Ah-HA! Not so late this time, eh readers? I did forget to make a recap video, but then none of you berated me, so I can't be blamed.
Monday night Corina taught the beginning class (welcome to the group, Alana) while Evan taught intermediate. In the intermediate class, we spend some quality time working on follow technique. We did a drill I'm fond of, having the follows close their eyes while the leads lead unpredictable patterns outside the established structure of Lindy Hop. The leads had a chance to play too, experimenting with musical stuff they can do while a lady swivels. We also did a few moves, most of which have escaped me for the moment. I do remember one that started off with some kind of inside turn and than evaporated into a drawn out stretch. . . comment with specifics if you can remember any!
The team is starting to reach crunch time for our Heartland Swing routine. On Monday each couple was videotaped so that we could all see for ourselves what needs work. The choreography is almost finished and we're all polishing our solo movement, tricks, and team dance skills. We've gone to a 2x/wk schedule to try to reach our full potential by the first weekend in March. Wish us luck, and don't forget that YOU, yes YOU can audition for the team when we get back form Heartland!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Big Apple Workshop
Our Big Apple Workshop this weekend was a success! Thank you SO much to those of you who attended. We hope to see you all out on the floor the next time we do the Big Apple on a Sunday night (and thanks to those of you who joined the chaos yesterday)!
Lesson Recaps
Looks like I haven't gotten much better about recapping weekly. And, EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE A CAMERA NOW, we haven't been posting videos. Feel free to berate me about this in person, it might help move things along.
So ok, let me try to remember the past few weeks. When we left off, it was January 19th, meaning that the following Monday was the 24th. I BELIEVE that Phil and I taught that night, and did what I now think of as a "variety show." We reviewed the basics from a few of our beloved but oft neglected dances (Balboa, Bal-Swing, Collegiate Foxtrot) and talked about our favorite ways to transition into and out of these dances from the more familiar Lindy Hop and Charleston. We talked about using simple steps from different styles of dance to bring variety to your Lindy, and as a tool for musicality.
I believe Evan was out with The Death that night.
The following Monday was January 31st. Evan taught a sequence of moves that built on one and other, and the details are a little fuzzy in my memory. Upon consulting him, I have gleaned the following: Lindy Circle to double hand hold, tuck turn keeping only the lead's right hand, and a reverse turn for lady, while the guy barrel rolls under own arm, then rolls her back to front. Ugh, this is why we need videos.
That brings us to last week, Monday, February 7th. Evan worked with the beginners during the first hour while Phil and I taught an intermediate class on how to relax while dancing. We did several lead/follow drills to focus on making the most of your (and your partner's) momentum and the connection between the two of you. We also talked about putting in the energy needed to do a move and not more. We experimented with different styles of walking during dancing. The idea was that something as simple as walking with your partner can look really good, and be very musical, if you bring some attitude and stay relaxed.
Phew! That gets us caught up to now. With any luck, the pain of having to recall all of this will deter me from putting off a recap of tonight's lesson. Remember, feel free to berate me.
So ok, let me try to remember the past few weeks. When we left off, it was January 19th, meaning that the following Monday was the 24th. I BELIEVE that Phil and I taught that night, and did what I now think of as a "variety show." We reviewed the basics from a few of our beloved but oft neglected dances (Balboa, Bal-Swing, Collegiate Foxtrot) and talked about our favorite ways to transition into and out of these dances from the more familiar Lindy Hop and Charleston. We talked about using simple steps from different styles of dance to bring variety to your Lindy, and as a tool for musicality.
I believe Evan was out with The Death that night.
The following Monday was January 31st. Evan taught a sequence of moves that built on one and other, and the details are a little fuzzy in my memory. Upon consulting him, I have gleaned the following: Lindy Circle to double hand hold, tuck turn keeping only the lead's right hand, and a reverse turn for lady, while the guy barrel rolls under own arm, then rolls her back to front. Ugh, this is why we need videos.
That brings us to last week, Monday, February 7th. Evan worked with the beginners during the first hour while Phil and I taught an intermediate class on how to relax while dancing. We did several lead/follow drills to focus on making the most of your (and your partner's) momentum and the connection between the two of you. We also talked about putting in the energy needed to do a move and not more. We experimented with different styles of walking during dancing. The idea was that something as simple as walking with your partner can look really good, and be very musical, if you bring some attitude and stay relaxed.
Phew! That gets us caught up to now. With any luck, the pain of having to recall all of this will deter me from putting off a recap of tonight's lesson. Remember, feel free to berate me.
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