2015 will be the Phoenix 4th of July Convention's 34th continuous year, making it the longest running West Coast Swing Convention in the world! As West Coast has evolved, so have the dance conventions.
When we were the "only show in town", or one of the very few conventions, the energy was "off the charts". We used to cap the number of attendees at 1,000 and had a 200-300 waitlist! Today there are many more conventions around the world. However, Phoenix' July 4th convention is THE event not to be missed!
As the years have gone by, there have been many changes, including adding more and more competition. Like at most other events, this pushed social dance time back and back until we were starting social dancing after midnight. You spent most of the afternoon and evening in the ballroom watching or competing in Prelims and Semi's and had no time to enjoy other things. This, however, is not what Phoenix 4th of July is about and it never has been. We are "Bringin It Back". We have found a way to give you plenty of competition and also give you more time to take a workshop or enjoy lunch or relax at the pool, and still never miss anything. All that, and start your social dancing at a reasonable hour! That was our mission, and we hope you come to Phoenix this year and enjoy the Convention.
As unbelievable as it sounds, we have included all the competitions shown below, AND are still having loads of time for social dancing. No more having to wait until 1:00 in the morning to get out on the dance floor!
Jack & Jill competitions, were always the major component that made Phoenix 4th of July Convention such a unique event, and EXPERIENCE, with SPOTLIGHT finals.
In addition to the Jack & Jills, which are the main competitions, we are offering something new and different! We have added a Pro/Am Strictly Swing division and a "Generational" Strictly Swing division. This is an Open Strictly Swing with one requirement--the partners must have 25 years separating them (a 20 year old dancer would partner with someone at least 45). This will allow anyone who wants to compete in a Strictly Swing division the opportunity to do so in a competition that will be challenging, fun and very competitive.
Another new competition is the High/Low All American; where Champions, All Stars and Advanced Dancers must partner with Newcomer, Novice and Intermediate Dancers only. It levels the playing field. It means a Champion can't draw another Champion. It gives everyone at every level a chance to win.
We are at the Camelback Inn Resort and Spa--one of the top resorts in the country and one of the most luxurious hotels on the WCS circuit! Every time we go back to the Camelback, it immediately feels like home...
We have a tremendous staff including many of the best dancers, instructors, DJs and judges in the West Coast Swing world, all ready to help provide the ballroom experience of the year!
If you haven't visited us recently, come back and join in on all the fun! We have designed the July 4th Convention to give you everything you want and to make it a West Coast Swing Dance event you will remember and want to attend every year!
See you on the dance floor,
Cameo & Ben
