"Better than anything..."

"My cousin recently attended one of your dances with her 3 teenage daughters. She called me crying saying the experience was better than anything she could have imagined for her girls. She was just disappointed she had waited so long to attend."
- Anne M
"The swing dances are phenomenal! I have met most of my friends at the monthly dances. It is such a safe and judgement-free environment and I encourage everyone to attend these swing dances, no matter your expertise. Whenever I have friends or other community members ask where to go swing or dancing in general. I tell them, "Go to Skate Plaza every 3rd or 4th Friday of the month and join Daniel and The Gang, where the coolest cats in town hang and swing it up!"
~Matthew Stolley
We attended one of your swing dances for the first time last month. Our foster son loved it so much, he asked to go back for his birthday! He’s a social bug, but he hasn’t had confidence in a lot of recreational activities. That dance - making new friends - brought out the best in him. THANK YOU!
​~Paul & Tabitha Norris

I’ve been going to the Daniel and the Gang swing dances for a little over a year now! I just wanted to thank you for hosting them- my boyfriend and I actually met at the dance last year and now have been dating for almost a year! We go every month for our anniversary date night. I just thought I’d reach out and share with you! Thank you for all that you do. 
​~Naomi Knight

How did you first fall in love with swing dancing?

I fell in love with swing dancing when I was around 14 at Daniel and The Gang when it was still in Post Falls, and fell in love with it as something that connected me with my history in ballet and other dance styles. ~Laurel Radavich~

What do you think makes swing dancing different from other forms of social dance?

To me it's a combination of many styles all together, from square dancing, to ballroom, to freestyle and so much more. It's different in the way that it's familiar in so many different ways that it becomes its own unique style. ~Laurel Radavich~

 If you had to describe swing in one word, what would it be — and why?

Connection ~Laurel Radavich~

What’s the vibe like at a North Idaho swing dance? Can you paint a picture of the room for someone who’s never been?

It's reminiscent of a dance you'd see at the county fair, while still remaining welcoming and inclusive for new dancers, and exciting enough for seasoned dancers to still enjoy. Wether you enjoy dancing with everyone in the room, or sticking with your group, or just doing group dances, or all the above. ~Laurel Radavich~

Who tends to show up—seasoned dancers, total beginners, or a mix of both?

-A mix of both. Monthly Daniel and The Gang is more new dancers, while bi-monthly Off the Grid is more seasoned and consistent attendees. ~Laurel Radavich~

 Do you see a sense of community forming around these dances, and how does that show up?

-Absolutely! Not only is it the chance to see familiar and friendly faces every dance, but it's brought not just myself, but many others into new and unique friendships. One example of this is many of us will hangout after social dances, wether it be the same evening getting food, or planning other dances to go to in the area. Some of my greatest friendships have been made through these social dances. ~Laurel Radavich~​

Swing dancing has a long history—what parts of that tradition do you try to preserve in your events?

-I've noticed Daniel keeping many fun traditions alive in his events. For example almost every September since and prior to my joining of the gang in the time span of 2016-2017, is his Vintage Swing Revival dances, where people are encouraged to dress up in 1940s styled outfits to bring back the old fashion style of East Coast Swing. ~Laurel Radavich~

How do you help people who might be nervous to step onto the dance floor for the first time?

His social dances are one of the things that make his dances a highlight! He is amazing at giving detailed instructions while the entire group goes through learning the dance, and then continues to call out the steps as the dance is done. It's comforting for new dancers to know they won't be abandoned on the dance floor in a new environment. ~Laurel Radavich~

What’s the best part of watching someone go from their first awkward steps to really cutting loose?

Their smiles and the light in their eyes. Almost nothing lights someone up more than seeing them connecting not just with those around them, but with themselves as they learn a new skill, and find they can do something both fun and beautiful. ~Laurel Radavich~

​What kind of music sets the room on fire—are there certain songs or tempos that always bring people to life?

Vintage music, sea shanties or Celtic music, and country music always do the trick! ~Laurel Radavich~

Do you have a favorite memory from hosting a dance—maybe a moment where the room just lit up?

In the 8 years I've been attending, I'd say a big thing for me to witness was seeing the community come back together after COVID-19 shut us down in late 2020. Seeing everyone travel to the Barn dances in Sagle was amazing to see how everyone truly was in support of what Daniel does with his dances. ~Laurel Radavich~

What’s your favorite dance move to teach or perform, and why?

I love teaching and doing Table Top and Floor Polish! ~Laurel Radavich~

Why do you think swing dancing is having a resurgence right now, especially among younger crowds?

​I believe it's part of our community taking a hit from covid among with so many people moving into North Idaho, it gives younger generations, and even some older ones, a chance to connect, learn, move, and enjoy a space together where everyone can have at least one thing in common, they're all at a dance regardless of their dance history. ~Laurel Radavich~

How does swing connect people across generations in a way other activities don’t?

It gives people a chance to learn, communicate, share, and experience together, what many other activities lack. Connection, partner and social dancing is a partnership and like a ball of energy that is passed back and forth between each person, the more it's passed, the more unique it becomes, from time and experience, to dedication and love. It's all so unique and immersive in how it pulls you into its flow. ~Laurel Radavich~

What role do you hope swing dancing plays in the cultural life of North Idaho?

I hope it becomes or at least stays the active role it is or more. I love getting to meet people on a day-to-day basis and to find out they dance, or want to dance. Having numerous dance groups in our area broadens the chances to bring more folks into it. ~Laurel Radavich~

 If someone’s reading this and thinking, “That sounds fun, but I have two left feet,” what would you tell them?

Almost everyone starts with two left feet, but you'll never know how you can grow and learn in it until you give it a shot. What's one evening compared to the rest of your life? Everyone there is too focused on themselves to worry about judging you as well. ~Laurel Radavich~

What do you hope people walk away with—not just in terms of dance steps, but in terms of feeling?

Excitement, connection, drive, imagination and a love to dance. ~Laurel Radavich~​

In your mind, what’s the single most magical thing about a swing dance night?

Getting to spend time with the people I hold close, and getting to move to the music and feel the energy around me. Almost nothing brings me as much joy as dancing, especially when I can dance for the Lord God Almighty. ~Laurel Radavich~