Set romantic wheels in motion

LOVE will be in the air at next week’s Valentine’s Day TasSwing dance classes in New Town.

TasSwing member Shan Deng said over the years the classes had not only enabled people to learn to dance, but had also led to many friendships and, in the case of more than 10 couples, romance and marriage.

Deng — who is lecturer in piano at the Conservatorium of Music — first met her husband Dave Connell at the classes, which are held weekly at the Polish Hall in New Town.

“I’ve always loved dancing and started ballroom and salsa when I moved to New York in my early 20s,” Deng said.

“When I came to Tasmania I didn’t know anyone and saw TasSwing social dancing at Salamanca. It looked like such a fun thing to do, so I decided to check it out.

“I met a lot of people, including Dave, on the first night and soon formed a network with people of similar interests.

“Dave and I became friends, started dating, got married and now we have two kids.”

But Deng said the classes aren’t a “pick-up” type of environment.

“It’s very friendly and you meet people from all walks of life and make friends,” she said. “Dancing is a great way to relax, forget everything and be happy for a few hours. It’s upbeat, lots of fun and not too serious.”

TasSwing is offering Valentine’s Day special prices for Wednesday night’s class, which will be held in the Polish Hall from 6.30pm.

The organisation will also hold a Sweet, Sweet Swing social dance at the Republic Bar in North Hobart from 4.30pm next Sunday (February 18). Entry is free for new dancers.