The Eight Week Wonders are a performance team organized by Gottaswing.com, a Washington DC swing dance outfit that provides training to about 4,000 students per year and holds dances at local venues six days a week. Membership in the Eight Week Wonders is open to anyone who takes a special course to learn the routine. Some people learn the routine very quickly and some take more time. The tuition for the course is about $100 for eight weeks. If you have to take it a second time, the price goes down, etc, etc until you learn it. Once you have mastered the routine, you can take part in performances, some of which are at small occasions, some at very large events.

The Eight Week Wonders put 30 couples on the tarmac in the 2009 National Fourth of July Parade. An additional number of people rode the float and danced behind it on the way to the reviewing stand. Team members went "all out" to create their "uniforms" -- poodle skirts and bowling shirts. The performance was well-received by the crowd.

Here is a performance at the Air and Space Museum

Here is the Team in competition at the 2007 Virginia State Open Swing Dance Championships.

Here ts the team at the Reston Holiday parade.

Here is the Team performing at the Woman's Club of Chevy Chase.

Here are the Eight Week Wonders performing at the Kennedy Center

Here is the team at the Tribute to Craig Hutchinson held at the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo.

Here are the Eight Week Wonders performing at the Martin Luther King Library in Washington DC.

The team has been in existence since the Fall of 2000. Here are some photos from events in the Past

The Eight Week Wonders were out in force once again, having a great time and seeking out last place, wherever it may be... Unfortunately, they broke their streak and actually won SECOND PLACE. One judge -- a person of spectacular taste and refinement -- gave us a First Place vote. At the same time, the Cubs and the Red Sox were in the playoffs. Will wonders ever cease??

Thanks to Tom and Debra and the judges at VSO for putting up with us. We had a wonderful time. Our sincere congratulations to Fidgety Feet who won a well-deserved victory!

First Place: Fidgety Feet


Second Place: The Eight Week Wonders


Third Place: Savoir Swing

Our Proud Record of Performances!!


December 7, 2000
at Leisure World, Olney Md.


January 20, 2001
St. Agnes Hospice, Ellicott City, Md.


February 24, 2001
WRC TV-4 Health Fair
D.C. Convention Center


People kept crowding into the photo
here's another, just in case we missed someone


March 5, 2001
The Canola Council of Canada
Crystal City, Va
with the Tom Cunningham Orchestra


May, 2001
Special Dance, P.G. County Elks


July 1, 2001
Air and Space Museum, DC
Celebrating the 25th birthday of the museum


July 14, 2001
Reston Town center, VA
There were 8,000 people watching Swing Speak
and --- incidentally --- us
They wanted us to get the performance over quickly
so that people could get some last minute shopping in


August 18, 2001
Stephens City, VA (outside Winchester
After STUFFING ourselves at the Western Beef restaurant
(All the high cholesterol comfort food you can eat)
We showed up at a pool party
They had set up a big luau for us.
Here we are, ready to waddle through "Deep Sea Ball"


August 18, 2001
Stephens City, VA
Here are Tom, Deb, Andy and Betsy doing the Bump Turn


August 18, 2001
Stephens City, VA (outside Winchester
Here are Betsy, Andy, Anne, Mike, Karen and Frank doing Mr. Peeps


September 23, 2001
Virginia State Open dance Championships
Here are (l. to r.)Kiona, Tony, Ann, Mike, Deb, Tom, Betsy, and Andy doing Squat Charleston
Note that evryone is on the beat


September 23, 2001
Virginia State Open dance Championships
Here, the team takes a bow


September 23, 2001
Virginia State Open dance Championships
Group picture. The team was the sentimental favorite for fourth place.


The 8 Week Wonders in Action at the October 26, 2001 benefit for the USO
The Artie Shaw Orchestra played and nearly 800 people saw us perform


After the October 26 Performance
The A Train performed after us and this is a photo of both teams together.


October 28, 2001
"Cabaret for the Cure
Cancer charity benefit at the McLean Hilton
we must be moving up in the world
we were on the program ahead of the guy playing the musical saw


December 7, 2001
Performance at Leisure World, marking our First Anniversary as a team



January 19, 2002
Our Second Annual Appearance at the
WRC TV-4 Health Fair
D.C. Convention Center
These folks braved the snow to appear!


March 16, 2002
Our Second Annual Appearance the St. Agnes Nursing Home


April 19, 2002
"A Night at the Cotton Club" with Fayard Nicholas


April 27, 2002
"Swing Time" at the Manor Care residential facility


April 27, 2002
Edith Counts (standing) and Evelyn Hall
Evelyn sang with Duke Ellington
Edith still has a mean swingout!


May 5, 2002
Eastern Regional Dance Challenge
We're #5!!!


May 18, 2002
Third Annual Special World of Dance
This is the third time we have performed at this event


May 19, 2002
Unique Foundation Fundraiser
This is the second time we have performed at this event

---

8 Week Wonders Adventure
with Congressman Moran (D, Va.)

June 13, 2002
Alexandria Humane Society
We had the opportunity to take this photo with Congressman Moran
this is the "dignified" version


June 13, 2002
Alexandria Humane Society
Sue added this bit of whimsy
The Congressman, an Archfoe of Bankrupts, was surprised...
On the other hand, he didn't ask any of us for a loan, either...





The Eight Week Wonders
At the Christian Community Group Homes benefit
Catholic University, July 20, 2002


August 4, 2002
Swing Fling
We got Third place!


August 10, 2002
Debutante Party at the Dorchester Towers
Our Host is in the Middle


August 10, 2002
Gary Caley's Birthday Party
At Bob and Edith's Diner
We move only in the Finest Circles!


September 14, 2002
Birthday Party in Friendship Heights
Our Hosts are in the Middle


Catherine and Daryl Davis


Catherine and one of Friendhip Heights Finest
He's Related to Al Gore


September 22, 2002
Virginia State Open Swing Dance Championship

Here are some quotes from team members:

• Anne Burson: "As one of the newer members on the team, I want to thank all of you for making me feel so included! I can't even describe how much FUN I have had rehearsing and performing with you (and people often accuse me of not knowing how to have fun)! So thank you all - for the experience, for the positive feedback, for your enthusiasm, etc., etc...! And congratulations to Anne Strauss and Mike, David and Katherine, Hilary and Tracey, Tom and Theresa, Tom and Debra, and, of course, Randy! (I hope I didn't leave anyone out!) And special thanks, as well, to my two wonderful partners Klif and Randy! I look forward to dancing more!"
• Debra Sternberg: "The important thing is that we had a good showing. Sylvia told me she didn't see ONE mistake in our routine, which just backs up what Koerner and I are always saying--they can't be looking at everyone ALL the time! Good work, kids!"
• Ed Fei: "Thanks for the picture and the encouraging observation on the scoring! More on that same point: FOUR of the six judges picked us as sixth, only two picked us as seventh. The four judges who picked us as sixth in addition to Sylvia and Charlie Wyler, were Paulette Brockington, and Rudy Clements, the head judge. Do we have the makings of a scandal here? Were any of those judges swigging champagne or trying to hide their accents Francais? (I'm guessing that other teams got higher ratings from other judges that bumped them up.) BTW my mother said she liked it and she could 'understand' why I did it. Special thanks to Tom and Debra for making it all possible!"
• Dave Senkus: "If you look over your life, you see these pockets of times in your life that really stand out. There was a lot of camaraderie, just a really fun time in your life! They may have been during your years in High School, College, but they don't happen all the time. But when they do happen, it is a really cool part of your life! These are the days! It's alot of fun being on the dance team!"
• Wistar Craighill: "Hey! Right on!! Congrats everyone on a job well done regardless of placement!! I totally echo Dave's, Tracey's, Connie's, Gary's etc. comments and add that I am so glad that I have this in my life - you all are great! "
• Connie Lausten: "Tracey, Congratulations to you and Hillary on your excellent standings, I believe in one of the Jack and Jill categories? AND, to Mike and Ann Strauss and then to Randy and Ann again, and again for their placements, (sticking around for it was worth it Randy). Ann, I lost track on all of you placements, CONGRATULATIONS! I believe Tom and Theresa made an excellent showing as well. If I'm forgetting anyone, please don't be upset with me, but let us know. I'm very impressed with everyone! See you all on the dance floor!"
• Sue and Gary Haley: "I was soooo proud of our team and all of the people on our team who competed!!! It would be a very dull competition without the Tom and Debra crowd!!!"
• Tracey Pilkerton: "Thanks Frank for the picture and words, and thanks to the rest of the team as well for making this such a great experience. We may be last in the overall judging but we are first in team spirit, camaraderie, and good sportsmanship. Wouldn't trade this chemistry with any of the other team's standings -- although I will keep striving with this team to win the judges over. "
• Klif Hodgkin: "! It is clear that everyone commits to this team because of the fun, camaraderie and meaning it brings to each of us, and I join in the multitudinous echoing of those sentiments! I want to thank Tom and Debra for providing the opportunity to join and dance with such a great group of people like this team! Thanks to the whole team for welcoming such a rookie as I, and thanks to Anne Burson for being such a great partner, and for spending some extra time to help whip me into shape! I had a blast!! Congratulations to all who did well at the VSO, Hillary and Tracy, Mike and Anne Strauss, David and Katherine, Randy Morrow and Anne Burson, Tom and Theresa, Randy Morrow and Kristy Baird! I also echo Tracey's commitment to win the judges over, and in my gut, I think we have started down that road. So here's to next year and the new routine!!!"
• Tony Nesky:"Can you all stand another gushy e-mail? No? OK then--the judging sucked! (Just kidding) Seriously, I share your sentiments and couldn't express them any better. All I'll do is point out the smiles on everyone's faces in Frank's picture. Thanks to Tom and Debra, and all of you, for bringing so much fun into my life. I can't sign off without telling Hilary, Tracy, Mike, Anne S., David, Katherine, Randy, and Anne B. just how impressed I was by their competitions. Keep up the good work! And Tracy is right. We're gonna kick ass next year!"
• Tom Koerner:"I spoke to Craig Hutchison after the competition and he agreed that the highlight of the weekend (after the Thursday dance with Frankie) was the team division. He thought we looked very good and that the separation between first and last place was very narrow. Personally, I am more proud of our last place team finish than I am of our first place finishes. "

October 31 was the end of one of Sue and Gary's 8 week cycles at the Reston Community Center. They invited folks from the 8WW to come out and perform "Deep Sea Ball" and "T-R-O-U-B-L-E". They certainly put a lot of effort into their costumes and decorations:

The perfect tourists...

Sue and Gary will be starting lessons at the Reston Fitness Center near the end of November. They invited folks from the 8WW to come to the gym and perform "Deep Sea Ball" and "T-R-O-U-B-L-E". We had an interesting time performing for folks on their treadmills and stationary bikes at 9:00am. After the performance, we headed out to a local bagel place.

The Finale


After performing at 9:00am, food was in order

While many of the team folks were involved in Veterans' Day events, Tracy, Hillary, Catherine and David did a performance at the Georgetown Boathouse for a private party.

Potomac View from the Boathouse


With the Boats

This is our second performance before this group. After a run-through of "T-R-O-U-B-L-E" on the worlds smallest stage, we headed out to Maggianos for dinner. Once again, we brought the kids...

The Eight Week Wonders


The Team Dines en famila

 
Awww... Sue and Max, Debra and Thomas

December 18, 2002
Office Party at Clarendon Ballroom
The Daryl Davis Big Band performed

February 18, 2002
25th Wedding Anniversary at Fannie Mae

At the Chili Cookoff at Pam Gorsicki's Church

This is the team doing 5 Months at the chili cookoff.
Performing team members are
(left to right) Jeff and Jenn, Chris and Gayle, Gary and Theresa, Tom and Pam, Hilary and Tracey.

Photo Credit: Jim Thorne


The informal team group picture
Photo Credit: Jim Thorne

Birthday Party for Sue, Lindsey, and Hilary at Clarendon Ballroom March 25, 2003

Sue Caley and her "Red-headed Princess" Cake




The obligatory team group picture

Birthday Party for Hilary at Glen Echo March 29, 2003

Hilary and Tom




Hilary's Cake




The obligatory team group picture

Birthday Party for Catherine at Virginia Ballroom March 30, 2003

Dressed as Rizzo in Grease




Catherine's Cake

Private Party at Fannie Mae April 5, 2003

The team at Fannie Mae, April 5, 2003

From the Washington Post, April 14, 2003

On April 12, 2003 the Team had the privilege of performing at the very High Profile Best Friends gala held at the Wardman Park hotel. The event benefits a mentoring program for inner-city youth. The theme was pure 1950s with guests encouraged to come in Poodel Skirts and Letter Sweaters. Among the celebrities in attendance was His Honor Anthony Williams, Mayor of the District of Columbia. Hizzoner graciously consented to psing with the Wonders. He should ditch the bow ties for shades and a Letter jacket! Thanks, Mr. Mayor!

April 12, 2002
With Mayor Williams

The Team had a great time on the way to the event. Parking is very scarce at the Wardman Park, so we all crowded into Catherine Bradley's SUV. Things were fairly close, as shown below:

Crowded in the Chevy Suburban...

At the entry to the event was a sculpture of the John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd portraying Jacke and Elwood the "Blues Brothers." Various folks on the team took turns hamming it up with the figures...

 

 

Hamming it up with Jake and Elwood...

Unique Foundation, May 4, 2003

On May 4, 2003 the Team had the privilege of performing for the third time at the Unique Foundation Cancer Benefit held at the McLean Hilton.

Relay for Life, May 31, 2003


Theresa Egan was there also

On May 31, 2003 the Team performed for the second time at the Relay for Life held in Reston.

At Swing Fling, 2003, the Team had a wonderful time and managed to cop fourth place...

The Eight Week Wonders at Swing Fling


Debra was Thrilled at our Fourth Place Award...


...NOT

On October 5, 2003, the Eight Week Wonders were out in force at VSO, having a great time and seeking out last place, wherever it may be... Unfortunately, they broke their streak and actually won SECOND PLACE. One judge -- a person of spectacular taste and refinement -- gave us a First Place vote. At the same time, the Cubs and the Red Sox were in the playoffs. Will wonders ever cease??

Thanks to Tom and Debra and the judges at VSO for putting up with us. We had a wonderful time. Our sincere congratulations to Fidgety Feet who won a well-deserved victory!

First Place: Fidgety Feet


Second Place: The Eight Week Wonders


Third Place: Savoir Swing

We have had a lot of fun illustrating the basics of Savoy Lindy to beginners. We have all ages and all skill levels, united only by shameless exhibitionism. Click Here to see more of our performances! In eight weeks, you could be wearing a letter sweater or Hawaiian shirt, and making a fool of yourself dancing to "Deep Sea Ball" or "T-R-O-U-B-L-E". All you have to do is contact Tom or Debra

There have been two performances for which I DON'T HAVE A GROUP PICTURE, because we were on vacation. (At the Smithsonian and leesburg) If you have photos of the team in action, please send them along!

Send them to: lindyhopr@aol.com We like GIFs, about 250 pixels wide.

Keep Scrolling to see photos of the Individual Couples who make up the team.

There are lots more people on the team, but I DON'T HAVE THEIR PICTURE. If you have photos of the team in action or photos of more couples, Contact Me.

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