Cape Fear Swing Dance Society welcomes dancers of all skill levels

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) – The Cape Fear Swing Dance Society is strong but they would like to encourage more people across the Cape Fear join their weekly dance lessons.

Candi and Stephen Terry are the co-founders of the group that meets at the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center in Wilmington.

Nearly 500 people follow their activity on the group’s Facebook page and weekly dance lessons average about 20-40 participants.

“When we do a big social on a Saturday night, we attract upwards of 100,” Candi Terry said.

The couple started the group because they didn’t see any other swing dance group in the Wilmington area.

“Candi wanted to [swing] dance and there was no place to do that,” Stephen Terry said. “We started a club in somebody’s garage teaching them to dance for their own wedding and it just grew from there.”

Candi admits she’s not a lifelong dancer. She was actually introduced to swing dance while enrolled at East Carolina University.

“I went to an interest meeting, it looked like a lot of fun and the rest is history,” she said.

The Terrys say swing dance is not hard to learn.

“I would say it looks a lot harder than it is,” Stephen Terry said. “The movements aren’t difficult to learn.”

The couple says they’re passionate about teaching this type of dance and making it assessable to others who are interested.

“We strive to make it a very safe and welcoming place,” Candi Terry said. “No matter what skill level you’re at, we want you to come.”

Swing dance group lessons are offered every Thursday from 7-9 p.m. at the Hannah Black Historic USO/Activity Arts Center located at 102 S. Second St. in downtown Wilmington. Advance registration is not required. The fee is $6 for adults and $3 for students.