It was a case of ‘lights, camera, action’ for members of Galway Swing as they put their dance shoes on for an afternoon of filming for City Channel last week.

  As an avid swing dancer myself, I was only too happy to take the polka dot 1950’s number out of the wardrobe and strut my stuff in front of the cameras. With full-make up on and my two-tone brogues in tow, I excitedly made my way to Bar 903 in Eyre Square and had my speech all ready to go.

“Well, I joined Galway Swing when I first came back to Galway two years ago. I had never danced before and, when I realised it was for absolute beginners, I decided to give it a go – and I haven’t looked back…”

And my gushing words went on along those lines. I had rehearsed this speech numerous times (well twice) before donning my dress and making a quick dash to the filming venue. I was ready for my close up. But it wasn’t to be. My TV debut is still on hold, as I wasn’t selected for interview.

In all fairness, I have to accept the programme wasn’t about me. It was about the Galway Swing club, a club through which I have made great friends, discovered a great way to keep fit and above all, learnt how to dance. The question, ‘Do you swing?’ has taken on a completely new meaning.

Swing dancing is difficult to describe but amazing to watch. Picture the roaring twenties at the Savoy in New York - a ballroom spanning the entire block of 140th to 141st street on Lenox Avenue in Harlem. Up to four thousand dancers hit the floor to the powerful beat of the big band. The Savoy became a melting pot of cultures where dance united a divided society.