Tag Archives: rock and roll dance classes penrith

March Madness

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WELCOME
Let’s welcome all our new students who have crossed the floor in 2024.
May dance bring you the joy and fun that our dance family has come to know.

March Madness lives up to its name.
The first 2 weeks of March have come and gone!
It’s a new month and a new season and shortly day light saving will end.
It’s time to prepare for the next few months, time to harvest, time to see the fruits of your labour during the Summer months. If you are a gardener and planted herbs it’s time to dry them and store them for the cold season. If you planted veges it’s time to pickle them and so forth. Get my drift.
I believe in “what you sow is what your reap”. Therefore, I hope your efforts during the summer are now reaping the rewards.

NSW STATE TITLES
Congratulations!
Let it be said the comeback after 5 years was extremely successful.
The new format was a hit!
We loved the added bonus of having Azz and the Cats perform for us and elevate the vibe in the room.
A big thank you and congratulations to all who participated and for amazing team and sponsors who made it happen.
The club was so impressed they rang me Monday morning and as luck would have it we are back in 2025. Save the date 8 March 2025.

There is still some fine tuning in some areas which I will be looking at next year closely.

NEW COURSES
Please note the following new course dates for the following venues
Gosford 14 March
Clarendon 14 March
Emu Plains 18 March
Concord 20 March



GOSFORD DANCE PARTY
Our next dance party at Gosford will be held this Friday 16 March. Let’s celebrate St Patricks Day.
Time 6.30pm – 9pm
$8 at the door

CHRISTMAS IN JULY
I have made the decision to avoid the clubs for the return of the Christmas in July due to the exhuberant hiring fees. I am not comfortable in passing those fees to our students.
Minimum venue hire is $1500. Gosford Hall has a great dance floor and accommodates 150 people comfortably. We are in the process of choosing a band and theme and will let you know in the coming months. In the meantime please SAVE THE DATE.

Venue Gosford Hall
Date Sat 20 July
Band to be confirmed
Theme to be confirmed

VRDDA STATE TITLES
The next competition on our calendar is the VRDDA State Titles in Melbourne Sat 18 May.
If anyone is interested in entering or would like to spectate and be at our table please let me know by Wednesday 20 March.

Saying

Much love to you all
Anna Justin

Spring Time

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“Today’s music ain’t go that same soul. I like that old time rock and roll.”
This line resonates not just with music but with our everday rhythm in life. Today’s fast life has lost it’s soul. I’d like to bring back some of the old simple yesteryear slow life.
Living the slow life for the past 3 months really places perspective into going back to basics and how little we really need to live. The less I have the happier and lighter I feel. It’s our family and friends and the time we have with them that is important. LIfe is not about
accumulating stuff which only makes us heavier and in turn brings stress.

This edition we have new Spring courses. Please spread the word if you have friends that would like to learn and have been putting it off forever. This is the time to start. I received a beautiful email this week, a new enquiry asking if it was too late to start learning in their 70’s. It’s never too late!

New course dates
Spring courses start as early as this Monday coming
Monday 4 September Emu Plains Public School Hall
Wednesday 6 September Concord Presbyterian Hall
Thursday 5 October Gosford Hall
Clarendon course has begun and its not too late to come along and learn to dance.

These courses are tailored for absolute beginners. We get you off your seat onto the floor dancing like Fred and Ginger in no time. Join the fun, friendly, family atmosphere.

Fathers Day
Don’t forget to spoil those Dads this weekend! Take them dancing and let them leash their inner John Travolta! We hope all the father figures will have a memorable day!

Rocktober Events
ChromeFest Sockhop
Can you believe it we can now say ChromeFest is next month. We have Mescalero featuring Don Hopkins performing.
We have 25 tickets left for the Friday Sockhop . Please message or email me for tickets. You may also purchase them via our website shopping cart Events tab. Please note there are no refunds but you may transfer the tickets.
Date Fri 27 October
Venue Gosford Hall 217 Albany Street North at Gosford nearest cross street Henry Wheeler Place
Time 7pm-11pm
Tickets $28 by bank deposit
BSB 062121  ACC 10618711 Acc Name Anna Ocello

ChromeFest Saturday Jive
This is a ChromeFest event that I will be overseeing on the night. If you wish to
purchase tickets please visit the Chromefest.org site ticket events page.
Double Header A band called Twang and Bad Luck Kitty $32

End of year Christmas Party
It will be an end of year party but the start of Summer where all the FUN begins.
We can now confirm our end of year Christmas Party for Saturday 2 December back at one of our old stomping grounds Castle Hill Bowling Club. We are happy to have the Jive Bombers performing and our theme is All White Summer party.
It is customary at our end of year event to decorate your own table. We have prizes for best dressed table so get your creative juices ready.

Christmas routine – if anyone is interested in doing a routine for the Christmas Party please let us know so we can structure classes accordingly.

Gosford Socials
We are bringing back our Gosford socials as early as Friday 20 October. I do hope you will all support this event and that we can continue it through to December and into 2024.

Sayings

Baby it’s cold outside

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Winter has come
Go out and have some Fun
On the dance floor we play
All Night and Day!

Up Up and away! some of our staff are travelling to The Summer Jamboree therefore there will be some disruptions to the Emu Plains and Concord classes this month until mid August.

DANCE CLASSES
EMU PLAINS Monday nights continue with Intermediate RocknRoll until mid August. All other levels and classes will return in August
CONCORD Wednesday nights continue as normal.
Our friendly staff will be there to greet and teach you each week but some familiar faces will be absent.

ONLINE CLASSES GOSFORD these classes will continue there will be a 1 week break next month. Usually during a 5 week month we have a break on week 5. Please note August is a 5 week month but we will be having Week 1 off instead of Week 5.

GET READY TO GET LOOSE
It’s time to get your social calendar in order and Save the Dates for the following festivals.
RETROFEST PORT MACQUARIE PANTERS Tickets available online 25-27 August
HUNTER VINTAGE & RETRO FAIR West Wallsend Workers Club 2 September
NELSON BAY ROCKNROLL 20-22 October Free event held at Nelson Bay RSL Club
CHROMEFEST 27-29 October various events indoors and outdoors
CRANK IT UP Follow them on Facebook or visit their website for updates 17-19 November
END OF YEAR CHRISTMAS PARTY Date and venue TBC

Tickets for the following events at ChromeFest are available as follows
ChromeFest Sockhop Friday 27 October at Gosford. Another batch of 30 tickets have been released. Tickets may be purchased via Blue Suede Shoes Website Event tickets page or email me directly.
ChromeFest Saturday Night Jive Saturday 28 October Mingara visit ChromeFest.org

Song for the month Drift Away
Give me that beat and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your Rock and Roll and drift away
Dobie Gray

Saying

That’s all Folks!
Don’t forget to get up and dance and move to the groove!
Anna & Justin

12 Days of Christmas

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Jingle Bells Jingle Bells Jingle all the way to Christmas Day
I don’t know about you but I’m super excited for Christmas and the summer season ahead!
I love this time of year and the season of giving.  I don’t believe “giving” means lavish gifts and shopping till you’re broke.  Giving your time, being present, listening, making your gifts, making time and spending time with your loved ones is what I love most.
We have missed all our beautiful students and supporters and look forward to the start of 2022.

Our 30th Birthday

As you may now know our 30th Birthday event has been moved to Emu Plains on Saturday 8th January.  We are happy to still have the Lemon Squeezin Daddies performing at this event and we really looking forward to celebrating the New Year as well as our belated Birthday. Please be reminded this event is a sold out event.
Sat 8th January 2022
Emu Plains Public School Hall
13 Emerald Street, Emu Plains
Doors open 6.30pm

Naughty or Nice
Here is something fun you can do to fill in the days of boredom leading to Christmas.
Make a list Naughty on one side and Nice on the other.
List under each heading when you have been naughty or nice and give yourself a point  for nice and subtract a point for naughty.  Total up and if you’re in the positive reward yourself with a gift if you are in the negative give away a gift.

Dance Classes resume January 2022
Emu Plains 24 Jauary
Woodcroft 3 February
Concord 19 January
Camden 24 January
Gosford 2 Feb
My 12 days of Christmas

Anna’s Favourite Almond Biscotti Recipe Amaretti
Preheat fan forced oven at 180 degrees Line flat lamington trays with baking paper
Crunchy on the outside soft in the middle Makes 40 Amaretti

500 gram almond meal  (5 cups)
300 gram castor sugar (1.33 cups)
5 egg whites with a pinch of salt
3/4 of a small 50ml bottle almond essence
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup to 1 cup – Icing sugar for rolling biscuits

Method
1.Whisk 5 egg whites room temperature with pinch of salt until almost merengue texture. Add almond essence & whisk again.
2.In a separate bowl add almond meal and caster sugar and mix together.
3.Add the egg mix to the dry mix and mix all ingredients together until it starts to bind using a scraper.
4.Then use your hands to mix and until mix is combined. It needs to be wet soft texture.  Don’t over knead it.
Tip (If its too soft leave mixture in the bowl for an hour)
(You can rest in fridge overnight and make it the next day)

Shape the mixture
Use a tablespoon to pick up mixture and roll into a ball in your hands like a pattie and then roll into icing sugar and place on baking paper on an oven tray.  Flatten them on the top with two fingers.
Tip If mixture is too sticky just place water on your hands to roll the ball or shape as horseshoe and add flaked almonds on the outside
 Optional –You can add an almond in the middle
Cook at 180deg for 15 minutes maximum CHECK THEM AT 12 MINUTES

What I’m reading
Meditations Marcus Aurelius
What I’m eating
Yummy summer Mango fruit
What I’m doing
Daily walks, yoga and gardening, preparing for Christmas

Saying

My Christmas Wish
I wish you all to have a purpose that gives you fulfilment and gives you inner peace.
As always be kind, don’t judge, love unconditionally and look within to find your answers.

Have a wonderful Christmas and may you find new inspirations in 2022 filled with lots of happiness, success and abundance.

Peace this Christmas

Love Anna & Justin

Midyear slump?

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Have you hit the midyear slump?
Given the recent lockdown restrictions throughout Greater Sydney over the last 6 weeks I just want to reach out and remind everyone we will return once restrictions have eased.

In the meantime, please be kind to one another.  Everyone has a different opinion and rightly so.  We do encourage you to leave the politics to the politicians and respect each and everyone’s privacy. We are all experiencing different struggles.  Some have been
impacted either by health or financially and this takes a lot of mental strength to keep
resilient.  During these times please be considerate and supportive of one another as there is enough division amongst the people caused by external factors.

My wish for you all is to get EXCITED again!

I quite often get asked – How do I remain positive during this Pause Period?
Here are my tips not necessarily in this order.

3 years with no TV …best decision I have ever made
Turn off all negative social media (have a social media detox once a week)
Read books
Look ahead and Plan for when we get out of lockdown
Stay in touch with family and friends
Look for the good and look at the glass half full
Exercise daily even if it’s just a walk in the sunshine
Be grateful for the time we have been given to do those things we keep putting off
Set new goals
Try something new

My thoughts
We can all agree that we all miss our dance family and friends as well as the dancing.
This last 18 months have been quite the challenge especially for those in the south west and western areas of Sydney this time round.  Lockdown isn’t fun but we need to stay
focused and be resilient.  This too will pass and it won’t be long before we can all laugh
together again.

I want to keep you all motivated and inspired that there will be brighter days ahead and things may get worse before they get better but it’s just a bump in the road.

Now, Let’s do this short and sweet update.

­­30th Birthday Event
Our 30th Birthday Xmas in July has been postponed and now will move to our end of year Christmas Party.
We cannot give you a date as yet or venue until restrictions ease for dancing.  We still have Lemon Squeezin Daddies performing for this event.
Anyone wishing not to hold on to their ticket please email me for a refund.

Classes
Classes may look different when we get back as I would expect the 4sqm rule to come into effect first before returning to 2the sqm rule.  I would envisage private lessons coming into effect first.
Realistically my expectations for a start this year will be highly unlikely.

It’s our Birthday
5th August marks our 30th Birthday and what a ride it’s been.  We have had so many
wonderful memories and achievements.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you have supported us throughout those years and especially through these last 2
extraordinary years.

Chromefest
There has been no further updates for this event.  We will keep you posted.  In the
meantime there are no confirmation or ticket sales for any night events.
UPDATE 17 AUGUST
Chromefest has been cancelled.  It will now be run virtually.

Trivia
Did you know?
Soaking your feet in apple cider vinegar for 30 minutes soothes sore feet and gets rid of odour.  It also heals dry skin, cracked heals and toenail fungus.  1 part apple cider vinegar to 4 parts water.

Words of Wisdom
Life is always changing. You lose love. You lose friends. You lose pieces of yourself. New love enters. Better friends come.  And a stronger, wiser you is staring back in the mirror.

See you soon
Be Kind
Anna & Justin

Mad for March

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Welcome Back!

Life is a dance! Taking one step at a time at our own pace in our own rhythm.
Celebrating our 30th Year!

Glad to be back in 2021 and welcome to all our new Beginner students. This month sees us back at all venues.

There have been some changes to the admin but the dancing is all the same as is our team.

We are also excited to announce we are 30 Years Young this year. We have definitely seen some changes in the last 3 decades none so much like 2020.
One thing for sure is we have changed for the better just like a fine wine.

Student Spotlight
In celebration of our 30thBirthday we have introduced a student spotlight segment this year.You may have noticed our few videos posted on Facebook in the last 3 weeks.Next week I hit Sydney.It’s been a lot of fun getting to know our dance family.
Stay tuned for our Staff Spotlight which will be coming up soon.

Where to Dance?  Our Locations
Concord, Emu Plains, Camden, Woodcroft, Katoomba and Gosford

How much does it cost?
Casual fees
$16 Woodcroft & Gosford
$15 Emu Plains, Concord, Camden & Katoomba

Lesson Pass
4 Lessons $60
Private Lessons start from $80 varies according to duration and venue hire (per couple or per person)
Payments may be made
Online, bank deposit or cash
Please note online and credit cards incur a $1 processing fee

New Courses
We are welcoming beginners back in 2021.
Blue Suede Shoes Dance School has a registered Covid Plan with NSW Health and QR code check in is available at entry.For those without a smart phone we have a register concierge available.

Woodcroft
Please note we have a shortage of Leads in our RocknRoll Beginners class at our Woodcroft Venue.Please spread the word to help this venue grow.We are on a 3 month trial at this location.It has been a challenge to get this venue to its former glory.Woodcroft was our largest attending venue and our longest standing venue (20years) before it burnt down in January 2015. We were the first dance studio to hire the hall twice a week back in 1995.I thank you in advance for your support.

Restrictions Easing
With Restrictions relaxed we still need to be in keeping with our Covid Plan.Therefore the 1.5sqm rule still applies at entry and exits of venues.Please note some venues, for example, Gosford and Woodcroft have surveillance cameras and extra attention is recommended when outside the building perimeter.

*Hand Hygiene is provided.
*Masks are optional.

*2sqm rule applies in all our venues and chairs will be placed accordingly. 

April Dates
Dayslight Savings Ends Easter Sunday 4 April
Easter Weekend dates Good Friday 2 April
No Woodcroft on Thursday 4th and 15 April
Seniors Week 13-24 April
Anzac Day Sunday 25 April

Please note Thursday 1st April and 15thApril there will be no classes.There has been a previous booking prior to our coming back to classes in 2021.


Remember
Please be reminded if you are unwell stay home and as a courtesy can you please text or email us. Please check in at entry using QR Code provided.

Best for Last..Do you want to know a secret?

The much anticipated event!!

Welcoming you back to the dance floor with theAston Martinis.
Please note this event is offered to Blue Suede Shoes Students.

Fri 9 April  7.30pm Emu Plains
Tickets $35 VIP Pass Members $30

Limited tickets Bookings essential
Restricted numbers

Saying
What would you ask for if you knew the answer was Yes?

From the team at Blue Suede Shoes

Thank you for your support
Let’s keep dancing

March Magic

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Firstly what a Fab February as we say So Long to Summer!
I would like to welcome all our new students who have begun with us this year.  I love the enthusiasm and vibe you bring to the floor each week.  Our theme nights were well received and we have had requests for more so keep your eyes peeled for the next one in your area.

Fiery Fundraiser Recap
Earlier this year we embarked on a Fundraiser to help our Firey’s and what a HUGE
success.  We are proud to announce we raised $6636.05 from an enthusiastic loyal giving crowd of 105 people.   More than half were from Sydney and I do applaud your support.  We had a wonderful team of volunteers who put their hands up to help and of course our music team in DJ Gav Bean and Toni & the Rhythm Cats who gave up of their time to provide the entertainment.  Thank you!

Look out March is here
All NEW courses starting at the following venues
Emu Plains Monday 9 March
Concord Wednesday 11 March
Camden Monday 16 March
Woodcroft – Thursday 5 March Swing is back at 7.45pm
Gosford – Wednesday 4 March Swing is back at 7.45pm
Ettalong – Monday 2 March RocknRoll/Rockabilly & Swing is back at 7.45pm
Toukley – Tuesday 3 March RocknRoll & Swing is back at 7.45pm
Mayfield course final class Monday 2 March
We also recommend the extra classes run by the Swing Katz at Surry Hills and
Katoomba.
For more details please visit our Lessons Page

Did you know?
At the end of your lesson we encourage you to video the class recap.  There is a 15 minute social break at the end of each class where you can video your teachers and practice your class moves.

Who else is Ready to Dance?
Roaring 20s Theme Ball
Ain’t no PARTY like a ROARING 20s !!…..it’s going to be the bees knees!!
Get those tix quick or regret it! Available now at this link or pop into class and grab your ticket.

It’s been a long time between drinks since we have had The Lemon Squeezin
Daddies with Pearl Noire at one of our events. Join us for an event not to be missed.
All welcomed bring your friends along, kid friendly event. Great venue Huge Car park, Bistro, Bar and large sunken dance floor. What more could you want?

Saturday 18 April 7pm at the Greyhound Social Club (known as Arena Sports Club)
140 Rookwood Road, Yagoona
Adults $27.50 Children $15.00

Medals Night
The next NSW RocknRoll Association medals will be held at Woodcroft Neighbourhood Centre on Thursday 7 May at 7.30pm. Medallists interested in being part of the Program please email me for the Nomination Form.   Private lessons available for all dancers. Bronze to Gold Levels in all styles RocknRoll, Slow Swing & LindyHop.

NSW RocknRoll Association Inc
Become a member of the NSW RocknRoll Association Inc which has just had it’s first AGM and is now incorporated. Qualified Teachers, Medal Programs for your students.  Teachers and Student Workshops available as well as  Teachers Qualification Program.
Find out what it takes to be qualified, also become an Active Kids Provider, Working With Children and the most important Public Liability Dance Insurance.
Teachers Membership is $30 and Student Dancers may join for $10 and save that on their first medal exam.  For more details please email nswstatetitles@outlook.com

ANNOUNCING Christmas in July Coast Shelter Appeal Sat 25 July
“No time for Siesta..it’s time for Fiesta!!”
Our annual Christmas in July theme is Fiesta Party featuring teddy boy band
The Lincolns from Adelaide. Our charity of choice continues with Coast Shelter.
Where? Central Coast Leagues Club
When? Saturday 25 July.
Tickets will be available 10 March.  I am taking bookings now..
Ticket fees Adults $35 and Children $15

Twinkle Toes
Looking for dance shoes?  We are a stockist for My JuJu Dance Fever RocknRoll Shoes.  We have Mens and Ladies shoes available in brogue, saddle and maryjane style. Black, Black & White, Red & Black with memory foam inserts, leather sole or rubber sole.
$130

Upcoming Events
Easy Street Show n Shine Toukley 7 March
RocknRoll Vintage in Thirroul 8 March
Newcastle Rockabilly Festival Sat 14 March
Kurri Kurri Nostalgic Festival 27-29 March

All Eyes on the NEW Season Special
Our GIFT TO YOU
Who wants $10 OFF  our 8 Lesson Passes this month?
Limited to one per person during the magic month of March.
Ask about our other offers available.  *Bring a friend for free first visit.
Available at Woodcroft & Central Coast locations

Follow us on Facebook link
We understand not everyone does social media. For those that do follow Facebook please visit our 2 pages.  Our Group page is for gigs and less formal information and our Business Page advertises our classes and events.  It will keep you up to the minute.
If you like to watch class videos please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel link

Touching Base
Please give us a Courtesy Call/text or email if you are unable to attend your private
lesson, workshop, troupe training or regular class.  This will help the teacher reassess their planner and class schedule.

Where there are poor class numbers/double bookings or an emergency situation e.g. weather related/bushfire etc you will be notified of cancellation by text.

Saying

Signing off