By Cassie Maher
IT DON’T mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing.
That’s the message from Werribee Jazz and Swing Club, now on the hunt for new members.
Now running for more than 10 years, the club has about 60 members.
However, president Bernie Hall said he hopes their new venue, RSL Werribee Bowls Club in Chirnside Park, will attract jazz and swing enthusiasts of all ages.
“The majority of our members are 45 and over but we do have a few young ones joining up,” he said.
One of the new members is 28-year-old Andrew Dulhunty, who joined the club last year and became vice president soon after.
“Each month the members, friends and visitors meet to listen and dance to live jazz and swing music from many different Victorian bands,” Mr Dulhunty said.
“I love the laidback aspect of the music, and it’s a nice and relaxed atmosphere.”
While Wyndham residents are just beginning to be interested in swing dancing, the trend has been quickly spreading around Melbourne.
Claudia Funder, director of dance organisation Swing Patrol, said she has noticed a steady increase of swing dancing students in her Melbourne classes over the past few years.
“Sixty per cent of the people we teach are 18 to 35 years old”, she said.
“Many people see our performances and are attracted to the fun atmosphere and up-beat music.
“Then they come along to see what we’re all about.”
Ms Funder also credits recent movies from the 1920s with increasing the number of jazz and swing enthusiasts.
“Movies like ‘Swingers’ and ‘Blast from the Past’ have sparked interest from many younger people, ” she said.
Melbourne productions like Channel Seven’s ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and stage show ‘Dirty Dancing’ were also noted by Ms Funder as swing attracters.
“Even clothing from the 20s has become the fashion lately,” she said.
Werribee Jazz and Swing Club meets on the third Saturday of each month.
The next event will feature jazz band Hot Peppers and will include a two course carvery dinner.
For more details, call Andrew Dulhunty on 9748 3094 or Bernie and Hazel on 9749 4262.
