Hey Dancers!
It’s the lazy week between Christmas and the New Year and I’m taking full advantage of the festive spirit. I’ve been cooking some of my favorite foods and listening to my entire Jazz music library (on shuffle!) while doing so.
Lesson Special: January
It’s your last chance to take advantage of my private lesson special. Make your New Year’s resolution a fun one: improve your dancing!
January Special: 2 virtual private lessons for $90 (one hour each, may be taken consecutively). Must be redeemed between January 2 - 31, 2023. That’s a $20 discount!
Virtual private lessons are via Zoom, Google Meet, or Facebook Video Chat. Email me to set-up a private lesson. Lessons are generally available from 9 am - 4 pm EST on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
*The fine print: Lessons must be prepaid by December 31st via Venmo (preferred) or Paypal. Rescheduling allowed with 24 hours notice.
Song of the Month
While I was making a pie for Christmas, the song “Ja Da” by Tommy Ladnier and His Orchestra started playing. Before I knew it, my feet started toe tapping, and I was twisting and shuffling. I had to stop baking to improvise a little Charleston right there in the kitchen.
Many musicians have recorded their version of this song since it’s a jazz standard written in 1918. But this version, recorded in New York on November 28, 1938, is one of my favorites because it’s a perfect song to dance the Charleston.
It’s also packed with all-star musicians — many of whom also led their own bands: Tommy Ladnier (trumpet), Sidney Bechet (reeds), Mezz Mezzrow (reeds), Cliff Jackson (piano), Teddy Bunn (guitar), Elmer James (string bass), and Manzie Johnson (drums).
Give it a listen and get ready to kick your feet.
“Ja Da” by Tommy Ladnier and His Orchestra
Video Inspiration
To end the year, I want to share a few videos of my dancing throughout the years.
I’ve spent many of my New Years Eve’s partying and performing at Lindy Focus. This week-long event is one of the largest dance camps in the world, and hundreds of dancers gather in Asheville, NC to ring in the New Year with a full night of big band dancing.
Watching these performances was like a time capsule of my dancing as I grew as a dancer and performer. (If you’re looking for me, I’m the one with short, wavy hair!)
Watching these again made me remember how nervous I get every time I perform, and how proud I am of the hard work I spend learning each routine. Hopefully, they can inspire you to keep dancing next year.
Lindy Focus XIII: New Year's Eve Show - "Jumpin' at the Woodside"
We used to perform this routine in NYC at a weekly supper club.
Lindy Focus XIV: Late Night Championships - Balboa Edition
My dance partner Andy and I got second place!
Lindy Focus XIII: Performance - Jungle Crawl
The hardest routine I’ve ever performed. Even though we never nailed it, I’m still very proud of it.
Lindy Focus XIII: Lindy Focus Chorus Girls - Benny Goodman Tribute
Every night the Chorus Girls performed a routine to introduce the theme that night. We did four of these!
Lindy Focus XIV: Performance - Amazebals
Our NYC performance team the “Amazebals” (we like Balboa).
Lindy Focus XIII: New Year's Eve Show - "Fan Dance"
My first fan dance ever!
Lindy Focus XIII: New Year's Eve Show - "Jump for Joy"
Choreography by me and my dance partner Dan.
Lindy Focus XII: The Lovely Bubblys Performance
I saved the best for last.
Do you need some dance inspiration? Check out my lesson special above!
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 person (and anywhere in the world online).
Virtual Private lessons are via Google Meet, Zoom, or Facebook Video Chat.
Happy dancing!
Lainey