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SEPTEMBER 22 - 24, 2023

In a Nutshell

  • Open to ALL ability levels from beginner to advanced!
  • ​Dance to a live 23-piece big band throughout the weekend!​​
  • Continuing the tradition of annual Bathurst Boogie: Swing Dance Fest!
  • Explore Bathurst and network with great people!
  • Great physical activity for you in a relaxed atmosphere!​​
  • ​Participate in something with your partner or just show up and a partner will be supplied!
  • Expand your "community" of dance friends!
  • Learn something new and/or share your expertise while having fun!
  • Our annual Bathurst Band Fest takes place at the same time!

Meet Your 2023 Swing Dance Instructors!

CLAIRE AHERN
Swing dancer Claire Ahern is a dynamic performer, charismatic instructor, and passionate champion of swing dance in New Brunswick. Claire learned to swing dance in Halifax, NS, where she also began teaching, and has since danced across Canada, the U.S., and Europe. In 2019, Ms. Ahern moved to Saint John NB, a city bereft of a swing dance scene. Claire quickly took matters into her own hands to create a swing dance community from scratch, and founded Saint John Swing Dance. Since then, she has hosted many swing events, a lesson series, live band and outdoor dances, and has taught hundreds of folks how to dance. A keen collaborator, Claire is thrilled to be teaching at the inaugural Bathurst Boogie!
GABRIELLE MACKLIN
Who would have thought running by the university swing dance office every day between classes would have started a decade long passion? For Gaby, that’s exactly what happened. One semester she started dancing with the University of Manitoba Swing Dance Club, and she’s never stopped. Transitioning from thirteen years of musical theatre to swing dancing was easy for Gaby, as for her, the joy and energy of Lindy Hop is the same joy and energy needed to put on a fantastic show – which is the same style she brings to her teaching. After having opportunities to dance her way across Canada, the US and the UK, Gaby has a singular goal when she teaches Lindy Hop – for people to walk away having a great time dancing with each other!
ALEXANDER CARLETON
Welcome to the newest member of our Bathurst Boogie dance instructor team!  Alexander Carleton has been swing dancing since 2016.  He has been an instrumental member of Fredericton Swing Dance, and currently serves on the executive as Public Relations Officer.  Alexander is also an often sought-out social dance partner, known for his theatrical antics and humorous style.  Outside of dancing, Alexander practices law with Legal Aid in Woodstock, NB.  He is thrilled to be featured as one of the dance instructors at the 2023 Bathurst Boogie dance weekend!

More Details

In affiliation with the New Brunswick Band Association (NBBA) and Saint John Swing Dance , BCCB and Phantom Jazz are co-hosting the second annual BATHURST BOOGIE: SWING DANCE FEST and 3rd Annual Bathurst Band Fest during the weekend of September 22 - 24, 2023 and we hope YOU will join us!  Opportunities abound in this setting to help kick off or continue your dance season on an inspiring path!  The planning committee is finalizing preparations to make this exciting weekend a lasting success! 

Clare Ahern of Saint John Swing Dance along with Gabrielle Macklin of Halifax will be leading the Bathurst Boogie sessions and bringing tons of fun and energy to Bathurst throughout the entire weekend!  Jeff MacQuarrie (Bathurst) and Alistair Tulloch (Bathurst) will once again be your hosts bringing a wealth of experience combined with relaxed, enjoyable, inviting, entertaining methods of weaving through our weekend together.  We are also VERY pleased to announce the growing team of people who will be on hand to lead dance and music throughout our weekend together: Clare Ahern (Swing Dance - Saint John), Gabrielle Macklin (Swing Dance - Halifax), Andrea Lewis (Music - Saint John), Christopher Guindon (Music - Miramichi), and Brent MacQuarrie (Music - New Glasgow). 

Our hope is that this weekend will be made up of dancers and musicians from many different communities and from all over Atlantic Canada and beyond!
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Please take some time to explore the Bathurst Boogie related web pages located under the Swing Dance drop down menu above.

Please review, print, and complete the waiver to bring with you to the event.  Copies will be available to sign upon your arrival in case you forget.

            ♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫♫   REGISTER TODAY FOR BATHURST BOOGIE: SWING DANCE FEST    ♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪

Are you even the slightest bit interested in:
1.  Meeting many dancers from all over the Atlantic Canada?
2.  Learn from talented, respected and professional instructors?
3.  Dance with a live 23-piece big band for 3 hours?
4.  Have a fun activity that you AND your partner can share together?
5.  Having a fantastic weekend of dance fellowship and starting the latest craze in Bathurst?
6.  Visiting the beautiful area of Bathurst while the weather is great and before all the snow hits?  ;-)

If so, then we encourage you to REGISTER FOR BATHURST BOOGIE NOW and spread the word to your friends and contacts!

                                   Rehearsal Location: Bathurst High School  >> 640 King Ave
The Chalmer's Gym will be the main session space for dancers.  The Student Entrance will be used for access to the building.  Turn down St. John St. off King Ave. and you will see parking along the building or between the building and playground area.  Please do not park at the neighbouring Aquatic Centre.​ (Map below)

​Friday 8:30pm - 10:30pm >> Social Time Together (19+ Event)
>> Cash Bar, Order Food Delivery, and Dance Floor Provided!
Location: Bathurst Curling Club @ 209 Saint Andrew St. Bathurst, NB (Maps below)

TICKET COST = $25
Saturday 7:30pm- 8:30pm Beginner Swing Dance Lesson for ANYONE
Location: Bathurst Curling Club @ 209 Saint Andrew St. Bathurst, NB
Saturday 8:30pm-11:30pm Big Band Dance & Cabaret with Phantom Jazz Band & Alysa Collins
Location: Bathurst Curling Club  (Map Below)
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