It's a JOHN-AAA-THON!!!

What better way to celebrate the EPIC 15 year anniversary of the SPECTACULAR ROCKAWAY monthly Sunday dance than with a JOHN-AAA-THON!!!

Our favorite "JOHNS" taught and DJ'd this venue during the FAAANTASTIC anniversary party held on May 3, 2015 in Rockaway, New Jersey (about 30 miles from Manhattan).

Mr. "Manhattan" a/k/a John Festa taught the pre-party lesson and DJ'd. 

"Coolio" Lindo also spread the musical grooooove!

Everyone was there! 

They came from Philadelphia ... Hudson Valley ... Manhattan ... and all over New Jersey.

Ben Pollack, Susan & Teddy Sams

Kim with Heik Perez

The Hostess with the MOSTEST, Kim Hayden, laid out a feast ... FIT for DANCERS! 

Since the the lesson starts at 5pm and the dance goes to 9pm, dinner is served right after the lesson.

Keith Morrison & Friend

Then dancing begins in EARNEST!

While the tunes are a California Mix ... John Festa seasons the playlist with oldies and a few unusual musical choices. 

Count on JohnF to come up with songs we haven't heard since ... the last time JohnF DJ'd!

When JohnnyL plays ... it's a bona fide California Mix and everyone enjoys his imaginative tunings of two-steps, nightclubs, cha-cha and waltz (about 40% is WCS).

JohnnyL's westie JAM is da bomb!

Nooooobody EVER DJ'd better. 

And there was cake!!! 

All this ... a lesson by a Master's-MASTER, two of the best DJs on earth, wonderful dance community, food and CAKE for $0. Yes ... zero, nada, zilch.

That's how JohnnyL thanx his loyal following for their support.

John Crownover & Friend

But ... JOHN(s) ... 

We want to thank you guys for making dancing a whole lot better in the State of New Jersey. 

Without a coupla JOHNS, this corner of the dance world would not be as vibrant!!!

JohnnyL's other AAAmazing venue is a joint way out in the boonies ... and it's the coolest west coast swing dance in the tri-state area.

Thursday Swings is held 2wice a month at the VFW out in Whippany, NJ. This kitschy nite spot is just the kind of funky, divey roadhouse that swingers dig!

Everyone comes out of the woodwork for this one ... and everything about this place is off-beat ... EXCEPT the music!!!

Peter Bandy & Friend

When JohnnyL is in town ... there isn't a space in the entire, sprawling, dirt parking lot.

When Arjay Centeno DJs, he commands a good size crowd too. 

But Arjay is a different flavor. More WCS than Cali mix ... but lots of fresh music. 

And he's likely to throw is his toddler's favorite songs!

Steve Wilder and Lauren Ebin

But it doesn't really matter who DJs or where we're hanging out. It's all about the people who dance in New Jersey. There's lots of them. And they're all goooood! 

NO phony attitude, NO cliquey-ness, NO snobbery, NO aloofness.

Thursday Swings is held at the VFW located at 750 Route 10, Whippany, NJ (973 515-5221). There is a lesson at 8pm and dancing at 8:30pm. The next date is May 21, with Arjay teaching and DJing. Cost is $12.

Let’s Dance in Rockaway is located at 100 Hibernia Ave., Rockaway NJ. There is a dance and lesson each month. Normally the cost is $20 (incl dinner). Coming up:

June 7: Hazel & Tybaldt (WCS workshop)

July 12: Arjay Centeno (WCS workshop

August 2: Diane Nardone (Hustle workshop)

(Directions are offered in the event flier ... but better ... after you turn right off the exit ramp, look for the very 1st opportunity to turn left. It's a "narrow" opportunity! If you can finagle your way onto that turn, finding the place is easy. That's the trick.)

http://www.dancininrockaway.com/

Robert & Nicola at Swing Dance America 2015

Coming up May 16 & 17 is the Royston-Cox-Lindo ... "The Dance Within" Intensive!

This is a deal of a lifetime! Check it out: for a MEASILY $90 ... you get 18 hours of workshops by four WORLD RENOWNED TEACHERS and 2 dances (Fri & Sat nite) DJ'd by John Festa, Dave Muzii and John Lindo. (Details on JohnnyL's website listed below.) 

Hopefully, this is the start of regularly scheduled intensives!
 

Don't forget Liberty Swing Dance Championships! Where else can you see JohnnyL dressed like Elvis? Who knows what he's got in store for us this year! Liberty is one of the BEST events in America ... and maybe even in the whole world. 

The location is AAAwesome!!! The event is nestled in the lovely college town of New Brunswick, NJ ... with lots of cafes, shopping and parks nearby. New Jersey Transit easily and cheaply delivers from Newark Airport and Manhattan (about 30-40 minutes away).   
June 25-28, 2015 

To get on an email mailing list or find updated info about all things in Lindo-Land, keep an eye on John Lindo's website. 
http://www.johnlindo.com/

Swing Dance America 2015

Glen with Joyce Fisher and Me.

GLEN MILLER is the BERRY GORDY of west coast swing! 

This MAAARVEL-ous dude organized the most SUPREME event with A+talent … 

SMOKIN’ DJs … endless TEMPTATION to DANCE … 
and the most WONDER-ful attendees … 

it was a dance event MIRACLE!!!

Swing Dance America is a hybrid.

Bona fide mix of west coast swing and hustle. There were lots lessons and lots of competition in both genres, too. Plenty of social dance all day and night in the two rooms dedicated each to hustle and WCS.  

The big news: EVERYTHING WAS ON TIME ... OR CLOSE TO IT!!!
                      
About 700 people attended this year ... regional, national and international ... and yet ... it was still down-homey. That's what makes this event Berry special! 

Sabrina Paxmann Stewart & Billy Marti

Check out the Marquee:

Robert & Nicola Royston, Nino DiGiulio & Dawn Lara, Matt & Crystal Auclair, Greg Scott & Lemery Rollins, Kris Swearingen & Rebecca Ludwick, Jason Miklic & Sophy Kdep, Arthur & Colleen Uspensky, Mike Konkel & Shelli Schroeder, Erica Berg, Sabrina Paxmann-Stewart, Billy Marti, Veronica Castilla, Alex Kim, Eddie Valdez & Jennifer Pasetes, Jerome & Bonnie Subey. 

DJs included:

April Prince, Tim Johnson, Ruth Gilbert, Victor Loviera, Carpio Robles, Steve Neeren ... and a special guest from California: Larisa Tingle.

The competition music was so good that I had to go over to the DJ desk to see who was playing. 

April outdid herself. Lots of swing music and reasonable tempos. Instead of playing that annoying “heart-attack” music judges sometime request in order to separate the weak from the pack, April just played inspirational music.

Tim Johnson is a Mid-westie favorite. 

To the right, Tim is pictured with Nicole Szulc. They placed 3rd in Intermediate Just Hustle.

In all the conventions I've attended, he has never let the dance floor down.

Some DJs are unpredictable. Not Tim.

This guy always brings quality music to the dance floor. Fresh new sounds as well as old favorites.

What a treat to arrive at SDA and discover LARISA TINGLE had joined the DJ staff! 

California DJs are artists on another level. 

This chick is well known for her "moody groovin'" style. In January, I turned up at Monterey Swingfest as she was coming on. Being an early-bird, it takes something special to keep me up ALL NIGHT LONG!

http://itwirlland.blogspot.com/2015/01/monterey-swingfest-2015.html 

Her tunings are quite addictive. When she took command of the DJ station ... the ballroom came alive. 

Larisa came with boyfriend Tony Shubert ... a very successful WCS teacher in his own right ... and Marine Fabre. (Left with Cameron Martinez, dance professional from Portland, OR)

They set up a "Sway'd" boot table and sales were brisk. This is more than a fad. Sway'd is here to stay. 

Innovation in dancewear by a person (Marine) who understands what dancers actually WANT to WEAR! http://swaydshoes.com

The weekend kicked off with workshops on Friday from 1-7pm.

Some of that time, 3 lessons an hour were offered = a total of 14 lessons on Friday. 

Jennifer Pasetes & Eddy Valdez taught two workshops on Friday and it was a really good introduction to both the weekend and this relatively new partnership.

They offered challenging material with excellent delivery and it really told me how much they want to try to give to us. 

I love teachers who try hard.

Jason Miklic & Sophy Kdep gave a workshop that offered a pattern set and encouraged us to try new things.

Both made suggestions about styling and variation that were out-of-the-box and yet, completely natural.


They are pictured to the left during the premier of their new Showcase routine to: Numb by Usher.

Both Jason & Sophy have a special charisma in their performances. It's good to see them in a routine again. They have a unique style.

Jean Neumann & Ory Berner
3rd Place Novice

Just Hustle prelims & finals kicked off the competition evening. 

The floor was filled with hustle couples. Everything was cheerful and bright.

Ori Berner (above) said: “I cannot express how much fun I had this weekend! I’d like like to start off thanking Glen Miller for hosting such an amazing event. Thank you Jean Neumann for being my Just Hustle partner."

Robin Millard & Jennifer Czeck
2nd Place Novice Just Hustle

Nobody cared what you chose as  your role.

Women lead, men follow and everyone is happy. 

Robin Millard said:

"It is important to be judged fairly by how you dance as a lead or follow and not be excluded by gender. SDA gave me an opportunity to grow, and share with my Chicago dance family, the love of hustle."

Randy Peters & Tal Shichor

West coast swing intermediate, advanced & Allstar Strictlies followed. They were done as a final.  There is no better way to see the very best dancers of the Mid-west region.

Randy Peters (above) said: “I had a nice time at Glen Miller’s Swing Dance America. Beautiful venue, great DJs and great social dancing. Meals with friends and it’s very family friendly event . Next morning, I was so swung over, I couldn't find my pants. And I even looked in the refrigerator!”



Masters Routines (age 50+) followed. 

Richard & Susan DeFelice (above) placed 1st at SDA, which is not surprising since they placed 2nd in this division at the US Open in 2014.

I have seen this routine several times. However, this was the first time I saw them actually PERFORM. The audience was delighted at the antics afforded them by the lyrics. 

It suited their personalities sooooo well!

Mid-westie favorites, Wayne & Cindy Rohr, placed 4th at the US Open. 

We have seen several routines produced by this stellar couple. 

True stars because they are kind, friendly and encourage so many others to reach beyond the status quo.

Rising Star followed.

Of course, Jesse & Hailee Lopez won 1st place.

They got 2nd place in both Rising Star and Cabaret at the US Open last year! 

Hailee also won 1st place in the Intermediate J&J with Richard DeFelice. Richard shoulda bought a lottery ticket that day!

These adorable newly-weds are trained dancers with their own ballroom studio in the Kansas City area. The power couple to watch. 

Their cabaret routine gave me shivers. I wish they could have performed this for us live at SDA.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5rQV6QQjXE

Most of us are not formally trained dancers.

We are learning as adults and when we reach important goals, the accomplishments are magnified. 

Lamarr Williford & Kristin Bowen are the true winners of Rising Star. Their routine is awe-inspiring, good-feeling and they show us that this is not about training and type. It's about setting goals, developing personal bonds and disciplining ourselves. The work and joy these two bring to this dance genre encourages all of us. 

Jeff Fraunhoffer & Gail Jacobson

There was plenty of social dance thru out the night but it began in earnest after routines. Since there are no tables to get in the way (only bleacher seating), it is very easy to get to the dance floor. In the Mid-west, people have floor-craft. The ballroom floor was big enough to accommodate everyone comfortably. 

John McKenny, Ava McLeod & me.

The Grand Geneva has one of the most outrageously decadent breakfast buffets of all the dance conventions. It's worth the $20! 

Omelette station, pancake & waffle station (with everything your heart desires), fruit, pastries, perfectly cooked bacon, yogurt parfaits, lox ... an endless list of goodies. 

Six workshops were offered on Saturday morning in both WCS and hustle. 

The best workshop of the weekend was offered by superstars Robert & Nicola Royston. No matter who you are, there is always something to glean from their workshops.

Robert Klevin with Rebecca Ludwick

Linda Guetterman with Billy Marti

ProAm strictlies in both hustle and WCS began at 11:15am.

There were 92 entries in both dances ... from Novice thru Advanced. 

This is a big reason why dancers are so good in the Mid-west ... and why there are so many thriving teachers.

Andrew Bender & Jennifer Czeck
5th Place Novice Strictly

Novice and Masters WCS Strictly followed and were done as a final. Strictlies are always such fun. 

Jennifer Czech said: "Thank you to Glen Miller for Swing Dance America 2015! I had a great time socializing with old friends, made some new ones, laughed til my cheeks hurt, was amazed and inspired by all the phenomenal routines and educated by the exceptional Pro Staff! I danced til my feet hurt and then got up and danced some more. LOL!”

Next up were the Hustle Jack n' Jill's done as a final.

There were just too many contestants in Novice Division so it was rescheduled for Sunday morning. (Actually, the event tried to run the Novice Hustle J&J as a final but then Glen practically had a riot on his hands.)

Left is Vern Hagel ... dancing with Jennifer Pasetas in the Intermediate Hustle J&J. 

Can you image what Vern thought when he realized Jennifer was his partner?! They got 3rd place.

Michael Stern and Monika Kedziora
Novice JJ Prelims

Next came the WCS Jack n' Jills. This is the main event ... the reason people spend so much time and money on dance. A challenge of epic proportion! Novice was done with Semis. Masters and Intermediate were done as Prelim and Final. Advanced was done as a final on Sunday.

Randy Peters, Tal Schior & Jacque Snellenberger

We actually finished the Jack n' Jills at 5:15pm. 

Can you believe it?! So, of course, we all made a bee-line to the restaurant where we got to enjoy the view of the lake. There was a seafood buffet on offer and a lot of people took advantage of the unlimited crab legs.
(Me and my friends had a dinner picture too, but it came out so bad that I decided to use someone else's picture!)

After dinner, we had 2 exhibitions.

"May I Have This Dance" studio in Chicago hosts a west coast swing team called: "Windy City Westies" and there were so many people participating that I couldn't get them all in the frame of my camera!

That's the Mid-west for you: dance work-ethics.

See this kid? That's Lily Auclair! She and her daddy, Matt, performed their routine. We have watched Lily learn to dance since her 1st performance at Tampa Bay Classic in 2012 at the age of 4 years old. Now, at the ripe old age of 7, she's dancing like a pro! As a matter of fact, she went around the ballroom asking ladies to dance ... she led.

Semis for the Novice J&J were posted and ALL MY FRIENDS MADE IT! 

This was very exciting!

At one point, I filmed the right corner in which Joyce Fisher, Linda Guetterman, and Ava McLeod were all auditioning for finals. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pu1eYMqm40A&feature=youtu.be

Hustle, Showcase and Classic are always a highlight of these events. Its a no-brainer that Robert & Nicola would win 1st place in Showcase. 

I was privileged to witness their launch at John Lindo’s monthly venue: Rockaway in New Jersey in November. They simply threw it on the floor … no costumes or no fanfare. We were all stunned. Now, six months later, it just blew me away. 

Showcase is definitely their thing and they rule. We like them as people and connect to them as a family. 

We clamor to get into their intensives. We laugh hysterically at their jokes. But they have always done the work that is required to be good. That’s why they are always the favorites.

Their children sat on the sidelines and cheered them on. 

In Classic, 1st place winners were Rebecca Ludwick & Kris Swearingen. I got a preview their routine at Dance Camp Chicago in February and it was AAAwesome even without the edgy costumes and makeup!
http://itwirlland.blogspot.com/2015/03/dance-camp-chicago-2015.html

Champion Strictly was quite entertaining. The only reason Brad Whelan & Larisa Tingle were last ... was because Brad (lying on the floor underneath Larisa) dropped her!

Actually, in the Mid-west, everyone is such good friends that it's only natural to goof around. They love to clown around and we totally enjoyed it!

I love it when Nicola Royston dances with Nino DiGuilio! 

There have sooooo much dance chemistry together. 

Nicola and Nino seem to get each other and finish each other's dance thoughts. 

Matt Auclair and Lemery Rollins

Lemery Rollins is always so serious when she dances with Greg Scott. But when she dances with MATT ... we see a whole 'nother side of her. 

Sometime, it would be fun to have a contest to see who is funnier: Matt Auclair or Robert Royston. We don't care who wins ... it would just be hysterical to watch!

Glen Miller dancing with Christy Parker

Did I say there was plenty of social dancing ... day and night? That was because: 

all the competitions were ON TIME!

Larisa with Harrison Ramsey

After Champion Strictly, social dancing got started in earnest. 

The QUEEN of LATE-NITE took the DJ desk for a while. What a night! 

Breakfast was served and then people came back to the ballroom. Everyone's eyes lit up when they saw that RED-head! I was happy too. I go a lot of places and hear the best music. 

Nothing less will do!

Sunday morning, instead of attending workshops, I went out to photograph Lake Geneva and found Nicola and Summer hanging out. Such a lovely morning and I'm glad I got to share this moment with my readers.

Matt Mordini & Sarah Gomez
2nd Place Novice Hustle J&J

Hustle Jack n' Jill finals started comps off on Sunday. The Novice Hustle Jack n' Jill was re-run 1st on Sunday morning. Both prelims and finals. It was really nice of Glen to listen to all the people who were so unhappy about this division being run as a final on Saturday. This went off without a hitch ... quick and easy. 

Matt Mordini said: ”Feeling both sore and awesome from a weekend at Swing Dance America. Good bye SDA 2015! You were AWESOME!"

Cory Phillips & Adela Su

Next up was the Masters' Division Finals. Several of the contestants are teachers and Advanced dancers. Its an honor to join this group.

Adela Su said: "Glen, thank you for a super fun weekend at SDA! I love coming to the midwest were everyone, and I mean everyone, is so friendly and welcoming, which was esp. nice this year since I came solo. I made so many new friends! Thank you too for the fun hustle dance; the hustle room was great and this event has rejuvenated my interest/love of hustle. I look forward to SDA 2016 esp. since I won the free pass! Until next time ..."

Adela Su's husband, Eddy Karoliussen, is responsible for the "iTwirl" concept. In my early days photographing events, I got a good shot of him and posted on Facebook. He commented that in all the years he had been dancing, no one had ever taken his picture. At that time (2009), photographers mostly shot Advanced, Allstar and Champions. So, I focused on the Newcomer and Novice dancer. They appreciated the support.

Next were the WCS Jack n' Jill finals. One of the most exciting events in a person's life is making finals in Novice for the 1st time, especially if that person tried many times before. 

Ava McLeod, pictured above, placed 5th in Novice with Michael Edwards, who earned his final points in this comp and is now Intermediate. His real accomplishment was making Ava's experience special.

Another person who made finals for the 1st time, in Intermediate, was Jeff Fraunhoffer. Jeff had a blast dancing with Brittney Valdez!

All divisions were very well represented by older contestants. Normally about 10% of finalist are from Master's Division. At SDA 2015, that percentage rose to about 25%.

Melissa Pylant & Ken Negley

The Advanced division was done as a final and not combined with Allstar. Also, there were more leaders than followers! 

There is some real talent in this division. Melissa Pylant, a protege of Jason Miklic, went from beginner to advanced in 3 years and is currently teaching at: Got 2 Dance studio in Louisville, KY.
http://www.got2dancelouisville.com

Melissa Pylant said: "I had a really good time at SDA. It was a great event, with a excellent pro staff, wonderful friends and a beautiful location. What more could you ask for?"

Allstar Division is very exciting!

Marina Moeller, with Tony Shubert (top left) has been quite an inspiration in the Mid-west.

We've watched her grow as a dancer thru the several routines she's performed.

I've been told that the level is higher in California and the other regions can not compare.

Maybe, but Heather Fronczak (from Chicago ... pictured her with Byron Calix (top right)) was able to make finals in both Swing Diego and the US Open. 

Dallas Radcliff (dancing with with Portland, OR Allstar Cameron Martinez (bottom) is pregnant!

We have all missed her. She is another example of a Mid-west inspirational dancer and teacher. 

The Mid-west is becoming a swing hotbed to rival California!

Matt Auclair with Joyce Fisher, Claudia Bliel & Christine Miller  (3 of his 5 routine students)

You've heard of "Charlie's Angels?" Well, meet "Matt's Divas!" Nobody has more Proam students than Matt Auclair.

Currently, there is a 2 year waiting list. Christine Miller lives in Minnesota. Claudia Bliel lives in Michigan. Tal Shichor lives in Toronto. Matt lives in St. Louis.

ProAm Routines were held at 3pm on Sunday. There were 12 ProAm routine. The Mid-west has an AAAwesome Dance Work-Ethic.

Some people retire after a long career and go off to a fishing hole or a rocking chair. 

NOT GEORGE HALL!

George premier'd on stage with his new Novice level routine to ZZ Ward's "Put the Gun Down!"

He and Rebecca were charming ... there was loads of dance chemistry ... and she created the perfect material for him.

Another important premier was Jason Miklic's student: Pam Kobin to "I Wanna Hold Your Hand."

Novice is the toughest division to be in and performing a ProAm routine is both terrifying and spectacular!

But Jason has a rep for taking good care of his students and getting them where they need to be. 

That's why MY next routine is being planned with Jason.

Christine Miller blew us all away! OMG!!!

I've seen two routines from this girl: a ProAm and a Rising Star. Christine is the living proof that this is the way to become a good dancer! The girl BLOOMED before our very eyes. 

What a GIANT jump in dance skill she showed in this piece to "Am I Wrong." Obviously she got 1st place with her Intermediate ProAm routine.

Like the Champion Strictly, the Champion Cross-Over is not meant to be serious.

We are all tired from a weekend of non-stop dancing and competition. 

We want to be entertained and the sillier the better! 

Jerome Subey knows nothing about Hustle. That didn't bother Sabrina Paxmann Stewart! She took the lead. 

Nevertheless, it wasn't going too well for Jerome ... so when all else fails ... he uses one of his all purpose, handy-dandy move ... the splits!

Likewise, Tony Schubert didn't have a clue about hustle. After all, it's practically unheard of in Arizona and California, where he's from. 

(Fred & Leslie Price made a valiant effort to introduce hustle to the Phx locals. Then they gave up.) 

Maren Olsac took her cue from Sabrina and took the lead. Tony tried to follow but ended up falling instead. 

So, Tony just hammed it up a bit and laid down on the floor ... which was perfect.

I imagine it was easier than trying to follow hustle!
(Don't be surprised if they come back next year ... full of cool hustle moves!)

Nino with Tal Schior

Nino DiGiulo, owner of the very popular dance studio "May I have this Dance" in Chicago is a BIG Mid-westie favorite.

He was named top teacher at the event (again) and seems to have his own fan club! Everyone I meet in the Chicago area has either taken lessons there or attends their functions.

Chicago dancing is lots of fun!
http://mayihavethisdance.com/

Jonah Grimes playing with Jade Miklic

There were so many special moments at SDA. 

The Mid-west is a spectacular dance region and unlike anywhere else.

This is just so wholesome, family-friendly, supportive and positive!

Glen had a STELLAR STAFF and the best volunteers an event can get. They ran that event like pros! Everything was on time, fair, fun and easy. 

We had nothing else to do but enjoy ourselves. 

Thank you Glen for open seating. What a MAAARVEL-ous idea! It was easy to move around and mingle.

It was possible to visit with lots of different people all thru the convention. 

The event was held at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa which is about 50 miles from Milwaukee and 65 miles from Chicago. 

If you really want a special treat, arrive in Chicago on Wednesday night for one of the best weekly venues in America: Galway. 

Hosted and DJ'd by April Prince, this is a very special experience.

When I was visiting Chicago without a car, Ken Dillard (also a local DJ) arranged transportation for me. 

Check out Ken Dillard sometime. He's the creative genius behind "AwestruKen Photography"

http://www.awestrucken.com/

At first glance, the hotel seems like a PintheA to get to. 

However, Glen provided reasonably priced shuttle service from the O'Hare ($35 each way) and Milwaukee ($28 each way). 

The event hotel is AAAwesome. BUT like the Barrett Strong song says:

"Money, that's what I Want" ... the resort isn't cheap!

Most everything costs and at a premium ... except parking! 

Yes ... PARKING is FREE!!!

But, the resort offers quite a bit of value. If you can find time for it, there is golf and phenomenal spa facilities.

There is nothing like Spring in Wisconsin. This was the view from my room. It wasn't just beautiful ... there was a magical fragrance from all the tulips, bluebells and daffodils in bloom.

It feels like Wisconsin invented spring.

There is just something special in the air in Wisconsin.

Two years ago, after the now defunct Wisconsin Dance Challenge, I rented a car and headed up north to Door Peninsula.



People in NYC laughed at me. 

They asked ... "ya gonna dance with the cows ... yuck, yuck!"


Everywhere I drove ... 
there were places where people gathered freely.

There were Christmas tree farms.

Wine and cheese tasting places.

Farm stands with fresh picked blueberries, cherries and rasberries. 

And endless miles of pristine and quiet beach along Lake Michigan. (Easy to camp and picnic).

There were plenty of decent and low cost motels with no reservation needed. 

Inexpensive dining options with surprising quality, too.

It was a vacation paradise!

Franck Nativel-Fontaine and Rosa Passi

Rosa Passi said: "SDA was amazing ... so many talented dancers, great music ... and spending the weekend with so many wonderful friends. Thank you Glen and all the staff for all their hard work. 10 year celebration in 2016! Put this on your calendar!!"

We faced a bittersweet farewell on Sunday afternoon but we did not say good bye.  

Instead, we said ...

“See ya at Michigan Classic!”

It was a Smokin' weekend and I gotta say, nothing could spoil it! SDA and Glen Miller possess the one quality that is more important than anything else: Mid-west Character(s)

It was MAAARVEL-ous to be able to spend time with these people.

Me & Wayne Rohr
5th Place Masters Strictly

This region is a MIRACLE of warmth and friendliness.

The teachers care SUPREME-LY and people go out of their way to make visitors feel at home. 

                   

"For Once in Your Life" come to the Mid-west and experience the way a dance convention should be. 

Glen, I'm impressed!

"You're the apple of our eye, you're cherry pie ... 
and oh yeah, you're cake 'n ice cream.

You're sugar and spice and everything nice.

You're the boy of our dreams." (Sam Cooke)

See you next year!

http://www.swingdanceamerica.com/