This Easter weekend, “Westies” everywhere will be strutting their stuff at the highly rated, annual Easter Swing 2016. What better way to combine your love of West Coast Swing dance with the festive Easter holiday simultaneously?

Now in its 22nd year, from March 24-27th, Seattle’s already vibrant, bustling city center will come to life as West Coast Swing aficionados descend upon its streets for this popular annual tradition. Not just your average dance convention, Easter Swing is a fundraising event with proceeds going to the Seattle Swing Dance Club, a non-profit organization. Easter Swing is one of 12 world wide NASDE events, which is a West Coast Swing competition circuit.

Held at the sophisticated Hyatt Regency Bellevue Hotel, offering amenities like free parking, and discounted room rates for weekend pass holders, there are several pass and ticket options for participants. From the standard 3 day event pass (which is required to enter any competitions), separate workshop only passes, day passes, evening social dance passes, to single day spectator passes and more, there is something for everyone. For detailed pass information visit http://easterswing.org/registration-2/ .

With five main competition divisions, including the YASDA Junionr Routines division, dancers of all levels have an opportunity to compete and take their dancing to another level. Over $30,000 in cash and prizes are up for grabs, including over 50 WCS event tickets, and one of a kind egg trophies, made of stunning artisan hand blown glass. The uniquely crafted treasures are made by local Seattle artists are designed to be slightly different each year. Participants enjoy trying to guess which color they will be each year.

Another special award up for grabs is The Good Egg Award, in honor of over 50 years of West Coast Swing in Seattle. Event participants nominate a leader and follower who has been the highlight of the weekend, whether by being warm and friendly, dancing with a lot of different people, and providing the most enjoyable social dance overall. Not necessarily awarded to the most technical dancers, this award aims to recognize the dancers who as noted, embody what social dancing really means (in the various ways that resonate with other dancers).
TrophiesThe brightly colored Good Egg Award trophies, photo by: BW, Liza

With workshops being a major focal point, guests will be elated at the 12 hours of social dancer workshops and 6 hours of pure technical workshops offered from a total of 23 hours, covering 4 tracks (Newcomer, Social, Well Rounded and Technical); with each presented by some of the most renowned professionals in the world!

For an additional fee there will be a special 3-hour Intensive with Robert Royston, teaching you how to chart music, create choreography, then translate it into your social dancing. This, along with the special Judging Intensive workshop with National Swing Dance Hall of Famer, Kelly Casanova. As a two time US Open Swing Champion with over 25 years of judging experience, Casanova’a 10 hour workshop (spread over the 4 day weekend), is great for anyone interested in judging, or just wanting insight into how the process works. A Private Lesson Program, with limited sign ups will also be offered.  Sign ups and inquires directed to privatelessons@seattlewcswing.com.

Whether novice, pro or somewhere in between, The Easter Swing has something for all skill levels while set right in the heart of one of the Nation’s most cosmopolitan cities. Visitors can take in all the sights of Seattle, from the Space Needle to Pike Place Market and the original Starbucks (which may be heavily needed after social dancing until 7AM each day!), all while learning and growing as dancers at this very special Easter event!