Swinging the Night Away

All right, all you cats, on Wednesday night slide on down to the Glendale Civic Auditorium and dance to the solid sound of the Verdugo Swing Society. Say what? You thought that happened only in the summer at Verdugo Park? Well, Glendale Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department extended the gig for four weeks and moved it indoors. And for those who think these shindigs are meant just for your grandparents, they’ve added lessons in ballroom dancing.

Pam Cook, Glendale recreation and community services coordinator, concedes that most of this summer’s dancers were senior citizens. “But there were a lot of people in their 20s, 30s and 40s,” she said. “There is a huge community of people wanting to ballroom dance and there are not a lot of places to go.”

Swing Society Director Jim Colegrove thinks part of the attraction is the sound. “It’s music that you can hum and tap your toe to,” he said, adding that some people come just to listen. Others fake the dance steps. “What we have is a bunch of people who come out and have a good time.”

Dance lessons, taught by Lisa King, are also from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Wednesday. The four classes cost $35 per couple and $20 for individuals. The band starts playing at 8:30, and admission is $8.50 per couple and $5 for singles. The Glendale Civic is at 1401 N. Verdugo Road.