Many thanks to Krina Lemons, Executive Director of the Salem Keizer Education Foundation, for hosting Mz Jitterbug and all the swing dancers on Wednesday, August 5. Couples were dancing on the street in front of Where the Sidewalk Begins, 233 Commercial Street NE. It followed suit for the Downtown Salem's 1st Wednesday theme, "Dancing in the Streets." Fun was had by those watching and those participating.

Krina Lemons has been instrumental in connecting Mz Jitterbug with high schools in the Salem area; encouraging social dance as a after-school program or a segment of the Physical Education program. Her energy and intentions are unsurmountable and so appreciated.

The word "culture" says it all. Webster defines it as, "A particular society at a particular time and place." It is also defined as, "The taste in art and manners that are favored by a special group."

Well, you should have been to my parents' 75th birthday party at the Keystone Turner Hall on Saturday, April 11, 2009. Culture was profound...and so much fun!

Me and My Dad

My siblings and I hired my Mom and Dad's favorite Polka band, Barefoot Becky and the Ivanhoe Dutchment, to play for their 75th Birthday dance. Becky is well respected and loved in the Midwest for her Polkas, Waltzes, Schottish and Foxtrot music...all played on the accordion, of course. The dance was free to the public and Becky's fans showed up in full force. What was even more appealing to me was the fact that so many of my aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousin, third cousins and even fourth cousins, made their way to Keystone, Iowa, for the celebration.

So, why am I writing this blog about my parents' 75th Birthday dance? People....if you don't dance you won't "get it." Dancing is a way of life back home in Keystone, Iowa. Dancing is something that was; well, almost expected, in my parents' generation. Everybody danced...and they did Saturday night. Did they dance like "Dancing with the Stars?" No! And that is so okay with me. They danced socially, gracefully, and happily all night long.

I have never seen my Dad happier and more energetic than when we did The Butterfly. This dance is a German dance where three people, and in our case it was me, my Dad and my sister, Linda, dance together. It's a traveling dance that starts out with simple kicks in unison. Then the tempo picks up and the person in the middle (my Dad) starts a do-si-do with both partners. The longer the song is played, the faster the tempo goes. My Dad was just a big kid! He was smiling so big and was bounding through the do-si-do with me and then Linda. It was just fantastic to watch...and even better to be a part of.

I thank my parents every day for giving me the gift of social dancing. I feel sorry for those who don't dance or haven't expereinced the joy, unity, and energy of social dancing. It is a cultural phenomenon. It is a cultural treasure and it is something one can do for the rest of their life.

In the words of Frankie Manning, the creator of the Lindy Hop, "Dancing keeps me young and for anyone out there who's not dancing, you better start."

I so agree!

The Wild Pear Valentine's Dinner Dance Photos

Debra teaches a mini-Salsa lesson.













Debra and Robert teaching the One-Step.








Debra Seeck, aka Mz Jitterbug and her dance partner, Robert Maestre, enjoying a great Wild
Pear dinner.

Wild Pear and Mz Jitterbug Co-Host Event

The "sold out/wait list" Valentine's Dinner and Dance at the Wild Pear held on Friday, February 13, 2009 was an absolute hit! Everyone was dancing... event the wait staff!

The Wild Pear went out of their way to decorate for the occasion with black table clothes, flowers and red lights for Valentine's day. The choices for the meal were unique and had a superb presence and taste.

Promptly at 8:30 p.m., I made my way to the center of the room, gave my thanks to those in attendance, wished them all a Happy Valentine's Day, and announced that a one-step lesson will be taught. I asked everyone to join in on the lesson...and they did! 15 minutes later, everyone had three moves to go along with the basic one step, and away they danced.

A wide variety of music was played during the night, some by request. Mini-lessons in The Waltz, Salsa and Night Club 2-Step were provided. After a quick lesson and when the disco tune "Kiss You All Over" blared through the speakers, patrons even danced the Electric Slide. Chubby Checker's "Twist Again" was a hit, too!

The last dance was called at 11:00 p.m., but not without shouts of, "When are you going to do this again?" For those of you who were on the wait list or are wanting to do it again, the answer to that question is Friday, March 20, 2009, and once a month hereafter!

Thanks, everyone, for making this such a success.
Mz Jitterbug