Hey Dancers!
Dreams come true sometimes… I found a dance community in Ourense! It’s fairly new and I’m going to help build this new scene.
At the end of December, one of my favorite bars (that’s also an antique store) hosted a small social dance with a dance lesson. The dancers teaching the lesson had recently moved from Madrid to the nearby town of Allariz. Pablo and Julia run Big South Swing and they’re trying to create more dance opportunities here!
It was kismet that I met them. It’s lit a fire under in me and I feel like I’m finally ready to start organizing and teaching more regularly again.
Witness the birth of a new community with our first Shim Sham in at Mur Marxinal in Ourense, Spain
Classes in Spain: February
I’m dipping my toes back into teaching at my local gym. If you happen to be in Ourense on February 3rd, come join my class! It’s a solo dance class focusing on an introduction to Charleston and Lindy Hop rhythms. Click here for more info.
Song of the Month
While I can’t wait to dive back into local dancing and teaching, in reality, I need to ease into it. So the song “Easy Does It” is the perfect song to jam out with.
There are many versions of this song (it’s extremely popular among dancers). However, I really like this version by Paul Tillotson The Love Trio. At 120 bpm, it’s the perfect tempo for a chill solo or social dance.
Fun fact, I remember dancing to this band at many dance events in New York City, back around 2008.
“Easy Does It” by Paul Tillotson The Love Trio
Video Inspiration
Every January, Balboa dancers gather at California Balboa Classic (affectionately known as CalBal). The event draws dancers from all over the world to dance Balboa near the place of its origin.
This video is the Invitational Mixed Couples (meaning the partners were randomly drawn and the dance is all social, not planned). It’s the final part of the contest. If you want to watch the full 40 minutes, click here.
I adore all of these dancers. Each of them brings their personality and unique style into the social dance. And it’s a joy to watch.
CalBal Classic 2024 - Invitational Mixed Couples - Final All-Skate
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 person (and anywhere in the world online).
Virtual Private lessons are via Google Meet, Zoom, or Facebook Video Chat.
Happy dancing!
Lainey