Hola Dancers!
I’m sure the big question you are asking is “How was your first dance event??!” The short answer: Sitges Balboa Festival was incredible.
The longer answer is that I felt like I rediscovered my love for Balboa dancing and Jazz Music. My husband and I both had the dance pass for four nights of live music. It’s been about 10 years since I attended a dance event with no agenda but to social dance. In the past, I’ve always been either teaching, competing, DJing, organizing, and/or taking classes. So Sitges was a true vacation for me. And I’m so thankful that I overcame my nerves and went. Walking into the first dance felt like no time had passed since my last event. My body knew what to do as the music filled my soul.
Muscle memory is an amazing thing.
My heart feels so full. I need social dancing in my life. Not just the music, but the connection to other people. Seeing old friends and making new ones replenished me in a way that nothing else can.
So I hope to see you at a future dance event (hint, hint…come visit Spain).
Video Inspiration
I’m still on that Balboa high, so I’m watching old Balboa videos to find some inspiration for the next social dance. This video is from a contest in 2006. There are so many dancers in this video who still dance (and teach!) today.
It’s a long video. If you want to skip to my favorite part, go to 3:34. Anne-Helen and Bernard absolutely kill it. They’re partnering is so smooth and I adore their footwork.
Also, fun fact: this video is from the year I started swing dancing.
Balboa Rendezvous Contest 2006
Song of the Month
At Sitges Balboa Festival, the DJ played a very specific Artie Shaw song called “Everything is Jumpin’.” The song is great for Lindy Hop and Balboa and… it happens to be a favorite among Balboa teachers for the gentle tempo (164 BPM) and the length of the song (lots of class practice time!). It’s perfect for perfecting those out and ins or the new footwork you’ve been trying to nail.
Next time you hear the opening notes of this number, find a favorite dance partner and get ready for the whole 5 minutes and 10 seconds.
“Everything is Jumpin’” by Artie Shaw
As a bonus, I found a clip of Artie Shaw and his band performing a section of this song in the 1940 movie Second Chorus.
Clip from the film “Second Chorus” (1940)
Do you need some dance inspiration?
I teach private lessons online, I’m available for gigs, and I have a video feedback option. Email me to set it up or with any questions. I’m currently located in Ourense, Spain and I’m 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