Swing Dance Inspiration #26
Mills Brothers and Basie, Dancing Across Switzerland, Defining Swing Music
Hola Dancers!
Let’s look at how to unravel the age-old question: What makes a song swing? NPR wrote a very interesting piece about how, physicists finally unraveled a jazz mystery. Give it a quick read and listen to the rhythm examples. It’s fascinating.
But what’s the answer? "There's the spiritual answer and then there's the scientific answer. You've just got to listen to people who did it well.”
Song of the Month
So, here’s someone who does this thing called swing very well. Count Basie.
This version of “Sent for You Yesterday (And Here You Come Today)” features the Mills Brothers. Their delightful harmonies with the power of Basie’s band make a tune that swings hard.
It’s also my favorite version of this song for dancing. The energy just picks up and runs. I love it.
“Sent for You Yesterday (And Here You Are Today)” by Count Basie and the Mills Brothers
Video Inspiration
I was deep in a YouTube rabbit hole and came across the cutest video of Katrin & Janine Dancing Across Switzerland. The video is so charming it makes me want to go on vacation with these two. Their choreography is simple but that’s the charm. I love a dance that gets everyone involved, has bits of musicality, and just looks so darn fun.
“Katrin and Janine Dancing Across Switzerland” by Katrin von Niederhäusern
Just a note, please don’t dance on train tracks. And there are naked men in the video.
Do you need some dance inspiration?
I teach lessons on request. Email me to set-up a single lesson or a package. I’m currently located in Ourense, Spain and I’m available for teaching in Europe (and anywhere in the world online).
Virtual lessons are via Google Meet, Zoom, or Facebook Video Chat.
Happy dancing!
Lainey