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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    1,566

    Flipside Rock & Roll Dance

    There's always something special about "opening nights" and this is no different with Flipside's inaugural rock 'n' roll dance at the Hungarian Club in Wantirna. One feels the excitement to be associated with such an event which was eagerly anticipated by many in recent weeks. Equally, the feeling of being part of history in the birth of a new rock & roll dance venue which in time may well turn out to be another iconic dance institution in our Melbourne rock & roll scene, and hopefully also extending to support by many rockers from all over Victoria as well as inter - states. For those who do not know, Flipside rock & roll dance is hosted by Milton and Sue who are well known for possessing a large collection of historical & rock & roll music clips.

    Melbourne finally looks like having a spell of the long, hot summer that has eluded us since before Christmas. It was indeed a warm night last night as I made my way to the Hungarian Club in Wantirna, just off the Eastlink Freeway. I like this venue which is quite centrally located for most rockers coming from different parts of Melbourne. And for some, using the Eastlink Freeway, just made it so much easier to attend the dance. In addition to the big dance floor, the hall at the Hungarian Club seems to have good sound accoustics compared to the Whitehorse Club thereby making the music on offer more enjoyable to listen to and for dancing. There is also ample off the street parking at the venue providing ease of parking and security for those attending the dance.

    Rock 'n' roll dancing to music clips projected on Milton's big video screen has already commenced when I arrived at the door. Yes - the party has started, and already the hall was packed and buzzing with good vibes for a great night of dancing and entertainment. The featured band for the night was the Rockin' Daddys - one of Melbourne's premier 1950's style rock & roll bands. Not surprising, the dance floor was packed all night and dancers were fighting for whatever little, premium space available to dance to the band which was was fantastic last night belting out many old time rock 'n' roll favourites as well as some very danceable rockabilly tunes. There was also the usual line up dancing during the band breaks which many dancers enjoyed.

    My small, personal wish list? Well, I 'm pretty sure Milton & Sue as promoters are already aware of these, and possibly have made plans for them in future dances, but I would like to see Flipside rock & roll dance having theme nights, occasional dance demos from the many rock & roll dance schools (and maybe even from other dance schools & genres like Swing Patrol), fun events like Jack & Jill dance competition and merchandise stores & displays. I was quite surprised that we didn't have the Progressive Cha Cha last night but this is one dance that is well liked by many dancers and is almost a "household" tradition in all rock & roll dance venues. It is also an excellent way to socialise and for newcomers to get to know others on the dance floor. Finally, one subject that has been discussed many times on Vicrock and elsewhere is how to devise a way to get dancers, especially those without a regular dance partner, dancing more. Perhaps a simple badge can be worn or certain areas/tables identified as places where dancers have expressed a wish or are available to dance.

    All in all, well done to Flipside rock & roll dance for its inaugural dance gig. We all had a great time dancing to the Rockin' Daddys and to Milton's music & video clips last night. It is unfortunate that many dancers have missed out on the dance as it was fully booked. The next dance is with the Blackhill Ramblers and bookings are already filling up fast. See you at Flipside next time ......keep dancing!



    Last edited by Jitterbug; 17-01-2014 at 08:53 PM. Reason: add video

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    South East Melbourne
    Posts
    809

    Re: Flipside Rock & Roll Dance

    Great report as usual Jitterbug. The first Flipside dance was packed out and everyone seemed to be having a great time dancing to the Rockin Daddys and also to Milton's wonderful video clips on the giant screen. Great to see Si Cranstoun in the black and white retro clips belting out Coupe De ville and Dynamo. What a blast it was seeing what the original artists looked like performing the songs I've been dancing to for years but have never seen. Everyone I spoke to was blown away with how great it was to watch the screen when having a break from dancing. Every table also had a laminated song list for dancers to request songs, as well as feedback sheets. The floor was great, being able to bring your food and drinks was a bonus, and the venue has a great atmosphere and plenty of well lit car parking. Big Al was also available to escort any ladies to the car if needed.

    As this is Milton and Sue's first go at putting on a rock and roll dance, I think they did really well and they are keen to get it right and welcome the feedback. Yes the progressive cha cha didn't happen but Milton will get that happening next time, and he will work out the timing for the start of the line dances a bit better next dance. Dance demo's are a good idea and I'm sure the Alley Catz 8 week wonders will perform at some stage. Merchandise stall holders were invited along but couldn't make it to the first dance. The collection of dvd's for sale were also popular and I know someone who went home and played the Merv Benton DVD late at night after the dance and loved it.

    I believe many people made permanent table bookings last night so the next dance on the 31st Jan with the Blackhill Ramblers should be another big night. So put the Flipside dance on the 2nd and 4th Fri of the month in your diary for the rest of 2014 as Milton and Sue have booked the venue and bands for the whole year.

    So lets all get behind the new Flipside dance and make it our new home for rockers to continue on all the fun times we've had at the Whitehorse Club.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    273

    Re: Flipside Rock & Roll Dance

    Thanks to everyone who attended our first dance at the Hungarian Club. The Rockin' Daddys went down a treat and I was very pleased that the old rock and roll clips on the big screen were well received. To the people who gave up their own time on the night to assist, I can't thank you enough, and to the patrons that took the time to complete the feedback forms and video clips request forms I appreciate your thoughts and suggestions.
    Special thanks to Paul and Jocelyn for their support of our dance and the rock and roll dance scene in general.
    Finally, to the patrons that came from as far a field as Adelaide, Albury, Yarragon I hope you enjoyed the dance ...catch you on the FLIPSIDE:

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