It doesn’t seem like three weeks have passed since Beantown Camp ended. Maybe that’s because we are still wrapping things up, collecting photos and working on the camp DVD. Leading up to camp, we had a feeling that it was going to be a good week. How could it not with the incredible line-up of instructors and bands?

Once again, we just have to say that Beantown exceeded expectations. It was just an incredibly wonderful week full of smiles, fun and joy! We want to thank each and every one of our Beantown staff and campers. So much positive energy. As we are back in our regular classes, it is very rewarding hearing from our own first-time students mentioning how much they loved the classes, all the nice people they met and the fun time they had. Good to hear after subjecting them to our saying over and over again to go to camp!

Here are just a few highlights to mention:

Another amazing Beantown Bounce showcasing the incredible talent of Beantown instructors. Thanks to Michael Jagger and Evita Arce for producing, Peter Strom for choreographing the finale, all the performers and the entire crew for providing such an inspiring and entertaining show.

Peter’s late night Soul Party, always a camp highlight, where everyone kind of just lets loose and has a super fun night.

The end-of-camp track performances, always a great way to wrap up a week of excellent classes! We moved into Rose this year which really added the perfect atmosphere for cheering on each group. My own personal highlight, being in Eric Fenn’s Hip Hop routine and loving every minute of it. (Plus thanks to all my practice buddies!)

Night after night of phenomenal music from our three awesome bands, Gordon Webster, Campus Five and Glenn Crytzer, as well as Michael Gamble and his crew of DJs.

The most fun BBQ night ever on the 4th of July, one of our all time highlights. Something about the end of camp, the sparklers (thank you Cynthia!) and watching the fireworks across the water made it a really special night.

Our wonderful Frankie Foundation Ambassadors, Merika, Josh and Lehua. They were each a joy to have at camp all week and we are thankful that we were able to provide this opportunity for them.

In addition to our teen ambassadors, we may have had our largest group of teens ever and it was such a great time watching all of them having so much fun. If this is the future of Lindy Hop, we are in good shape!

The excellent weather we had, perfect for the beach, and it seems that many campers took advantage of that this year.

Having Norma Miller with us all week to share her life, remind us of where it all started and for being so much fun to talk with.

As always, one of the most special features of Beantown, connecting with old friends, new friends and just enjoying being together!

Yes, there were more, and the list could go on and on! The whole week was kind of one huge highlight!

So many people to thank for the incredible week of camp. We would like to send some special shout outs to our wonderful crew who help us to check-in all campers, run the café, the shop, the water crew, drivers, videographers, photographers and help with so many other tasks including Joel Domoe for once again doing an awesome job running the competitions and Edgar Herwick for adding his emcee talents to the proceedings this year. Thanks to Dave Lasagna for bringing extra smiles to our faces and providing his own special touch to our days. We also want to send a huge thank you to the most wonderful staff at Endicott College. We know how lucky we are to have Patrick watching over everything and going out of his way to be sure everyone has the best time possible. Plus the amazing dining staff who make the effort to provide us with a big variety of healthy, decadent and delicious meals. Everything has just gotten better since we moved to this wonderful campus eight years ago and we feel it adds so much to what makes Beantown such a unique and special experience each year.

Beantown Campers, you are the best! Thanks to all who traveled far and near. We appreciate your support and we appreciate you!  We wish you all many happy times ahead and hope to see you back in 2013!

Happy dancing,
Aurelie & Tony

Summer is certainly here and we hope that everyone is getting out and enjoying the weather. This time of year we often get distracted with other activities, but there is still plenty of fun dancing to be had in the Boston area! Check out the regular venues which continue to run through the summer and the special outdoor concerts and events that may bring some different opportunities to get your groove on.

Our new 6 week session of Lindy Hop classes started Monday and it is still possible to join in the 2nd week. Classes for this session include Beginner Swing/Intro to Lindy Hop Level 1 and Lindy Hop Level 2. They are offered on Monday evenings at the Ruggles Baptist Church near Fenway Park in Boston.

Both classes were close to balanced on the first evening. We have a nice mix of new and returning students and are looking forward to a fun session!

Please let us know if you are planning on joining either of the classes or submit an on-line registration. Thanks!

Class information and registration.

This will be our only summer class session. In September we’ll be back at Newton on Sundays and continuing in Boston on Mondays.

We are just back from Beantown Camp, catching up on sleep and sorting through the camp follow up. The entire week has once again exceeded expectations and we’ll have more to say once we’ve got our thoughts together.

Our summer session starts this Monday, July 9 in Boston! The session meets for 6 weeks and includes Beginner Swing/Intro to Lindy Hop Level 1 and Lindy Hop Level 2. Each class is followed by a half hour practice time, a fun time to work with classmates on what you just learned. The location is the Ruggles Baptist Church on Beacon Street near Fenway Park (just at the Boston/Brookline border), close to several public transportation choices. Street parking is available as well as in the church lot.

Class information and registration.

This will be our only session this summer. Sundays in Newton will resume in September.

Beantown Camp is on!!! It is still possible to get in a last
minute registration for Friday and join campers from 29 states and 8 countries.

Information on Beantown Camp.

If you can’t come to Beantown Camp, you can still join in on Saturday night at Endicott College. The dance is open to the public and will be a blast! Discount door admission coupons are available on the camp website. (No pre-registration.)

Beantown Saturday Dance Party, June 30, 2012

• Evening Dance with Jonathan Stout and his Campus Five, featuring Hilary Alexander from California. (Had to bring them back!)
• Beantown Café & Game Room
• Complementary Photo Booth
• Competitions: Strictly Lindy, Jack & Jill Finals
• Cake-Break
• Late Night dancing with Beantown DJs

Dance information & discount coupons.

Beantown Camp 2011 Beantown Bounce Photo Album

Only one week to go!!! Beantown Camp opening day is almost here. We are still accepting registrations if you would like to join us.

Not sure what it’s about? Check out the schedule for amazing classes, dances and tons of fun:
  Beantown Camp Schedule

The Orange track (beginner/intermediate) is especially in need of additional leaders.

Who wouldn’t want to spend a week with dancers from near and far, many of the world’s best instructors, 4 nights with 3 awesome bands (Gordon Webster, Glenn Crytzer and a double dose of the Campus Five!), great DJs, a beautiful location on the shore and many fun activities included. If this sounds like the vacation that you want to do, register today!

Beantown runs from June 28-July 5, back at the beautiful Endicott College campus in Beverly, MA. There are multiple packages and time periods to choose from for attending. You can find all of the details and latest information on the Beantown Camp web site:
  www.BeantownCamp.com

Come share the Lindy love…you will be glad you did!