Swingin' on the Charles

Last night I went with friends to Swingin' on the Charles, hosted by Boston Swing Central: http://www.bostonswingcentral.org/.  This event happens only once a year at the Charles River Community Boat House, and was priced at a very reasonable $15, which helps compensate for the difficulty parking in the area.

I have to say this was one of the most memorable summer evenings I ever had. The sky looked like a beautiful painting, and the weather was perfect, and the wooden dock was easy on the feet, except for turns. The event was very well attended, and the people there represented all ages, ethnicities, and dance abilities.  There was a very friendly vibe and gender equality.  A woman could ask a man to dance without being shamed into submission and wallflowerdom. People were clearly there to have fun.

The evening started with a basic swing lesson, and the music continued non stop after that from 8 to 11.  I loved the DJ, the music spanned several decades, and varied in tone from sexy, energetic, fun, and bittersweet.  I have a new favorite song, "Midnight in Moscow." This event truly inspired me to get out of my head, and out into the world.  It gave me faith in the dance community again. Too bad it doesn't happen more often.