Emily Gassner

Born in 1920 in Harlem USA, Emily (then known as Millie) turned her life-long love of dance into a career at the young age of 17. Her debut in the swing arena came during the peak of the Savoy Ballroom's popularity in the mid thirties.

It was her twirl girl potential that caught the eye of talent scout Herbert White, who, with the help of his good friend Frankie Manning, refined Emily's unique Lindy style. In 1936 she was at last introduced as a member of the ground-breaking dance troupe "Whitey's Lindy Hoppers".

Living her dream life, stardom was quick for young Emily as the Hoppers wowed swing enthusiasts night after night at the Savoy and all around the world. By the age of 25, Emily had definitely "made it" and was a regular in the 'Cat's Corner' at the Savoy, hanging with the likes of Norma Miller and Duke Ellington. Sadly, her young life and dance career came to an abrupt end when an attempt to invent the "pretzel" move went horribly wrong. It was a black mark in the history of dancing…

Well... a girl can dream can't she?

The present day incarnation of Emily was born in Melbourne, Australia in 1978. Her passion for dance remains unchanged, however her repressed memories of a past swing life were only released when she received a Swing Patrol flier in the mail. Attending her first class on the 13th February 2000 (yes, i remember the date!), that formidable enthusiasm to swing was born again. Unfortunately after all that raw natural talent of 60 years ago, being stuck in the body of a "twenty something" year old white girl has proved is dancing limitations …but she's working on it!

After many years of swing addiction as a student, performer and then teacher, Emily was asked by Scott & Claudia to join the Team full time, and now works as Swing Patrol's General Manager. It's a dream come true. "I love the whole swing scene and being a part of it. The clothes, the music, the people and especially the dancing. There is nothing like seeing a first-time swinger's jaw drop, when they first see the dancing unfold in front of them. Thus being able to teach and be a part of that is a great honour for me." Emily is very rarely seen sitting still to a whole song, so come track her down, 'cos she'd love to have a dance with you - we're absolutely certain it'll be a dance that you'll never want to end!

Emily is a truly gifted dancer and has plays the leading female role at many Swing Patrols events. Including being invited to teach and perform both nationally and internationally (New Zealand). Emily is an original member of Scat Pack and loves to perform at any occation. When cadetships were announced , there was so much money placed on Emily that the bookies closed there books! Emily is a true asset to the Melbourne swing scene!

Recent Awards
1st Place Fast Swing Champion - 2006 Australian Jitterbug Championships
1st Place All Balboa Jam Champion - 2006 Australian Jitterbug Championships
2nd Place Medium Swing Champion - 2006 Australian Jitterbug Championships