alain’s dance blog

The classic West Coast Swing routine by Jordan Frisbee & Tatiana Mollmann at the 2007 US Open Swing Dance Championship. It’s an unconventional song selection, but they pull it off well. From a judging perspective, traditional West Coast dancing might have been compromised for more musicality and expression.

I’m used to seeing them win in that division every year, and was surprised by their 3rd place finish. Their performance fits the music, but might not fit the context of the dance competition. But kudos to them for the gutsy performance and bringing the dance to a new direction.

Mariel Adams and I danced in the Strictly Lindy division at ALHC 2007 in October. Here’s our performance.

Tonight we are having our second Echoes of Harlem dance at Cat’s. Alain Fragman will be teaching a solo jazz class. And the great thing is that it’s free! Lesson starts at 9pm.

Here’s a video from the last Echoes of Harlem, with Ann Mony teaching some solo jazz steps.

I got a chance to see the Loose Marbles from New Orleans play at the Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown in September, and they were amazing. They will be at the last edition of the Rhythmic Arts Festival in San Diego in a few weeks.

Also check out these other bands recommended by Chance Bushman.

Chance
Nov 9, 2007 2:26 PM
Subject: no, really. it’s about the music.

just a reminder:

THE LOOSE MARBLES, evil jazz sindicate
** myspace.com/brucemarvel
NATHAN JAMES & BEN HERNANDEZ, the blues
** myspace.com/njbh
JONATHAN STOUT ORCHESTRA, big band swing
** campusfive.com
CARL SONNY LEYLAND TRIO, boogie
** carlsonnyleyland.com
BARRY BIG B BRENNER, rags and stomps
** myspace.com/barrybigbbrenner
HAL SMITH’S RHYTHM MAKERS, kansas and chicago jazz
** no website available
THE FREMONTS, down home blues
** myspace.com/fremonts

BILLY WATSON
** myspace.com/billywatsonhisintlsilverstringsubmarineband

Non-swing video. This is a short clip of Amelia, a film by Edouard Lock (Opus Arte).

The multi-award-winning dance film Amelia (2002) explores the use of point technique using extended intertwining solos, complex partnering sequences and extreme speed to generate powerful performances with unexpected moments of tender emotion and serenity.
More info at: www.opusarte.com