Lesson Recap - May 24th

Hey Lindy Bombers!

Last night we were just about EVENLY MATCHED leads to follows, and we had a new couple join the group! What could be better?? (Aside from a video recap.)

Both lessons took us back to some fundamental moves, and focused on the fine technique points involved in each one. Evan stressed that having strong techniques for "simple" moves is what gives is better technique in more advanced ones.

BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE: We practiced 6ct tuck turns from closed, and leads worked on varying their technique to get the follow to travel a lot or a little. We also spent some time on a 6ct inside turn from open (aka a 6ct pass) and follows worked on reaching a full stretch connection before "unwinding" through the turn. Finally, we worked on at 8ct outside turn and had everyone practice pulsing down into the ground and generally try to be solidly "based."

ADVANCED: We worked on 6ct sugar pushes, having the leads lead a rock step on counts 1-2 to make the move more Lindy- and speed-friendly. After a lot of discussion about using the stretch/compression connection in this simple move, we went on to a new move that applies the same principles + a "momentum steal" by the lead. Don't worry follows, he gives it back, and you get a "whee" moment!

As always, we had an inspirational video to watch between classes. On a personal note, this is one of my favorites!

*swoon*

See you guys TONIGHT at the Shadow. Also, we WILL be having class on Memorial Monday!

~Chelsea

PS We also selected a mascot for the team. See the sidebar of our homepage for a picture!

Lesson Recaps - May 10th and May 17th

May 10th - No practice.

May 17th - OPEN FLOOR NIGHT! Thanks to everyone who came out, it was a productive practice as usual. We also watched this video:



REMINDERS -

May 22 (This Saturday) Brings 2 changes to dance!
Chance 1: Tulsa Road Trip! A small group of Lindy Bombers and other WSDS dancers are heading to Tulsa for the Tulsa equivalent of a Swingin' Sunday. If you're interested, be sure to let Evan know, because if we don't have enough people, we'll postpone the trip.

Chance 2: At Bradley Fair, there will be a live concert on the evening of the 22nd, and the event organizers want us to show up and dance! Dress in vintage or classy clothing, represent the Lindy Bombers, the WSDS, and Swing Dancing in general.

Email Evan if you have questions about either of those.

That's all for now!

Lesson Recap - May 3rd

We had a small but enthusiastic group last night. So small, in fact, that there was no need to hold a separate beginner class. For the first hour, we all worked on three variations of the Texas Tommy. In brief, they were:

- Texas Tommy with a turn for the follow on the last triple step
- Texas Tommy where the lead ducks under his own right arm to turn during the last triple
- Texas Tommy again with the lead turning clockwise under his right arm on 6-8, but only to the point where he's facing away from the follow. He then leads a tuck turn that doesn't lend itself to verbal description. Ask one of the leads who was there tonight for a demonstration.
- The fake-out Texas Tommy

The advanced class was follow-focused (YAY) and we worked on a few moves thieved from this video:


The moves we stole happen at about 1:47 (Frida's 6-8 on her first two swingouts), 3:18 (Same person, same timing), 3:44 (Laura's footwork variation) and 3:55 (Naomi's smooth tuck turn).

That's it for recap, BUT WAIT, I HAVE MORE TO SAY!

1. If you STILL haven't paid for April, please do so ASAP. Every month will get us closer to a video camera and, blessedly, the end of my verbal descriptions of moves.

2. THERE WILL BE NO PRACTICE NEXT WEEK! There's a dance at Riverfest that lots of us will be going to instead, so come practice your moves to some live music and we'll get back together the following week.

Toodles!
~Chelsea