The Nolensville Historical Society is set to host a nostalgic swing dance event, “A Swingin’ Evening,” on Oct. 5 from 5-9 p.m. The night will feature the Moonlighters Big Band playing hits from the 1940s swing era and aims to immerse attendees into the charm and vintage flair of mid-20th Century America.
The event, organized by SwingTime Middle Tennessee's Dylem Vaughn, will kick off with a beginner swing dance lesson at 5 p.m. designed to help first-timers feel comfortable and confident on the dance floor. Live music will follow at 6 p.m., with attendees encouraged to embrace the event’s "dolled and dapper" dress code by wearing their best interpretation of 1930s- to 1960s-inspired attire.
“This is a chance for people to rediscover or experience swing dancing, which was such a dominant social activity from the '30s through the '60s,” Vaughn said.
"It gives younger people a chance to experience something new, while older generations get to rediscover it. The goal is to create an evening where different backgrounds and age groups come together to enjoy one of America's most distinctive eras."
Vaughn explained that the origin of the event’s venue is as historically rich as the point in history they hope to model. The Nolensville Historical Society is located in a building constructed in the 1930s, originally serving as a schoolhouse and later repurposed from World War II-era army barracks into a gym.
“We’re lucky to use the Historical Society’s home base because it’s a venue that was created in the '30s, the depths of the [Great] Depression, and became a hub for the community,” Vaughn said. “It’s a pretty neat coincidence for this to be the building where our dance will be taking place.”
Tickets for the event are on sale now. Individual tickets are $25 per person, while couple’s tickets are priced at $45.
Correction: A previous version of this story stated that proceeds from 'A Swingin' Evening' will support the organization's preservation efforts.