Medina Lindy closes out season Thursday with holiday swing dance

Press Release, Medina Lindy in the Village

MEDINA –  On Thursday from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at Bent’s Opera House, Medina Lindy in the Village will co-host with Bent’s a “Cool Yule” themed Holiday Lindy Hop swing dance.

DJ Tommy Sprinkles from Swing Buffalo will serve up holiday jazz hits of yore, including classics by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, for area dancers in Bent’s historic opera space, now gorgeously decorated for the season. All dance levels including beginner and spectator are welcome. Holiday attire is optional but encouraged.

The “Cool Yule” holiday dance event caps off an eventful first year of community-centered social dances at Bent’s Opera House. While Lindy Hop Swing dances have become a regular monthly fixture at Bent’s since their August inception, this event is the first to feature a seasonal theme.

A free beginner lesson at 6:30 will be included as part of the evening’s festivities, with the dance itself immediately following at 7:30. Tickets for the dance are $8, which includes the free lesson.

Medina resident Phil Berry formed Medina Lindy in the Village to spread Lindy Hop social dancing through monthly dances and free group and one-on-one instruction, and to keep social dancers informed of learning and practice opportunities in the Niagara-Orleans area.

“I know of no other activity like social dancing for bringing people together from all ages and backgrounds to share a rollicking good time,” Berry said. “It fosters community, building friendships in ways that are healthy, safe, and fun. It doesn’t matter if you’re skillful or a beginner, if you’re shy or if you’re an extrovert. It definitely doesn’t matter whether or not you bring a date. At a social dance, anyone can be your dance partner. This is why social dancing has such a unique ability to foster community. Where else can you see college kids dancing with empty-nesters, and teenagers hitting the dance floor with senior citizens?”

For more information about Medina Lindy in the Village, or upcoming dances and lessons, visit www.MedinaLindy.com, or www.facebook.com/groups/medinalindy, or email info@MedinaLindy.com. For more information on other events offered at Bent’s Opera House visit www.bentsoperahouse.com.

“I’m delighted to see this space used in a way that supports the community,” said Heather Hungerford, owner of Bent’s. “When Phil suggested we hold Lindy Hop dances here I thought it was worth a try. When I saw more than eighty people dancing and having a great time, I was thrilled. This was exactly what I hoped this space could do for Medina. We’ve been holding monthly swing dances ever since.”