SWINGIN' TERN

SUMMARY--2013

On April 6 ST held its first ever double dance (afternoon--experienced/evening--standard), starring Perpetual e-Motionand Bob Isaacs. On September 7 an excellent techno contra was held, starring Phase X and Dan Black, and it also attracted many younger dancers.

This year saw the first full calendar year of Suzanne Patnaude as booker. Suzanne booked an eclectic mix of widely appealing bands and callers (see above); excellent regional bands and callers from nearby states; and a combination of well-known and up-and-coming bands and callers nearer to home.

Doug Heacock has been promoting the dance for thirty years. Now he does that in regular Facebook postings, in his YouTube's channel dance videos, in the drollery he writes for the dance email announcements and in ST's flyers distributed at dances in NJ and nearby states.

Joel Remde sends out timely dance announcements before every dance. The vital information is at the top of the email, and below that Joel writes backup information in an easy-to-read format so that an interested dancer can find out anything about the dance.

The attendance and financial results show the success of the strategy and efforts of Suzanne, Doug, Joel and Nancy Kelner and her publicity committee.

Xander Kastan has been the volunteer coordinator for three years. Sometimes Xander has a whole volunteer schedule organized one or two dances in advance. Other times there are open slots in the days leadingup to a dance, so Xander calls and emails individual people to ensure good staffing for the dance.

The success of the dance itself reflects the work of the volunteers, and several steady volunteers have emerged in the past year. Some volunteered under their own steam, and some responded to requests from the committee.

Through November, financially the dance is ahead $640, and December is usually a good because of the holiday dance (December 21 this year) and the New Year's Eve dance.

NOVEMBER 2013

Attendance was good at the dances. The November 2 dance featured the popular Brooklyn Swing Ensemble and nationally known Ted Crane. November 16 saw Beaver Lake Trio and Ridge Kennedy. Attendees danced to thenight's end with these excellent bands and callers.

Financially, November was a moderate success: $20 to the good.

DECEMBER 2013

For the first time, Swingin' Tern will host four dances in one month. Each will be outstanding on its own account, and three of them are special: On Friday, December 13, nationally acclaimed Great Bear Trio and Sarah Van Norstrand will perform--admission $5/$3 (adults/students); on December 21 long-time favorites Coracree and Donna Hunt will perform before the holiday party at Doug and Brian's; and on New Year's Eve we'll hear Will Mentor & Last Exit, upholding the NYE tradition of exceptional performers.

Leigh Walker

Swingin' Tern