The idea for the club began in 1995 when Michael Harvey began taking West Coast Swing dance lessons from Kerry Frost and Kenny Livingston. He enjoyed the dance tremendously. Kerry and Kenny suggested that he attend a dance event called “Boppin’ on Beale Street” in Memphis, TN. After attending that event these three dancers were inspired to organize a dancers club in Atlanta. They made plans for an organizational meeting the next week.
The organizational meeting was held on August 19, 1995 with sixteen people in attendance; Kerry Frost , Kenny Livingston, Michael Harvey, Misty Taylor, Fran Ewing, Ron Harris, Rosemary Scalessa, Sue Harrison, Deborah Gilreath, Becky Pearrow, Pat Korn, Jo Jo Topper, Joanne Thompson, Craig Gustin, Bill Sauer and Sonny Johnson.
The group decided the club was to be named Atlanta Swing Dancers Club and dues would be $15 for the first 50 members who would be identified as “charter members” of the club and $25 thereafter. The group voted to have in-town and out-of-town co-coordinators. Misty Taylor, and Michael Harvey were elected the in-town co-coordinators and Kerry Frost and Kenny Livingston the out-of-town co-coordinators. Fran Ewing was elected treasurer and put in charge of membership. The group planned to hold Saturday night parties at Carey’s Corner, in Marietta, twice each month.
The second meeting was held one week later on August 26, 1995. Twelve people were in attendance at the second meeting, including four who had not been present at the first meeting; Rick Anderson, Tom Scott, Mary Garone, and Anne Phillips. Becky Pearrow agreed to do a newsletter with husband Rick Anderson assisting. A membership kickoff party was scheduled for September 25, and plans were made for free practice parties on Monday nights.
Michael Harvey was elected the first president and he served until February of 1996. Pat Korn was elected President for 1996 and Flamingo Joe’s became new home of ASDC. Kenny Livingston and Kerry Frost became the club’s instructors. By December 1996 the club had grown to 125 members and the group was meeting to dance on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
It took a tremendous amount of work to accomplish the goal of organizing a West Coast Swing club in Atlanta. Through the years, many people have made contributions to the club to ensure its continuing success. It is impossible to identify all of them. To quote Pat Korn, “ For every year it’s been the fun of the new and old friends, the joy of the dancing, the delight in seeing new people discover the many rewards of dancing and definitely, the appreciation of all the volunteers and the club’s board members that have kept our club alive, successful and vital. None of us could have created this club’s 15 years of success alone.”
ASDC enjoyed 7 fantastic years co-hosting Smoky Mountain Boogie and club members have enjoyed many additional parties and dance workshops either free or at a reduced rate because of the financial rewards of our participation in this dance party weekend.
In 2005 the ASDC board of directors elected to sponsor and host a weekend dance event in Atlanta in our own hometown, instead of co-hosting the Smoky Mountain Boogie for an 8th year.
ASDC enjoyed 7 fantastic years co-hosting Smoky Mountain Boogie and club members have enjoyed many additional parties and dance workshops either free or at a reduced rate because of the financial rewards of our participation in this dance party weekend. In 2005 the ASDC board of directors elected to sponsor and host a weekend dance event in Atlanta in our own hometown, instead of co-hosting the Smoky Mountain Boogie for an 8th year. On October 12 through 15, 2006, the Atlanta Swing Dancers Club hosted the first annual Atlanta Swing Classic at the Marriott Atlanta Perimeter Center. The event featured hospitality with southern Atlanta charm, great workshops from inspiring instructors, vendors for those that like to shop, great DJ’s and one of the best dance floors in the country for your dancing pleasure.
These 'regional events' are events that are regularly attended by Atlanta area swing dancers. It is fun to travel in with dance friends! Most of these events are in the southeastern United States. Do you attend an event that is not listed here? Please email it to the webmaster to have it added!
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Dancing is fun! Check out some photos from our past parties!