WELCOME TO the Swing Era

25th July

Venezuela earthquake appeal

We dance to lift our spirits To stay connected To create resilience and to actively care for the community we build Venezuela has been hit by a devastating earthquake, leaving families grieving, communities displaced, and essential services under severe strain. Homes and local infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed, and many people are facing urgent shortages of safe shelter, clean water, medical support, and basic supplies. In the immediate aftermath, rapid humanitarian assistance is critical to help people survive the days and weeks ahead and to support longer-term recovery for those most affected. As a swing dance community based in Birmingham, we’re built on connection and mutual support. One of our dancers at the heart of our community is Eli, she has family and friends directly affected by the catastrophe in Venezuela; and she can’t be there in person to help. Many of us feel for those affected through seeing the impact of the catastrophe on the news and through social media. What we can do is stand alongside Eli in a practical way—by coming together to raise funds for urgent relief and longer-term recovery efforts. We dance to lift our spirits and to strengthen our resilience, through this fundraiser, we dance to show our care, and to turn that care into meaningful support. A collective donation from the fundraiser will be directed to the International Rescue Committee (IRC) UK emergency appeal Practice your Swing dance moves throughout August 2026 to: Ella Fitzjerald ‘I’m Beginning to see the Light’ You can use the filmed choreography by Hsin and Tom which we will upload soon. You can also join the drop into an end of summer social at the Dark Horse on Thurs 27 Aug from 8pm – 10pm to learn the routine, practice and social dance with teachers Hsin and Graham. Then – Swing Out for Venezuela at The Swing Era Social Thurs 3 Sept 8.30pm – 11pm @The Dark Horse On arrival to The Dark Horse after class on Thurs 3 Sept make a donation and enter the partner draw *£5 (A give what you can donation) Dance to ‘I’m Beginning to see the Light’ with your surprise partner at 10pm Dress up and wear the colours of the Venezuelan flag The performance is for fun and enjoyment and doesn’t have to be perfect! Opt out of being filmed if you prefer. Invite friends along | Cash is king – there will be a charity raffle with great prizes We’ll announce what we raised following the event. WE DANCE TO RAISE FUNDS IN SUPPORT OF: INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE – UK: Venezuela Emergency Fund Disasters Emergency Committee Charity appeal: International Rescue Committee (IRC) UK emergency appeal

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