Derby City Boogie Dancers Inc. (DCB) also referred to as Derby City Bop, is a 502 (c) (4) non-profit organization. DCB promotes the social welfare of the community at large by preserving Bop, Shag, and Swing style dances and preserves Beach, Bop, Shag and Rhythm and Blues style music commonly played for these dance styles and by regularly providing dance lessons, practice venues, musical and dance events, and community outreach programs where we bring our style of dance and music to community places such as Senior Residences. 

 

Membership shall be limited to those who have reached legal drinking age in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Derby City Boogie Dancers Inc cannot and will not be responsible for member actions or injuries at any of our functions.

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Membership allows free or discounted entry into most DCB events. Membership in DCB is for a period of one year expiring at the end of your anniversary month each year.

 

Well, that’s the official definition of what Derby City Bop is, but it’s more than that. Derby City Bop is a collection of people spanning all age groups, who come together to enjoy one another’s company. It’s people helping to preserve a great American dance style collectively known as “Swing” but actually encompassing dozens of different dance styles and hundreds of variations.

 

You’ll hear names like Jitterbug, Lindy Hop, Carolina Shag, Bop, Beach Bop, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Imperial Swing, Jump Jive, and many more. Most of these dance styles are local or regional variations of swing style dances probably originating from the Lindy Hop, which was born in the dance halls of Harlem in the 20’s, most notably at the Savoy Ballroom.

 

The source and evolution of Bop or Swing style dance is often unclear. Stories vary amongst sources from around the country and around the globe. Often the information is sweetened by regional beliefs that Swing style dance originated in one particular area. The fact that we have so many variations of Swing would lead one to conclude that many people from many areas have been enjoying this form of dance for many years and we can conclude that given great music, people will naturally move to the groove!

 

It doesn't matter if you grew up to the Jitterbug and the music of the era, or rock and roll from the 60’s, 70’s, or 80’s. You can’t help but feel the infectious rhythms of the music we play and the need to move your body to the beat. If you’re new to dancing, you’re going to learn to love it. If you’re a seasoned dancer, you already know how it makes you feel. So come along and let us introduce you to the people, the dance, and the music collectively known as Derby City Bop. We think you’re going to be happy you found us.

 

In an effort to promote our style of dance Derby City Bop offers regular dance lessons. Beginner lessons are free and do not require membership in Derby City Bop although membership will be encouraged after several weeks of lesson participation. This will allow anyone interested in learning our style of dance to determine if they are interested in progressing before joining our club.

 

Free Beginner lessons will be taught every Tuesday evening at our regularly scheduled dance night. Lessons begin at 7:00 PM and usually last between 30 and 60 minutes depending upon the instructor. Our instructors follow a teaching guide. Our goal is to teach basic foot and hand movements as well as dance etiquette to enable you to be ready to dance with others on the dance floor. Please feel free to invite your friends to come and be part of the beginning lessons. You will have more fun and it will prepare you to join our organization.