social events

Thursday night

Bond St Bar

BASE Camp will kick off with some casual social dancing at our regular Thursday venue. This is a trendy little bar right in the heart of Kingsland who do regular drinks and tapas specials on a Thursday and who play our swing music all night - so why not start the weekend as you mean to go on! All our international teachers will already be in town - so this will be your first chance to see them in action and to make them feel welcome by asking them for a dance ! (yes, really, that is why they are here !!)

  • Where: Bond St Bar & Kitchen, 429 New North Road [map]
  • When: Thursday 8-11pm, or later if the joint is rocking!
  • Cost: Free entry, but please buy a drink to support the venue
  • Dress: Casual


Friday night

The 9:20 Special

This may be at our normal Friday night venue, but it will be a Friday like no other. Not only do we have our guest teachers teaching some bonus workshops, we also have the Society Jazzmen kicking off our 3-live-band line up for the weekend - so we would love to see folks from ALL venues making the trek over the bridge to Takapuna this week (it's not that far, honest). This weekend is all about the dancing, right - so don't save yourself for Saturday - the more dancing the better !!

the swing cats
  • Where: St Georges Presbyterian Church Hall, 2 The Terrace, Takapuna [map]
  • Lessons: 7.00pm - bonus BLUES workshops by our guests teachers!
  • Dancing: 9.20pm til late
  • Cost: $15, or free with a BASE pass
  • Dress: Casual
  • Refreshments: Tea, coffee and nibbles provided - BYO alcohol

Registration: This will also be the first chance for those of you that have purchased a BASE pass to complete your registration for the weekend. Registration will run from 6.30pm up until freestyle starts at 9.20 pm - but we highly recommend you arrive EARLY so you don't miss any of the lesson! Seriously! Come early and beat the rush.

Saturday night

Neo Swing Mania

the swing cats

Okay, so this is the first of our BIG nights - so don't hold back, we want you dressed to the max and ready to dance you socks off to the amazing big band that we have lined up for you.

Some of you may not have heard the Swing Cats before, but my goodness me, can they swing when they sing! This high energy 12 piece show band play in the genre of the great neo swing bands of today - and that means fast and furious!! Sharply dressed and made up of some of Auckland’s best musos, the Swing Cats don't just play, they entertain!

Gentleman - as the venue is an RSA please remove your hats when walking through the main hall until you get to the dance area at the back.

  • Where: Pt Chev RSA, 1136 Great North Rd [map]
  • When: 8pm til late (doors open 8pm, band from 8.30pm)
  • Cost: $30 at the door, or free with a BASE pass
  • Dress: Hep Cats and Cool Kittens
  • Refreshments: Full bar available, and meals if you wish. No BYO.

Sunday night

Big Band Bash

Yes, you will be tired from 2 days of workshops, but there is no giving up yet as we have another GREAT band lined up for some more social dancing. And this is one of our absolute favourites!

Tuxedo Swing is a professional and polished 10-piece swing sensation led by Brendon Packard and with vocals by the wonderful Lloyd Kyd and Jacquie Hudson. Comprised of some of New Zealand’s best known musicians they regularly play to dance audiences throughout Auckland, recreating the rhythm of the big band era. Think Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington......

  • Where: Ponsonby Cruising Club, Westhaven Marina [map]
  • When: 8pm til late (doors open 8pm, band from 8.30pm)
  • Cost: $30 at the door, or free with a BASE pass
  • Dress: Sunday Civvies
  • Refreshments: Full bar available, nibbles provided. No BYO.

Monday night

Wind Down Drinkies

And finally, if there is anyone still left standing, the weekend draw to a close with a quiet drink or two, maybe some dinner, maybe some dancing......

Those of you doing Balboa workshop can rock on down after class, but we hope that some of you others will join us as well to say a fond farewell to our teachers from over the ditch.

  • Where: The Ponsonby Belgian Beer Cafe, cnr Ponsonby and Jervois Rd [map]
  • When: 6pm onwards
  • Cost: Free entry, but please buy a drink to support the venue
  • Dress: Casual

 

Evening Venues

Thu Bond St Bar & Kitchen, 429 New North Road [map] (A)
Fri St Georges Presbyterian Church Hall, 2 The Terrace, Takapuna [map] (B)
Sat Pt Chev RSA, 1136 Great North Rd [map] (C)
Sun Ponsonby Cruising Club, Westhaven Marina [map] (D)
Mon The Ponsonby Belgian Beer Cafe, cnr Ponsonby and Jervois Rd [map] (E)
 
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