Get into a flap at Highwic’s Deco Day

March 25

MEDIA RELEASE

Get into a flap at Highwic’s Deco Day

Blow the dust off your spats and sparklers – it’s time for Auckland to celebrate its very own Art Deco Day Out at Highwic, the NZ Historic Places Trust property in Newmarket.

The third annual celebration of all things Deco takes place on April 6 (1-5pm) with the Auckland Dixieland Jazz Quartet providing live music. Classic cars from the ‘Flapper’ and Swing eras will also grace Highwic’s grounds for the free event.

“We’re encouraging Art Deco aficionados to dress up in their best Jazz-era get-up, pack a picnic and join us at Highwic for an afternoon of dancing and other ‘moral excesses’,” says the Manager of Highwic, Cheryl Laurie.

“We’ll even be pushing the boundaries by featuring a demonstration of the Charleston – a dance that was seen by many ‘dries’ as a shameless display of rebellion against conventional social morality, and often associated with illegal liquor.”

Performers from Jitterbugs – The School of Swing Dance will demonstrate this and other contemporary dance steps – something they have had plenty of experience at doing.

“Dancers from the school have been teaching and performing at the Napier Art Deco Festival for the last 15 years and are very experienced at sharing these dance moves with others,” says Cheryl.

“Those wanting to try out some of these dances will have the opportunity to have a go irrespective of whether they are – to use the lingo of the day - ‘sharpshooters’ [skilled dancers] or ‘corn shredders’ [people whose dance moves need some work].”

And for those less inclined to ‘cut a rug’, refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon from the Cup Cake Café on-site at Highwic. Patrons should note, however, that ‘hooch’ [illegal liquor] will not be available; not even from a reputable ‘embalmer’ [bootlegger].

Once again Westfield is generously sponsoring the Art Deco Day Out – Auckland’s premium annual event dedicated to the enjoyment and appreciation of Jazz-era popular culture.

Don’t miss Auckland’s Own Art Deco Day Out, April 6, 1-5pm. Free entry to the Art Deco Day Out.

Parking in Highwic’s grounds limited to classic cars only, though some spaces are available for the elderly and disabled – let staff know at the Mortimer Road gate. Ample parking available at Westfield 227 or Farmer’s car parks.

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