September 2025 Newsletter

 

Monthly Dance Saturday, September 20th

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

Instructor/DJ: Annmarie and Jason Marker (aka the Magic Markers)


7-8 pm: West Coast Swing - Let’s Groove! Hot new pattern to make some magic happen! 

Level: Requires a solid working knowledge and the skills to dance all WCS basic patterns (starter step, side passes, pushes, whip) with good timing, on your own and with a partner.

8-10:30 pm: Dance

We are thrilled to have renowned champion dance pros, coaches, choreographers, and event directors, Annmarie and Jason Marker as our guest instructors on Saturday, September 20th. The event will include 3 afternoon workshops. Read more below on the full schedule and how to pre-register for the afternoon workshops The Markers will then lead a fun pre-dance lesson and DJ our social dance. Mark your calendars and be sure to attend this great event!


Dance only pricing below (7pm 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 our participants to carpool if able.

September 20th Workshop Event Detailed Schedule & Package Prices


1:15-1:30 pm: Check in/Warm up.

1:30-:2:30 pm: Workshop #1: Playing with Energy

Learn to vary your movement relative to the energy of the music. Level: This workshop is for experienced dancers only.

2:30-2:45 pm: Break. Check in/Warm up.

2:45-3:45 pm: Workshop #2: Sir Whips-a-Lot

Whip variations you are sure to love! Level: This workshop is for all levels but dancers should know their basics and be proficient at a basic whip.

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

4:00-5:00 pm: Workshop #3: You’ve got Style!

Styling for leaders and followers that elevate your dance. Level: dancers must know basic WCS patterns.

5:00-7:00 pm: Dinner break.  Please note the church will be closed during this time.

7:00-8:00 pm: Lesson – Let’s Groove! Hot new pattern to make some magic happen! Attendees need to know their basics.

8:00-10:30 pm: Dance: featuring Annmarie and Jason as DJ spinning the hottest tunes on the WCS circuit


Skill Requirement


Please note that workshop #1: Playing with Energy is for experienced dancers only. Workshops #2 and #3 require a solid working knowledge and the skills to dance all basic patterns (starter step, side passes, pushes, whip) with good timing, on your own and with a partner.


Pre-Registration Pricing - Available Online Now Through Thursday, September 18th


Workshop Package Prices:

  • Member: $45
  • Non-member: $60

Workshop Package: includes workshops #2 and #3, the pre-dance lesson and the dance. The workshop package does NOT include workshop #1.

Individual Workshops:

  • Member: $20
  • Non-member: $25

Individual Workshop: All workshops can be purchased individually. Please note purchasing the individual workshop DOES NOT include the pre-dance lesson and dance.


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


Private Lesson Spots Available!


Want to get private one-on-one coaching from Annmarie or Jason Marker? We still have private lesson spots available. Please contact Kristin Wenger through cvilleswingdance@gmail.com.

Swing Swap Weekly on Thursday

Swing Swap is a casual dance activity where new dancers can practice their basics and experienced dancers can try out new moves. But like social dances, Swing Swap is NEVER a place to offer unrequested feedback, criticism or evaluation.

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 or check only


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.

September DJ Schedule

Sept 4 Vic Gregor

Sept 11 Ed Tharnish

Sept 18 Kristin Wenger

Sept 25 Kelly Ceppa


October DJ Schedule

Oct 2 Julie Barber

Oct 9 Didi Jennings

Oct 16 Kristin Wenger

Oct 23 Vic Gregor

Oct 30 Kyla Miller

Halloween Dance & Costume Contest


Our October monthly dance taking place on Saturday, October 18th. We will have our annual CSDS costume contest at this dance. Costumes are optional, and we welcome everyone to join us for a fun Halloween dance!

Swag Shop


Looking for some cool CSDS swag? We have CSDS T-shirts and shoe bags available for sale. Shoe bags come in a variety of colors. T-shirts are available in a variety of styles and sizes. Visit our CSDS Swag Shop webpage for details on how to purchase.

Keep in Touch


We will announce updates to our calendar and events by email, update our website and post on our Facebook page.


Inclement weather, other schedule changes, cancellations of our dances/events will be posted on our public Facebook page (you do not need to have an account) by 2 pm ET the day of.


Email questions to: cvilleswingdance@gmail.com

Make sure you are always up-to-date on the latest from CSDS. Follow Us On Social Media!

Facebook  Instagram  X  

linktr.ee/cvillewestcoastswing


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

Ways to Get Involved with CSDS


  1. 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 is 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.
  2. DJ or Volunteer: 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 email to the club to speak Emily Simmons..
  3. Spread the word: share these events and announcements with your friends!


West Coast Swing Information


Group Classes:


Dance Resources:

2025 CSDS Board of Directors

Kyla Miller – President & Website Administrator

Sarah Bryan – Treasurer

Ed Tharnish – Secretary

Kristin Wenger – Talent Coordinator

Sharon Coleman – Membership Coordinator

Emily Simmons – Swing Swap Coordinator

Sara Hodges – Social Media Manager


To learn more about the board visit the CSDS website Board of Directors Page.