Dancers Swing Into Downtown Event

Don’t be surprised if you see dancing in the streets this weekend. Hundreds of swing dancers from all over California will descend on Ventura’s downtown for the fourth annual Monsters of Swing extravaganza.

Local dance group the Flyin’ Lindy Hoppers are sponsoring the event, which runs through Sunday at Nicholby’s, the Ventura Theatre and the Masonic Temple.

Instructors from Ventura, London, Hollywood, San Francisco and Orange County will teach swingers how to jitterbug, Charleston, spin and slide in classes held today and Sunday. Swing bands will perform at night, when dancers can compete for more than $2,000 in cash and prizes.

The classes are full, but tickets for tonight and Sunday’s evening shows are available. Tickets for today, featuring “Indigo Swing” and “Lee Press On and the Nails” at the Ventura Theatre, are $20. Sunday’s show at Nicholby’s, which stars “Steve Lucky and the Rumba Bums,” is $15.

For more information, call 643-3166.