OUR BEGINNINGS WERE HUMBLE
Saturday, September 12, 1998, is the night it all began. Back then, Harrah's Carnival Court was an all-ages outdoor venue with a stage that held live music six nights a week. The world famous Las Vegas Strip sidewalk was adjacent to the Carnival Court, so every night the place would be filled with random tourists. It just so happened that in 1998, those random tourists were stopping to hear the Swing bands, and more importantly to this story, watch the Swing kids. I was invited to hear the band, Uncle Sugar and the Sweet Daddies, by a girl I had met at a high school dance the night before. The girl never showed (and I have seen her since) but a few dancers there showed me a few steps, and my jitterbug journey began.
The first class in the series that would eventually end up as the Swing Dance Academy was held Sunday, May 21, 2000, in the clubhouse of a gated retirement community. Now, over 20 years later, we offer classes in a variety of Swing dances available at venues located around the Valley, multiple times a week.
If you're feeling nervous or anxious about joining the floor, I understand. I was a shy, skinny, off-rhythm 16-year old when I started. But I'm forever grateful that I did. I'll do my best to make you feel that same way too.
Your friend in rhythm
Nick Peterson
Head Instructor and Founder
SwingDanceVegas Academy
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