This month, we’ve got Kalamazoos on the 10th and 24th, a dance display in Worthing on the 11th, and new Beginners and Intermediate courses starting in Brighton and Worthing. Current Beginners courses are just finishing, so expect to see some new faces on the dancefloor soon.
Best wishes, Janneke and Colin

The Victory Ball, 26th April 2008 - Your comments

Some friends and myself attended the Victory Ball on Saturday night - we drove up from Highcliffe (nr Bournemouth) in Dorset - and just wanted to say what a fantastic night we had. When we arrived we really felt out of our depth as everyone there were such amazing dancers, however, so many people made us feel extremely welcome and were so friendly and helpful - we are complete novices, in fact it was when ordering your learn to jive DVD that I heard about the ball. Saturday has inspired us all to have lessons. Thanks again and hope to see you all again at another one of your events.
Annie Young

Just wanted to say what a fabulous time I had on Saturday night at the Victory Ball. It was a great atmosphere, lovely venue, great music and dancing, everyone had made such an effort to dress up and were so friendly. I look forward to the next one!
Val Nippard

Many thanks for a great night yesterday and all the hard work you both put in, was a real treat. Listen........ forget the Assembly Hall, just book the o2 stadium in Greenwich, rate you two are going... hell fire!!!
John Copp

What a super evening at the Victory Ball, albeit a little too warm for comfort in the packed venue. Firstly, my sister Mary & I must congratulate and thank you both for staging this event......roll on to the next similar dance. There were some splendid outfits donned by those befitting the occasion. One especially stood out ---a lady dressed in Land Army uniform - excellent. Talking of excellent - the music was FAB. I've said it before, but those who didn't attend, missed out BIG-TIME. The majority of the music favoured swing and that suited me 'down-to-a-tee', as I'm only a beginner in the realms of LINDY swingers. Any dancers in a similar situation, in 12 months time, must make the effort to attend, as ALL of the proficient Lindy hoppers made you feel comfortable with their knowledge of this terrific dance. I've penned my diary for 2009.
Brian Ashdown & Mary Webster

Brighton Jive Dancers at Jukebox Show

Thanks to all the Brighton Jive Dancers who performed at the annual Jukebox Show at Brighton Racecourse on Sunday 20th April, and also a big thank you to all of you who came along to support us and have a dance, too. The dancefloor was jumping all afternoon! Music was provided by Greggi G & his Crazy Gang (who performed at our Rhythm & Blues Revue last year) and they were also joined for a short set by the very tall Elvis impersonator Lee Jackson (aka Hound Dog) who went down a storm.

The Brighton Jive Dancers will be putting on another of their displays in Worthing on Sunday 11th May at 1pm at Montague Place (by the bandstand).

Message from Brian Ashdown

Thank you to all the girls that danced with me, Brian Ashdown at the Victory Ball. The aim was to extend my record of 56 different partners – sadly only 49 was achieved. Guesses by 154 participants as to how many, ranged from 10 to 84. The following persons quoted 49; Maria Wickins, Nicola Shepherd, Mark Fisher, Wallace Grimme and Peter Crowhurst.

A draw took place at the Worthing Assembly Hall and Nicola Shepherd won the free tickets. The other unlucky people each receive a vintage newspaper of the WWII era. All correct quotes will receive a Brighton Jive Promotions enamel badge.

The badges and vintage newspapers will be available from me (Brian).

News from our friends at Ragroof Theatre and the band Fat45

RAGROOF THEATRE return triumphant to the Spiegeltent at Brighton Festival Fringe with a series of tea dances and a performance of their ensemble show, Shall We Dance?

TEA DANCES on Sundays 4, 11, 18 May 2-5pm. Desert Ivan Discs spins the tunes; instant dance classes from Dorothy’s Shoes; natty dance displays! £8/£6.

SHALL WE DANCE? on Friday 23 May 5.00pm. £10/£8 concs/£4 kids.

Bookings: 01273 709709 or see www.brightonfestivalfringe.org.uk

Ragroof also venture into exciting new territory with a series of themed club nights with built-in dance classes, presented in the glamorous Art Deco Hanbury Ballroom, Kemptown. 2nd Thursday of each month 7pm-2.00am (starts 8 May). Expect Cuban beats and Puerto Rican rhythms; sultry Bossa Novas and seductive Sambas, big band swing, jumping jazz and sexy late-night Latin lounge.

£8 before 8pm; £10 after. Bookings 01273 605789 or see www.thehanburyclub.com. Further info on Ragroof from Ivan ivan@ragrooftheatre.co.uk or 07813 812858. See www.ragrooftheatre.co.uk

FAT 45s present Swing Night at The Parlure Spiegeltent. Brighton’s blistering 11-piece big band bring back the dance music of the 1950s & 60s with their slick quiffs, sharp suits, swingin hips & high heels... dancefloor satisfaction guaranteed!

The Parlure Spiegeltent, Thursday 22nd May 10pm - 2am. Doors at 9.45, band on at 10pm so don't be late! Record Hop with Slick Nick & Desert Ivan Discs. £10 (£8)

Bookings: 01273 709709 or see www.brightonfestivalfringe.org.uk

Beginners & Intermediate Courses in May

10-week Beginners courses start in Worthing on Thursday 22nd May (8:30pm at East Worthing Community Centre), and Friday 23rd May (8pm at St Mary’s Church Hall). Courses cost £52 per person, and at the time of writing, there are no more spaces for ladies joining on their own in Brighton. There are, however, spaces for leads on their own and couples joining together. In Worthing, there are spaces for followers, leads and couples at present.

5-week Intermediate courses start on Monday 19th May in Worthing (8:30pm at East Worthing Community Centre), and Friday 23rd May (9:15pm at St Mary’s Church Hall). There are spaces for followers, leads and couples on both courses at the moment.

Please note that booking in advance is essential for all the above courses – please call 01273 560480 to request booking forms.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

• Thursday 1st – End-of-course party in Worthing, 8:30pm.
  
• Sunday 4th – Brighton Jive Dancers performing at Ragroof Theatre’s teadance, 2 – 5pm. See article in this newsletter.
  
• Monday 5th – no Advanced class in Worthing (bank holiday)
  
• Tuesday 6th - Upstairs at Circus Circus, 1940s & 50s record hop, Circus Circus pub, Preston Circus, Brighton (opposite the Duke of York cinema), 8 – 11pm. £3. DJs: Memphis Gee & Speedy Rob.
  
• Wednesday 7th – Boogie @ Beechams, 1940s & 50s record hop, Thomas Beecham Sports Club, Dominion Way, Worthing. 8 – 11pm. £4.
  
• Friday 9th – End-of-course party in Brighton, 8pm.
  
• Saturday 10th - KALAMAZOO, Music from the 1940s & 50s, 8 – 11:30pm, St Mary’s Hall, Surrenden Road, Brighton. Bring your own drinks. £7 admission.
  
• Sunday 11th – Brighton Jive Dancers display in Montague Place, Worthing. 1pm.
  
• Tuesday 13th – Upstairs at Circus Circus, Brighton, 8 – 11pm. £3. DJs: Slick Nick & Lucky Phil.
  
• Wednesday 14th – Boogie @ Beechams, Worthing. 8 – 11pm. £4.
  
• Monday 19th - 5-week Intermediate course starts in Worthing, 8:30pm, advance booking essential. Call 01273 560480.
  
• Tuesday 20th – Upstairs at Circus Circus, Brighton, 8 – 11pm. £3. DJs: Memphis Gee & Slick Nick.
  
• Wednesday 21st - Boogie @ Beechams, 1940s & 50s record hop, Thomas Beecham Sports Club. 8 – 11pm. £4.
  
• Thursday 22nd – 10-week Beginners Course starts in Worthing, 8:30pm. Advance booking essential.
  
• Friday 23rd – 10-week Beginners course starts in Brighton, 8pm. Advance booking essential.
  
• Friday 23rd – 5-week Intermediate course starts in Brighton, 9:15pm. Advance booking essential.
  
• Saturday 24th - KALAMAZOO, Music from the 1940s & 50s, 8 – 11:30pm, St Mary’s Hall, Surrenden Road, Brighton. Bring your own drinks. £7 admission.
  
• Monday 26th – no Intermediate class in Worthing (bank holiday)
  
• Tuesday 27th – Upstairs at Circus Circus, Brighton, 8 – 11pm. £3. DJs: Memphis Gee & Miss Lucy Lou.
  
• Wednesday 28th - Boogie @ Beechams, 1940s & 50s record hop, Thomas Beecham Sports Club. 8 – 11pm. £4.