Dance Instructors Jazz Up Thursday Nights

Every Thursday at 8 p.m., Newport Mesa Church is filled with the sounds of Ellington, Fitzgerald and Armstrong as students get their groove on to a bygone era. Most have mastered the basic steps and are on their way to learning the Charleston, Lindy Hop and Shim-Sham.

Amantha Writer and Sky Roseth are two helpful and quirky instructors.

“Amantha and Sky are phenomenal people who go above and beyond when they teach. I feel like they completely enjoy themselves when they are dancing, which makes it fun for us to learn. I also feel like they are there for us off the dance floor as well,” said Christina Beckwith.

Michael Siebert, NMC college pastor by day and a disc jockey by night, runs the music at the event.

Writer and Roseth taught swing dancing at Rock Harbor Church for five years and made the switch to NMC a couple months ago.

“We wanted to change venues and reach out to other communities. Plus, bringing the swing dance to Vanguard campus, where college students lived, was the icing on the cake,” Roseth said.

The popular duo already bring in 50-100 students every week. All levels of dancers are present–from struggling beginners to dignified pros.

“I quickly grew to love the whole scene and idea of it all, from the heart-warming feel of the 1930s, to just being able to dance,” Chad Smith said. “I’ve also found it is a great way to stay in shape.”

The fact that the dancing is free also seems to be an appeal.

“Since college kids are always looking for ways to not spend money, it is a great way for them to come, have fun, and to learn some cool steps,” Writer said.