As in past newsletters, and at the risk of repeating myself,I must again point out that for many years i have assidously avoided getting involved in the teaching of dancing, and or operating of dancing schools. However, for the past few months there has been such a clamor for me to hold swing classes, & because I have now been convinced that this is again another way of perpetuating swing dancing, I have begun holding classes. Unfortunatly and probably because of some earlier misguidence, some stumbling blocks, and misunderstandings have developed in the minds of some of my students. So once again i will try to clarify my posistion in regard to the teaching of the basics and the performance of swing dancing.

To begin with, there is absolutely no difference in the BASIC COUNT between EAST COAST & WEST COAST swing. Conseuently, when someone tells you that he or she can't dance with because you do East or West Coast swing, which ever be the case, rest assured that that person can't swing dance. Secondly, Swing is Jitterbug is Lindy Hop. and since the very early 1900's when the Lindy Hop came into being , the BASIC COUNT has never changed, other then the modern day STYLE which is a highly water down version of the real thing. Last of all, in order to become really proficient in swing dancing, there is only one way to be taught. So, for my currant students, and for those aspiring to join my classes, forget all other previous instructors you might have received, so that your mind can be open and receptive.

Dean Collins