Here is one of my favorite clips of swing dancing on Youtube. George Lloyd is one of the original dancers at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, New York. You can see him dancing here with Margaret Batiuchuk. I love the sliding feet!
Last weekend, we had a great open practice at Cat’s. A lot of students showed up - it was fun!
Yoann brought his copy of Steven Mitchell’s “Going to Church” DVD, so Marie and Amanda learnt one of his groovy jazz routines.
We also did two Big Apples, and then ended up teaching the abbreviated version (la petite pomme as we call it here in Montreal) to some of the students. It was cool! If you want to see the full version, check out this clip from Keep Punchin’.
Two weeks ago, Ann Mony and I performed our Classic routine at Swing L’Été. The Classic division in dance competitions allows for choreography but no partner weight support moves - ie. no airsteps.
We had choreographed this routine in May for CSC 2007. The music: Jimmie Lunceford’s “Runnin’ Wild” off the album Stomp It Off on Decca.
Thanks Amanda for filming it!
Monday, I practiced with one of my dance partners, Mélanie Huot-Lavoie.
We had a really good practice, and it made me realize how important it is to have a partner you can work with.
Having a dance partner has done wonders for my dancing (I’m lucky to have both Ann and Mumu), and I encourage you to find one if you haven’t already.
Here’s a clip of us during our practice. The song is “All the Cats join in” as performed by George Gee and his Jump, Jivin’ Wailers swing orchestra.
