By: Addison Parr, Reporter
OMAHA, Neb. – A group of Omaha residents gather in the Downtown Eagles Ballroom every Friday night to dance the night away. It’s a tradition that dates back nearly 20 years, and they don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
“There was this kind of void,” said Lindsay Sobcyzk, the Artist Director for the Omaha Jitterbugs.
Sobcyzk explained that the organization was formed by a group of friends that had found a love for swing dancing. When their local swing club closed after a few months they knew they needed to start their own.
“We got really excited about swing dancing during the kinda Neo-Swing movement of the nineties. Started taking lessons, traveling all over the country, and learning how to do these old dances. And it just kind of got born out of that,” said Sobcyzk.
In addition to social dancing, the Omaha Jitterbugs also offer classes for anyone looking to begin dancing or those who maybe want to learn a few new moves.
“Omaha Jitterbugs is a place to connect with other people in a way that isn’t a bar, or online dating, or something like that,” explained Sobcyzk.
John Deeble, a newcomer to the sing dance scene, said he was simply looking for a way to be connected after COVID-19.
“I noticed it online. Just trying to find things post pandemic to meet new people. I am still very inexperienced with swing dancing but it’s a blast,” explained Deeble.
Jitterbug’s Night Out provides an opportunity for anyone 19 and older to come take part in a social dance. You don’t need a partner, or any experience to join. All you need to do is put on your dancing shoes and join the floor for some swing music.
You can follow the Omaha Jitterbugs on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or check their website for upcoming classes and events.
