On March 23, Issaquah High held its twentieth annual Swingin’ in Vienna dance. With waltzing, smiles, and lots of chocolate cake, the dance was an all-around good time for all in attendance. Junior Arthur Fornia says, “It’s my favorite dance of the year and in my opinion, the only dance worth going to at the school.” Fornia believes dances like Homecoming and Tolo are more like raves which is why he prefers the tamer music at Swingin’ in Vienna.

Cards on every table break down popular dances like the Polka and the Lindy Hop with helpful pictures. The IHS Jazz Band Director, Pat Holen, and the Evergreen conductor, Leah Weitzsacker, led quick classes demonstrating basic steps for students to follow. Senior at Marysville Getchell High School Katy Redondo says, “I like waltzing better just because it was easier to pick up versus swinging and I like the pace a lot better.” It is interesting that people find the six steps in box waltzing easier than the three steps of swing, but this is understandable considering waltzes are played at a much slower pace, giving people time to look at their feet to make sure they do not step on their partners’ toes.

Both Jazz Band and Evergreen played amazing sets featuring talented musicians and singers. Parents Mr. and Mrs. MacInnes came out to support their daughter who plays in the Jazz Band. They said “’Beyond the Sea’ has always been an all-time favorite” for them. I personally liked the “Sleeping Beauty Waltz” because that is the song that I learned to waltz to, though my dance moves have not improved since I first heard the song 10 years ago. Evergreen cello player Angela Guo says, “I love playing ‘Kaiser’ because there’s this one cello part that sounds really pretty.” Everyone played wonderfully at Swingin’ in Vienna making the night a success.