Victoria Lindy Exchange 2024
Victoria Day Weekend: May 18-20, 2024
Save the date for a weekend of jazzy dance shenanigans!
Volunteer
Events like the Victoria Lindy Exchange can't happen without help from our community. If you would like to volunteer to make the magic of the Victoria Lindy Exchange happen, please email Maria at volunteer@swingvictoria.net
Pricing
The Swing Dance Association of Victoria has a Financial Assistance Fund to help dancers who require financial assistance to attend Swing Dance Association of Victoria workshops and events. If you need to access the Financial Assistance Fund please email us at hello@swingvictoria.net
You can learn about the fund or contribute to the fund here: https://www.swingvictoria.net/faq/financial-assistance-fund
Swag: T Shirt and Sticker
Pre Order your Victoria Lindy Exchange Swag at our SDAV Square Shop. Pre order only available until April 1, 2024. Don't miss out on these bright and happy t shirts and stickers!
Victoria Lindy Exchange 2024 T Shirt
Dance Happy in your Victoria Lindy Exchange 2024 T Shirt!
M&O 4502 Fair-wage T-shirt. Sewn in a facility in Mexico, this shirt is light and slightly fitted.
Sizing Info: https://en-ca.ssactivewear.com/p/m_o/4502
Victoria Lindy Exchange 2024 Sticker
It's bright and fun, just like you!
Get your Victoria Lindy Exchange 2024 custom-shape sticker, full colour, printed with no-VOC inks.
Schedule and Information
*subject to change
Friday May 17, 2024
Red Hot Swing (not included)
Every Friday evening, Red Hot Swing puts on a dance party! Total beginners are always welcome; their drop-in beginner lesson will have you dancing in no time. Neither partner nor experience are required, but pack a spare sense of humour!
Following the lesson, the dance features fantastic live music perfect for dancing the night away whether you’re mad about lindy hop, charleston, balboa, or collegiate shag.
Time: 7:50pm doors open
8:00pm drop-in beginner lesson starts
8:45pm social dancing with live music until 11:30ish
Location: Dance Victoria - 2750 Quadra St, just north of Hillside.
Price: $18 general or $15 for student
Saturday May 18, 2024
10 am - 12 pm - Ice Cream and Wander *Free*
Explore Beacon Hill Park and walk to Fisherman's Wharf for outdoor dancing. See the flowers, peacocks, and beautiful scenery. Oh and don't forget the ice cream at Beacon Hill Drive-in and at Jackson's Ice Cream.
Meet at 10 am at the Beacon Hill Drive-In - 126 Douglas St, Victoria, BC V8V 2N9
1 pm - 2:30 pm - Mini Swing Session with Lisa Marks and Claudia Nobauer
Finding your own dance through solo movement
Body Research, Music Exploration
How does this song make you feel? What would it be like to explore different textures of the music and your body? In this class we will move our bodies with the intention of breaking out of our habituated patterns, while exploring the jazz cannon.
Social Solo
It’s like solo dancing, but with a friend. It’s our favourite thing to do on the social dance floor. In this class we will practice conversational solo dancing with others.
Location: St Luke's Hall - 3821 Cedar Hill Cross Rd, Victoria, BC V8P 2M6
2:30 pm - 4 pm - Afternoon Tea Dance
Afternoon Tea Dance with Live Music from Slim Sandy and the Atomic Cocktails.
Live music starts at 2:30 pm.
Location: St Luke's Hall - 3821 Cedar Hill Cross Rd, Victoria, BC V8P 2M6
7 pm - 10 pm - Evening Social Dance
Evening Social Dance with Live Music from The Flying Saucers.
Doors open at 6:45 pm, Live music starts at 7 pm.
Location: St Luke's Hall - 3821 Cedar Hill Cross Rd, Victoria, BC V8P 2M6
10:30 pm - 12 am - Cabaret and Trivia *Free, but please buy food and drinks from the Mint*
more information to come.
Location: The Mint - 1414 Douglas St, Victoria, BC V8W 2G2
12 am - Late - Late Night
more information to come.
Location: Method Studio - 841 Fisgard St, Victoria, BC V8W 1R9
Sunday May 19, 2024
10 am - 12 pm - Wilderness Wander *Free*
Get outside in fresh air with the trees, plants, and Meagan for a light hike up Mount Douglas, one of Victoria's beautiful parks.
Meet at 10 am at Mount Douglas Beach Parking Lot by Ash Road.
1 pm - 4:30 pm - Fireside Music Chat and Afternoon Dance
Join Lloyd Arntzen as he takes you inside the music we love as we merge a Fireside Music Chat and Afternoon Tea Dance. With special guests Avram McCagherty and Simon Stribling, Lloyd will play some of his favourite songs, tell stories of his life in music, and take us on a journey deep into jazz as only he can! In this class by a music master, you can expect to learn, be entertained, and celebrate our love of lindy hop.
Unlike previous Fireside Music Chats, bring your dance shoes because there will be dancing.
Doors open at 1 pm, Live music starts at 1:30 pm.
Location: St Luke's Hall - 3821 Cedar Hill Cross Rd, Victoria, BC V8P 2M6
8 pm - 12 am - Evening Dance
Evening Social Dance with Live Music from Avram McCagherty and Friends.
Doors open at 8 pm, DJ music starts 8 pm, Live music starts at 9 pm.
Location: White Eagle Hall - 90 Dock St, Victoria, BC V8V 2A1
12 am - Late - Late Night
more information to come.
Location: Method Studio - 841 Fisgard St, Victoria, BC V8W 1R9
Monday May 20, 2024
11 am - 1 pm - Giro de Jeff *Free*
4 stage bike ride lead by Jeff Doyle (a friendly bike fanatic), about 15 km, slow paced on bike paths and seperated bike lanes.
Stage 1: Coffee
Stage 2: Ice cream
Stage 3: Beers and beverages
Stage 4: To the afternoon outdoor dance!
Meet at 11 am at the front of the BC Legislature by the Knowledge Totem Pole.
11 am -1 pm - Downtown Wander *Free*
Take in the sights at a relaxed walking pace. We'll explore Victoria's Inner Harbour and beautiful Downtown, grab some drinks, snacks, and ice cream, before arriving at the afternoon outdoor dance.
Meet at 11 am at the front of the BC Legislature by the Knowledge Totem Pole.
1 pm - 3 pm - Afternoon Outdoor Dance *Free, but please tip the band and buy treats from Murchies*
Join us for an afternoon of outdoor dancing on Government Street to the outrageously talented Dave Harris and friends.
Dave Harris, the one man band, plus his friends Al Pease and Clark Brendan, will keep you dancing all afternoon long to a mix of Jazz, Blues, and Rock n' Roll!
Meet in front of Munro's Books to dance in the street and eat some treats from Murchie's.
Location: Outside of Munro's Books - 1108 Government Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 1Y2
3 pm - late - End of event food and drinks *Free, but please buy food and drinks*
more information to come.
Locations
Dance Victoria
2750 Quadra St, just north of Hillside.
Red Hot Swing on Friday Night will take place at Dance Victoria.
This venue has amble free parking.
Not included in Weekend Pass.
Beacon Hill Drive-In
126 Douglas St, Victoria, BC V8V 2N9
Saturday Ice Cream and Wander
St Luke
3821 Cedar Hill Cross Rd, Victoria, BC V8P 2M6
This venue has amble free parking.
Saturday and Sunday daytime events: Clothing Exchange Saturday and Sunday, Mini Swing Session, Saturday Afternoon Dance, Saturday Evening Dance, Fireside Music Chat, and Sunday Afternoon Dance
The Mint
1414 Douglas St, Victoria, BC V8W 2G2
Saturday Evening Trivia and Cabaret. Delicious food and beverages are available for sale.
Mount Douglas Beach Parking Lot by Ash Road
Mount Douglas Beach Parking Lot, Cordova Bay Rd, Victoria, BC V8N 4Y9
Sunday Wilderness Wander
White Eagle Polish Hall
90 Dock St, Victoria, BC V8V 2A1
This venue has amble free parking.
Sunday Evening Dance
Method Studio
841 Fisgard St, Victoria, BC V8W 1R9
Saturday and Sunday Late Night
501 Belleville St., Victoria, BC V8V 2L8
Giro de Jeff Bike Ride departure location.
Munro's Books
1108 Government Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 1Y2
Afternoon Outdoor Dance location.
Our MC
Elizabeth Blanco
Bio coming soon.
Saturday Mini Swing Session Instructors
Lisa Marks
Lisa fell in love with partner dancing in 1998. She’s continued to develop her skills as a dancer and instructor with a willingness to explore movement using various techniques and forms in and outside of jazz.
Her goal is to make every social dance, whether partnered or solo, musical and memorable. While instructing, she is interested in exploring and celebrating musicality, creativity and developing your own style.
She is excited to share what she and Claudia have been discovering together and hopes you will enjoy delving into music, movement and partnering in their upcoming class.
Claudia Nobauer
Claudia has been dancing for the better half of her life. The lindy hop is her home and the dance floor is where she comes to rest her feet. Over the past 18 years Claudia has had the immense pleasure and opportunity to learn from Frankie Manning, Dawn Hapton, Chester Whitmore, Anais Sekine, Frida Segerdhal, Joseph Wiggan and countless other incredible dancers. She has gone to Guinea twice to study with les ballet africans, Sweden three times to learn from Harlem Hot Shots and countless other places around the world. She has choreographed numerous championship routines (Hip Shakin Mama’s, Fat Bottom Girls) and is currently focusing on projects with the International Shit Storm, whose mandate is to actively blur the lines between music, dance and life.
Claudia’s classes are a mix of rhythm, sweat, and play. Her aim is to help you feel free and safe in your body so that you can express yourself more honestly on the dance floor and in life. Like Dawn Hampton said, “You go to class and you learn the steps, then you get out on the dance floor and throw all that shit out the window and just dance”
Bands and DJs
Saturday Afternoon: Slim Sandy's Atomic Cocktails
Slim Sandy’s Atomic Cocktails play a mix of swinging Jazz, and rhythm and blues from the 20’ to the 50’s. The Atomic Cocktails are the perfect band for Shag, Balboa, and fast Lindy Hop enthusiasts.
Slim Sandy, Willa Mae, Big Daddy Bo, and Bryn Bad.
Saturday Night: The Flying Saucers
Bring us Swingin' Jazz for over 20 years, the Flying Saucers are a Victoria Dance Scene staple.
Featuring, Clark Brendon, Al Pease, Joey Smith, and Matt Pease, this version of the Flying Saucers is ready to take you into a new dimension.
Saturday Late Night: more information to come soon.
Sunday Afternoon: Lloyd Arntzen and Friends
What can be said about Lloyd that hasn't already been said? His father could have invented Jazz, but Lloyd definitely did.
Join Lloyd Arntzen as he takes you inside the music we love as we merge a Fireside Music Chat and Afternoon Tea Dance. With special guests Avram McCagherty and Simon Stribling, Lloyd will play some of his favourite songs, tell stories of his life in music, and take us on a journey deep into jazz as only he can! In this class by a music master, you can expect to learn, be entertained, and celebrate our love of lindy hop.
Lloyd Arntzen, Avram McCagherty, and Simon Stribling
Sunday Evening: Avram McCagherty and Friends
West Coast’s finest musicians team up to form a supergroup of swing. Drawing on an eclectic and diverse musical background, these masterful performers draw their powers of Dirty Jazz and Big Band Swing stylings from when they were bit by a radio-active Jazz Bug.
Avram McCagherty, Lloyd Arntzen, Simon Stribling, Joey Smith, and Kelby MacNayr.
Sunday Late Night: DJ Andrew Sanderson
You know him and you love his music. A fixture of Victoria's dance scene for over 25 years, he's heard it all. Andrew's passion for music and dancing is contagious and the only cure is more dancing!
Monday Afternoon: Dave Harris and Friends
Dave Harris has been a staple of the Victoria music scene since the 1970s. Perhaps you saw him with the Flying Saucers at Swan’s, as a one-man band busking in the Inner Harbour, or playing with a rotating cast of friends at the James Bay School park through COVID times. He’s been a guest lecturer at UVic for their History of Blues and History of Rock and Roll classes, and he’s published an extensively-researched book about the history of one man bands.
Dave Harris, Clark Brendan, and Al Pease.
Vendors
Saf Shoes
Vancouver's own Saf Shoes is coming to the Victoria Lindy Exchange! Saf is committed to making comfortable dance shoes. Dance all night long with extra padding in the sole to protect your hips, knees and feet. Find your style and size! Saf will be bringing their newest Collection: At Last for you to purchase and take home too.
Saturday Afternoon (1 pm - 4:30 pm) at St Luke's and Sunday Evening (8 pm - 10 pm) at White Eagle Hall.
https://www.safshoes.com
Cabaret
Come and join us for the Victoria Lindy Exchange Cabaret. The Cabaret will feature talents that exist within our community! Show us your talent. You can celebrate your love of eating potato chips, playing ukulele, comedy, lindy hop and jazz dance, or whatever you've got.
It will be a spectacular show that is great for dancers and non dancers alike!
If you would like to sign up to perform in the Cabaret, please email catie@swingvictoria.net
Clothing Exchange
Clothing exchanges are environmentally friendly. It’s sustainable fashion. You’re just exchanging clothes you no longer want for new to you clothes that you’ll actually use anyway.
The Victoria Lindy Exchange will have a clothing exchange. Everyone is welcome to participate.
We just have three simple rules: All clothes must be freshly washed. All clothes must be in good condition. All left over clothes will be donated to WIN (Women in Need Shop)
All Day Saturday and Sunday
Location: St Luke's Hall - 3821 Cedar Hill Cross Rd, Victoria, BC V8P 2M6
Housing and Hosting
Our housing co-ordinator, Jeff will do his best to find housing for all who need it, however, it may not be possible.
If you need housing or can provide housing, please fill out our housing form. Even an air mattress will do.
However, one very important rule, do not ghost the housing co-ordinator.
Host and Guest Courtesy Suggestions
Some of the best memories from Exchanges or Events are not the actual dances, but the dancers from all over the world. Please read these “Courtesy Suggestions” to make good memories.
Guest Suggestions
Contact your host as soon as you’ve been notified by the Housing Coordinator.
Right away exchange basic information: your name, cell phone number, what day and time you are arriving and leaving, what city coming from, any necessary transportation arrangements (airport pickup, have car / no-car), allergies, smoking/non-smoking, late nighter/early riser, etc.
Ask them about what to bring (towel/pillows/sleeping bag/air mattress/etc.). Some hosts provide a bed or couch and some only have floorspace on their hardwood floors.
Always let your host know what your plans are and where to find you. It keeps them from stressing. They usually feel somewhat responsible for you and want to make sure you are safe, therefore everyone is having a good time.
Host Suggestions
Contact your Guests as soon as you’ve been notified by the Housing Coordinator.
Right away, give your Guests basic information: your name, cell phone number, any pets (species and amount), your policies regarding: smoking, late night, house keys, sleeping arrangements, food, showering, personal space, etc.
Tell them what to bring (towel/pillows/sleeping bag/air mattress/etc.) and what you are able to provide.
Guests should take care of their own meals. If possible, it is nice to have some breakfast stuff around. Check with them before you buy anything though.
Let them know to what extent you can drive them around throughout the weekend. If necessary, have them contact others to arrange rides.
Always let your guests know what your plans are and where to find you. It keeps them from stressing. They are alone in your city and will be looking for you as soon if a problem arises.
Safer Spaces Team
Our Safer Spaces Team exists to address your code of conduct and safety concerns in a friendly and compassionate manner. All concerns will be taken seriously and treated with care.
Safer Spaces Team members will be wearing green light up arm bands for easy identification during the event. You can reach Safer Spaces Team members in person at all times at the event. If you have a concern that you would rather handle via email, please reach out to saferspaces@swingvictoria.net
Dave Henderson (he/him)
Maria Wong (they/any)
Liana Starreid (they/them)
Sunny Ekins Lewis
Things to Bring and Consider
Indoor shoes for dancing. We recommend shoes with suede or leather soles.
Water bottle. Stay hydrated.
Towel. Stay dry.
Wearing a mask is encouraged for events. If you are asking a person who is wearing a mask to dance or chat, please ask them if you should wear a mask. Masks are available for your use at events (for free). Note: masks may become mandatory depending on local health guidelines, and what it required to keep our community safe and healthy.
For the safety of attendees with allergies and sensitivities, please avoid wearing strong scents (perfume, cologne, scented lotion) at all SDAV events.
The Fine Print
By registering for this event I agree to adhere to the Swing Dance Association of Victoria’s Code of Conduct
By registering for this event I agree to the Swing Dance Association of Victoria’s Cancellation Policy
By registering for this event I agree to the Swing Dance Association of Victoria’s Covid Plan
By registering for this event I agree to the Swing Dance Association of Victoria’s Event Waiver