Sylvia Sykes (dancing with Jason Christodoulou)

This workshop has already happened! (check International Workshop Series page for upcoming workshops) International Workshop Series Sylvia Sykes & Nick Williams Friday, November 17 Saturday, November 18 Sunday, November 19 Newton, MA 2006

Nick Williams (dancing with Ria DeBiase)

Sylvia is one of the most well-known and respected dancers, instructors and judges in the U.S. today. She and her longtime partner Jonathan Bixby have taught for over 20 years to thousands of students in their hometown of Santa Barbara, throughout the U.S., as well as Europe and Australia. Their many honors include the 1995 Feather Award for Best Lindy/Balboa Dancers in the USA, undefeated Southern California Balboa Champs, and 6 time U.S. Open Finalists. Individually Sylvia continues to be an active competitor and has won many more awards. Although she is best known for Dean Collins style Lindy and Balboa, Sylvia is also a great Shag dancer and has placed 3rd in the 1999 National Carolina Shag Dance Championships.

Nick Williams has embodied the traditionalist style of Swing dancing since 1998. He is known for his fast and fancy footwork. His understanding of Lindy Hop, Collegiate Shag and Balboa comes from learning from the original masters. His accomplishments thus far include: 2001 Jitterbug Jam, 2002 and 2003 National Jitterbug Championships, the 2003 American Lindy Hop Championships, 2002 and 2004 California Balboa/Swing Championships and 2003 American Classic Balboa Championship. Added to that, he and his partner Ria DeBiase are the 2005 World Lindy Hop Champions. Nick's inspiration for the dances comes from a desire for accurate authentication, and can be seen in his great lines, general presence and command on the dance floor. Above all, he exhibits musicality, creativity, and continuity. Nick is a true leader for the next generation of Swing dancers, as well as an accomplished choreographer. He has also been recognized by the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame.

Sylvia and Nick have been in high demand since teaming up at workshops throughout the U.S. and elsewhere, including Beantown Camp.

Check the full directions for parking information.

Newton, Massachusetts

All Workshops
Lower Falls Community Center, 545 Grove Street, Newton Lower Falls, MA 02462
Exit 22 off Rte. 128/I-95 (one exit south of Mass. Pike/I-90) onto Grove Street west for about 1/4 mile. Approximately 1/2 mile from Riverside T stop on D branch of the Green Line.
Click here for full directions and map.

 

Wayland, Massachusetts

Saturday Dance
Longfellow Club, 524 Boston Post Road, Wayland, MA 01778
Click here for full directions and map.

Workshop spaces are limited! This room is smaller than our previous location at the Cambridge Friends School and there is a greater chance that classes will fill. Don't be disappointed! Please pre-register.

Full payment required to hold your spot. Partners not required for any workshops. Same price to watch workshops. Please note, for these workshops there will be no refunds after Wednesday, November 8, 2006. No videotaping permitted. If pre-registered, please arrive at least 15 minutes before your first workshop each day to allow time to check-in and warm-up. If not pre-registered, please arrive 20 minutes early to allow time to register (space permitting). If you are not able to pre-register, please still submit an on-line registration form to help speed your registration on the day.

Click here for registration form.

SHOES & BAGS: Please be sure to bring clean dry sneakers (smoother soles have less traction and are better, allowing for easy turning) or soft-soled flat dance shoes. (Please, no hard soled, or black rubber soled shoes that leave marks.) Please change shoes on the entrance mat to help prevent outside wet, salt and grit from getting on the wooden floor. Please leave all bags and street shoes outside the gymnasium so as to maximize the dance space.

SNACKS & DRINKS: You may want to bring snacks for the breaks. Although there are nearby places to get food, there is nothing close enough if time is short. There are no vending machines in the building. Juice and bottled water will be available for purchase.

To get notified about these or future workshops, please ask to be added to our mailing list.

The Special Event Swing Dance is being held at a different location to the workshops at the Longfellow Club, Wayland, Massachusetts. It is possible to preregistration for the dance (there is a discount if doing all the workshops), otherwise the cost is $10 at the door.