Articles

Big Band Dance Party

by Christian Han (14 Jun 2010)

A look at the Singapore swing scene through the eyes of a regular Malaysian swing dancer, Christian Han

[In Memory of Frankie Manning]I got off the taxi along the deserted Ganges Avenue and took a look at the inconspicuous building known as the Jalan Besar Town Council. Only the huge numbers on the side of the building gave any indication that this was indeed the place I was looking for. As my taxi drove away leaving me all alone in this quiet area, with hope that this was indeed where the party was, I made my way in.

It was when I got deeper into building that I heard the faint but familiar swing music playing. Relief washing over me, I navigated through the maze of a building towards the source of the sound like a mouse following the smell of cheese. I stopped just before the main doors and quickly checked that I had my button/ticket on me. Then, I opened the door and stepped into the “Big Band Dance” party.

The party was already in full swing when I entered (pun intended). The dancers were swinging (last one, I promise) around on the dance floor garbed in their 1940’s outfit in accordance with the theme of the party. The Summertimes Big Band, an 18-piece band were keeping up with dancers’ energy with their amazing covers of swing music from the 40’s such as “Shiny Stocking” and “Stompin’ at the Savoy”. Walking through those doors made me feel as if I had been transported back in time.

The party was organized by Jitterbugs Singapore in conjunction the birthday of the late Ambassador of Swing, Frankie Manning. Lennart Westerlund, a renowned swing teacher from Sweden, was also invited to give workshops over the weekend. Lennart is also known for being the organizer of the largest annual Swing Dance camp in Herrang, Sweeden which draws thousands of people worldwide. Some of the local Singaporeans had gone to Herrang and they shared their experiences during a break midway through the party. As they recounted their tales, you could see the eagerness in the eyes of the listening younger swing dancers who are silently hoping to take the pilgrimage to Herrang as well… maybe, next year?

The party continued with more music and more dancing, and no one was ready to call it a night yet. I got down to the dance floor after asking some of locals for a dance. I was a little nervous as I’m not used to dancing with strangers. The dance floor was practically packed with dancers and everyone had to manoeuvre carefully to avoid bumping into each other. The hall was also hot as the air-conditioner could not keep up with the amount of heat generated. Despite all that, the band was playing fantastic music and once I really got into it, I had fun. I made mistakes here and there but everyone was having such a great time that it didn’t matter as much. As the song goes, “I could have danced all night.”

The night ended with one last rousing round by the band and the dancers. With the band playing a very fast song, each couple took turns going on the dance floor and showing of their best moves to rapturous cheers of the crowd. Some of the couples performed complex moves and high-flying aerials with such synchronicity with the music that it seemed as if they had rehearsed, even though it was impromptu. Even Lennart got onto the dance floor and showed that he still has got what it takes to swing. Applause and cheers erupted as the last song of the night ended.

As I waited for a taxi back to my hotel room, I wondered if Kuala Lumpur could ever have a party like the one I just attended. The swing scene back home is still quite small and struggling. A taxi finally arrived and it was only after I got in that I realized how tired I was. Oh well… I had a fantastic time that night and everything else will just have to wait.

[Photos of the Big Band Dance party]