Fourteen years is a long time to run a dance. John Festa may have moved locations a few times, but his weekly West Coast Swing dance was a staple of the New York dance scene for over a decade. Not only is that a long time in New York, but his dance was one of the longest running in the Nation for swing dancers.

September 27 was a sad day as Festa hosted his last dance. Dancers flocked to The Saloon, the latest and last home of his dance, to celebrate the long run. Scions of the swing community, Dawn Hampton and Margaret Batuichok were in attendance. The floor was packed and the music hot. Cupcakes, champagne, and a large signed board full of memories sent John off as dancers wished him luck in his future endeavors.

A week prior to the last dance, Festa announced his decision to the Gotham Swing Club. Club board members unanimously voted to fill the void by hosting their own weekly dance. The Wednesday following Festa's farewell saw its newest dance spring up. Booked in the same time schedule, WCS Wednesdays moved from the Upper East Side to Club 412 across the street from Penn Station.

The Gotham Swing Club hosted dance has just completed its first month in existence. Each week features a different DJ and consist of local club members that spin tunes like Jeanette Holmes, to the nationally known John Lindo. Festa promises to make the occasional appearance behind the DJ booth as well.

Join the fun at Club 412 (You Should Be Dancing Studios at 412 8th Avenue @ 32nd Street) every Wednesday. Admission is $10 and the dance runs from 9p-12:30a. See you there!

For more details, visit www.gothamswingclub.org