May Newsletter

Special Workshop Event & Monthly Dance: Saturday, May 16th

Where: Ivy Creek Methodist Church (674 Woodlands Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901)

7-8 pm: Lesson

Instructors: Markus Smith and Tren Veal

Lesson Style: West Coast Swing

Lesson Level: Intermediate (must know all basic patterns with good timing)

8-10:30 pm: Social Dance

Deejay: Kristin Wenger

We are thrilled to have renowned champion dancers, coaches, and choreographers Markus Smith and Trendlyon (Tren) Veal as our guest instructors on Saturday, May 16th. The event will be held at Ivy Creek Methodist Church with two afternoon workshops. Markus and Tren will also lead a fun pre-dance lesson, and then stick around to dance with us! Mark your calendars and be sure to attend this great event!

Pre-Register now for the best package, available now through May 14th!

Dance only pricing below (7pm pre-dance lesson included). We only accept cash, check, and Paypal.

$10 CSDS members and students with ID

$15 General Admission

We expect high attendance at this event and parking space is limited. We encourage participants to carpool if able.

May 16th Workshop Event

Detailed Schedule & Package Price

2:15 - 2:45 pm: Check in/ Warm up. We recommend no later than 2:30 to allow time for parking.

2:45 - 3:45 pm: Workshop #1 Happy Feet | Add texture and style to your dance with playful and musical footwork variations

3:45 - 4:00 pm: Break. Check in/ Warm up

4:00 - 5:00 pm: Workshop #2 Micromusicality | An introduction to using smaller movements, accents, and "groove" to look and feel more expressive with the music

5:00 - 7:00 pm: Dinner break on your own. Please note the church will be closed at this time.

7:00 - 8:00 pm: Pre-dance lesson Grab the Spotlight! | A fun pattern so you can shine on the dance floor

8:00 - 10:30: Dance! Kristin Wenger spins the tunes

Skill Requirement

Participation in these workshops requires a solid working knowledge and the skills to dance all basic patterns (starter step, side passes, pushes, whip) with good timing.

Pre-Registration Pricing - Available Now Through

Thursday, May 14th

For the best price we encourage all dancers who wish to attend this amazing day to pre-register. The pre-registration package and workshop prices will NOT be available at the door.

The Workshop Package includes everything: Workshops #1, #2, pre-dance lesson, and the dance!

PACKAGE PRICE:

Member: $50
Non-member: $65

Workshops #1 and #2 can be purchased individually, if you are unable to attend both. Please note purchasing the individual workshop DOES NOT include the pre-dance lesson or the dance.

Individual Workshops:

Member: $25
Non-member: $30

Want to take advantage of our member discounts? Visit our Membership page to join.

Private Lesson Spots Available!

Private lessons are a great way to get one-on-one coaching to grow your dance. Markus and Tren are champion dancers and experienced teachers. They have spent years coaching dancers at all levels in both roles. Private lesson spots with both Markus and Tren are still available on Saturday or Sunday. For details, or to schedule, contact Kristin Wenger at kristin.wenger@gmail.com or cvilleswingdance@gmail.com

Prices at the Door

Workshop #1, Workshop #2: $35 each

Dance only prices (includes the pre-dance lesson)

$10 CSDS members and students with ID
$15 Non-members

Swing Swap Weekly on Thursday

When: Weekly on Thursdays

Where: Municipal Arts Center.

(aka “The MAC”), 1119 5th Street SW, across from 5th Street Station Shopping Mall.

7 - 8:30pm: social dancing

Admission Price:

Suggested donation of $3-$5

Cash, check or PayPal

Full DJ Schedule can be found on the CSDS facebook page or on the CSDS website event calendar. Thank you to all our Swing Swap volunteers who help DJ and host.

May Swing Swap DJ Schedule

May 7 Julie Barber

May 14 Didi Jennings

May 21 Kristin Wenger

May 28 Vic Gregor

June Swing Swap DJ Schedule

June 4 Ed Tharnish

June 11 Kelly Ceppa

June 18 Kristin Wenger

June 25 Julie Barber

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linktr.ee/cvillewestcoastswing

Stay Updated

Inclement weather, other schedule changes, or cancellations of our events will be announced via email, on our website and on our public Facebook page (you do not need to have an account) on or before 2 pm ET the day of the event.

Code of Conduct

CSDS has a Code of Conduct. Attendees are expected to be familiar with and abide by it at all CSDS sponsored events.

CSDS aims to create an environment that is welcoming, fun and encouraging for all dancers, from people who are brand new and have never danced before to experienced dancers.

CSDS events are NEVER a place to offer unrequested feedback, criticism or evaluation of another person's dancing.

Ways to Get Involved with CSDS

Become a Member: Members get discounts at all CSDS monthly dances. CSDS offers an annual membership for just $20. Membership dues help to support CSDS and are completely optional for attending our events. To become a member or to renew your membership, please visit the CSDS website or take care of this in person at a CSDS dance. If you have any questions regarding the status of your membership, please contact CSDS.
DJ: CSDS is always interested in recruiting new DJs and volunteers to join our team. If you're interested in being a DJ and helping out our dance club. Check out the DJ page on the CSDS website. If interested, email CSDS or speak to our Swing Swap Coordinator Emily Simmons.
Volunteer: CSDS is always looking for volunteers. At the moment, we are especially in need of volunteers to (1) prepare refreshments for events and (2) coordinate parking for our special workshop weekends. If you are interested in volunteering please email CSDS or speak to our Volunteer Coordinator Didi Jennings.
Spread the word: Share these events and announcements with your friends!

West Coast Swing Information

Group Classes:

Keep an eye out for Beginner and Intermediate West Coast Swing series taught by Kristin Wenger through Albemarle County Parks & Rec.
Also check out our other qualified instructors, local/regional regular dance offerings and studios/groups for more opportunities.

Dance Resources:

Check out the CSDS website for other dance opportunities, dance groups/hosts, dance instructors and dance resources (incuding music, shoes, events, training, tips/etiquette)!
Also join the CSDS Planning (Social Events, Rides, Roomies, Etc.) group so you can plan to dance elsewhere like the weekend events or in other communities frequented by CSDS dancers, such as Richmond and Lynchburg.

2026 Board of Directors & Board Meetings

President - Sara Hodges

Treasurer - Sarah Bryan

Secretary & Volunteer Coordinator - Didi Jennings

Swing Swap Coordinator - Emily Simmons

Talent Coordinator & Website Administrator- Kristin Wenger

Membership Administrator - Sharon Coleman

Newsletter Editor & Social Media Director - Connie Lum

To learn more about the 2026 board visit the CSDS website Board of Directors Page. CSDS board meetings occur monthly and are open to all CSDS members. If you are a CSDS member and would like to attend please email cvilleswingdance@gmail.com to request the Zoom link so you can join the next board meeting.

Next Board Meeting Date: Monday May 18th

Time: 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Location: virtual, online meeting via Zoom. Please note we do not have an in-person meeting option for CSDS board meetings at this time