King Teddy Band to Play at 20s-themed swing dance

Fredericksburg, VA, February 10, 2014—King Teddy, one of the best modern swing bands in the region will be playing at a Gatsby-themed swing dance on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at Calvary Chapel North Stafford, 28 Potomac Creek Dr., Fredericksburg.

King Teddy is an upbeat, five-piece combo featuring great vocals, saxophone, a driving beat, and a song list that dares the foot not to tap. Although their influences are varied (Louis Prima to Sam Cooke to Gene Vincent to Brian Setzer to even the Beatles), they have a single-minded musical mission—to swing, baby, swing!

King Teddy includes Mike Sottong on keyboards and lead vocals, Dan Rivizzigno on guitar and vocals, John Rowny on drums and vocals, Moe Nelson on upright bass, and a special guest on sax.  The WAMMY-award winning band is sure to provide an evening of swing, jazz and more. 

Joel and Valerie Webber, who teach swing dance as “Lindy in the ‘Burg,” in cooperation with Gottaswing.com (a DC-area dance organization), have organized regular swing dances in Fredericksburg since the beginning of 2012.

“Swing dances are amazing experiences,” said Valerie Webber. “This is one of the few places where people of all ages can come together to dance with some of the best music ever made, in a fun, smoke-free, family-friendly environment. We get great exercise, we get to be around some of the friendliest people in the world, and best of all, swing makes you happy.” 

At the February 22 dance, the Webbers will teach an introductory East Coast Swing dance lesson from 7:30-8, followed by music and dancing from 8-11. Admission is just $15/person ($10 for students).

“The swing dance community is extremely welcoming and friendly,” Joel Webber said. “You don’t need to have a partner or any previous dance experience. Everyone dances with everyone else.” 

History

Swing dancing evolved out of musical styles like jazz and big band that became popular in the 1930s and 40s in the US. Then called Jitterbug, Charleston or Lindy Hop, the dance styles grew in popularity, spreading across all social groups, and peaking during the war years. As music changed in the 1960s and 1970s, authentic Lindy Hop and Jitterbug became a vanishing art, but swing-revival bands like the Stray Cats and the Brian Setzer Orchestra in the 1980s helped to fuel a revival and renewed interest in the original dance style.

Today, swing dancing is alive and thriving throughout the US, and here in the local area. When the Webbers began teaching East Coast Swing in Fredericksburg in 2012, their monthly dances drew 20-30 people. After two years, the pair had to find a new dance venue to allow for growth. The swing dances now regularly draw 80-100 people.  

One of the unique features of this swing dance is the “half-time show,” which is an informal jam circle in which anyone can get up and show off their fancy footwork, including flips, tricks, and other moves that are not usually permitted on the social dance floor. It’s fun to watch, even for those who don’t care to dance.