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The Derby City Bop Association (DCBA) shall be a non-profit dance
organization directed toward the entertainment and fellowship of the constituent
members, and dedicated to the preservation of bop, shag, and swing style dancing
exclusively, and the preservation of beach, bop, shag, and rhythm and blues
music exclusively. The Derby City Bop Association may not dictate styles of
dance, but will not, by it’s music or instruction, support other forms of
dance.”
Membership in Derby City Bop Association is subject to the approval of the
Derby City Bop Association Board of Directors and the General Membership present
at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting held after receipt of this
application. Board meetings are normally held the second Wednesday of each
month, but are subject to scheduling by the club president. Upon approval, an
Official DCBA membership card will be issued.”
Well, that’s the official definition of what the Bop Club is, but it’s
more than that. Derby City Bop is a collection of people spanning all age
groups, who come together to enjoy one another’s company. It’s people
helping to preserve a great American dance style collectively known as “Swing”
but actually encompassing dozens of different dance styles and hundreds of
variations.
You’ll hear names like Jitterbug, Lindy Hop, Carolina Shag, Bop, Beach Bop,
East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Imperial Swing, Jump Jive, and many more.
Most of these dance styles are local or regional variations of swing style
dances probably originating from the Lindy Hop, which was born in the dance
halls of Harlem in the 20’s, most notably at the Savoy Ballroom.
The source and evolution of Bop or Swing style dance is often unclear.
Stories vary amongst sources from around the country and around the globe. Often
the information is sweetened by regional beliefs that Swing style dance
originated in one particular area. The fact that we have so many variations of
Swing would lead one to conclude that many people from many areas have been
enjoying this form of dance for many years and we can conclude that given great
music, people will naturally move to the groove!
It doesn't matter if you grew up to the Jitterbug and the music of the era,
or rock and roll from the 60’s, 70’s, or 80’s. You can’t help but feel
the infectious rhythms of the music we play and the need to
move your body to
the beat. If you’re new to dancing, you’re going to learn to love it. If you’re
a seasoned dancer, you already know how it makes you feel. So come along and let
us introduce you to the people, the dance, and the music collectively known as
the Derby City Bop Association. I think you’re going to be happy you found us.
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