‘Swing’ into Port Susan Middle School for a night of dancing

For the Hoyers, dancing is a family affair. Ten-month-old Journey takes part in a few steps with mother, Lindsey, and father, Brian, at a swing dance event in Seattle. While dancing, Brian and Lindsey Hoyer improvise on basic west coast swing steps to fit the music.

By providing lessons open to the public, the Stanwood couple aspires to fill a need in the community.

“There aren’t many ways for people to come together on a regular basis,” said Brian. “Through our dance lessons, we are trying to promote people getting to know one another.”

Friday night, the Hoyers will host a community potluck and dance fundraiser at Port Susan Middle School.

The event, requiring admission, starts at 6 p.m. with a potluck dinner — bring a dish to be eligible for a free dance lesson drawing. A beginner west coast swing dance lesson will follow at 6:30 p.m.

“West coast swing is versatile and funky,” said Lindsey, who has been dancing since she was 8 years old.

“Once you get the basic patterns down, you can goof off a bit,” she said.

An exhibition of experienced dancers will follow the lesson at 7:30 p.m. leading into the dance party portion of the night until 10 p.m.

Starting next school year, the gym floor at Port Susan Middle School will see more dance action.

Brian and Lindsey have coordinated with Crystal Titus, physical education teacher at the middle school, to incorporate dancing into the curriculum.

“Our main goal is to get the kids dancing,” said Brian.

In addition to the west coast swing, students will be presented the basics of night club two-step and the hustle.

“Kids learn so fast,” said Lindsey. “It’s fun to get the young crowd dancing.”

“Dancing provides confidence,” said Brian, who started dancing a few years ago.

Teach kids the basics, he said, and it may promote a positive change at school gatherings stigmatized by inappropriate dance moves.

“Dancing is something you can do your whole life,” said Lindsey. “Everywhere you go, there’s someone dancing. It’s a lifelong skill.”

Dancing is only the starting point for the Hoyers. They are looking to establish other, service-oriented projects and activities to build community, inspire a healthy lifestyle and encourage

Action a more sustainable way of life.

But for now, they are continuing with what they know best.

Since November of last year, Brian and Lindsey have been providing lessons at the Camano Senior and Community Center and at Gerry Andal’s restaurant in Stanwood.

On a regular basis, they travel to Seattle with their 10-month-old daughter, Journey, to gather with friends in the dancing world.

Plans are in the works to schedule a carpool for groups of local dancers to Seattle events.

By promoting the activity in Stanwood and Camano Island, they hope to create a similar draw for people outside the immediate area.

“Dancing gives you an in,” said Brian.

“You are automatically connected by knowing and loving dancing,” added Lindsey. “You can fit right in.”

For more information and a schedule of events call 360-474-7386 or visit www.theatriumlife.com.

Staff Reporter Adam Stewart: 629-8066 ext. 115 or astewart@scnews.com.