Swing dance (or learn how) at Old Fort Niagara

Old Fort Niagara invites the public to "Swing Into the '40s" at a new swing dance event March 28. The event runs from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Fort Niagara Officers Club. The dance will offer lessons, drinks, hors d'oeuvres, door prizes, a dance competition and music by Buffalo Jazz & Swing Band.

"Hosting a swing dance is a fun and energetic way of drawing attention to Fort Niagara's 20^th century history," said Lauren Agnello, event organizer and 10-year veteran in the fort's interpretive department. "Many people are aware of Old Fort Niagara's colonial history, but don't know about its role in training officers in World War I or as a POW camp during World War II. I wanted to organize a fundraiser that would make people more aware while still having a lot of fun."

Tickets are available by presale for $60 by calling 716-745-7611 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays. Each ticket includes:

• 30-minute swing dance instruction by Swing Buffalo (www.swingbuffalo.com)
• Entry into vintage 1940s-themed door prizes (one male and one female prize will be selected)
• Awards for dance competition winners and best-dressed male and female
• Four hours of music entertainment by Buffalo Jazz & Swing Band (www.buffaloswingband.com)
• Drinks and hors d'oeuvres

Funds will benefit the fort's education programming.

Attendees have the option to wear 1940s-inspired clothing. Agnello said women's swing-dance attire in the 1940s included skirts, blouses and dresses that created an hourglass silhouette with the help of shoulder pads. Saddle shoes, wedges and low-heeled oxfords were common footwear. Men wore military uniforms or a suit and tie. Awards will be given out for the best-dressed man and woman.

Old Fort Niagara (www.oldfortniagara.org) is located in Fort Niagara State Park in Youngstown.