This weekend, Western Canada's biggest lindy hop competition returns to Vancouver for its 10th year in a row. Event organizer Eileen Jones says it a great way for dancers and dance enthusiasts alike to see and experience the lindy hop.

According to Jones, the lindy hop, which became popular in the ballrooms of Harlem in 1920s, '30s, and '40s, is considered to be the "original swing dance". Lindy Bout is simply "a celebration of that dance in a more competitive form.

"Lindy Bout is primarily a competition weekend, and an opportunity for dancers across Western Canada and beyond to really show their stuff... in a joyous and inclusive environment," Jones says in an interview with the Straight at Performance Works on Granville Island, where the event is being held this weekend. 

Jones says she expects to see around 300 people at the competition, which has significantly increased in size since it was first held in 2007. This is Lindy Bout's first year at Performance Works, after nine years of being held in smaller spaces like the Russian Hall and the Polish Community Centre.

Social dances will be held every night (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) to live music played by Vancouver-based jazz musicians.

"Swing dancing; the Lindy Bout, it's for everybody," Jones emphasizes, noting that at past Lindy Bouts, participants have ranged from ages 1 to 89. "For somebody who might not be a dancer, if they come to one of our evening events, they are going to get top quality music, and get to watch a lot of really exciting competitions."

Lindy Bout takes place at Performance Works on Granville Island from March 31 to April 3. In addition to the evening dances, Jones says there are many events planned during the day as well. On Friday, a free outdoor music jam will take place in Ron Batsford Park, adjacent to the venue, between 3 and 5 p.m. A detailed event calendar can be viewed on the event's website.

Evening events will begin around 8:30 p.m., with a limited number of tickets available at the door. 

To get an idea of what Lindy Bout looks like, watch our short interview with Eileen below.