Pre-Valentine Dance ties in “Love-Your-Community” food drive in Santa Barbara
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - It’s the first Friday Swing Dance of 2023 in Santa Barbara.
"We are so excited .. we’re hosting the live our community swing dance. It is community dance," said member Lindsey Kasehagen of the Santa Barbara Swing Dance Committee.
Swing dance has been a tradition for decades in downtown Santa Barbara.
"Absolutely the swing dance has been here for well over thirty years … it’s absolutely a Santa Barbara tradition it’s a right of passage in Santa Barbara to take your beginning swing dance lessons here in the Carrillo ball room," said senior recreation supervisor Jason Bryan of the Santa Barbara Parks and Rec Department.
Organizers say it carry’s a family-like atmosphere.
"We see the same faces week after week month after month. We have lessons during the week and fabulous dancers with live bands on the weekends once a month," said Bryan.
What’s special about tonight’s swing dance is it will tie in a “Love-Your-Community” food drive.
"Our hope is this food drive brings awareness to the needs of our community … the Santa Barbara foodbank supports a number of really important organizations," said Kasehagen.
"It’s great to partner for great causes and it makes everyone feel good about coming down here enjoying the dance and enjoying themselves," said Bryan.
Organizers hope participants will bring a non-perishable food item or donate cash at the event as a way to spread some love to those in need.
"Swing dance is all about having fun we’re doing it as a community let’s remember who we’re dancing with and what we’re dancing for," said Kasehagen.
There will be a dancing lesson before the event.
Participants can choose Beginning East Coast Swing with Lindsey Kasehagen or Beginning Balboa with Robbie and Bridget Hughes.
Lessons start at 7:30 and are included in the price of admission.
The band starts at 8:30pm.
The city is excited to have Aileen Quinn and the Leapin' Lizards.
This lively band is from LA, and considered a favorite across the Southland.
Admission is $20 for a full evening of live music.
There will be prize drawings at the break.
The swing dance begins on Friday, Feb. 5 at 8:30 p.m. at the Carrillo Ballroom.
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