back at around 3 A.M.”
“Don’t be afraid to come without a partner. A lot of people want someone to dance with just as bad as you do.”
Andrew Pascoe
Darsh
Dancing 5 years
No private instruction
“It’s a rockin’ establishment. It’s been here forever and will only get bigger.”
“I like to do some chillaxin’ before the night starts, so I go get something to eat and try to be there by 9ish. I like to use way too much energy and totally rock the swing scene. After it’s over, I’ll go party with the swing kids and hope to be sleeping by 3:30.”
“(If you’re thinking about it) definitely go. It’s awesome and a lot of fun. It’s a cool place with vintage music.”