Hola Dancers!
Last newsletter, I was on my way to the Valencia Balboa Festival. I’m here to report that I had a very nice time. The bands were delightful, the space was incredible, and I even entered 2 contests.
I made finals in the pure Balboa contest with my new friend Albert. Making finals was an honor since we’ve never competed together before. Even though it’s been years since I entered a contest, I wasn’t nervous at all! I think it’s because I approached the event with a fun anything-goes attitude. I didn’t judge myself too harshly or put too much pressure on myself since I didn’t really practice for the contest. That healthy attitude meant that I had a lot of FUN! (Which is important because isn’t that a big reason why we dance???!)
Lesson Special: July
Between all my traveling, I finally have an almost full month at home in Spain. To celebrate being a bit of a homebody, I’m running a virtual private lesson special - and it’s just for you (my lovely subscribers).
Summer Special: 2 virtual private lessons for $90 (one hour each, may be taken consecutively). Must be redeemed in July, 2023.
Virtual private lessons are via Google Meet, Zoom, or Facebook Video Chat. Reply to this email or Contact me to set-up your private lessons. I’m currently in Spain (CEST time zone). Typically, I’m available before 3 pm EDT.
*The fine print: Lessons must be prepaid via Venmo (preferred) or Paypal. Rescheduling allowed with 24 hours notice. Regular price of 2 lessons is $110.
Song of the Month
I can’t get enough of the Soundie! This song isn’t a dance song, but it’s an incredible feat of musicianship.
"Big Noise From Winnetka" is co-written by composer and bass player Bob Haggart and drummer Ray Bauduc and it’s played by these two and only these two. Seriously, Haggart and Bauduc produce so much BIG sound with the creative use of two instruments and whistling.
It’s such an unusual and rare duet feature. Both musicians were members of “The Bobcats”, a sub-group of the Bob Crosby Orchestra.
My favorite part is near the end when Bauduc starts drumming on the strings of the double bass. At the same time, Haggart continues to play with his left hand, creating a percussive and incredibly unique bass solo.
“Big Noise from Winnetka’” - Ray Bauduc and Bobby Hackett from Bob Crosby’s Bobcats
Video Inspiration
Every April, there’s a huge Lindy Hop event in southern France. The Savoy Cup is absolutely packed with creative competition formats. They created the “Trio Challenge” where teams of 3 dance to live music, each trio gets 2 separate choruses of dance time (in this type of song format, a chorus is 16 8-counts).
Watch for come creative inspiration! These dancers weave between solo and partner dancing in the most seamless and zany ways.
Savoy Cup 2023 - Trio Challenge Final
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