Elite Hall benefits from dance
More than 200 people from all over Northern Utah came for an evening of live music and dancing, making the Elite Hall Benefit Dance a success.
“We’ve discovered that we made $1,800 today,” event organizer Sarah Tritsch said. “Thanks a lot.”
Tritsch said the money raised at the benefit will go toward repairs on the building.
Both the organizers and patrons felt the benefit was a success due to the money raised and the atmosphere created.
“It was the ultimate package in dancing. The best floor, the best band,” said Chad Floyd, undeclared music major, and to his date, added, “and the best girl.”
Swing teams from Utah State and Brigham Young University were featured at the team competition. Teams included BYU’s The Hot Team and The Swing Team, as well as USU’s own Swingcopation and Swing Set.
After performances of spins and flips, the event came down to a tie breaker between two representative couples. BYU’s Caleb Chamberlain and Chelsea Griffiths landed their team a $200 prize toward admission to next semesters’ Harlem Nights event.
As to the winning team’s strategy, Chamberlain said it was simple.
“We go to practice and just have fun and it comes together,” she said.
The out-of-Cache Valley attendance was a hit for many people.
“It was fun to get to meet swing dancers from other schools,” said Jennifer Monsen, freshman in music therapy. “I’m so glad I found out about Swing Club.”
The music was provided by the Larry Smith Jazz Combo which consisted of USU emeritus professor of jazz, Larry Smith; Professor Jon Gudmundson, director of jazz studies; drummer Scott Bird, a student at USU; and Tim Watkins on the bass.
“The music from this era is likable, beautiful and rich,” Floyd said. “My grandma danced here in 1948. It means a lot to me. It is important to save whatever relics you can.”
The dancing included the Lindy hop and Charleston, as well as some waltz, cha-cha and country swing as dancers put their feet to the floor during songs, such as Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood,” Duke Ellington’s “Buttercup” and even The Champs’ “Tequila.”
According to its historic landmark plaque, Elite Hall, located on Main Street in Hyrum, is a historical landmark, famous for its spring-loaded floor. Only a few years ago Frankie Manning, the man that first started the Lindy hop, visited Elite Hall.
Manning reportedly said Elite Hall is a symbol of swing dancing during the Great Depression, carrying on the tradition of all they stood for. The swing legend then danced with all the girls present.
Stacy Knight, freshman in mathematics said she thought a historical landmark such as Elite Hall should be saved and preserved at all costs.
“It’d be a shame to see this place go. It’s classic,” she said.
–r.perkins@aggiemail.usu.edu