09/28/2026
10 years ago we created VSM Joplin, and what started out with two college students sharing something they loved, became so much more than we could hope for or imagine.
These years have been a gift. They've been full of LOTS of magical, movie-esc moments. Moments that make me pause and breathe in how good it is to be alive and together.
Dancing has such a unique way of introducing you to a strangers in a safe, fun way. We've watched dozens of friendships form and even introduced several happy couples. 🤭
We've held 74 First Fridays, 174 Weekly Lessons, 7 Sweetheart Swings, and dozens of events for high school formals, summer programs and events, corporate parties, and art showcases. (All told, I estimate over 500+ hours of dancing!! 🤯)
Looking back I can hardly believe all that we've been able to do together. So many precious memories to me, my heart is full to bursting just thinking about them.
All of that is true, and what is also true, and complicated, and difficult, is that we will be closing the book on VSM for the foreseeable future. For business, as well as personal reasons, VSM has become unsustainable for us to continue. I'm not gonna lie, I have ugly cried *a lot* over this decision, (drawn out over the past year or so), but I know it's the best decision we can make with the cards we have.
October First Friday (2026) and November will be our final First Friday events. We hope to continue the occasional pop-up swing dance event with The King Group, and will still be available for hire to teach at public events. However, our monthly First Fridays will come to an end at the end of 2026.
The book I'm holding is a photo collection of Vintage Swing Movement Joplin over the past 10 years, and throughout it's pages are blank pages where we'll invite YOU to sign your name and share some memories from the past decade. It will be present at our October & November First Friday events. 🫶🏼
I know that it's only a difficult and heartbreaking goodbye because it's been so dang good for these 10 years. So, I am choosing to focus on what a good and beautiful thing it has been, and I'm inviting you to join us for it's final moments. 💛💛💛
~ Ashley King
