Hudson Swing Affair

[westcoastjunkie]

http://www.hudsonswingaffair.com/images/splash.jpg

http://www.hudsonswingaffair.com/home.html

"The Hudson Swing Affair is a glittering, new west coast swing social dance event that celebrates the exuberant nature of swing music in a spectacular environment. This one of a kind weekend features free workshops with celebrity swing instructors, an outdoor pier dance, a Backyard BBQ with Swing & Soul, a Black & White Ball, Broadway and Off-Broadway show outings, the Swing Affair Floor Show Revue starring noted Broadway dancers, comedian John Morgan and, of course, hours and hours of glorious swingin’ for joy on a competition-free dance floor with fellow dancers from all across the nation.

Set against the sparkling Manhattan skyline, the Hudson Swing Affair is more of a New York party than a suburban dance convention -- an adult swing dance theme park!"

Event tickets are $100 each. Premium tickets are $125 (Table Sales Only). All tickets include:

All workshops
Friday Night Pier Dance
Backyard BBQ with Swing & Soul
Black & White Ball with Swing Affair Floor Show Revue
All dances over the weekend.

The event hotel is the gorgeous Hyatt Regency in Jersey City overlooking the Manhattan Skyline and New York Habor. http://jerseycity.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/gallery/photos.jsp;jsessionid=AUJPSE3OVQ5DLTQSNWIVAFWOCJWY OUP4?icamp=propPhotoGallery

[christina]

I cannot wait for this!

The DJ list is outstanding and I'm already working on a dress for the Black & White Ball! So nice to have an excuse to dress up.

The website is smashing!

[Dima]

FYI: The PATH rate is up to $1.75 as of March 2nd.

[swingdj]

FYI: The PATH rate is up to $1.75 as of March 2nd.

I'm curious....is that going to stop you from going to the event?

[Dima]

I was just pointing it out, so that it can be corrected on the event website.
No, it wouldn't stop me, 'cause I ride the PATH all the time.
I wasn't planning on going. I'll be in Dallas.

[christina]

Back to talking about the event.....

I don't know what I'm more excited for - the Black & White Ball w/ Show or the Swing & Soul BBQ*.

Dressing up to the nines vs. Peter Strom party time

It's a tough call.


*BTW, what kind of food at the BBQ? Will there be vegetarian options like veggie burgers or should we be prepared with our own non-flesh foods?

[christina]

So, I know this event is still some months away.....but......

How can you not be excited that there's a black & white ball!!!!!!

I've already started searching for a dress. Anyone else doing the same - or any NYCers up for a shopping day? I have a few dresses picked out (trying to decide which will get the most use afterwards) and will need accessories to go with. Nor can I turn down a fun fancy dress day of shopping!

[Just Asking]

Christina,

I am looking forward to this event. I think it's going to be a good one.

I too have looked at a few dresses but have not made a decision. I am up for shopping. Any other takers?

Barbara J.

[christina]

OK, Barbara and I will be going out shopping at somepoint. Anyone else game?

Also, how formal/informal are you all planning on going to the Black & White Ball? Knowing that will help me considerably in deciding what dress to wear. I already own a large number of black cocktail dresses and have a few more formal dresses of varying degree as options.

[christina]

BTW - just so we're not all hung-up on the formal portion of the weekend...

SWING & SOUL BBQ! Super excited!! It's going to be so awesome! SWING! SOUL! BBQ! eeeeieiiiiiii!!!!!!

[Dima]

Is there a way to purchase tickets separately for each night?

[mojoswing]

This is going to be a great time. We are working on getting a few people from Boston to go.

[lrsd]

I am so looking forward to this event...Real swing! So much fun! Time will tell who the real swing dancers are! I am looking so forward to this event...was going to DD but figured a local dance and real WCS, could not pass it up! Christina....it does not matter what you wear. You are getting to much into it....its a black and white party! I am black so I can wear whatever!!!! John already knows this from his "white" parties that he throws! Anyway I am sure that all will be fine....we just have to remember to anchor and not walk through our anchor....this is not a california stop. "for those who know what a CA stop is or rolling stop!

Art

[westcoastjunkie]

Christina....it does not matter what you wear. You are getting to much into it....its a black and white party!
Art

~ humph ~

Don't listen to him Christina, I'm going shopping for a dress (or two) also. Just not sure when or where. I would love to wear a vintage dress. I love pretty dresses and nice clothes, but hate shopping. I'm looking forward to dressing up too. No does that anymore. It's a party! Dress for the occasion.

[christina]

~ humph ~

Don't listen to him Christina, I'm going shopping for a dress (or two) also. Just not sure when or where. I would love to wear a vintage dress. I love pretty dresses and nice clothes, but hate shopping. I'm looking forward to dressing up too. No does that anymore. It's a party! Dress for the occasion.


I did intend to ignore him. "Ball" implies dressing to the nines. I am going with full formalwear at this point.

[Jerry Wang]

Just wondering, is the BBQ party part of the package or do we have to pay additional for the food?

[-festa-]

Hey Guys .... sorry, but I did not even realize there was a thread about the Swing Affair! Duh!

Jerry, the BBQ, like all else involved, comes with the purchase of the event weekend pass. The only add-ons are the Broadway show outings , each for $125 which includes orchestra seat and transportation to and from the theatre. Shows are: Thursday eve: WICKED; Saturday Matinee: GYPSY. B'way tickets are only available to weekend pass holders.

As for day/evening passes, there is no plan currently to be sold. The event pass, at $100, is such a bargain given all that the weekend holds. This may change the week of the event, but no guarantee given.

I can't wait for the Pier Dance, as well as the Black & White Ball. Now, where does one find a velvet zebra blazer??

Weekend passes will be available for purchase on the web site in a matter of days. www.HudsonSwingAffair.com

Let me know if I can help.

[lrsd]

Festa,

Whats this black and white ball thing all about? Is this like one of your famous "white" parties? If so I am glad you changed it so that I can attend.

Art

[-festa-]

Yes, FINALLY, Art, you can attend the Black & White Ball. But who would be perfect is your gorgeous daughter! This is a dressy, themed party. Come in black, white or both. And you can not be overdressed. The Swing Affair Revue will take place during the party, replete with showgirls (natch), comedian John Morgan, and ...... a classic strip-tease performance! Be ready. There may be pasties involved! [--kidding--]

[swingdj]

Yes, FINALLY, Art, you can attend the Black & White Ball. But who would be perfect is your gorgeous daughter! This is a dressy, themed party. Come in black, white or both. And you can not be overdressed. The Swing Affair Revue will take place during the party, replete with showgirls (natch), comedian John Morgan, and ...... a classic strip-tease performance! Be ready. There may be pasties involved! [--kidding--]

WAIT.....strippers....woo hoo....this event is really gonna ROCK now!!!! :D

[westcoastjunkie]

Yes, FINALLY, Art, you can attend the Black & White Ball. But who would be perfect is your gorgeous daughter! This is a dressy, themed party. Come in black, white or both. And you can not be overdressed. The Swing Affair Revue will take place during the party, replete with showgirls (natch), comedian John Morgan, and ...... a classic strip-tease performance! Be ready. There may be pasties involved! [--kidding--]

LOL....

Yeah, Art, bring your wife and young, innocent, impressionable young girls to the "show". But save me a seat. I want to hear you explain what a "pastie" is to your daughter. :o

[Dima]

WAIT.....strippers....woo hoo....this event is really gonna ROCK now!!!! :D
He didn't mention whether they were male or female....

[christina]

LOL....

Yeah, Art, bring your wife and young, innocent, impressionable young girls to the "show". But save me a seat. I want to hear you explain what a "pastie" is to your daughter. :o


If we put a mic at the table for that it will cover the comedy aspect of the night.

[swingdj]

If we put a mic at the table for that it will cover the comedy aspect of the night.

Listen, I experienced Natalie's comedy first hand in Atlanta! You have no clue how funny it would actually be! :D

[-festa-]

The Broadway show tickets will be available for purchase on line in the next day or two. WICKED, Thursday evening; and GYPSY for Saturday Matinee. Orchestra seat, with transportation to and from the theatre, with Broadway Mavens Grace Killelea and Marja Moyer as tour guides for both shows. Very limited quantity for each and you must have an event ticket in order to take advantage of this terrific offer. Go to www.HudsonSwingAffair.com > Event Details > Broadway.

Hudson Swing Affair . . . like no other swing event!

[-festa-]

Just to let you all know, the on line registration feature is now open. You can purchase event tickets and broadway show tickets through Event Express Pro on the Swing Affair web site. Swing on ....

www.HudsonSwingAffair.com

[Joe Maximo]

Would this be considered a crossover dance? It looks like its gonna be. I have a lindy girlfriend and wonder if theres music she can dance to.

[-festa-]

The music is going to be quite varied, Joe. If you look at the DJ roster, there is Victor Loveira (WCS), Peter Strom (Lindy soul), Judy Collins (Shag), among others. If you are a swing dancer at all, there will be something you like. There will not be any rap or hard core hip hop however. So this may not be the weekend for the single-minded devotees of that ilk.
Not that there's anything wrong with that ......

[SHORTYJOY]

Festa-you have out done yourself- this sounds really fun!!!!!! I'm mostly excited about the Black and White Ball. I won't be staying in the hotel so I can count on about 1.5 hour commute home to Harlem each day-but that's do able.

[christina]

I just bought my dress!!!!

It is STUNNING! And carries the Festa "Seal of Approval".

Will definitely need to shop for accessories.

Girls, when you can you go - I'm thinking Mid-July?

[westcoastjunkie]

I just bought my dress!!!!

It is STUNNING! And carries the Festa "Seal of Approval".

Will definitely need to shop for accessories.

Girls, when you can you go - I'm thinking Mid-July?

Hey! You were suppose to send me the link to the dress website. C'mon girl, you're not the only one who wants to play dress-up. ;)

[christina]

Just sent you the link - sorry to the rest of you who may want it - but I do not plan on showing up to this ball wearing the same dress as five other women.

Therefore - only westcoastjunkie gets the link.

But you all are welcome for a fun accessories shopping trip!

[christina]

BTW - I am arranging tables for Gotham Swing Club - there is still space left (but not much).

If you are interested in sitting at the Gotham Table's (you should probably be a GSC member.....) than contact me at croppold@gmail.com ASAP.

I really mean that ASAP - first come first served - and that means a check in my hands. I will not be holding a seat for anyone for the summer.

[westcoastjunkie]

BTW - I am arranging tables for Gotham Swing Club - there is still space left (but not much).

If you are interested in sitting at the Gotham Table's (you should probably be a GSC member.....) than contact me at croppold@gmail.com ASAP.

I really mean that ASAP - first come first served - and that means a check in my hands. I will not be holding a seat for anyone for the summer.

I'm interested but I never got a clear answer on where the Gotham table(s) were. There's a floor plan/seating chart on the event website with numbered tables. Can you let me know which table(s) are Gotham's?

[christina]

Oh, just under two months away! So excited!

My dress arrived - cannot wait to wear it! It's FANTASTIC! Need to find more dress-up events so I can wear it again.

Festa - what's being served at the Swing & Soul BBQ?

Edited to add: Just watched Natalie Woods in the 1962 version of Gypsy. Glad it's one of the B'Way options.

[-festa-]

TEACHERS ADDED! I am thrilled to announce master teachers added to the Swing Affair staff. The incomparable SHARLOT BOTT will be teaching a Ladies' Styling class focusing on THE WALK! Settling in the hip, bending & straightening the legs, and more. Rarely on the East Coast, this is very exciting. And back from her maternal hiatus, BLAKE DOWLING (nee HOBBY) will be sharing her unending gifts with us.

Look for a Roommate Connector on this site coming soon.


www.HudsonSwingAffair.com

[westcoastjunkie]

FYI - the event room rate for the hotel ends on July 28th, so book your rooms if you haven't done so already.

[christina]

Last night I spoke with Festa about the event and he spilled the beans on the Black & White Ball....

I can keep a secret, but hopefully he'll post on here soon about who is performing! I have video clips to link for those who've never seen her - AMAZING!

[christina]

Since the official email went out...I can now say that the talented and beautiful Jo Weldon will be performing burlesque at the Black & White Ball!

As Festa's email stated: this performance does contain partial nudity. Anyone offended should leave the ballroom for the number. That said, I have seen her perform before - it is tastful and fun - nothing to be offended by (but I do realize that is a matter of opinion).

She's a great dancer and performer; very entertaining.

http://media.collegepublisher.com/media/paper869/stills/2x1czdeq.jpg

[-festa-]

Jo Weldon is an accomplished burlesque dancer and has started the New York School of Burlesque, with over 600 students! She is professional and of high-integrity (read: not a pole dancer). Her performance will add a special luster to the Swing Affair.

[christina]

BREAKING NEWS!

Six dancers with a trademarked name that I don't have permission to post as of yet but who do some fancy chorus line work and have a "Spectacular" holiday show in NYC will be joining the floorshow cast during the Black & White Ball!!!!!!!

So exciting!

I have my dress and shoes and hair appointment. It's going to be a FANTASTIC Night (and weekend too!)

[christina]

Because you can never have too many photos:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2021/2344269361_ef795e38aa.jpg

The Beautiful Jo Weldon who will be performing a burlesque number at HSA.

Photo from her website: http://burlesquedaily.blogspot.com/ taken by Paule Saviano

[christina]

Ladies going to HSA:

Is anyone interested in chipping in to hire a make-up artist for the evening of the B&W ball?

Since it's so rare to have a formal event, I was thinking of bringing someone in. Some of the artists I've found charge a flat rate for large parties (think coming in to do a wedding party before the ceremony) based on the number of people involved.

Let me know if you're game and I'll see if it's do-able!

[lrsd]

Anyone looking for a room mate for saturday night only?

[westcoastjunkie]

http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs044/1101558993542/img/69.jpg?a=1102216344768

[christina]

Don't forget! Tomorrow night kicks off the Hudson Swing Affair weekend!!!

Come out and dance with me! (or the out of towners - take you're pick, we're both fun).

Blarney Stone
Second Floor
8th Avenue at 31st Street

9:30p-12a
$10 admission

Full Bar
Great music with DJ John Festa

[AllSwingDj]

What a great night to be a swing dancer! the BS party was fantastic! great dancers from Texas, Arizona and Florida were in da house! Where were you?

well at least you can get a chance to dance swing with them at the Hyatt this weekend.

come on out!

[westcoastjunkie]

O. M. G! That was soooo fun.

I'm so looking forward to this weekend.

[Purkey]

What an outstanding weekend! Phil/Del Val was visibly there! Thank you! Thank you! to Festa and the staff for a top rate event weekend - full of great music, fun and friendly dancers, super entertainment, cool workshops a superb staff, lots and lots of great social dancing and all the other festivities offered with that fantastic backdrop of the NY Skyline! This one will surely be on the calendar for next year and can't help but grow quickly once the news of what a cool weekend it is spreads. I think many dancers in the the West Coast Swing world has been waiting for this type of dance event to get on the map! HOO RAY!!

[christina]

What an awesome event!

Some highlights for me:

* The instructor Jam on Friday night.
* Having Sharlot Bott tell me I had a great walk (!!!)
* Sylvia's Smooth Lindy for WCS class and learning about the similarities in Lindy and WCS
* Getting to dance with Sylvia in class
* Seeing everyone look so beautiful for the Black & White Ball
* Having Annie Hirsh ask me if I'd danced with her husband and then grabbing Jack for me when the next song started
* Watching Annie and Jack dance
* Watching Ramiro Dance
* Watching Sharlot dance
* The Hudson Swingerettes! Man those girls had some legs!!!
* Gospel swing on Sunday morning (Afternoon..)
* Seeing the Lovely Ms. Jo Weldon perform again


Congratulations to Festa and the staff for putting together such a well-run, relaxed, and fun event. You did an excellent job!