Yup, you heard us: free and the return of Bookends. No drop-in classes or series classes this time, just a fun (potentially PG-13) show followed by our usual west coast swing social dance. If you've never danced west coast swing before, we recommend joining us on another Wednesday night when we have our regular classes.

WHAT ON EARTH IS BOKEONDS?

IMPORTANT: this is a phone-free, potentially PG-13 show as the dancers have artistic license to do pretty much whatever they want. We make no promises related to the content of the performances. If you're not into that, just come for the dancing.

Long, long ago, in the far off time of pre-2015-ish west coast swing dancing, competitions were strictly gendered. On the comp floor, only male-identified humans were allowed to lead, only female-identified humans were allowed to follow, and non-binary people weren't even considered. Many thought this rule was incredibly silly, including Neal Klein and Willow Colson-Wall, co-event directors of Swingin' New England (SNE). Well before the World Swing Dance Council got rid of the gendered role rules in 2015-ish, Neal and Willow creatively circumvented those rules by having a special competition called Bookends that only allowed same-gender dancers to dance together. Over the years, it grew into a big, raucous show that hundreds looked forward to watching and/or participating in every year over SNE weekend.

SNE unfortunately went into hibernation over the COVID-19 pandemic, but we're bringing back Bookends for one night only so that a whole new generation of dancers can experience the uproarious fun! Nowadays, Bookends is no longer a creative protest against outdated attitudes about gender; it's a celebration of the art and joy (and let's be real, a whole lot of silliness) that all dancers share, regardless of which role(s) they dance.

There may be routines. There may be improv dancing. There may be one-couple acts. There may be groups. There will definitely be a whole lot of laughing and cheering. Joe and Marcus have promised to not recreate their... creative... costuming choices from back in the day. There's a dance afterwards, and it's all free. If you're in town, come join us!

SCHEDULE

8:00pm-9:00pm Bookends show (PG-13, no recording allowed)
9:00pm-12:00am WCS social dancing

PRICING

Free! All of it!

Come little children, I'll take thee away... to the enchanted forest Did you know they dance west coast swing in the enchanted forest? Us neither, but a little birdie told us it was true! The Dancing "Ghouls" annual Halloween party includes all of our usual classes and dancing that you know and love, but with the added fun of costumes! Come as a flora, fauna, fae, or whatever else tickles your fancy.

If your intended costume restricts your range of vision or has pieces that stick out or drag on the floor, we recommend coming as one of the fair folk in disguise instead.

DROP-IN CLASS & DANCE SCHEDULE

8:15pm-9:15pm Beginner WCS drop-in class with Elyse & Marcus (total newbies welcome!)
8:15pm-9:15pm Basics & Beyond WCS drop-in class with Heather & Neal
9:15pm-12am WCS social dancing with DJs Max & Maria
***Doors close for the drop-in classes at 8:25pm, please be sure to arrive on time***

SERIES CLASS SCHEDULE

Pre-registration required, drop-in classes & dance included
7:00pm-8:00pm WCS 100 class series with Elizabeth & Neal @ the VFW
7:00pm-8:00pm WCS 203 class series with Heather & Max @ the VFW
7:45pm-9:15pm WCS 303 class series with Alli & Max @ Unity Somerville

PRICING

$12 general admission (includes 8:15pm drop-in class and social dancing)
$6 student admission (includes 8:15pm drop-in class and social dancing)
Online registrations include a small processing fee to help offset PayPal and Stripe fees