In the spirit of “The Jitterbug” and “The Twist,” an exciting new dance style is set to make its debut in the City of Brotherly Love
Open auditions for “FreeStep” coaches Thursday, January 18th, 2007 at 7:30 p.m., at the Irish Center (a.k.a. the Commodore Barry Club)
PHILADELPHIA, PA Call it the next wave of the British Invasion. “FreeStep,” an exciting new dance style that hails from England, is coming to America in February 2007—and its first stop is right here in Philadelphia. A modern partner dance that is similar in style to swing, without the complicated footwork, “FreeStep” (known in England as “Ceroc”) has been a hit with the British for more than 25 years. And with its simple moves and adaptability to a wide variety of music from ‘50s Rock ‘n’ Roll to current chart hits, “FreeStep” is sure to soon create a following in Philadelphia and beyond.
Ivan Paxton, teacher and entrepreneur, is behind bringing this fun new dance style “across the pond” from England to America. And he chose Philadelphia as the place for “FreeStep’s” American debut for good reason. After thoroughly researching where to launch his American “FreeStep” classes, Paxton decided on Philadelphia due to the city’s vibrant musical culture and place in American musical history as the home of Dick Clark’s American Bandstand.
“The dance and music trend history of this city is brilliant,” says Paxton, noting the many dances that have originated in the City of Brotherly Love like “The Jitterbug” and “The Twist.” “So many distinctive musical styles, dances, sounds, and bands have originated from Philadelphia, it’s clearly a city that’s really open to different genres.”
With the reemergence of dance as an American pastime, “FreeStep” presents the perfect option for pros and novices alike. With shows like “Dancing With the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance” bringing dance back into the mainstream, “FreeStep” is the perfect option for couples–or singles–looking to learn a dance that’s fun, simple, and perfect for nearly any style of music. One of the dance’s appeals is that dancers can bring their own style to the moves. And Paxton guarantees that “everyone will be dancing by the end of their first class. Then they’ll be “FreeStepping” at parties, nightclubs, and anywhere there’s music and a few square feet of dance floor!”
Calling all dancers (and dancer wannabes)—“FreeSteppers” Needed To prepare for the upcoming launch of “FreeStep,” Paxton is currently “calling all dancers” (and dancer wanna-bes) to open auditions being held on Thursday, January 18th, 2007, at 7:30 p.m., at the Irish Center (a.k.a. the Commodore Barry Club), 6815 Emlen Street, Philadelphia, PA 19119. Anyone with a good sense of rhythm and a love of dancing is encouraged to come on out and audition for a spot as one of Paxton’s “FreeStepping” dance coaches. The training is free and coaches will have the chance to progress to teaching classes too.
For more information,
contact Ivan Paxton at ivan@freestepping.com