Beat the Heat
August 11th – 14th 2005
by Jim Watson – Buckeye Bop and Mid-Ohio Boogie Clubs
This year’s 5th anniversary ”Beat the Heat” dance party was lots of fun; however it will be the last one known by this name, and jointly sponsored by the Mid-Ohio Boogie Club and the Buckeye Bop Club. The Mid-Ohio Boogie Club is sponsoring next year’s Columbus dance party with Georgia Watson continuing as the event chairperson. The party will be called the ”Mid-Ohio Boogie Bash” and it will occur during the same time of the year, on the second weekend in August.
Robin starting the floor cable
Flashback Band
The Big Apple
On Thursday night, everyone enjoyed dancing to the great sound of our featured band, “Flashback.” This local band was well known when it played years ago in Columbus, and is currently making its comeback.
We had a great turn out, with over 20 clubs attending from around the country. There are over 900 photos on our website, from setup to tear down, for your viewing at http://www.midohioboogieclub.org/BTH_05/5_main.html
Just enjoying the music and dancing
We decided to try something different this year by having a second dance venue. We teamed up with the local Lindy clubs, who would ultimately like to host a dance event of their own. This meant more workshops, and splitting the ballrooms into two for some dancing and lessons. They provided their own DJs, including one from Canada. There was an enormous amount of very positive feedback by ”Beat the Heat” attendees. However, we later learned that a few attendees did not like the idea, in part due to music filtering through the wall that separated the ballroom. Since the attendance of the Lindy dancers was less than expected, many of them danced with us at night. Their Lindy was so smooth and under control many thought they were dancing some variation of East Coast or West Coast Swing.
Michigan Dance Team
Beat the Heat featured terrific dance routines by our guest instructors for the entertainment of our attendees. The Michigan Society for Swing and Hustle Dancers performed their 4th of July routine. Then the Lindy dancers showed us all the “Big Apple.” Wow! What energy! And this was a real treat for many who had never seen the Lindy performed.
Steve and Kathy showing off the Shag
Steve and Kathy Day gave us a show with their terrific Shag, danced to “Dance with a Stranger.” How appropriate a tune for a dance event.
Gary and Charlotte
Gary and Charlotte Chaney dazzled us with their Columbus version of the “Monkey Song.”
Pool and duck race winner
And then of course there was our Saturday afternoon pool party with duck races. We opened up the Hospitality Suite and served our great bourbon slushies. We provided music to dance by, and a dance floor near the pool, both inside and outside for those who couldn’t get enough dancing in at night!
Paul running the Jam (ha)
We asked Paul Hennessey from the Cincinnati Bop Club to lead a Jam. Oooops, I guess he needs to come back to Columbus and teach us the proper way to do it. What happened was more of a snow-jam, a mixture of a snowball and a jam. Paul also found a way to “Promote, Promote, Promote” by inviting everyone to “Move Across the River.”
Bob teaching the James Brown
Sunday, right after the Gospel Hour, we found ourselves learning the “James Brown” from Bob Budzynski. Everyone was having a great time.
Table decorations
And, of course, it wouldn’t be a Columbus dance party without the handmade table decorations, the buckeyes, and our name badges.
We hope to see you next year for more great central Ohio fun at the first annual ”Mid-Ohio Boogie Bash”.