My weekly (mostly, sorta) email with info about lessons, dance opportunities, and other movement related stuff, with the most recent info at the top. EMAIL ME if you'd like to receive this weekly mailing directly.
Just back from first college tour, Maine College of Art, and I'm ready to sign up. Oh, wait--it's not for me! Guess I'll have to return my attention to dance, which is not a bad thing at all!
With 4th Saturday Dance this weekend, John Lindo coming to Dance Gourmet March 10, Robert Cordoba in our area March 17, and Boston Tea Party right after THAT--well, it's time to hav e some West Coast fun. I'm trying something a little different the next two weeks, see how you like it and let me know:
Progressive West Coast Swing at Shenanigans:
Feb 22 lesson plan:
6:30 Beginner side pass, locked whip combo
7:00 Advanced beginner variations: add turns
7:30 Experienced dancer variations: more turns + a lean
$5 per half hour, choose the levels that work for you!
8PM Open Dancing, Free
And here's a video I've been enjoying--Sharlot Bott is a gorgeous dancer, so controlled and contained and MUSICAL. . .Pair her with a leader who takes his job seriously and you get this:http://www.youtube.com/watch?
This weekend Sharlot took 2nd in Masters J&J Invitational with Jordan Frisbee at Capitol Swing out in California--it's not available for free viewing anymore, but it was a treat to watch via the live feed. . .keep an eye out for it on youtube. . .
Don't forget to check the calendar for last minute dance updates!
Faye
February 14
Hi all, don't forget:
Wed, Feb 15: Texas 2-Step at Shenanigans
6:30 intermediate, $10
7:30 beginner, $5
8PM Open dancing
We'll be focusing on fluidity in turns and movement, and pivot turn technique this week.
So much fun seeing everyone in St. Johnsbury again this month--thanks for coming, and reminding me how much I love Nightclub two-step!
WEST COAST SWING WEDNESDAYS:
Return next week at Shenanigans, February 22, 2 levels, same schedule as above with the 6:30 lesson focusing on perpetual beginners: are you one of those who has taken the beginner stuff FOREVER but aren't ready to jump into the advanced level? This session the 6:30 class is designed for you. You'll have the opportunity to practice the more-than-beginner-less than-advanced patterns. Each week I'll select a 2-3 pattern sequence, and allow the time for repetition. The goal is to help leaders link several patterns into a smooth amalgamation, and for followers to flow from one basic to the next with confidence.
Upcoming (go to the calendar for details/directions/links):
Saturday, Feb 18: Anne Fleming in Putney, VT
Saturday, Feb 25: Fourth Saturday Dance in Hanover, NH
Friday, March 2: First Friday Teen Swing: the numbers keep growing, so let the teens in your life know about this fun dance event!
Saturday, March 3: Burlesque Dance in Lebanon (followers, this is great for isolations, jazzy steps and movements, and attitude enhancement)
Saturday, March 3: Burlington Westie Monthly Dance
Saturday, March 10: John Lindo in Connecticut. Road trip?!
March 16: Robert Cordoba in Putney, VT
March 22-25: Boston Tea Party, a whole weekend of swing dance fun!
Technique vs. patterns: what's the right balance? As a teacher, I find my answer varies from class to class, couple to couple. The goal is always to provide enough technique for safety and easy execution of a pattern without bogging down beginners, in particular, with too much information. The more experienced dancers generally come to understand that better technique pays off. Technique is one reason why the top dancers can dance well even with beginners, while the eternal intermediate who knows 1001 patterns can only execute them with the better dancers--those who can overcome the mis-steps and confusing leads/follows.
Privates are the best way to clear up the details that can bring your dance to a new level, but asking questions in group classes works, too! Don't ever hesitate to speak up, or to ask me for more detail.
Faye
MEN'S DANCE SHOES:
LISTEN had some dance shoes donated, and contacted me about getting them into the hands/onto the feet of dancers. The money will go directly to LISTEN, so if you are interested, let me know. These are brand new, never worn, and you can see their prices are generally around $70. Here's what's available, with links in case the photos don't show:
Sansha "Donato"
- Ballroom shoe for men. Mixed leather and canvas upper.
- Heel: 3 cm/ 1.2 inches
- Width : M
Sizes: 13M (2 pair) = 7 street shoe
14M = 8 15M = 9 16M = 10-11
17M (2pair) = 11-12
http://www.sansha.com/ShowModel.php?id=396
Aris Allen Tango Shoe
Aris Allen men's black Argentine Tango dance shoes feature all-leather soles.
Stacked leather heel and foam lined footbed - no insole needed. 1.75 inch heel at back
Men's black Tango dance shoes with classic Argentine styling.
Sizes: 10 10.5 12
http://www.dancestore.com/Aris-Allen-Mens-Black-Tango-Shoe-with-Leather-Sole/productinfo/149-BK/
February 1
Wow, great 4th Saturday Dance last weekend! Fun to have so many for
Texas two-step, and thanks to all who participated Friday night in the
Flash Mob. We danced it again Saturday night by request.
The
4th Saturday Dance series has become a dependable opportunity year round
with a DJ mix most months, and bands at least three times a year. The
full calendar can be seen at http://www.freewebs.com/
Classes this week--note location change for THURSDAYS--and a little
beyond, followed by some dance opportunities coming up. Check the
website calendar for the most up-to-date listings.
http://fayesdancestudio.com/
***Wednesdays at Shenanigans
6:30 Experienced, $10
7:30 Beginners, $5
8PM Open dancing, mix of music, free
WEST
COAST SWING Feb 1: Sounds so good, feels so bad. You know the feeling,
you love the song, you know it's great for West Coast because you've
seen others dance to it, but when you try SOMETHING just doesn't feel
right. It's not too late to suggest a song (I already have a couple) or
bring one to class. We'll work on ideas for those tough songs, and how
to make the best of a not-so-good situation when nothing seems to be
working. Tips for leaders and followers.
TEXAS TWO-STEP Feb 8 and 15: Nice to see so many interested in this
dance! Followers, 2step is a great dance for improving your turns and
flow. You just have to keep moving to this dance.
***Thursdays, Lebanon Recreation: Now at my Home Studio in Lebanon
Directions to 89 Cross Road: www.FayesDanceStudio.com/
7PM Beginner Ballroom
7:45PM Salsa, should know the basic rhythm--we will be adding patterns beyond the basics
$25 for three weeks: Feb 2, 9, 16
***Saturday, February 11 in St. Johnsbury
I'll
be returning to St. Johnsbury to build on last month's Nightclub
Two-Step lessons. If you missed it, are new to NC-2 and want to join
in, schedule a private before the 11th!
***Saturday, March 31: Lesson and 2 Bands in WRJ
West
Coast Swing lesson before the dance: beginner at 7:30PM, bands start at
8PM: The Squids and Dr. Burma will be rocking it and we'll be dancing
on the huge floor at the American Legion! Fundraiser for Red Logan
Dental Clinic, this is always a good time.
***Friday, February 3: First Friday Teen Swing Dance CLub
Sponsored
by Lebanon Recreation and supported by the Dartmouth Swing Club, this
is a great way to get the next generation of dancers going. We'll be
learning some new patterns and talking about creating a performance team
this month, so send along some new teens. $1 goes to the Rec.
Department. Lebanon High School Cafeteria, 7-9PM, email Colton at ModernSwingDance@gmail.com for more info or to get on the email list.
Other dance opportunities (details on the website calendar):
Friday, Feb 3, Windsor Locks, CT: Robert Royston
Saturday, Feb 4:
*Burlington Westie First Anniversary! Special Party, First anniversary. Free admission for out of towners (+1 hour drive).
North End Studio A
*Sol Food with guest Joe Bowie at Tupelo, WRJ: $15, byob beer/wine, 8pm
And here's a fun video to watch--Boston dancers
winning at America's Classic in Houston! I've enjoyed some wonderful
dances with Bob over the years, so nice to see him gathering awards!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwN2r5M04u4&feature=share
Happy dancing to you all,
Faye
January 25
West Coast Flash Mob!
Hanover, NH
6:30PM perforamance, 5:30 review/practice time
Many of you have learned the Flash Mob choreography. Now you have a chance to perform it! There is a family dance in Hanover this Friday, and the Upper Valley Dance Club has been invited to do a dem. I’m suggesting we Mob it . . .
I’ll be reviewing the choreography twice this week:
*8PM Wednesday at Shenanigans (Regular classes at 6:30 and 7:30PM that night)
*5:30PM Friday, before the performance at the Richard Black Center
And you can review it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
This is a family event, so it would be great to have dancers of all ages there. More than 20 teens learned the choreography in December, so we’re hoping some of them will show up, too!
If you are able to participate, please let me know by email your name, if you will lead or follow, and the name of your partner if you have one. I’ll match people up if possible.
Here are the technical details:
DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love by Uhser
Choreography by Damon and Lisa D’Amico
Mark calendars:
TONIGHT: West Coast at Shenanigans, 6:30 intermediate musicality, new and review class, 7:30, $10; Beginner, 8PM, $5; Flashmob choreography at 8, free followed by open dancing
FRIDAY Jan 27
Flash mob in Hanover, email Faye for details or to sign up
SATURDAY:
4th Saturday Dance in Hanover this week: Sat 1/28
6PM Texas Two Step workshop with Faye, $10, not for beginner dancers!
7:30 BEGINNER Texas Two-step, free with dance
8-11: Open dancing, wide variety of music, $10
www.freewebs.com/uppervalleydanceclub
Friday, Feb. 3
First Friday Modern Swing Dance for Teens
More than 20 teens showed up last month to learn West Coast Swing from area instructors and Dartmouth Swing Club members.
http://www.facebook.com/ModernSwingDance
Sponsored by Lebanon Recreation Dept.
Saturday Feb 11
St. Johnsbury, VT: Stay tuned, I’ll be back up north for some lessons at the monthly dance
Also that night:
Thetford, Legendary Strafford Blues Band celebrates lead singer Laura’s birthday and Valentine’s Day, details on the calendar
January 11
West Coast Swing Musicality Classes Start tonight!
Three weeks, three songs, one set of patterns:
We’ll start with listening to chord patterns for blues music, discuss
common 12 and 8 bar progressions, and listen for some phrase markers.
We’ll tease out different strands in the music, and think about the
choices each present and the movements you might choose.
Then we’ll apply our ideas to a great blues song I’ve picked out for
tonight with an easy sequence we can repeat and style differently.
Next week, same thing, but a contemporary selection, and the third
week we’ll be working with those frustrating songs: the ones that
sound great but drive you crazy when you try and dance to them.
Have a song you want included? Let me know before the class!
Thursday: Watch the calendar for weather cancellations. If all goes well:
Survival Dance at Mt. Lebanon School, West Lebanon, NH:
No partner required. Teens & adults are welcome to attend.
WINTER SWING SESSION: Jan. 12, 19, 26 (#12500C)
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: January 5
TIME: 7:00-7:45 p.m - Beginner Level WEST COAST SWING
TIME: 7:45-8:30 p.m - Advanced Beginner Level WEST COAST SWING
Nightclub Two-step in St. Johnsbury Saturday night, lessons start at
6:30. Contact Phil if you need directions, etc.: Pjciotti@yahoo.com
More than 20 teens showed up at Lebanon High School last Friday night
to learn some West Coast Swing. If you know someone who is
interested, have them shoot an email to ModernSwingDance@gmail.com or
check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/
Teen swing group meets the first Friday of the month at Lebanon High
School, next meeting: February 3.
January 3, 2012
Happy 2012, dance friends! No Wed. class this week, but here’s the line up for the near future, with West Coast Swing at Shenanigans on Wednesdays, Survival Dance on Thursdays, Nightclub Two-Step in St. Johnsbury Jan 14, and Fourth Saturday with Texas Two-Step at the Richard Black Center on Jan. 28th. Remember to check the calendar for updates:
http://fayesdancestudio.com/Calendar.html
Wednesdays, Shenanigans
January 11, 18, 25: Musicality!
Blues construction. . .chord progressions. . .phrasing. . .learn to hear the changes in the music, and how and when to acknowledge them. That’s the focus for Wednesdays in January. Drawing on the teachings of Barry Durand (“when it comes to hitting breaks, you’re early. . .you’re late. . .or you’re lucky”), Mario, Bill Cameron’s concept of pattern repetition, and Mrs. Mitchell’s piano lessons (“now dear, you can’t play with your nails that long. . .”), I’ll break down songs old and new and we’ll see what makes them predictable. Then we’ll see how to make your dancing more interesting and match your movements to the music.
6:30 WCS musicality, experienced level, $10
7:30 West Coast Swing beginner level, $5
8PM Open Dancing, mixed music, bring some to share
Survival Dance at Mt. Lebanon School, $25 per person (3 class session)
Thursdays in January: SWING
Jan. 12, 19, 26
7:00-7:45 p.m - Beginner Level Swing
7:45-8:30 p.m - Advanced Beginner Level Swing
Thursdays in February: BALLROOM/SALSA
February 2, 9, 16
7:00-7:45 p.m - Beginner Level: Ballroom
7:45-8:30 p.m - Advanced Beginner Level: Salsa
St. Johnsbury, Saturday, January 14:
Nightclub two-step, lessons start at 6:30
Open dancing after lessons
FOURTH SATURDAY DANCE THIS MONTH:
Workshop: Texas Two-Step!
This is a great dance, and on a big floor it’s even better. . .break out your boots if you have ‘em, and learn some travelling patterns.
6PM: Experienced dancers, $10
7:30: Free (with dance) intro to Texas Two-Step
8-11: Open dancing to variety of music, $10
Richard Black Center, Hanover, NH
And finally, here’s a link to Erin’s burlesque dance class at Raq-on in Lebanon for those followers ready to unleash their “inner showgirl”: http://www.raq-on.net/index.php/classes/other-classes.html, scroll to the bottom of the page.
Faye Grearson
Lebanon, NH
www.FayesDanceStudio.com
December 14
Quick note this week, busy time of year!
Wed Dec 14, West Coast Swing at Shenanigans
6:30 PM mini-routine with a focus on styling, $10
7:30 PM Beginner West Coast, $5
8PM Open Dancing, free
TEEN SWING: Next session is Friday, Jan 6, 7-9 pm at Lebanon High School Cafeteria. This is FUN. Send some teens. ModernSwingDance@gmail.com for info or to join the contact list. Sponsored by Lebanon Rec and supported by the Dartmouth Swing Club.
Gift Certificates: Great gift, especially if you know someone who is getting married. Set them up for a series or a private for their special dance.
This weekend:
Friday: Robert Royston is at Ken's in Windsor Locks, CT
Saturday: Jennifer Lyons will be at the Putney Inn with workshops, dinner, and dancing to live band
Blast from the past:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTIecYDVKI4
Compare these top routines, danced by some of your favorites, to today's style.
************************************************************
November 29
So much news. . .read on for:
1. Teen Swing Club forming, meets Friday Dec. 2, 7-9PM
2. US Open Results
3. Class Schedule: Survival Ballroom Tonight, Tuesday!
4. Dance Opportunities
1.
NEW: Teen Swing Club forming! Organizational meeting and lesson this
Friday, Dec. 2, 7-9 PM
Lebanon High School Cafeteria
This is a collaborative effort I’ve organized through Lebanon Recreation, with the support of the Dartmouth Swing
Club, and several parents. It’s geared toward 12-19 year olds, so spread the word: Hip hop, turns, lifts. . .This isn’t your
grandparent’s swing dancing. Join professional instructors, members of Dartmouth’s Swing Dance Club, and other teens. No partner required,
we’ll be teaching the turns and moves you want. No dance experience needed, performance and competition opportunities for those who are
interested. Email contact: modernswingdance@gmail.com
2.
US Open Swing Dance results and videos are up. It’s amazing when I
think back to the pre-internet Opens, when Diane White would order the
video set, wait until they arrived sometime in January, and host a
viewing party. With West Coast Swing going global and instant viewing
available to the most rural dancers, it’s no surprise the dance is
changing faster than ever.
Because of that there is a lot of discussion right now about what
constitutes “swing content” and the conversation is sure to continue.*
Here’s a suggestion Robert Cordoba made, shut off the sound and watch
the routine—does it still swing?
And. . .when they are this good. . .does it matter to you? Watch and
enjoy: http://www.usopenswingdc.com/2011_division_winners.html
*As you consider your definition, remember it’s the “Open Swing”
competition, and over the years has included East, West, Lindy, Hand,
Shag and cowboy swing. . .probably more, but that’s what I recall
seeing! So the definition needs to be broad and inclusive. And if
you want to be involved in the discussion, there are numerous Facebook
groups talking about it.
3.
Classes this week:
Tuesday, Nov. 29:
7 PM: Survival Dance, drop ins welcome ($10), waltz this week, no
partner necessary. MEETS AT 89 CROSS ROAD, LEBANON, NH
Wednesday, Nov. 30:
6:30PM Experienced West Coast Swing: Technique oriented class, work on
safe (defensive) dancing, dance etiquette (social vs. showmanship),
turn practice, how to sharpen your footwork, leg lines, and yes, there will be a pattern taught! $10 drop in
7:30PM Beginner West Coast, $5pm
8PM Open dancing, mostly West Coast and Texas Two but I’ll mix it up
and take requests. Bring a song you like. . .
Next Wednesday: Nightclub Two-Step
THURSDAY, Dec. 1
7PM: Survival Dance, final class, drop ins welcome ($10), no partner
necessary. MEETS AT MT. LEBANON SCHOOL, W. LEBANON, NH
4.
Dance opportunities:
Friday: Shenanigans, Shana Stack
Saturday: Salt Hill, Squids
Farther afield: Holiday party at Longfellows, Wayland, MA
http://www.longfellowclubs.com/Dance.html
New Years--might as well start planning now:
Want an inexpensive ($10 per person) local New Year's event geared to dancers? Let the UVDC Fourth
Sat. Dance crew know ASAP so they can make arrangements, if there aren't enough people interested there won't be a dance:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/56R8W7F
Big Event: Bill Cameron is your host for a weekend Swing Event:
http://www.dancepros.net/firstnight.html
Lake Morey Inn: $75 per person includes:
6pm hors d'oeuvres
7 dinner
8:30 band, Phil Abair band from Burlington, DJ during breaks
champagne toast/midnight buffet
That's it for this week!
Faye
************************************************************
November 14
Fun dancing all weekend in Boston, workshops, demos, some salsa, lots of West Coast. . .There is nothing like a dance floor full of people with great music, everyone from beginners to the pros. And that’s at 4 AM. . .Before that, the floor isn’t full, it’s packed! If you haven’t been to a dance event outside the Upper Valley, there are some great starter step options. In fact, there’s room for one more in a car heading down to Mario in CT Sat. PM. Let me know if you are interested.
Lots of dance this week, Texas 2-step review class tonight at Shenanigans, makeup WCS beginner level on Thursday, ***Robert Cordoba is in Hanover Friday night!*** and Burlington, VT area Saturday, Mario is in CT all weekend, Dr. Burma plays at Tupelo Music Hall. . .the dance options go on and on! For the most up-to-date listings, check the calendar page.
So class schedule first, weekend options next, and a peek at some exciting events down the road.CLASS SCHEDULE
WED Nov 16, Shenanigans
Week #3 (final) of Texas 2-step: Final piece to the experienced level sequence, then near the end of class we’ll work on turns again. Beginners, come a little early and join in on this if you can. This *technique focus* and practice will help you in any dance.
6:30 Exp, $10
7:30 Beginner, $5
8PM: Open dancing, mix of West Coast, 2-step, more. . .
11/23: **No Wed. Class next week**: Happy Thanksgiving; I am available for privates that evening
11/30: West Coast Swing
12/7: Nightclub Two-Step
THURS Nov 17, Mt. Lebanon School, West Lebanon
7PM: First class of Beginner (Survival) Ballroom. Bring your calendars, we will schedule the makeup class that evening!
7:45: MAKEUP CLASS FOR WEST COAST SWING! Drop ins welcome, $10, we will go through all of the basic West Coast Swing patterns, 6 and 8 count. For a pre-class review, go here: http://swingshoes.net/photos-videos/videos/wcs-101
THIS WEEKEND:
***FRI 11/18, Robert Cordoba in Hanover, Great Hall at Thayer School (end of Tuck Drive on the Dartmouth Campus). Don’t miss this! Robert is leaving the Boston area, so opportunities to work with one of the top leaders in West Coast Swing will be rare. Workshops and open dancing ($10 for dance only), details here, he’ll head up to Shelburne, VT for Saturday events:
http://vermontwestcoastswing.net/default.aspx
ALL WEEKEND: Mario is in Enfield, CT with workshops and dancing Friday, Saturday and Sunday. His wife Stephanie will be doing her excellent spins and turns workshop on Sunday: www.djke
SAT 11/19
Dr Burma at Tupelo: Their first time there; they love the dance community and have requested extra space for dancing, http://www.tupelohallvermont.com/
Starline Rhythm Boys are in Waitsfield, VT, www.bigp
Johnny Bishop plays in Thetford, get tickets in advance: Karla.Bourland@
Monthly USA Ballroom dance in Colchester, VT, www.dancevermon
DOWN THE ROAD:
Sat, Nov 26: 4th Saturday Dance in Hanover, workshop TBD
Dance Gourmet dates (workshops, great dinner, open dancing in W. Hartford, CT):
January 21: Jason Wayne, see him dance here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
April 21: Ben Morris
Sept 14-16: Vermont Swing Championships, Hampton Inn, Burlinton, VT
Sept. 29: Erik Novoa
*****************************************************************************
November 4
WEDNESDAY at Shenanigans:
Texas Two step, 6:30 experienced, 7:30 beginnerOpen dancing 8PM, requests. . .get your mid-week dancing in!
Free pool night if you need a break. . .
This weekend: Swingin' New England in Newton, MA: West Coast Swing, Lindy, Salsa, Argentine Tango. . .all in one place! Go for a day, go for the weekend, you'll see lots of Upper Valley dancers taking advantage of the workshops, entering the competitions, and enjoying the world class exhibition dancing. Details here: http://www.swingingnewengland.com/
Every event has its own style. . .SNE is known for bringing together dancers of different styles; this year's workshop schedule shows West Coast Swing, Lindy, Salsa, Tango. . .for dancers of all levels. And it includes the (in)famous Bookends Competition, hilarious and risqué late night entertainment. . .lots of pros. . .and just plain fun.
Closer to home:
Sat., Nov 12: St. Johnsbury monthly dance, foxtrot lessons with Jenny Gelfan, details for this and other dance events on my calendar: http://fayesdancestudio.com/Calendar.html
Next weekend, Nov 18/19:
Robert Cordoba in Hanover, NH (Fri) and Shelburne, VT (Sat): http://vermontwestcoastswing.net/default.aspx
Mario Robeau in Windsor Locks, CT (Fri-Sat-Sun): www.djkenm.com
SatPM: Dr. Burma at Tupelo Music Hall, WRJ http://tupelohallvermont.com/
October 12
Wed. at Shenanigans: Review last week's pattern, learn something a
little different, then. . .
Dancing to challenging music!
Acoustic. Slow stuff. Strange rhythms and odd accents. We'll talk
about them and dance to them. . .then head to Salt Hill to put them
into practice!
Really, what could be better than dancing to great blues and hanging
out with other dancers on a Wednesday night?!
Thursday PM:
Survival Dance Starts in West Lebanon, register through Lebanon Recreation or at the first class:
Mt. Lebanon School
7PM Beginner Swing
7:45PM Adv. Beginner West Coast Swing: revisit what you ALMOST know. . .!
$35 for 3 weeks
Support a dance friend info:
Many of you know Anne Fleming, a big supporter of New England dance
and a favorite of the NH/VT dance community, is facing a health
challenge. She had surgery last week and will be home on Friday. If
you'd like to send her your thoughts/wishes/support the old fashioned
way, her address is:
Anne Fleming
7 Union Rd
Stratham, NH 03885
Upcoming:
Sat, 10/15
Benefit dance at the American Legion, White River Junction
Big floor, two great bands (Dr. Burma and Sensible Shoes), and support
for Headrest--a great, local agency.
I haven't seen a door price, but $10-15 is the regular. I'll add it
the price to the calendar once I know.
Sat, 10/22
Fourth Saturday Dance!
6PM Jenny Gelfan will teach East Coast Swing breaks and styling, $10
7:30 Free intro to East Coast Swing
8-11 DR. BURMA plays, I'll be DJing the breaks, $10
NEW YEAR'S: Let the Dance Club know if they should be reserving the
space: go here to complete the New Year's Survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/
Swingin' New England is coming up in November. . .hotel may be sold
out, but there are plenty of local dancers going so you can still find
a floor to crash on at the very least! Register now. .
.www.swingingnewengland.com/
http://www.swingingnewengland.
West Coast. . .Salsa. . .Lindy
Three great dance communities all in one place! Lots of workshops,
competitions for those so inclined, open dancing, and exhibition
dancing. And with the late night bookends competition, the phrase
"exhibition dancing" is particularly accurate. . .
October 6
So much dance news, so little time! Lots of West Coast opportunity
right now, and then Texas Two-step coming up in November. Here is
class info right up front, followed by some dance/workshop info. And
remember—everything is available on the website (with its transitional
background. . .) and the calendar:
www.FayesDanceStudio.com
Quick dance observation: I love watching people dance—looking out on
the dance floor and seeing such variety; people moving in response
to the music, dancers of all ages and shapes and sizes talking and
laughing and engaging with their partners. Lots of positive energy.
And then I look at the swing dancers. . .Uh-huh, you know what I’m
talking about. . .Often we’re all deep in thought, trying to remember
a pattern or some footwork, thinking about the latest feedback or
workshop, worrying about making a mistake or getting the next accent
just right. How is it that we can make something fun look so much
like work?!
So here’s my tip for the week—smile. Yeah, just smile at each other,
at yourself, at how great it is to be alive and dancing.
OCTOBER CLASSES:
TUESDAY AT CHANDLER: Postponed
Wednesdays, Shenanigans, WRJ: Ongoing
6:30 Intermediate, $10
7:30 Beginner, $5
West Coast in October, TEXAS TWO-STEP Nov. 2, 9, 16
Thursdays:
October 6: Rices Mills, Thetford
Contact Gina at waltzlover@gmail.com for more info
Starting next week:
Thursdays
SURVIVAL DANCE: Learn just enough to get by (beginner level) or a
little bit more because it’s so much fun (advanced beginner level):
Mt. Lebanon School, at the end of Dana Street (where it becomes White Ave.)
SURVIVAL WEST COAST SWING Oct 13, 20, 27
TIME: 7:00-7:45 p.m - Beginner Level: Swing
7:45-8:30 p.m - Advanced Beginner Level
$25 per person, three weeks
$10 per person drop in
SURVIVAL BALLROOM and SALSA
November 3, 17 & December 1
7:00-7:45 p.m - Beginner Level: Ballroom
7:45-8:30 p.m - Beginner Level: Salsa
A few of the dance opportunities coming up:
Saturday, October 8, 8 p.m.
Benefit DANCE PARTY for Central Vermont Flood Relief
Two bands:The Party Crashers and Jeanne & The Hi-Tops
Chandler Music Hall, Randolph, Vt
Doors open at 7:30 p.m., dancing starts at 8:00.
Suggested donation: $15
Call 802-728-6464 to reserve your space!
Saturday, October 8
Dr. Burma, Lake Morey
Frydaddy, Salt Hill Pub Lebanon
Saturday, October 15
American Legion, WRJ: Dr Burma and Sensible Shoes, benefit dance
celebrating Headrest’s 40th Anniversary!
October 14-17
Montreal Weekend Event: http://montrealdancefest.com/
October 22
DR. BURMA at monthly 4th Saturday Dance in Hanover: This is always
one of the biggest dances, so put it on your calendar now!
There's now regular West Coast dancing in Burlington, along with the
regular dances in the Boston and Windsor Locks, CT areas. I can't
wait to be back out there dancing with you all. . .it's been too long!
Faye
603-369-2936
Booking privates, wedding coaching, small groups. Don't forget to
order your holiday gift certificates!
Saturday, September 24
Hi Dance Friends,
Hip is healed, broadwing hawks have migrated south, fall wedding couples have come calling, and I'm now ready to get back on the dance floor with group classes! The new schedule is up on the website and summarized below; there are more things to add but here's the big reminder:
4th Saturday Dance is TONIGHT!
Richard Black Center
Hanover, NH
Quickstep at 6PM with the Cloughs from Keene: Unlock the mystery of this fun dance. $10 per person
7:30 is the free lesson for your friends and families
8PM the open dancing starts.
It's a good time to come out, dance with friends, and celebrate our great local dance community. Do you know how fortunate we are to have so many dance options right here in the Valley, not to mention those 1-2 hours down the road?!
Here's the schedule, I'm looking forward to see you all soon.
Faye
TUESDAYS at Chandler Music Hall, Randolph, VT:
October 4, 11, 18, 25
7:30PM Beginner
8:15 Advanced Beginners
$40 per person, 4 week session
$12 Single class drop in rate
WEDNESDAY at Shenanigans, White River Junction, VT
October 5, 12, 19, 26
6:30PM Experienced, $10
7:30 Beginners, $5
THURSDAYS
Oct 6: West Coast Swing at Rices Mills, $5
October 13, 20, 27 Survival Dance through Lebanon Rec:
7PM: Just Enough to Get By Beginner Basics, Swing
7:45: Advanced Beginner Swing: Add to What You Know
$25 per person, 3 sessions
Friday, August 26
She walks. . .she talks. . .but she can’t sit at the computer for very long!
That’s right, one week post-surgery I’m getting around well, working on physical therapy and exercising daily, but prefer a more reclined position--one not so conducive to typing. So this is short and sweet and focused on one topic:
4th Saturday Dance: Saturday, August 27
Richard Black Recreation Center, Hanover, NH
If you’re not at the Summer Hummer, you should be in Hanover for the Upper Valley Dance Club’s annual
FREE DANCE!
7:30 Free Beginner Lesson with Jenny Gelfan: Invite all your friends and family, strangers on the street, anyone: nothing to lose, just some fun to be gained
8-11: Mary G. will DJ a wide mix of music
There will be some special guests around; Vinh and Kendall Pham have decided to evacuate their new New York abode early and come out to the country, and you never know who else will show up. . .
So buy your bottled water early in the day, fill the gas tanks, and come out and show Irene that Upper Valley Dancers know how to have fun!
Lessons will resume in September and October, with group classes at Shenanigans, in Randolph, and through Lebanon Recreation. I’m working on a teen swing club for younger dancers (contact Lebanon Rec to get on the list), more on this exciting development later, but it will include lessons, regular opportunity to dance, and a performance option.
All while reclining. . .
Happy Dancing, and stay safe.
Faye
Tuesday, August 9
August 10: Special Dance Party!
7PM Special Review Class, Experienced, $10
A buffet line of patterns from this year!
8PM Open Dance Party, West Coast Swing and a little bit more!
This will be my last group class until fall, so come and have some air conditioned fun!
Remember, I'll be taking a break for a bit after this and resuming privates and classes in September.
Also, dance Friday night at Collis on the Dartmouth Campus: Swing Machine will be on stage for their once-a-term dance party:
Free for Students $5 non-students Quick lesson from 8-830pm and *Swing Machine* will be playing 2 sets from 830-11pm!
Tuesday, July 25
Hi All,
First, thanks to Ian Brennick for taking photos at the dance Saturday night! You can view and order prints here, and note that the online images are smaller versions than the full size file you will receive:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/
Contact Ian at
ibrennick@vt.edu with questions or for more info.
The first 100 or so are cropped, etc., I imagine if you order one
he'll spruce it up for you! It's been fun looking through them.
WEST COAST WEDNESDAYS AT SHENANIGANS, here's the schedule for July/August:
July 27, Wednesday at Shenanigans
6:30 Intermediate level, $10
7:30 Beginner level, $5
8PM Open dancing
August 3: NO CLASS, annual scheduled vacation
August 10: Special review class, 7PM: Intermediate stuff, and lots of it, $10
August 17, NO CLASS, unscheduled extended vacation...
On August 10th I'll be going through a lot the patterns taught in the
past few months, a review of the best social stuff, the recent Richard Black Center patterns, and of course will toss in something new. This will be kind of fast paced, it's a review, not a thorough teaching. . .and I'll have copies of one style of scoring sheet to share with those interested in competing so you can see what judges are looking for. And then we'll celebrate with open dancing (free), mostly West Coast with a little Nightclub, Hustle, etc. thrown in. A celebration dance of sorts, and my last group class until September. So plan to stop in and dance, whether or not you want partake of the buffet line of patterns!
What are we celebrating? As some of you know, I've been having hip problems for quite a while and I'm now taking time off to get fixed up and heal! I'm looking forward to a major improvement after this, and will resume group classes in the fall, privates and wedding lessons a little sooner. I am still scheduling privates through August 15th, so let me know if you would like to set up a time to meet. Then I am on vacation for a while and looking forward to being back and dancing ASAP.
Happy dancing,
Faye
Tuesday, July 11
So many great ideas, still not sure which one I'll settle on for tomorrow's class. Come and find out!
Beginners, the 7:30 class is really designed for you. Learn the basics and then some in easy to understand and implement segments.
I have some vacation time coming up in August, so schedule your privates and small group classes soon!
Wednesday, July 12 at Shenanigans, Bowling Alley Complex off Sykes Ave. in White River Junction, VT
6:30 Experienced WCS class, $10
7:30 Intro WCS class, $5
8 PM: FREE Open dancing
July 23: 4th Saturday Dance in Hanover: Jenni Johnson and her band rock the house, I'll DJ the breaks for non-stop dancing!
Check out her great playlist here: http://jennijohnson.net/music/
Co-sponsored by Hanover Rec.
6PM Workshop, $10, West Coast Swing with Faye
7:15PM Beginner swing lesson-invite friends and family to experience the joy of dancing.
More dance info on the website. . .
Looking for new music? Here's one place to keep an eye on:
http://www.globalswingdjs.com/topsongs.html
See you out dancing!
Faye
Tuesday, June 7
Wednesday West Coast Swing in LEBANON
Remember, we’ll be meeting at 89 Cross Road, my home studio, again this week for a special focus on. . .drum roll please. . .competition dancing. Don’t worry if you aren’t interested in that aspect of dancing, many aren’t. But the same skills that come into play there are important in every dance! So while this is timed to help those who are signing up for the amazingly inexpensive, low pressure comps at Vermont Swing Championships June 17-19, everything we talk about and try out will also improve your social dancing.
6:30PM Intermediate, $10
7:30PM Beginner, $5
We’ll look at recent Newcomer/Novice competition video, talk about what the judges are looking for, and then try some things out on the dance floor. We’ll break the average three-minute song down into segments, try out the different styles of music typically used in competitions, and experiment with both Jack and Jill and Strictly Swing formats. For those who are interested, we can do some videotaping, too.
It will be a fun evening, hope you can join in!
Faye
PS: Here’s a J&J video we might have time to talk about—look at the changes in levels, speed, rhythms! BTW, Luis used to teach in Northampton at Paradise Dance with Deborah Cohen before he moved west and joined the major league dancers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7Lo-VC8tXk
COMING UP:
Watch the website for vendor specials at the Vermont Swing Dance Championships! There will be hair treatments, great dance clothing, and a massage therapist on hand to keep you feeling and looking your best at the Upper Valley’s first West Coast Swing event! June 17-19 is right around the corner, but you can still get passes in advance or at the door. There will be fun events both Friday and Saturday nights, lots of new and familiar faces, and the opportunity to dance with some of the best in the world. Check it all out here:
http://vermontswingchampionships.web.officelive.com/default.aspx
but mostly, mark your calendars and get in a little sleep ahead of time, because with three days of dance right in your backyard, you won’t want to miss a minute!
Know someone who isn’t interested in dancing but might like to help out at the registration desk, etc? Contact Karen at karencdance@comcast.net or email me. And if you want to rest your dancing feet for a bit you can help out, too! A lot of work goes into an event like this, and Karen appreciates the support the local dance community has given. But don’t stop yet, the event has workshops for all levels so invite your friends to come, too. There’s plenty to see and do for dancers of all levels.
Tuesday, May 31West Coast Swing
June 1, 8, 15
6:30PM Experienced level, $10 drop in, $25 three weeks
7:30PM Beginner
8PM Open dancing
Prices are going up for everyone, but I’ve kept mine the same, making these classes the best value around.
Come at 6:30 and learn some intermediate/advanced material, techniques and concept; you will receive plenty of feedback and get to try your lead/follow out with a variety of partners. Invite a friend to try out the special $5 beginner class at 7:30, and that price, and with a 30 minute lesson, they get a chance to try the dance without a big financial commitment.
Open dancing starts around 8 so you can practice what you’ve learned, get a little more feedback, dance some of your other favorites. . .bring a song you’d like to try out or share with others, requests are welcome!
Week 1: Whip patterns, apache focus. You won’t believe how many possibilities there are. . .
Beginner level: 8 count patterns, whip technique
Week 2: We’ll revisit the concepts that will help you succeed in competitions, and guess what: they are the same skills that make social dancing fun and exciting!
Beginner level: Push breaks (sugar push) and right side passes
Week 3: Musicality—make each dance unique and interesting by really connecting your moving to the music
Beginner focus: Smooth sequencing—putting easy patterns together, left side passes and tucks
SPREAD THE WORD!
St Johnsbury, West Coast Swing: Saturday, June 11, lessons with Faye
http://fayesdancestudio.com/Calendar.html click on June 11
Vermont Swing Championships, West Lebanon, NH: June 17-19
http://vermontswingchampionships.web.officelive.com/default.aspx
Details and links are always on the website, check the calendar for last minute ideas and updates:
http://fayesdancestudio.com/Calendar.html
Speaking of musicality, check out Robert Royston and partner Jill DeMarco dancing to Clarence Carter's song "Strokin'" (and if you ever spent time at Shenanigans in its Cactus Jacks days, you'll probably be able to sing along with Robert:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3LpQGyFk_A&feature=player_embedded
Choreography, on the fly. . .
Faye
Faye Grearson
Lebanon, NH
www.FayesDanceStudio.com
Wednesday, May 18
Special opportunity tonight, Wednesday—I have a few people who have asked about joining in at Shenanigans; it’s week #3 and we did some fun choreography last week which we will continue and perfect this week.
I’m planning on arriving at 6 PM tonight (May 18) to go over the key pieces of the choreography, so if you want to jump in mid-session, this is the way to do it! Read on for my reasons for occasional choreography sessions. . .
And for all of you who missed Vinh last week (he dropped in for open dancing after class—what a treat!), he and his wife Kendall Reynolds Pham have been added to the staff list for the Vermont Swing Championships June 17-19 in West Lebanon. Kendall will be teaching a workshop on turns. Don’t forget to register before the prices go up, this is a great deal for dancers of all levels with plenty of open dancing along with the competitions. Invite friends who have been meaning to give West Coast Swing a try—the beginner track will be just the thing, and they’ll see tons of great dancing to inspire them!
West Coast Wednesdays at Shenanigans
6PM: Special review of previous patterns
6:30: Experienced class, $10
7:30: Beginner class, LEFT SIDE PASSES, some turn variations, $5
8:30: Open dancing
Don’t forget to check out the calendar on the website, and plan now to be at the 4th Saturday Dance May 28 when Jeannie and the Hi-Tops will be playing at the Richard Black Center in Hanover. FayeWhy Choreography?
The experienced class is spending some time with an old favorite of mine, Otis Redding’s “(Sitting on) The Dock of the Bay”. Ideally, I like to think of swing dancing as a variation on ballet—that is, a story set to music. In the improvisational version of dance (what we do most of the time), leaders and followers are making it up as we go along. That’s one of the reasons I remind people to sing along as they dance; the more you can be aware of the particulars of the song, the more you can work with it. After all, if it’s just the rhythm that matters, you might as well dance to a metronome!
The lyrics are just one of the options on which a dancer can focus, but for many, especially those without musical training, they are the clearest and most accessible. Matching your movements to the words is a great starting point for choreographing on the fly, and you can see many of examples of this when the pros dance. Followers are often the first to play with this option since they don’t have to think about what is coming next. By planning choreography in advance, my goal is to give you the chance to feel the match between movement and music while leaving both leaders and followers free to explore the movements. This requires a certain amount of repetition, but I know for me, it was the structure and discipline of choreography that led to greater freedom and spontaneity in my social dance.
Many more events on the calendar at http://www.fayesdancestudio.com/Calendar.html
Fri 5/20 Robert Royston, Windsor Locks, CT:
Sat 5/28 Fourth Saturday Dance:
www.freewebs.com/uppervalleydanceclub
Sat 6/11 St. Johnsbury Dance, West Coast Swing with Faye
Fri-Sun 6/17-19 Vermont Swing Championships, West Lebanon: http://vermontswingchampionships.web.officelive.com/default.aspx
Tuesday, May 3
Brand New West Coast Swing Material beginning Wed., May 4
There’s nothing quite like a weekend surrounded by fellow dancers. . .Workshops, open dancing, competitions. . .it’s motivation and inspiration and creativity all wrapped into 48 energizing hours! And you can experience the magic right in your backyard in June at Karen Graham’s Vermont Swing Championships in West Lebanon, June 17-19 at the Fireside Inn.
Between the Boston Tea Party in March and Swingin’ Into Spring this past weekend, I’ve got lots of fun material, and Wednesdays at Shenanigans is when I’ll be teaching new combinations and technique, starting this week (May 4th). I’m planning a 4 week session with a balance of style and patterns. Intermediates, 6:30--this will be challenging material, so if you are at that transitional place, between beginner and intermediate, please consider attending with a partner. The class will still be based on rotating partners (it’s all lead/follow material) but if you aren’t quite fluid dancing the basic patterns you will then have the option of working through new material without the pressure of rotating. Not sure? Email me and ask!
Beginners—there is a 30 minute class for you at 7:30, followed by open dancing. This is a great chance to learn without being overwhelmed (do you really remember 60 minutes worth of new material?!) and a chance to put it into practice right away. I also recommend this class for experienced and transitional dancers—if you really want to understand the dance, try learning the opposite part. In 30 minutes, you will gain a lot of information about the connection you create (or not. . .) in your regular leader/follower role.
Here’s a summary of upcoming dance opportunities, followed by an explanation of why I teach the upper level class first. But first, congratulations to Brock Davis, a regular Wednesday night dancer, who placed 5th in his first Jack and Jill competition amidst heavy competition. NH/VT dancers are showing up regularly in the finals—very exciting!
Wednesday, May 4 at Shenanigans, White River Junction, VT
6:30 West Coast Swing, experienced level, $10 per person
7:30 West Coast, beginner, $5, side pass variations
8-? Open dancing, lots of WCS, requests welcome, FREE
Monday, May 9 at Collis Center on Dartmouth Campus, Hanover, NH
8PM Beginner swing lesson, West Coast with a great little piece at the end for experienced WCS dancers!
8:30-11 Dance to Susan Brison and Swing Machine, very danceable jazz with wide range of genres—a great dance band, also wonderful to listen to. Community welcome, $5. Students free.
Saturday, May 7 at St. Johnsbury, regular monthly dance with foxtrot lessons before, details on the calendar.
Saturday, May 28: Hanover’s Fourth Saturday Dance returns with Jeannie and the Hi-Tops playing, DJ music between sets, 6PM cha cha workshop with Jenny Gelfan ($10) and free intro to East Coast Swing at 7:30. Band plays 8-11, $10
Looking ahead:
Saturday, June 11: I teach West Coast Swing at the St. Johnsbury dance.
Lots more dance info and ideas on the website calendar at www.FayesDanceStudio.com and you can read the current newsletter there, too!
Spring. Clear roads = Road trips! Ken Mercik has Friday night dances, Saturday offers West Coast Swing in the Boston area, and there are other options in between. Find ‘em, dance ‘em. . .
Faye
PS: Don’t forget the VT Swing Championships will include Jack and Jill and Strictly Swing competitions. Plan now for a private to work on the technique that will put you in the winner’s circle! Find out what the judges are looking for (it differs) and how to best present yourself and your partner.
Faye.Grearson@gmail.com
603-369-2936
Why I Teach Intermediates First, Beginners Second
For many years I taught using the standard format--beginners first, experienced dancers next. The biggest challenge with this order is human nature: by definition, anyone who has completed the beginner class is, by definition, experienced! And often, beginners stick around and struggle with material they just aren't ready for. Swing is a partner dance, so this has an effect on the entire class, as people rotate through, unable to turn quickly enough or maintain enough connection to execute the patterns being taught.With open dancing after the classes, there is added pressure to jump into the higher class rather than sit around for an hour. The newest students just tend to leave, losing the opportunity to practice. I guess if someone is going to be inconvenienced, I’d rather it be the experienced dancers for 30 minutes than the newcomers for an hour—because—we already KNOW dancing is worth the wait!
Learning in 30 minute chunks also makes pedagogical sense for most new dancers. After watching part (or all) of the advanced class, they are ready to start moving, and they are then exposed to a manageable piece of dance information. If they come every week, the repetition builds a solid base. Best of all, they get to apply what they learned right away during the social dancing AND get to dance with supportive experienced people if they choose to!
Finally, the 30 minute lesson gives experienced dancers the chance to relax, visit, and build a sense of dance community. I also encourage them to try learning a piece of the “opposite” part. Learning to lead had a profound impact on my ability to follow, and I have seen the change it effects in leaders over the years, and 30 minutes at a beginner pace is just about right to start to feel the benefits—and the challenges!
April 27
West Coast Swing starts Wed, May 4 at Shenanigans!
Back on track for Wednesday lessons and open dancing! Hustle tonight, this is a great dance to alternate with your West Coast Swing on contemporary music, or mix in if you feel adventurous. The late, great Artie Philips noted that hustle is the dance that kept partner dancing alive during the dark decades of freestyle dance, and certainly its influence can be seen in everything from Texas Two-Step to West Coast Swing. . .think arms and spins. . .!
Tonight at Shenanigans:
6:30 Hustle, you should already know the basic for this class, but you don’t need to know much more! Nice little sequence to repeat, this is a good one if you’ve been frustrated in the past by this great dance. $10
7:30 Beginner hustle, $5, get a feel for the timing with some basic patterns
8PM: Free open dancing. Come warm up for Swingin’ Into Spring dance weekend in Connecticut, or just have a good time connecting with other dancers. Lots of West Coast with other requests sprinkled in here and there.
Other dance news to keep in mind (details on the website calendar):
Friday and Saturday April 29 and 30 Space Monkees play at Shenanigans
Sat., April 30: The Flames play a fundraiser at the American Legion
Monday, May 9: Swing Dance, Collis on the Dartmouth Campus, lesson at 8 pm (I’ll be teaching), open dancing to Susan Brison and Swing Machine 8:30-11. Great dance held once a term, open to community members. $5, free for students.
Saturday, May 28: Jeannie and the Hi-Tops play for the 4th Saturday Dance! This is their first time playing for the Upper Valley Dance Club, and it should be great. DJ music during the breaks will fill in for non-stop dancing, 8-11 PM. 6PM Cha Cha workshop with Jenny Gelfan ($10), 7:30 free ECS for beginners, dance, $10.
June 17-19: Vermont Swing Championships, sign up before the price goes up! Great weekend full of dance workshops for all levels, competitions to enter and watch, and fun dance exhibitions. Always wanted to work with a pro? They are usually happy to arrange privates during the weekend, great chance to have fun and really give your dancing a push to a higher level!
Wedding preparation: Don’t forget to set aside some time for making that first dance fun and relaxing. . .most couples find one private lesson ($50) gives them the confidence they need to really enjoy this special activity, while some choose a package of 5 lessons ($200). Call or email and set up a time soon so you can stop worrying about what to do when the music starts and all eyes are on you!
See you dancing,
Faye
April 20, 2011
Sorry, everyone--need one more day to recover from persistent bug. . .
Hustle will be next week, West Coast resumes the week after that, and the Dartmouth Swing Dance has been moved to Monday, May 9, so it looks like this:
Wed April 20: NO CLASS at Shenanigans
Wed April 27: Hustle, 6:30 experienced ($10), 7:30 beginner ($5), 8 PM open dancing (free)
Wed May 4: West Coast Swing, 6:30 experienced ($10), 7:30 beginner ($5), 8 PM open dancing (free)
Monday, May 11: Susan Brison and Swing Machine at Collis on Dartmouth Campus, details later.
No 4th Saturday Dance this week, too many on holiday travel schedule. I'll send out some weekend ideas tomorrow. . .
April 6, 2011
West Coast Swing Review:
6:30, $10: All the stuff I’ve taught recently and one or two things I
haven’t. The best buy around. . .
7:30, $5: I’ll piece together a little routine you can practice as you
work down smooth, automatic leading and responsive following.
Next on Wednesdays: A smorgasbord, and a Wednesday off so everyone can enjoy the Spring Term Swing Dance up at Dartmouth with Susan Brison. Here’s the schedule for the next few weeks:
Wednesday, April 6: West Coast Swing
April 13: Texas Two-Step
April 20: Hustle
April 27: Lesson and Dance at Dartmouth
May we’ll return to West Coast Swing, and the open dancing at 8PM is always free and always a mix of genres.
Thursdays: Two more Survival Dance Classes:
April 7: Waltz review, Rumba basics
April 14: Easy Swing
Some of my favorite (dance) things:
Global DJs, a great source for current West Coast music:
http://www.globalswingdjs.com/
Interviews with dancers:
GottaLottaDance.com
. . .go to the free zone and listen to Kyle and Sarah talk about how
they got started, then check out some of the other dance legend
interviews. Then watch the inspiring videos. Great stuff!
Weekend dances:
Second Friday Swing in Montpelier. . . .Saturday brings Prouty
Fundraiser at Whaleback with Four of Clubs. . .St. Johnsbury Monthly
dance (Foxtrot with Jenny Gelfan). . .Argentine tango with Ethan and Jenny. . .Bill Cameron at Longfellows
All the details are on the calendar, and more are added all the time.
Don’t forget to sign up for the Vermont Swing Championships, June
17-19 in West Lebanon. Newest addition: a Strictly Swing
competition. Pick a partner and start practicing!
http://
Discount pass $125 for 9 workshops, open dancing, demos by pros and a
chance to dance with top stars from the West Coast world! This is a
great event no matter how long (or little) you’ve been dancing.
See you out dancing, it’s a great way to ignore the snow that still
appears now and then. . .
Faye
