Hey Dancers!
Welcome to the last newsletter of 2022! I can’t believe that I’ve been writing these for 2 years already. Thank you for reading them and being part of the “Swing Dance Inspiration” community.
In the midst of the holidays, I’m also in the middle of packing up everything and embarking on our Spanish adventure. While I’m not new to packing everything away (in fact, most of my stuff is still in boxes from when I left New York City), it’s a totally different experience for me to overpack into the maximum luggage allotments. How many dance shoes do I really need? …. A lot.
Once we’re settled in, I’m available (and eager) to dance! I’m trying out a new system for booking lessons (since the time zones get complicated). You can check out my teaching availability on my Doodle Calendar. The online calendar auto-adjusts to your time zone. You can book lessons through Doodle, or check my availability there and email me.
Video Inspiration
I want to share a video that makes me laugh out loud every single time I see it. Groovie Movie from 1944 is a short parody-style instructional video. The main dancers are legends Jean Phelps-Veloz and Arthur Walsh. Watch it all the way through for some classic Lindy Hop comedy with fundamental moves like “make with the toes,”
swing the wing,” and “whip the hip.”
“Groovie Movie” 1944
Song of the Month
This month’s featured song is also a bonus video inspiration. Artie Shaw and His Orchestra’s “Traffic Jam” is a favorite among Balboa dancers around the world. I love this video version since it really displays Shaw’s clarinet chops and band’s showmanship.
This clip is from the movie the "Dancing Coed" (1939). The song isn’t played live in the film. The band recorded the song at MGM's studio and then the scene was filmed while the recording was played back.
“Traffic Jam” by Artie Shaw and His Orchestra (“Dancing Coed” 1939)
Feeling like you need to move after all the holiday indulgences?
I teach virtual lessons and in-person lessons on request. Email me to set-up a single lesson or a package. Check out my availability: Doodle Calendar. In January 2023, I am moving to Spain and I will be available for teaching in Europe (and anywhere in the world online).
Virtual private lessons are via Google Meet, Zoom, or Facebook Video Chat.
Happy dancing!
Lainey