At 1 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 9, Kacy Hagan, a professional dance instructor, is giving a free swing dance lesson in the lobby at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro.

At 7 p.m. Saturday night, Dec. 9, dance to swing music performed by the Starliters Big Band in the Deane Center’s Coolidge Theatre.


“The dance lesson is for everyone no matter what his or her age or fitness level,” said Hagan. 
People who attend the free lesson will be taught some basic steps in Single Swing, an easy-to-learn swing dance style perfect for dancing to big band music. “Swing is a fun dance. No experience is needed,” she said.

Attendees can come as partners or singles to the class. Singles will be paired up or can dance on their own, whichever they prefer. Wear comfortable shoes with smooth soles rather than sneakers to more easily turn on the dance floor.

“For dancers and listeners, we are putting together big band jazz classics from the swing era, as well as Latin and polka dance tunes, popular holiday songs and a few contemporary arrangements,” said Bill Denson, one of the band’s founders. 

Some of the traditional big band songs we will be playing are “American Patrol,” “Little Brown Jug,” “Satin Doll,” “Sing, Sing, Sing,” “In The Mood,” and “String of Pearls,” Denson said. “Winter Wonderland,” “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” and “Feliz Navidad” are among the holiday classics we will be doing.”

Based in Corning, New York, the Starliters Big Band includes 16 musicians from Westfield, Mansfield and Wellsboro, Pennsylvania and Corning, Elmira, Rochester, and other areas in Western New York. Conductor is Tom Kowalik.

Admission to the 7 p.m. performance is $15. For tickets, call 570-724-6220 or visit www.deanecenter.com.