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Jim's Dances bring fun, exercise of
swing/Imperial dancing to growing number of fans of all ages, including St.
Louis Seniors by Daniel Hines If there is anyone in St. Louis that personifies the pure joy and artistry of swing/Imperial dancing, it has to be Jim's Dances, operated by Jim Horne. Admittedly, Jim uses his disc jockeying skills to deliver the music, but don't think this is just someone who puts a CD in and lets it run its course. Jim is an accomplished commercial artist, who has worked for a number of leading companies. He brings that same attention to artistry and detail to his gigs for Jim's Dances, which are held at a number of locations around the St. Louis area. (To see the schedule, go to www.jimsdances.com) . Jim has one of the best and most extensive collection of CDs including some outstanding R&B, Rock and Roll, swing music and, for the moments that the dancers want to be closer to their date or spouse, some wonderful slower music. But, it is more than the CD collection. Jim is one of the biggest supporters of dancing in St. Louis. He includes all the dances--even those of competitors--in his monthly calendar. He has dance classes before opening his own dances. And, he has feature dancers who are some of the best in the St. Louis region, to illustrate just how much fun accomplished dancing can be. As might be expected, he draws a large crowd of seniors, including myself and my wife, Brooks. But, the dancers represent all age groups and skills. At one recent dance, an instructor (in his 20s) did an absolutely breathtaking exhibition with a young girl, about 12 or 13 years old. This is dancing and music at its best. The skill level of the dancers is varied, but that's not important. Jim just wants people to have fun. He throws himself , body and soul, into each evening of dancing, being sure to visit with patrons. And, sometimes, when he gets a chance, he even dances himself. He is an accomplished, even excellent, dancer with wonderful moves. I first met him about five or six years ago, on Tuesday nights at the since-closed Jukebox, where , although already a great dancer, he could be found every Tuesday, taking lessons in his trademark black and white saddle dance shoes. Now, he has translated that passion for swing/Imperial dancing into his own business. The dancers of St. Louis are the better because of it. |
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