See also: Swing for a Cause with Savoy Hop Cats
The Valley's favorite Lindy Hop dance group are back at it again with a new swing night; this time in the historical downtown district of Glendale.
Savoy Hop Cats, the same group that bring you Savoy Night at Hotel San Carlos on Monday evenings, recently launched another swing night on Thursdays with Swingin' Speakeasy at the Gaslight Inn. The rugged brick-encased luxury inn is nestled in the heart of old town Glendale among the various antique shops and eateries; giving the weekly event that throwback charm.
Early this year the dance troupe underwent a passing of the guard when founders Nathaniel and Elizabeth Smalley officially retired and handed the reigns over to Matthew and Brittney Hughey.
"Nathaniel and Elizabeth started Savoy Hop Cats with the hope of spreading a passion for swing dancing to the Phoenix community," Brittney says. "In December of 2011, the Smalley's retired from running the swing events, and passed down Savoy Hop Cats to my husband, Matthew, and I.
"We look forward to carrying on the legacy that [they] left behind," she says.
Like the Smalley's, the Hughey's met swing dancing and have always dreamed of having their own venue where they could teach the high-energy dance.
The speakeasy style bar and nostalgic elegance of the Gaslight creates the perfect ambiance for the Hughey's to share their passion with others.
"We have people of all ages come out to learn to dance,"Brittney says. "For some it's date night, for some it's to meet new people, and for others it's about getting the whole family out of the house for an evening of fun."
A month after Swingin' Speakeasy's opening, the husband and wife are still looking to expand their reach and are already planning on their next big event in October, The Harvest Moon Masquerade Ball.
"[It's] one of our largest annual events and this year we are extremely pleased to announce that it will be a masquerade ball," she says. "We are expecting a big turnout, and can't wait to see all the elaborate costumes our dancers will come up with."
If you ain't too shy, and you want to see your mug on the boob tube, tonight's event will be a good opportunity to check out the new dance night. Television crews and reporters will be on hand to help shine some light on the Arizona swing scene.
Cover is only $5 and includes a crash course dance lesson. The party starts at 7:30 p.m. and ends at 11, so skedaddle on over early.
The Gaslight Inn is located at: 5747 W. Glendale Avenue.
