Mission Statement of Syracuse Swing Dance Society, Ltd.
The mission of the Syracuse Swing Dance Society, Ltd. ("SSDS") is to promote swing dancing in the Syracuse area. Swing dancing is an art form accessible to people of all levels of ability and adaptable to a variety of musical genres such as blues, big band, R&B, jazz, pop and country. By providing dance instruction, practice time in the form of an inexpensive weekly record hop, monthly band dances and special events such as its annual Halloween Dance, SSDS helps to ensure the continuity of this art form. Swing dancing originated in Harlem dance halls in the 1920s and has its roots in the Charleston. It includes the variations of jitterbug, West Coast swing, Lindy Hop and Latin hustle.
Approximately 50 people attend weekly SSDS record hops, and about 100 people attend SSDS band dances. SSDS maintains an electronic mailing list with more than 160 subscribers and a Web page at "http://syrswingdance.org", which is visited more than 800 times monthly.
During 1999, SSDS took significant steps to achieve its mission. SSDS, which became a not-for-profit corporation in June 1998, received tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service. SSDS organized a total of five highly successful workshop events teaching Lindy Hop, Hustle, Latin Dances and West Coast Swing to approximately 200 people. SSDS members continue to teach free beginning jitterbug lessons at every SSDS-sponsored event, including weekly record hops. SSDS also provides information about ongoing swing dance instruction by local teachers. In addition, SSDS members performed dance demonstrations at the New York State Blues Festival, Van Buren Summer Concert Series Kickoff, Syracuse's Dancing Under the Stars, National Dance Week, and Syracuse University. SSDS members provided group dance lessons at the four-event series Swingin' in Hanover Square in downtown Syracuse.
All of these efforts increase the visibility and availability of swing dancing in the Syracuse area. SSDS continues to work to include more members in its vibrant and diverse dance community.
October 7, 1999