Our Story
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and nurturing West Coast Swing and Hustle dancing in North East Ohio through our monthly dances and annual dance convention event, CASH Bash. While West Coast Swing and Hustle music is primarily played at our dances, an occasional 2-Step, Waltz, Cha Cha, East Coast Swing and Night Club Two Step may be played to add variety.
The goal of the club is to provide a friendly and supportive environment where everyone can enjoy their love of West Coast Swing and Hustle dancing.
Our History
The Cleveland Akron Swing and Hustle Club was first known as the Here To Dance Club. The club was founded by Brenda Kirkland, a little lady with a big heart for dancing. With the help of friends, Brenda organized a monthly dance and started offering a club membership to everyone she knew who loved to dance. She wanted to bring some of the excitement she experienced at out-of-town events to the Cleveland area. One year and 37 members later, some of the club members attended their first out-of-town event, Boogie in the Burgh. At the end of this event they were so pumped up and excited they decided they had to do more with the club.
The idea of becoming a formal club with elected officers was addressed to Brenda and she agreed that it was a great idea. The group of officers, who were elected, played a major part in the growth of the club and for where the club is today. Ernie Virden was elected President, Brenda Kirkland and Fred Price as Co-Vice Presidents, Pat Bloom as Secretary, Tina Price as Treasurer, and Don Roth as Sergeant at Arms. With a little help from their sister club, The Northcoast Jitterbug Club of Akron, they drafted up bylaws.
In 2004, the Cleveland Akron Swing and Hustle Club became a member of the World Swing Dance Council.
2022 – 2023 Executive Board
Lori Wahl- Rousar
President
Lois SAYER
Vice President
Doug Sayer
Treasurer
2021 – 2022 Executive Board
Lori Wahl Rousar
President
Lois Gaskins
Vice President
Doug Sayer
Treasurer