Event Review: Lindy Focus 2010-11

What a amazing way to ring in the New Year! Rating: You can’t miss this event next year – 5 Stars! Last year was my first time attending Lindy Focus and had a really great time… and this year had an even better time (which is unbelievable considering what fun last year was!).

One2Swing’s The California Rolls, ILHC Team Division…

There was apparently controversy in the final placings of the ILHC 2009 team performances, which I’ll … clumsily avoid talking entirely about! But pretty much, anyone who hasn’t seen this video yet should do themselves a favor and hit play right now. This was even referenced in Andrew & Karen’s Evolution of Lindy Hop performance.

Nathan Bugh & Annie Trudeau, Lindy Focus IX (2010) And…

Regular readers of this blog already know that Annie is one of my favorite pros in Lindy hop, but I believe I’ve failed to mention yet how much I also love Nathan Bugh (and, of course, the other New York pros, including Michael Jagger and Evita Arce, both of whom were at Lindy Focus as well). This particular video is the winning Invitational Jack & Jill performance, and a well-deserved win at that.

Lindy Focus IX Vendors

Lindy Focus continues to amaze me. This intimate regional event has turned into one of the largest Lindy Hop events, if not the largest, in the country. Michael and Jaya Gamble turn out a flawless event every year, with each passing Lindy Focus growing in attendance, quality, attention to detail, and sheer awesomeness. In spite of this year’s severe weather disasters and subsequent travel delays, attendees persevered, going by train, bus, delayed plane, or automobile, from far and wide, determined to make it to this Lindy Hop holiday Mecca or bust.

After Dance Meal: Creating a Sense of Community

Often after dance venues across the United States I found for the most part wherever I go they have one thing in common. After the end of the dance, there is usually at least one group of people who go out for food to just talk about drama in the local scene chat and hang out. Shoot at Lindygroove in Los Angeles this past Thursday, I knew of groups that went to at least three different restaurants.

Louis Armstrong vs. Joe Oliver

I just finished reading Pops: A Life of Louis Armstrong by Terry Teachout. Thought I'd share one moment that struck me. It's about Armstrong and his mentor Joe "King" Oliver, who at the time were playing at clubs across the street from each other in Chicago.

Favorite Videos 2010 Blues & Balboa

Last stop.  My top favorites will go up some time next week after I get home.  Until then, I wish everyone a Happy New Year!!

Favorite Videos 2010: Solo Jazz

A bit of a misnomer since most of these are done in groups, but I trust that you get the idea.

Favorite Videos 2010 Other Dancing

This is a combination of dances that don’t quite fit any of the traditional jazz dances done by Lindy, Balboa, or Blues dancers.  They’re either more modern or they are a combination of several influences into something new. I wish there was a term for that . . .

Favorite Video 2010 Lindy Hop Couple Routines

The reason why there are so many posts is because there was so much good dancing that I had to break them up to keep each update from being too long.  This post is a good example of how that’s still a problem, but at least it’s a good problem to have.  That’s why I had to break out a separate post for my favorite of favorites which will come out right after the New Year.

Mikey & Nikki in Seoul, Korea!

In the beginning of December, we were honored and excited to be invited to teach a weekend workshop in Seoul, South Korea! The Korean lindy hoppers are amazing and some of the greatest students a dance teacher could ask for.

Favorite Videos 2010: Music

Wherever you are and who ever you are, have a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and/or a wonderful holiday.  Good luck and God Bless.  Take care, fare well, and all that Jazz.  I hope to meet you on the dance floor sometime soon in the coming year.