CLEARWATER, Fla., Jan. 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On February the 15th Savoy South Dance Hall will host their monthly Swing Dance for Charity in the Fort Harrison’s Ballroom.

Each month, Arleene Norman of Savoy South Dance Hall instructs Swing dancers and rookies on the art of swing dance at the oval dance floor at the monthly Swing Dances for Charity at the Fort Harrison’s Crystal Ballroom. In prior months, funds have been raised for the Pinellas Sheriff’s Police Athletic League, My Hope Chest and Toys for Tots. The Fort Harrison is the international religious retreat for the Church of Scientology, and is open to the community for events.

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 Future Leaders of America. Since 2002, Future Leaders of America has helped teens develop the skills they need to become successful in life.   

Providing the dance lesson is career dancer Arleene Norman. Ms. Norman brings her skills to the Fort Harrison once a month to help different charitable organizations raise funds for their causes.

“Arleene is someone who is always teaching and getting people excited about the art of dance. She teaches at a level that makes the dancing simple and enjoyable,” said Lisa Mansell, the Public Affairs Director of the Church of Scientology, the venue host for the event.

“This kind of community activity brings people together for a good cause and makes them competent at a new skill is fantastic. The Founder of Scientology, Mr. L. Ron Hubbard said: ‘A being is only as valuable as he can serve others’ and this is one 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 Future Leaders.

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.

One evening in 1927, following Lindbergh’s flight to Paris, a local dance enthusiast named “Shorty George” Snowden was watching some of the dancing couples. A newspaper reporter asked him what dance they were doing, and it just so happened that there was a newspaper with an article about Lindbergh’s flight sitting on the bench next to them. The title of the article read, “Lindy Hops the Atlantic,” and George answered saying “Lindy Hop” and the name stuck.

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. Norman. For more information about the event, please call (727) 564-6847.

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 300 community events there.

Lisa Mansell
727-467-6860

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/987b3839-4037-47ab-93f3-8129ddd9d272