Swingtown Rebels

Alicia was the one I've been in touch the most before and around my time in Christchurch. She told me a little bit more about the 'Swingtown Rebels', I'd like to share:


How long have you guys been around and who set them up? Swingtown Rebels as it currently is was started by Becky Collett and Sarah James (they're sisters) in November 2010, taking over from the existing Hepcat Swing school which their parents Jeff and Debi has started some years before, bringing swing dancing to Christchurch.

Who was organising the event? Any names I must not forget to mention :-)? 

We have an events committee (Becky, me, Andrew, Maud, Angela, Shona, Lissy), who did most of the legwork. But there were also heaps of other people who helped out before and during the weekend - everyone is super supportive and willing to pitch in, which helps make our events feel so friendly and fun!

Who was responsible for the amazing performances?

We have a bit of a culture in Christchurch and Timaru of putting together amazing showcases - whether it's a massive team one (the Timaru one "Diamonds" had 22 members, and some had only been dancing for a few weeks!), or a pair or solo routine. So credit goes to all the people that danced in them or put them together. 

 Special mention though, to Lenard Smythe who wrote the two Timaru routines (he always writes incredible showcases), and Sarah James and Jess McLachlan who won the small showcase category with their "Swingtown Rebelettes", wrote the "Fe fi fo fummers" performance from our performance troupe, and also put together the special performance on Friday night with dancers from several different cities!

Is there a performance group (or more?) (What's their name/s?) 

We have two performance troupes, who don't have names yet (ideas welcomed!) - one is called "Performance troupe" and the other is called "Development performance troupe." Timaru also has a crew of dancers who pull out really epic routines every year.

How many hours practise time for some of the performances for the Chch Swing Festival? 

Can't speak for all of them, except to say "lots!".

Anything else you like to share :-)?? 

Thanks for coming!! It's what really makes our events special and fun to have out of towners (or out of country visitors!). And now that Christchurch Swing Festival is over we're right back into the swing of things organising Pocket Change Exchange which is our biggest event of the year - New Zealand's only social only exchange over 6 nights (30th September - 5th October) and it's gonna be a blast!! Maybe see you there...?