Stephen Duane
For the Love of Swing
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Dear Stephen, first let’s start by introducing your group. How did you find each other and decided to work together?
We are the Roaring Twenties Hot Jazz Dance Club. Originally, it all started with my wife and a few close friends. It currently relies on the fresh energy and input of our talented dancers, artists, photographers, and musicians. What’s the story behind your group’s name: the Roaring Twenties Hot Jazz Dance Club? Living in the city where the Charleston was born, it was easy to identify with the stylish, carefree attitude most exemplified by the 1920's. And, "hot jazz" is simply a reference to traditional jazz forms. It may be distinguished from "cool jazz" which is often said to be more for listening than dancing. |
Photo: courtesy of the artist |
When did you start dancing? What do you find amazing of the energy, passion and feelings you get by dancing Swing?
I personally started dancing in 2002. My love of Swing music and Swing dancing can be traced back to my first workshop with the late, great Frankie Manning - the chief ambassador of the current Swing revival. It can easily be said that Swing music and Traditional Jazz embody the meaning of happy music. It lifts one's spirits listening to this music and dancing to it.
How difficult or easy is it to work and cultivate your passion with your dance students who may have age difference or other distinguishing features such as knowledge of music?
We include different generations as the appeal of Swing music is universal. The exuberance contained in the music and the steps cultivates its own passion.
As a professional dancer, what do you think is required to enjoy dancing Swing?
Anyone of any age, size, or ability to keep rhythm can Swing dance. It all starts with love of the music.
What about the community of Swing & Jazz in Charleston? How do you attract people to join your classes and performances?
Charleston is a small close-knit urban community where word-of-mouth and a few social media outlets go a long way. We hold dances twice a week in a progressive part of town. We feature live music by local musicians, augmented by touring bands. And, we've found that exposure to the music naturally makes one want to dance. It's that simple.
What type of events come to the rescue of swing dancers interested in competing, but most importantly that serve to promote and keep alive the love for this national treasure?
There is a great number of regional, national, and international events where dancers and musicians get together to celebrate and share the love of Swing. Competitions, social dancing, classes, lectures, and workshops happen around the world all year long.
Any special upcoming programs you’d like to share? Also, how can people find and contact you?
Dances with themes and live music go year-round. We can be found on Facebook as Roaring 20's Hot Jazz Dance Club. All interested parties can contact Stephen Duane at hotjazzdanceclub@gmail.com
Thank you and see you in Charleston!
I personally started dancing in 2002. My love of Swing music and Swing dancing can be traced back to my first workshop with the late, great Frankie Manning - the chief ambassador of the current Swing revival. It can easily be said that Swing music and Traditional Jazz embody the meaning of happy music. It lifts one's spirits listening to this music and dancing to it.
How difficult or easy is it to work and cultivate your passion with your dance students who may have age difference or other distinguishing features such as knowledge of music?
We include different generations as the appeal of Swing music is universal. The exuberance contained in the music and the steps cultivates its own passion.
As a professional dancer, what do you think is required to enjoy dancing Swing?
Anyone of any age, size, or ability to keep rhythm can Swing dance. It all starts with love of the music.
What about the community of Swing & Jazz in Charleston? How do you attract people to join your classes and performances?
Charleston is a small close-knit urban community where word-of-mouth and a few social media outlets go a long way. We hold dances twice a week in a progressive part of town. We feature live music by local musicians, augmented by touring bands. And, we've found that exposure to the music naturally makes one want to dance. It's that simple.
What type of events come to the rescue of swing dancers interested in competing, but most importantly that serve to promote and keep alive the love for this national treasure?
There is a great number of regional, national, and international events where dancers and musicians get together to celebrate and share the love of Swing. Competitions, social dancing, classes, lectures, and workshops happen around the world all year long.
Any special upcoming programs you’d like to share? Also, how can people find and contact you?
Dances with themes and live music go year-round. We can be found on Facebook as Roaring 20's Hot Jazz Dance Club. All interested parties can contact Stephen Duane at hotjazzdanceclub@gmail.com
Thank you and see you in Charleston!