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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Rae Mullica Step Into Swing Tel: 515-490-1945 |
LINDY BLIZZARD RETURNS TO DES MOINES Dance Weekend Energizes The Swing Revival WHAT: Iowa Lindy Blizzard 2 WHEN: December 5th - 7th, 2008 WHERE: Des Moines Ballroom Dance Studio 2745 Douglas Ave, Des Moines (DES MOINES, IA… November 1, 2008) With the success of television shows like “Dancing With The Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance” more and more people are seeking out opportunities to learn these exciting dance forms. Event organizers around the country are responding to this demand, and a rise in workshop weekends are popping up around the nation. Des Moines will not be left behind in this trend. The second annual Iowa Lindy Blizzard will be hopping and jumping into Des Moines at the beginning of December and local, as well as regional, dancers are looking forward to the three-day event. According to Step Into Swing President Larry Mullica, the Iowa Lindy Blizzard is the perfect opportunity to become a part of the dance craze. “It is not often that Iowa hosts a big Swing event, so we are excited to offer a weekend with professional dance instructors and popular swing bands.” The Iowa swing dance scene has grown tremendously in the past few years because of organizations like Step Into Swing, and event coordinators hope to continue that growth by organizing an inspirational three-day event. “This year we are bringing in some of the finest instructors in the country,” said Mullica. “David Frutos and Kim Clever have been around since the resurgence of swing dance in the 1980s. They have competed and taught all over the world and have inspired thousands of swing dancers.” The Iowa Lindy Blizzard will also provide music by one of the Midwest’s most popular swing bands. Grand Marquis from Kansas City, MO, who have played all over the region, have a musical style that is remnant of the Neo-swing craze of the late 90s. Though this event is advertised as all ages and all levels, event organizers are hoping to attract a younger generation of dancers. “I know I will be dancing until I’m 93,” said Step Into Swing Vice President Rae Mullica, “but unless we start getting a younger crowd, the Swing dance scene will fade out in Des Moines.” In fact, Step Into Swing has been working all over Iowa to promote Swing dance awareness since the organization’s inception. They’ve worked with Drake University, Iowa State University, The University of Iowa, as well as Des Moines High Schools and grade schools to educate young people about swing and vernacular jazz. The Mullicas say that awareness and appreciation are the main goals for the Iowa Lindy Blizzard. “We’re hoping this event will catch the attention of Iowa dancers and inspire them to return to future events.” INSTRUCTORS Kim and David are six time US Open finalists including 1st Place in the Lindy Hop division. They have several film and television credits including: "Mullholland Drive," "Beverly Hills 90210,""Everybody Loves Raymond" and "Ally McBeal." They were choreographers for "The 13th Floor" and "Pearl Harbor," and appeared in Brian Setzer's "Jump, Jive 'N Wail" music video. Kim and David teach social Lindy Hop as well as the “flash” and “trash” used for competitions, jam circles and performances. This will be Kim and David’s first visit to Iowa. Bill and Shannon Butler, Minneapolis, MN Bill and Shannon teach in the Twin Cities and across the nation. Shannon began dancing at age four, learning the Jitterbug, Charleston, Shag and other vintage dances from her mother and grandmother. Recently, Bill and Shannon were finalist in the shag division at The National Jitterbug Championships, danced in national television ad and cast as dancers in the upcoming film Public Enemies staring Johnny Depp. The Butlers focus on good technique for social dancing emphasizing that dancing is first and foremost great fun. REGISTRATION INFORMATION Registration is open for the Iowa Lindy Blizzard at www.StepIntoSwing.com. Packages run from $50-$90; discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. All scheduled activities are at the Des Moines Ballroom Dance Studio, located at 2745 Douglas Ave in Des Moines. STEP INTO SWING Step Into Swing was founded in 2007 to spread Swing dance appreciation across the State of Iowa by promoting, demonstrating and providing a venue for vintage Swing dance and Jazz music. Since the organization's inception, the Mullicas have established a monthly dance, a weekly swing social,formedfour dance troupes, and have developed a swing education program that introduces Swing dancing to students of all ages. If you'd like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview, please call Rae Mullica at 515-490-1549 or e-mail Larry at info@stepintoswing.com. For complete schedule of events click on "Schedule"
Kim Clever and David Frutos, Ventura, CA