Dancers swing into town for 'Boogie Down South'

Members of Margaret River’s South West Swing dance group are preparing to welcome almost 200 swing dance enthusiasts, who will descend upon the region for the annual ‘Boogie Down South’ this long weekend.

The event is a vibrant celebration of the music and the African-American culture associated with Lindy Hop, an American Dance which was popular during the 1930s and early 1940s.

Lindy Hop has experienced a significant global resurgence and has become very popular in Margaret River and surrounds over the last decade.

Established in in 2017, ‘Boogie Down South’ has grown every year and is now the major event of the annual WA Swing Dance calendar.

It includes days packed with dance workshops and evening socials, featuring three internationally recognised live jazz bands.

Lindsey Ngo, one of the event organisers, is excited for this year’s event.

“Hosting a Lindy Hop exchange down south is our annual chance to connect with members of the wider Swing Dance community, and this year we are sharing the event this year with so many new faces.

“We have attendees from almost every state in addition to visitors from Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, and the US.”

Lindsey said this year’s ‘Boogie Down South’ would feature two sets of instructors for the very first time.

“We have acclaimed teachers in Tyedric Hill and Breonna Jordan from the USA, and Miya Miyazaki and Josh Varcoe from Melbourne.

“Together they’ll represent both the Black American community from which Lindy Hop was born, as well as Australia and its unique style and culture.”

Lindsey said the scale of the event meant a lot of behind the scenes work.

“We couldn’t do it without the support of local volunteers and businesses who make the event possible by donating their time, resources, and allowing us to use their beautiful spaces.

“All together this will be our biggest and best Boogie Down South!”

For more information, visit boogiedownsouth.com.au