Unlocking May
Dance In May and beyond
As we prepare for the new season of winter my goal is to encourage and inspire everyone to move their body and what better way? DANCE! Yes..I’m biased…
Did you know studies over the last 10 years found by contracting your muscles you secret proteins and chemicals that can make you resilient to stress . By bringing movement into your life you release these “hope proteins” and ignite a positive energy within you. Therefore, DANCE can only be good for your mood and lift your vibration instantly.
Don’t believe me give it a go and see how you can elevate your wellbeing.
New courses
First Lesson Free
Continuing the theme of GIVING in 2024. We are offering First Lesson FREE.
Please also see Refer a Friend Program below for details on how long term students can
receive FREE lessons too.
Learn to DANCE New courses
Are you ready to liven up your social life with some rock and roll dancing or Swing? If you’ve always wanted to learn how to move and groove to the rhythm of these iconic dance styles, then look no further.
The classes are fun, friendly and engaging with a high energy vibe and easy step by step
instructions. Don’t be shy give us a call and give it a try.
It’s not too late to enrol!
Concord 24 April
Emu Plains 29 April
Clarendon Tavern & Gosford 2 May
Halloween in July
Buy your ticket NOW! $25
Halloween is our theme for this year Christmas in July with Flattrakkers performing.
Engage in the fun of dressing up for the event to add that bit of excitement.
Always a great opportunity for a get together.
Where? Gosford Hall
When? Saturday 20 July
What time? 7pm-11-pm
It has been a long 5 years since the last event.
I would like to thank Tracey Geddes for her raffle donations. If you have a business and would like to donate prizes please email me.
There will be BEST DRESSED prizes to continue the long time tradition.
Let’s have a bit of FUN, all welcomed to come along.
Email for bank details or head to our Event ticket page
Gosford Corner
Disruption for Gosford in May
Reminder there are no classes Thursday 16 May. We are there this week 9 May and return again 23 May.
Café dance classes at Gosford
Warm up and enjoy! We are going to start Café dance classes at Gosford. The perfect way to warm up the body and soothe the soles during the cooler July weather. We are bringing back refreshments during the cooler weather in July in conjunction with our workshops.
Adding a cozy touch to the workshops by enjoying a drink or snack while you socialise and relax at class.
Pot Luck night!
The last week of our June course we are going to have a pot luck night. Bring a plate to share. The class times for Thursday 27 June are as follows
RocknRoll 6.30pm Social dancing 7.30pm
This will be the last night of our mid year course at Gosford as we will be pausing to run our workshops during July and new courses will recommence Thursday 8 August.
August is our Birthday month
We will celebrate our Birthday at our Halloween in July event and further celebrations with an open invite to all students on Thursday 1st August for a Dinner at La Fiamma Ettalong. Bookings are essential.
Please RSVP for this special event.
July workshops
We have changes coming for the month of July at Gosford. There will be no new courses run in July instead we are running individual workshops each week with a different flavour. Please note the workshops available below and send us your suggestion for week 4.
Student Profile Vids are back
The Student Profile Videos are a great way to showcase our students and the different walks of life that come on to the dance floor. They are back and we look forward to bringing them to you from each venue.
Lets talk Shop
Learn to Dance Vouchers
Did you know aside from dance classes and dance events you can buy gift vouchers for birthday gifts and special occasions. There are Learn to Dance Vouchers from $65 to $120 available. Wedding Dance Vouchers from $440 also available.
Merchandise
We are taking orders once again for ladies and mens Tee Shirts and Jackets
Tee Shirts $40 and Jackets $120
Shoes can be purchased by appointment. Send me an email for further details.
BSS Dance Calendar
Get your calendars ready because there are some amazing events coming up at Blue Suede Shoes
May is Frankie Month join one of our swing classes
July Workshops Gosford Hall
Gosford Socials 21 June, 16 August, 20 September, 15 November Gosford Hall
Halloween in July Saturday 20 July Gosford Hall
Birthday Dinner Thursday 1 August La Fiamma Ettalong
Chromefest Sockhop Friday 25 October Long Jetty Hall
Xmas Party 30 November Castle Hill Bowling Club
Lets start a conversation
What comes first music or dance?
I would be interested to hear your feedback on this topic. It is like what came first the chicken or the egg ?
Considering the sense of hearing would make one think music, you hear a bird sing, you hear a particular sound and that would make you move to the rhythm your hear. However, I then realise we walk, we run, we are moving constantly to a particular rhythm in our day without music and I can dance without music. There is music inwards -in our heads, in our hearts and in our soul that we listen to and we do not necessarily in that situation hear the music that is played outward.
What are your thoughts?
Refer a friend progam
Would you like FREE lessons? Yes FREE
Refer a friend and when they enrol earn a FREE lesson
Courtesy Call
We appreciate your courtesy call and would like to thank you for the kind consideration.
Saying
Be the type of energy that no matter where you go,
you always add value to the spaces and lives around you
Anna & Justin
“Today’s music ain’t go that same soul. I like that old time rock and roll.”
This line resonates not just with music but with our everday rhythm in life. Today’s fast life has lost it’s soul. I’d like to bring back some of the old simple yesteryear slow life.
Living the slow life for the past 3 months really places perspective into going back to basics and how little we really need to live. The less I have the happier and lighter I feel. It’s our family and friends and the time we have with them that is important. LIfe is not about
accumulating stuff which only makes us heavier and in turn brings stress.
This edition we have new Spring courses. Please spread the word if you have friends that would like to learn and have been putting it off forever. This is the time to start. I received a beautiful email this week, a new enquiry asking if it was too late to start learning in their 70’s. It’s never too late!
New course dates
Spring courses start as early as this Monday coming
Monday 4 September Emu Plains Public School Hall
Wednesday 6 September Concord Presbyterian Hall
Thursday 5 October Gosford Hall
Clarendon course has begun and its not too late to come along and learn to dance.
These courses are tailored for absolute beginners. We get you off your seat onto the floor dancing like Fred and Ginger in no time. Join the fun, friendly, family atmosphere.
Fathers Day
Don’t forget to spoil those Dads this weekend! Take them dancing and let them leash their inner John Travolta! We hope all the father figures will have a memorable day!
Rocktober Events
ChromeFest Sockhop
Can you believe it we can now say ChromeFest is next month. We have Mescalero featuring Don Hopkins performing.
We have 25 tickets left for the Friday Sockhop . Please message or email me for tickets. You may also purchase them via our website shopping cart Events tab. Please note there are no refunds but you may transfer the tickets.
Date Fri 27 October
Venue Gosford Hall 217 Albany Street North at Gosford nearest cross street Henry Wheeler Place
Time 7pm-11pm
Tickets $28 by bank deposit
BSB 062121 ACC 10618711 Acc Name Anna Ocello
ChromeFest Saturday Jive
This is a ChromeFest event that I will be overseeing on the night. If you wish to
purchase tickets please visit the Chromefest.org site ticket events page.
Double Header A band called Twang and Bad Luck Kitty $32
End of year Christmas Party
It will be an end of year party but the start of Summer where all the FUN begins.
We can now confirm our end of year Christmas Party for Saturday 2 December back at one of our old stomping grounds Castle Hill Bowling Club. We are happy to have the Jive Bombers performing and our theme is All White Summer party.
It is customary at our end of year event to decorate your own table. We have prizes for best dressed table so get your creative juices ready.
Christmas routine – if anyone is interested in doing a routine for the Christmas Party please let us know so we can structure classes accordingly.
Gosford Socials
We are bringing back our Gosford socials as early as Friday 20 October. I do hope you will all support this event and that we can continue it through to December and into 2024.
Sayings
Welcome Welcome Welcome
May we suggest you sit down relax grab a cuppa and read on.
They say April Showers brings May Flowers. My ballet slipper orchids are on point
flowering away.
May is dedicated to Mothers Day and we wish all you mums, mums to be and fill in mums a very Special Mothers Day.
May is also Frankie Manning’s Birthday Anniversary and a true treasure to all Swing Lovers around the world. Frankie would have been 108 years this year on 26 May. What better way to celebrate this year at our Night at the Albert Palais showcasing that very era.
29 April International Dance Day
International Dance Day is a global celebration of dance and is celebrated every year on 29 April. Grab a partner and go dancing!
General
Firstly, I would like to thank the team for hosting the BSS Birthday Party during my absence and thank you all for the great feedback. This event was well attended and a huge
success. It is also gratifying to see the Festivals have started back with great attendance and success.
I was so pleased to see the Swing Katz back performing at the Parkes Elvis Festival.
Future Festivals to put in your diary
Cooly Rocks 8-12 June
Wintersun 9-10 July
Chromefest. 21-23 October
Classes
Class numbers are slowly coming back to life but we have definitely taken a hard hit with fewer beginner enrolments than previous years which have resulted in some venue
closures. We do apologise for these closures but it was a necessary evil.
We also apologise for some of our cancelled courses due to poor enrolments.
We are extremely thankful to our intermediate classes for their loyalty and attendance it is very much appreciated and doesn’t go unnoticed and we do hope our new students who have joined us are enjoying their journey.
A Night at the Albert Palais PLEASE NOTE EVENT DATE CHANGED TO 26 NOVEMBER
If you are looking for an excuse to dress up and go out dancing in a historic venue we have our next event at the Albert Palais in Leichhardt on Saturday 26 NOVEMBER.
This venue will not disappoint and we have secured the Cool Swinging Aston Martinis, a crowd favourite.
Join us for an elegant affair and evening of fun and
celebration.
The room set up is with round tables seating 8-10 per table and there is bar service.
Tickets available NOW, get in early it’s an event you won’t want to miss!
Sat 28 May
2 Catherine Street Leichhardt
7pm-11pm
The Aston Martinis
Tickets $75 and VIP $70
Please email me for bank deposit details
Chromefest Dates 21-22 October
I have been asked to host the Friday and Saturday events at Chromefest this year. I don’t have any information as yet. Once details are forwarded I will keep you all in the loop. There will be 50 early bird tickets allocated for presale so keep an eye out for the email. These early bird tickets will not be published on Facebook.
SAYING
Collect moments, not things.
Have you hit the midyear slump?
Given the recent lockdown restrictions throughout Greater Sydney over the last 6 weeks I just want to reach out and remind everyone we will return once restrictions have eased.
In the meantime, please be kind to one another. Everyone has a different opinion and rightly so. We do encourage you to leave the politics to the politicians and respect each and everyone’s privacy. We are all experiencing different struggles. Some have been
impacted either by health or financially and this takes a lot of mental strength to keep
resilient. During these times please be considerate and supportive of one another as there is enough division amongst the people caused by external factors.
My wish for you all is to get EXCITED again!
I quite often get asked – How do I remain positive during this Pause Period?
Here are my tips not necessarily in this order.
3 years with no TV …best decision I have ever made
Turn off all negative social media (have a social media detox once a week)
Read books
Look ahead and Plan for when we get out of lockdown
Stay in touch with family and friends
Look for the good and look at the glass half full
Exercise daily even if it’s just a walk in the sunshine
Be grateful for the time we have been given to do those things we keep putting off
Set new goals
Try something new
My thoughts
We can all agree that we all miss our dance family and friends as well as the dancing.
This last 18 months have been quite the challenge especially for those in the south west and western areas of Sydney this time round. Lockdown isn’t fun but we need to stay
focused and be resilient. This too will pass and it won’t be long before we can all laugh
together again.
I want to keep you all motivated and inspired that there will be brighter days ahead and things may get worse before they get better but it’s just a bump in the road.
Now, Let’s do this short and sweet update.
30th Birthday Event
Our 30th Birthday Xmas in July has been postponed and now will move to our end of year Christmas Party.
We cannot give you a date as yet or venue until restrictions ease for dancing. We still have Lemon Squeezin Daddies performing for this event.
Anyone wishing not to hold on to their ticket please email me for a refund.
Classes
Classes may look different when we get back as I would expect the 4sqm rule to come into effect first before returning to 2the sqm rule. I would envisage private lessons coming into effect first.
Realistically my expectations for a start this year will be highly unlikely.
It’s our Birthday
5th August marks our 30th Birthday and what a ride it’s been. We have had so many
wonderful memories and achievements. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you have supported us throughout those years and especially through these last 2
extraordinary years.
Chromefest
There has been no further updates for this event. We will keep you posted. In the
meantime there are no confirmation or ticket sales for any night events.
UPDATE 17 AUGUST
Chromefest has been cancelled. It will now be run virtually.
Trivia
Did you know?
Soaking your feet in apple cider vinegar for 30 minutes soothes sore feet and gets rid of odour. It also heals dry skin, cracked heals and toenail fungus. 1 part apple cider vinegar to 4 parts water.
Words of Wisdom
Life is always changing. You lose love. You lose friends. You lose pieces of yourself. New love enters. Better friends come. And a stronger, wiser you is staring back in the mirror.
See you soon
Be Kind
Anna & Justin
What are you looking forward to this Winter!
For me, it will be the countdown to Spring LOL!!
Seriously though I’m looking forward to more dancing, socials, and events.
I am excited to see the return of Festivals.It has been a slow start to 2021 and we are quietly and confidently rebuilding.
Winter is approaching and we are introducing short courses to encourage new students to join our studio and our monthly socials.
Studio Socials
It was a super Saturday Social last Saturday night and we look forward to end of month next dance. Save the Date
Gosford 26 June 7pm Door fee
30thBirthday Event
Our 30thBirthday will be held at 31 July at Central Coast Leagues Club with Lemon Squeezin Daddies. Reminder at this event we will be promoting awareness for Coast
Shelter. There will be raffles to help raise funds. Cash donations must be placed in an envelope with your name and address so they may receipt you.
Dance Tournament- Shake Rattle & Rumble
We are in the process of looking for a venue for our next dance competition which will be run under a “tournament” guideline. I would like to thank those of you who have come forward with Sponsorship for this event to help us get this off the ground and cover all
expenses. Sponsorship is still open.
The date is still to be confirmed and we are looking for first week in September.
Chromefest Friday 22 Oct
There are 2 events I will be involved in this year at Chromefest. The first event I can confirm is the Friday Sockhop at Chromefest.
The first event will be held Friday 22 October.
The second event is Saturday 23 October.
Further details for both these events will be revealed end of July.
At this point in time I am not authorized to give any more information.
Please note there are big changes coming to Chromefest this year in keeping with Covid restriction regulations. I will reveal more when permitted.Tickets are not on sale yet. I will be taking names though as there are number restrictions.
New Courses
New beginner courses starting at all venues the week beginning Monday 14 June.
New beginner courses starting the week Monday 2 August
Peoples Choice
-Woodcroft Venue
Swing is back in the 8pm time slot this Thursday 3 June
It has been a while since we have had a one off Triples class. Please send us your feedback if you would like to see it implemented this month.
-Gosford Venue June and July format
RocknRoll Beginners & Intermediate 7pm
Intermediate Class at 8pm as follows below
June – Swing and Bal Swing (5 week)
July – Slow Foxtrot & Waltz (First 2 weeks)
There will be no classes 21 & 28 July at Gosford and we will return Wednesday 4 August.
We believe in word of mouth and we do appreciate you spreading the word. No one is
going to promote our business better than you….our students. The algorithms with Facebook is working against us at the moment and they are changing all the time.
Save the Date
Great to see Festivals revived this year.
Cooly Rocks Coolongatta On 9-13 June
RetroFest Port Macquarie 27-29 August
Crank it Up Festival Batemans Bay 10-12 September
Chromefest The Entrance 22-24 October
Social Media
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Youtube.
I personally don’t do Facebook but I do keep the business and group page up to date with the help of the staff.
Courtesy Call
In recent weeks we have had a large number absent from classes. We do ask if you could please message us a few hours prior so we may re-arrange staff and classes. The
messenger groups have been working great. For those not on messenger you may simply send a text. We thank you for your understanding.
Sayings
When you realise that you don’t actually create abundance.
Abundance is always present, you just create limitations.
Happy Feet Happy People Happy Dancing!
See you on the dance Floor
Anna & Justin
Welcome to March News
Is this your first time at BSS Dance? The Gig Guide is updated every Wednesday and all
previous Newsletters are kept in the archives and can be read at your leisure.
Where to Learn? – Lessons page is updated every week so please do check for any last minute changes. For quick updates you may also visit our Facebook Page.
Read all “About Us” at your leisure and get familiar with our website. We post our News bi-monthly and the next 2 issues this year are September & November.
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for all your daily class and events update.
This is your News! so relax put your feet up and read on!
What’s New
Zumba at Plumpton
Come along Thursdays Nights and join Zumba Gold at our Plumpton venue 5.30-6.30pm.
Suitable for active adults and seniors who are looking for a modified Zumba class that recreates the original moves you love at a lower intensity.
How does it work? Amelia will introduce easy to follow Zumba Choreography that focuses on balance, range ofmotion and co-ordination to great latin, rocknroll and pop rhythms.
Don’t be shy! Bring bottled water and a hand towel. Casual gym gear.
New time for Ettalong
Please note this coming Monday 4 March Ettalong Beginners Class has been brought
forward to 6.45pm keeping it in line with all our Central Coast Class format.
New courses starting this coming Monday please spread the word. We still have vacancies.
Get your Diaries out……Upcoming Festivals
Fri 8-10 Kiama Jazz Festival
Sun 10 March RocknRoll Vintage Thirroul
Sat 16 Dave Harradine Fundraiser Club Liverpool
Sun 17 Camden Car Show Camden Showground
Sat 23 Sydney Veterans Lodge Luddenham ShownShine
Fri 29-31 Kurri Kurri Nostalgic Festival
Sat 30 The Art House Swing on This
New Venue Casula Community Centre Monday 4 March
We are happy to announce the new venue Casula Community Centre will start this coming Monday 4 March with Amelia Kalafatis. Amelia has been on the scene for 20 years and I have had the pleasure or working close with Amelia during those years. Fully qualified in Swing, Rockabilly and Rocknroll as well as an Event Organiser and Zumba Instructor we look forward to welcoming Amelia on our team at Casula and Plumpton.
6.45pm Beginners Rocknroll
7.45pm Intermediate RocknRoll
NSW STATE TITLES 2019
Entry Forms and Sponsorships will be open later this month.
Save the Date Saturday 10 August at Greyhound Social Club Yagoona.
More details to come. Be sure to like our Facebook Page and check our website later this month for all the news.
SWING KATZ FUNDRAISER
ROCK THAT SWING FESTIVAL is now live and the Swing Katz Junior team are hitting the workshops daily as I write this. Once again on behalf of the parents and the Dance School we are so grateful for each and everyone that contributed to the fundraiser to get these kids to Munich. This experience will be surely a major milestone in their dancing career.
New Gigs for Central Coast……Looking for something different
I’m always on the lookout for new venues, new bands, something different. February saw quite a few gigs and some new events on the Central Coast which was exciting. Unfortunately not all were well supported. Please don’t forget to give of your time and if necessary pay the entry fee to these fabulous events so we can have more on the Coast.
Galleria– has monthly Swing, Rockabilly and RocknRoll events free
Central Coast Leagues Club– the last Monday of the month there is Swing n Jazz downstairs at the club $10 fee
St Johns Heritage Churchsocial was a huge success. Our next date is Satuday 11 May.
Medals Date
First medal Day of the year will be held on Sat 11 May at East Gosford Progressive Hall between 1pm-3pm. We welcome spectactors to cheer along the students.
We encourage all students to join the Medals Day. They are designed to build
self -confidence and develop technique and provide a structured approach to measure each individuals progress. The Medal Series start from Bronze to Gold Star.
Please email me for your forms and syllabus. For more details speak to your class teacher at any of our venues.
Fees are payable by 21 April.
Swing Ball
Have you booked your seat for our first Swing Ball?
Swing like it’s the 1940s with one of our favourite local band The Aston Martinis.
Dress to impress and enjoy a night of dancing to a great mix of Cool Swing and Rock tunes.
These guys are fun and fabulous with lots of class and energy!!!
You won’t be disappointed.
Tickets available now online, bank deposit or at class.
Details here
Christmas in July Coast Shelter Appeal
I am jumping out of my skin with the announcement of Lucky Seven coming to the Coast for our Christmas in July this year. Save the Date Sat 27 July Central Coast Leagues Club. When a like minded attachment of musical aficionados’ grace the stage the result speaks for itself.
To encapsulate a genre of music that appeals to all generations is a winning formula
effortlessly perfected by these dapper gents.
Get ready to bop, drop and jive….. with Lucky Seven
More news on the Coast Shelter Donations and ticket sales next month. You won’t want to miss this event.
Chromefest 2019
All the bands have been locked in for Chromefest and I am happy to report that both major events will be held at Club Mingara Auditorium downstairs.
The Big Reveal will come later this month. In the meantime save the date.
Fri 25-Sun 27 October and book your accommodation. You won’t be disappointed.
Courtesy Call
Please pick up the phone and give us a call, email or text if you are unable to attend class.
If you have booked a private lesson and cancel on the day of the lesson a cancellation fee of $33 is charged and is payable.
Unfortunately we need to pass on the overhead costs.
Saying
If you plant corn seeds you will grow corn
If you plant nothing……
Lets Rock, Let’s Swing
