We often find ourselves reflecting on the past year as it draws to an end. This one has been kind of a rollercoaster for us with some big ups and downs along the way.

We had a truly amazing Beantown Camp this summer. It was more work than ever putting it together, which is really a reflection on the way of the dance world these days. Many events for people to attend and lots of attention needs to be devoted to marketing. Beantown has had many great years, and we always wonder how we can possibly top them, yet this year may have just been the best ever! There was a huge diversity of people attending from all over the country and beyond as well as an outstanding staff of instructors and musicians, and it all merged together into a week full of joy, laughter and a ton of fun! We owe so much to everyone who participated and contributed to making it such a positive, wonderful event.

Hop to the Beat hit an incredible milestone this year with our 15th anniversary. It is quite amazing when we think about that. It all started because we had seen this dance called the Lindy Hop and we just wanted everyone to do it! It seemed the only way to help make that happen was to teach, so we gave it a try. We added small practices which eventually led into what is now Uptown Swing. Along the way we brought in international instructors and eventually started Beantown Camp. It literally just evolved, we along with it, and it continues to be a full time endeavor.

When we put on our very first Beantown Camp in 1997 we had a vision for what kind of week we hoped to create. Beantown has evolved over the years and along the way there have been many wonderful camps, but this year, our 14th, everything came together in the most incredible way to surpass our wildest dreams. We are still feeling overwhelmed with it all. It wasn’t just the outstanding classes and dance parties, but also the fun stuff that happened in between and the positive energy all around. There is so much that happened over the week and here are some of the special highlights.

In past messages we’ve highlighted the classes, instructors, music and dance parties, but there is so much more! Beantown has a great social atmosphere, with most campers living and eating together on campus. The dining hall has been newly transformed with a wide variety of seating nooks, plus the food is excellent! The BBQ on Monday night is at the Misselwood Tent down by the beach, followed by volleyball, frisbee, walks on the shore, maybe some jamming, or just relaxing and enjoying the beautiful setting.

Has summer arrived? It seems like it for us here in Massachusetts as it’s been uncharacteristically warm. Beantown Camp will be here before you know it. Now is the time to register if you would like to receive the discount tuition prices, expiring on Monday, May 10! (Plus a reminder that full payments are also due.) This year we have some great sponsors on board helping to bring together campers from throughout the New England area:

Now is a great time to make plans to start off your summer at Beantown Camp! Beantown provides a full week of classes and fun activities and in this message we are highlighting the classes. Attending the whole shebang is highly recommend if you are able to do so. (In this case, MORE is more!!) Camp is an amazing experience for all levels to immerse yourself in dancing, camaraderie and fun! If you are not able to do the full week, there are multiple registration options to choose from so that everyone who would like can join in.