CLEARWATER, Fla., Sept. 21, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Thursday, October 19^th, the Savoy South Dance Hall will restart their monthly Swing Dances for Charity in the Fort Harrison’s Ballroom in downtown Clearwater. The Fort Harrison is the international religious retreat for the Church of Scientology.

Arlene Bowles of Savoy South Dance Hall instructs attendees in the basics of swing dancing at a Swing Dance for Charity at Clearwater’s Fort Harrison. Starting on October 19th, Swing dancers, rookies and polished professionals take to the oval dance floor at the Fort Harrison’s Crystal Ballroom every month. The $15 entry fee includes the dance lesson, refreshments and dancing to a live band. All funds for October’s Swing Dance will benefit Pinellas County Foster and Adoptive Parents Association.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f9058139-5d37-4b2e-b23b-4df8df54abe2

The cost is $15, which includes refreshments and a dance class from 7 until 8pm. An open dance to the Flag Band follows at 8. All proceeds will benefit the Pinellas County Foster and Adoptive Parent’s Association (PCFAPA). The PCFAPA provides support and education to foster and adoptive parents. In Pinellas and Pasco County, there are 2,900 foster children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect.   

Providing the dance lesson is career dancer Arlene Bowles. Ms. Bowles brings her skills to the Fort Harrison once a month to help different charitable organizations raise funds for their causes. Past charities assisted include Toys for Tots, Bay Pines VA (Fisher House), the Pinellas Sheriff’s Police Athletic League and the Boy Scouts of America.

“We are looking forward to a second season with Miss Arlene and the Savoy South Dance Hall family,” said Lisa Mansell, the Public Affairs Director of the Church of Scientology.

“The dances bring people together for a fun evening, for a good cause and makes them competent at a new skill. The Founder of Scientology, Mr. L. Ron Hubbard said: ‘A being is only as valuable as he can serve others’ and this is one small way that people can do this,” concluded Ms. Mansell.

All donations from the entrance fee along with the “Cake Walk” style raffle will be tallied up at the end of the night and given to the PCFAPA.

Swing Dancing has maintained a devoted following since the 1920’s where the black community, while dancing to contemporary jazz music, discovered the Charleston and the Lindy Hop at the Savoy Ballroom in New York City.

The Savoy Ballroom was the first integrated ballroom. From its opening on March 26, 1926, the Savoy was an immediate success with its block-long dance floor and raised double bandstand. Nightly dancing attracted the best dancers in the New York area.

The dance lesson starts at 7pm, with open dancing at 8pm to the Flag Band. Partners are not required and experienced dancers will be on hand to assist Ms. Bowles. For more information about the event, please call (727) 467-6860 or email SavoySouthDance@outlook.com.

The Fort Harrison:

Since its construction in 1927, the Fort Harrison has been the home to many events for charitable organizations. The latest owner, the Church of Scientology, completed a top to bottom restoration of the Fort Harrison in 2009, and since then has hosted over 320 community events there.

Lisa Mansell
727-467-6860