PARK SLOPE — Duke Ellington and Irving Mills proclaimed back in 1931 that “It don’t mean a thing (if it ain’t got that swing).” When the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music wanted to announce the annual gala of their Community Orchestra, they used one word in the flier: SWING.
And, on Feb. 3, at St. Saviour High School’s gymnasium in Park Slope, a crowd of more than 150 “swingers” literally swung the night away, courtesy of BKCM’s Community Orchestra.
The gala — the conservatory’s first post-pandemic — featured the 65-piece orchestra, which provided an amazing musical backdrop for a night of swing and foxtrot dancing, cocktails, and gaiety.
No experience was necessary, as beginners through the more advanced took dance lessons with teacher extraordinaire Laurie Shayler (Dance Connection) during the two-and-a-half-hour event.
The crowd immersed themselves in timeless favorites by musical legends such as Gershwin, Porter, Ellington, and more.
Elevating the night’s charm were the captivating vocals of Christine Cornell, and swingin’ saxophone tunes by Jon De Lucia.
“I’ve been invited here to provide some swing dance instruction, as well as some ballroom foxtrot instruction,” Shayler said, adding that one of the primary challenges she faced was entertaining such a large group of people all at once made up of various skill sets.
“We try and get everyone involved, and make everyone feel as comfortable as possible — in a very short period of time.”
Cooper, executive director of the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, said it’s really wonderful to bring people together through music.
“An event like this brings lots of people into our world that we might not see through our music education and therapy programs,” Cooper explained. “We try to make this accessible and not intimidating, as there are some absolute beginners in addition to…
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