The NOLA Jitterbugs Teach New Orleans How to Dance

I cannot dance.

I wish desperately that I could – and Lord knows I try – but at the end of the day, the cold, hard truth is that I am simply not a dancer.

And because I wish so badly that I could dance, when I see people who can dance, I am first filled with intense pangs of jealousy, then utter can’t-tear-my-eyes-away fascination, then more jealousy, then a false belief that I can do what they’re doing, followed by an attempt (and complete failure) to replicate their moves, then more sadness. It’s an emotional roller coaster.

So then imagine the range of emotions I felt when I first saw the entirely fantastic, too cute for words video for Carsie Blanton’s “Baby Can Dance” featuring members of the NOLA Jitterbugs dance company.

The video itself is as romantic as it is playful. As the dancers effortlessly swing, hop and sashay throughout New Orleans ­– from the abandoned Six Flags amusement park to Marigny balconies and a streetcar gliding down St. Charles Avenue – it’s impossible not to get completely swept up in the entire thing. I dare you to get through it without bopping your head along to the music or cracking a smile.

It made me absolutely giddy. But then the jealousy set in again. How do they do that? Why can’t I do that? Could I do that?

Well the answer for me is probably still no, but luckily for others there may actually be hope. See, the NOLA Jitterbugs aren’t selfishly hoarding all of their dance knowledge to themselves; they actually want you to learn how to master their moves. And they’ll teach you. For free.

The Jitterbugs hold lessons three times a week, each at a different bar in the Marigny, and all they ask from you in return is that you buy at least one drink. Which, beyond being entirely reasonable, is also probably doing you a favor – because who wouldn’t benefit from a glass of liquid courage before learning to dance in a room full of strangers?

Prefer to keep dancing as a spectator sport? That’s fine, too. The NOLA Jitterbugs regularly appear at a number of local venues including One Eyed Jacks, the Maison and Preservation Hall, not to mention their regularly scheduled Jazz and Dinner shows at The Melange Restaurant and Speakeasy Bar every Friday and Saturday night. You can also catch them most Saturday and Sunday mornings dancing on Royal Street with The Smoking Time Jazz Club.

Free Adult Lessons:

Sundays at 5 p.m. – d.b.a., 618 Frenchmen St., (504) 942-3731

Mondays at 9:30 p.m. – Mimi’s in the Marigny, 2601 Royal St., (504) 872-9868

Wednesdays at 5 p.m. – The Spotted Cat Music Club, 623 Frenchmen St., (504) 337-3273

Dinner and Jazz Show:

Friday & Saturdays at 9 p.m. – Melange Restaurant and Speakeasy Bar, 2106 Chartres St., (504) 309-7335

Tagged as: Carsie Blanton, free swing dance lessons, New Orleans swing dance, NOLA Jitterbugs