The inaugural swing festival in Cyprus, taking place from December 1-3 at the Jubilee Hotel in Troodos, celebrates the joyous and high-energy dance form of swing dancing with workshops, contests, and themed parties. Open to all skill levels and ages, the festival aims to capture the fun and community spirit of the swing era with international instructors leading the festivities.
What is the inaugural swing festival in Cyprus about?
The inaugural swing festival in Cyprus celebrates swing dancing, featuring workshops, contests, and themed parties from December 1-3 at the Jubilee Hotel in Troodos. Open to all skill levels and ages, it aims to capture the fun and community spirit of the swing era with international instructors leading the festivities.
Capturing the Spirit of Swing
Swing dancing, the rhythmic partner dance that originated in the Harlem ballrooms during the 1920s and 1930s, is making a vibrant comeback on the island. In just a couple of weeks, enthusiasts will gather for an event celebrating the joyous and high-energy dance form that has captivated so many.
From Humble Beginnings to a Flourishing Community
I recall my initial foray into swing. Fresh-faced and eager, I was oblivious to the intricate steps and partner dynamics. Yet, the music—it was an instant teleportation to a zestful epoch. Starting with the basics in a quaint Nicosia class, the mantra was ‘no spaghetti arms’—a nod to the cult classic, Dirty Dancing. As my journey unfolded, I was introduced to a spectrum of swing styles, from lindy hop to charleston and jive.
In 2017, the local swing scene was burgeoning, barely larger than my novice group. We dreamed of festivals elsewhere, where the dance floor was a melting pot of spontaneity and skill. Fast forward six years, and the community’s pulse has quickened, now vibrant across cities island-wide. This expansion has sown the seeds for the inaugural swing festival—set to light up the first weekend of December.
A Festival of Rhythm and Style
I sat down with my erstwhile mentor and festival orchestrator, Prodromos Chrysanthou, to delve into what lies in store. “Each festival I’ve attended abroad was unique, yet they share a common thread: a welcoming atmosphere, effortless fun, and seamless interaction. That’s the essence we aim to capture,” he shared.
Previously, local swing aficionados would convene at modest socials to dance their hearts out away from the classroom. Now, they’re stepping into the limelight with a three-day whirlwind of festivities at the Jubilee Hotel in Troodos. “Swing dancing is an exhilarating escape not found in other social dances,” Prodromos reflected. “We’ve nurtured pockets of dancers in every nook of the island—finally, we’re ready to revel in our adored dance.”
From December 1-3, attendees will immerse in workshops, contests, and themed soirées. Seven international instructors will lead the charge, culminating in a Saturday night extravaganza of performances and dance battles. The Jack & Jill competition—a staple of swing festivals—will spotlight improvisational prowess and the magical connection between dancers and the rhythm.
A Dance for Everyone
The festival’s embrace extends to novices and seasoned dancers alike, welcoming all backgrounds and ages. “My hope is for people to simply try it. Swing dancing isn’t about expertise; it’s the feeling, the ease, and the sheer delight of it,” Prodromos emphasized. “Our community spans from the young to the young-at-heart, proving age is but a number.”
As winter begins, a celebration beckons in the Troodos mountains, a jubilant dance to the tunes of a bygone yet unforgettable era. “Swing music and dance transport us back to the 1940s—a time when romance permeated the airwaves, and people knew the art of heartfelt celebration,” Prodromos concluded. “We’re rediscovering that magic, and it’s high time this wave of enthusiasm for swing dancing sweeps over our island.”
Event Details
A three-day escapade of dancing awaits, with seminars, competitions, and parties ready to animate the early days of December. Mark your calendars for a trip back in time and come swing to the beat of history.
For reservations and more information, interested individuals can reach out to the contact provided for the event.
Quick Recap:
- The inaugural swing festival in Cyprus celebrates swing dancing, featuring workshops, contests, and themed parties from December 1-3 at the Jubilee Hotel in Troodos.
- Swing dancing originated in the Harlem ballrooms during the 1920s and 1930s and is making a vibrant comeback in Cyprus.
- The local swing scene has grown over the years, leading to the creation of the inaugural swing festival.
- The festival will include workshops, contests, and themed soirées, with international instructors leading the festivities.
- The festival is open to people of all skill levels and ages, with the aim of capturing the fun and community spirit of the swing era.
