By EmmaLee Italia | Contributing Editor
The youth ministry of St. Catherine Laboure Parish, Middletown, is inviting teens of the parish and surrounding areas to join them for their “Swing into the Holiday” Swing Dance party Nov. 30. And if their last swing dance event is any indication, this next one promises to be an invigorating time for all.
Video: Spring Swing Dance party
The dance will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. in the parish hall at 5 Shore Acres Ave., and is open to all teens age 13 to 18. Proceeds from the dance benefit parish youth group activities as well as scholarships to Veritas and Mission: Jersey summer camps. Swing dance instructors will be present to teach the various moves and offer instruction throughout the evening, as well as to lead line dances.
Since the dance is a non-dating event, the pressure is off to find a partner, and anyone can join in the fun of dancing with all who attend, youth ministry leader Theresa Gibilisco said.
“My own kids have been enjoying these dances for four years,” Gibilisco said, explaining that they first came across the idea of a swing dance party through a homeschooling group attending the March for Life in Washington, D.C. “Before the March for Life, they hold their own prom, and it’s a swing dance.”
Gibilisco’s family has been involved in a North Jersey swing dance group they discovered a few years ago, and this spring when looking for fundraising ideas, the Martinez family – fellow parishioners who had a connection with a swing dance instructor – suggested they host their own dance.
“We got in touch with the instructor, had a friend come to deejay … and it was a huge success,” Gibilisco said. “It’s such a wholesome social time. The kids brought food to share – and we had so much left over at the end of the night because no one wanted to stop dancing to eat!”
Many participants had already attended the North Jersey swing dance group’s parties, but those who hadn’t experienced it were in for a treat.
“I love these swing dances, I go to them a lot, because of the environment,” said Mckenzie Martinez, St. Catharine youth group ministry member. “It’s friendly and a really great time. We’re trying to get the word out to as many people as possible. Everyone should do it at least once – give it a try!”
Mckenzie’s friend Naomi Atherley, parishioner in St. Mary, Mother of God, Middletown, also had the chance to attend the spring dance, and is looking forward to the November event.
“I find swing dancing very fun, and I’m part of a club that goes to swing dances,” said Atherley, who attends for the fellowship and experience. When asked what she would say to encourage another to attend, she responded enthusiastically that she intends to invite several neighborhood friends.
“I would tell them three things,” she said. “One, there’s food; two, there’s music; three, there are people just looking for a fun time with friends … It’s a whole other experience, not something that’s common!”
Cost is $10 per person, collected at the door; teens are asked to bring a finger food to share. Event attire: ladies should wear dresses comfortable to dance in with shorts underneath; gentlemen should wear button-down collared shirts, dress pants or khakis and shoes. Ties and blazers optional; no jeans. Respectful behavior is expected.
R.S.V.P. to Theresa Gibilisco, 732-419-8298 or Theresa@youthgroupstcath.com. To view videos from the spring swing dance, visit facebook.com/YouthgroupStCatherines.