Email: gpsdcwcs@gmail.com
Email: gpsdcwcs@gmail.com
Founded in 1981, The Greater Phoenix Swing Dance Club (GPSDC) was formed by a group of 10 passionate West Coast Swing Dancers. The club is a non-profit organization dedicated to: "The Preservation, Perfection, Progress and Promotion of West Coast Swing Dancing." There are Members from all over Arizona who love to dance West Coast Swing join us for all our fun dances. Lessons are open to everyone interested in West Coast Swing. No partner required.
Kenny Wentzl 1990
In 1982 the Greater Phoenix Swing Dance Club had it's first convention. Kenny Wentzl started an impromtu jam at the end of the convention and it has become a tradition for the closing of the event ever since.
Ben Morris and Peggy Allen
Jordan Frisbee and Larissa Tingle Schubert won 1st place in the Champions division.
Phoenix 4th of July Convention 2015
Check out this great video
Jamming the night away!
It wouldn't be swing without the Jam's!
Phoenix 4th of July
Started by Kenny Wentzel years ago it has become tradition for Mary Ann Nunez birthday dance.
This is a tradition with the Phoenix 4th of July convention.
Check out this great video
Check out this great video
2017 Phoenix 4th of July Convention. We had a record 77 Juniors attend this event. Everyone was impressed with the level of these young dancers. MC-Robert Royston decided it was time to start a Jam with the Juniors dancing with a Champion dancer.
Every year we start out the JAM as party of celebration the Phoenix 4th of July tradition and Mary Ann Nunez's birthday. This is a long held tradition in our 38 years.
Rudy was the first member to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015. Rudy was a devoted member, still coming to the club until shortly before his death. Rudy was instrumental in using his many contacts for getting help for whatever the club needed. He served on the board in many positions for numerous years.
The women have Shirley Murray to thank for teaching the men to be good dancers and even better leaders. Shirley also served the club for many years and the friendly person there to meet you at the door for many years.
Bobbie Robinson has brought the entire family into the dance world. Her daughter Trudy, Joe Robinson and now granddaughter Peyton. Past President and still active when asked to serve.
Carol has been at the front desk for the club for many years. She has performed many duties as a member of the board. From Vice President to now Sargent at arms. Carol has been the mastermind behind the Christmas Party for many years.
Regarded as GPSDC sweethearts the Dresslers have been a club stable since the early years of the club. Don became President
Mike Gallo, became a member after moving to Arizona from Sacramento. He was music director for many years and has served on the board in many capacities. He is currently membership chairperson.
Joe was Music Director for many years. One year when the Phoenix 4th of July was about to begin he managed to get all the equipment down and set up the sound system, filling in for the DJ that had an accident coming in from out of town.
Connie's husband was one of the first Presidents of the club. She served the club in assisting him and other members in numerous activities.
Mike passed away before he could know he was honored. Mike was a board member serving as President, Sargent at Arms, helping with the Convention and anything that was needed for the club. He was often thought of as a Chief Ambassador by talking to anyone he knew about the club and getting them involved.
Jim & Cathy Tigges
Jim Tigges is known for being our head judge at the Phoenix 4th convention. He is much more than than. He and his wife Cathy were very active with the club and also ran the convention successfully for several years. He continues to support the club and we appreciate his expertise.
Ken Trinosky
Ken taught the beginning lesson at the club for many years. This was all volunteer. He is still a member and supports the club.
Kenny Gegg
Standing with the blue shirt on. Other inductees are in the photo. Joe Robinson in the back. Shirley Murray and Leonard Rachiele, son of Bob Preiss and Bobbie Robinson.
Leonard Rachiele
Leonard has been a fixture of the club for many years. He has also supported our instructors by attending their private lessons. Leonard is also the first to donate for our Juniors or help with hospitality. He is known for always bring the pie.
We appreciate all he has done for the club.
Bob Preiss
His son was there to represent him. Bob passed away several years before.
Bob was know as the party organizer. Everywhere he went there was a party. He organized tables of dancers to go to other conventions and support the dance community. He was honored at the San Diego Swing convention for being a major part of their success.
Trudi Robinson
Trudi is shown here with her brother Joe Robinson. He was inducted in 2017 and her Mother Bobbi in 2016. Trudi helped in many ways during the years. She was active at the convention and had been hospitality chairperson at the club. She like the rest of the family devoted their time to help the club grow and the convention be successful.
Pat Fields-Pavlatos
Pat has been a past President, Vice-President and is currently Hospitality chairperson.
Pat has become known for teaching the juniors the right way. Many of her juniors improve from novice to advanced quickly. They are continually placing in competitions.
Butch is our music man. He's been a member of the club the shortest amount of time but in that time he has become a valuable member of the board. As music director he is there every week with his own equipment overseeing the DJ's.
Butch has set up our convention for many years, again supplementing the equipment with his own so we can have music in several ballrooms.