Two nationally acclaimed swing dance instructors from Nashville, Tennessee, will bring a palette of partner dancing options to Hilo from July 23-26.
Two nationally acclaimed swing dance instructors from Nashville, Tennessee, will bring a palette of partner dancing options to Hilo from July 23-26.
Between the two of them, Jenna Applegarth and Jon Tigert hold titles from many national swing dancing championships and have performed in productions at Lincoln Center and with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, as well as with the Cincinnati Symphony. They’ve also been featured in numerous music videos and television shows.
Their Hilo workshop, Nashville Swingin’— the pair’s first appearance in Hawaii — is sponsored by the Hilo Hep Cats and includes many beginner-friendly classes. No partner is needed. The dance styles include Balboa, St. Louis shag, slow drag blues, ballroomin’ blues and Lindy hop, and the venues range from Island Dance Academy and the Hilo Elks Lodge in downtown Hilo to private residences.
For a full schedule, visit hilohepcats.org or contact Andrea Gill at 959-8216. A special preregistration price of $15 per class is available until Saturday. There also are discounts for students, off-island dancers and multiple classes.
The pair are known for their ability to keep class material challenging yet attainable, and for their high level of energy on and off the dance floor. Their passion for dancing creates the perfect fun and entertaining environment for learning.
The Hilo Hep Cats are a swing dance club focused on vintage American partner dancing styles, offering lessons in addition to hosting workshops and Swinging Saturdays at the Elks Lodge.