Let's dance.
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Port Macquarie-based dance enthusiasts and teachers Krista Gilen and Joris Meertens are hosting a second swinging night of dance at Telegraph Point's Old Butter Factory in June.
The couple, who arrived in Australia from Belgium in 2011, teach a variety of dance along with Zumba.
They say the decision to host their second dance night follows the success of the Swinging Christmas Mood Party in December.
Krista says the dance night is an opportunity for their students and the wider community get on the dance floor.
"We are long time, experienced dancers and offer various social dance styles," she said.
"Joris is an accredited dance teacher and apart from running dance classes, this dance studio is well-known for their monthly, fun social events/master classes/fundraisers which are run to bring people together in fun and dancing.
"I also teach four different Zumba specialty programs to all ages and abilities.
"As dance instructors, we hvae over 30 years' experience," she said.
"Dance brought these people together in 1996, and it still plays a central part in their family life. It is what helped them connect with people throughout their migration process since 2011."
While still residing in Belgium, the couple discovered and danced authentic swing and jazz dances. They studied with some of the most eminent and inspiring dancers of this dance style in both Europe and Australia.
This led to the couple claiming a national championship and BENELUX title in the category 'boogie woogie'.
Since arriving in Port Macquarie the couple have embarked on a mission to preserve, nurture and promote jazz music and its authentic dances.
Over the last year years, their main focus is on lindy hop, a swing dance style.
The second dance night again sees the local modern big band BluHyp performing, Krista said.
"It has been our long cherished dream to offer students the chance to dance to live music," she said.
"We love experiencing live music in crowded venues.
"It is exhilarating, exhausting and incredibly good fun. Dancing like this had a point and a purpose. It is a tradition of music and musicians stretching back over a hundred years.
This second swinging night of dance is at The Old Butter Factory at Telegraph Point on Saturday June 22 from 6-9pm.
Dress code (optional) and you can add a touch of sparkle to your formal vintage wear.
There will be a free lindy hop workshop, showcases, lots of dancing, best dressed prize and of course the amazing live big band tunes from the 30s and 40s.
Tickets are $25 presale or $30 at the door.
For more information contact Krista via email at oceanstudiossa@hotmail.com or call 0432 935 799.
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