Thursday 26 February 2015

Sad Times

When I first moved to London I needed to find a place to dance, my local Jiveswing class in Southend that little too far.

I opted for Wild Times. It wasn't just convenient, it being around the corner from my work, but it was fairly priced and had a great reputation for being a great night and for having great teachers.

After one night at Wild Times run by Simon Selmon of London Swing Dance Society (LSDS) I was totally hooked an it's been my local class ever since.

So I can't say how gutted I am, both for the dance scene in London and for Simon, that after 25 years, Wild Times will be closing. I genuinely think I'll cry at the last one on 17th March!
Rocking my 'I Love Lindy' bag with some of the friends I've made through Wild Times

There are just too many dances in London it would appear, a double edged sword really; lots of dances to choose from but not enough dancers to go around to keep classes going.

I would be gutted to see more of these great, independent nights disappear. It's what keeps the scene so interesting and fun, the variety, which it looks like may be disappearing.

When Simon posted on Facebook that he'd be closing his doors, countless people commented that they are sad to see it going. With that I mind, I really hope all those who have learnt to dance, made friends, met partners, were majorly impressed by Simon's sideburns (there's a reason my friend and I call him Sideburns Selmon!) and just had an amazing time at Simon's night, turn up on the 17th to make sure the last Wild Times goes with a massive bang.

www.swingdanceuk.com/calendar/wild-times

Wednesday 25 February 2015

Injury Woes

Firstly, I must confess that my injury is in no way dance related.

Rather embarrassingly I hurt my right foot whilst walking to work and...slipping over (epically) outside Tesco. It was so epic that people rushed to help me get up again. 


Anyway, I thought nothing of the fact that it smarted a bit for the rest of the day, thinking it would soon sort itself out.

And considering I managed to dance A LOT during GNSH, I assumed it would be fine.

But now, nearly two weeks later, I am at my desk complaining to my colleague about my hurting foot.

Dancing at GNSH, determined not to let my foot hold me back!

I dare Google anything as the inevitable 'Cancer' answer will more than likely pop up.But despite the fact that I am have no, or very little trouble dancing on it, I am taking myself off to the doctors on Friday.

Wish me luck!

Thursday 19 February 2015

Goodnight Sweetheart

There are a vast number of dance camps a lindy hopper could attend around the globe. The first one you go to will more than likely always have a soft spot in your heart, and you'll find yourself returning year on year.

I went to my first Jiveswing Goodnight Sweetheart four years ago and have never looked back.

Hanging out with Norma and Chazz

The first year I went just for the social dances but after I decided to attend the full event, classes and all.

Having crewed for two following camps (my duties were to look after the teachers, meaning I was lucky enough to meet the legends Norma Miller and Chazz Young), this year I went as a regular dancer.

Norma and Chazz lead a Shim Sham at 2014 GNSH

This year was also the first year I opted for the advanced dance level - actually I was more pushed as the Intermediate/Advanced level was full - but I could not be more grateful to Charlotte, on of the camp organizers for giving me that push.

Before the camp I was nervous I would be bottom of the class so to speak but now, post event, I am just elated. I learnt so, so much and loved, loved, loved my classes. I came away having not just learnt new steps, but understanding the moves and feeling like a better dancer.

The survivors picture on the last night. Gone 5am at this point!

On top of great classes the social evenings were just fantastic.Quite frankly, I don't think you can go wrong with social dancing to great music, with fun people, until gone 5 in the morning!

For anyone who hasn't been to Goodnight Sweetheart (GNSH) yet, I really can't recommend it enough!!

Get the date in your diary for next year! www.gnsh.co.uk  


Tuesday 10 February 2015

I am an Incredibly Lucky Lady

I went to my first GNSH Jiveswing dance camp a few years a go. After my first camp I became a volunteer,  my duties being to make sure all of the guest teachers were happy.

This also included looking after the legends Chazz Young and Norma Miller.
Norma dancing with Joseph Sewell at GNSH 2014

Watching an interview with Norma today I feel incredibly, incredibly lucky, that I have spent several years getting to hear some of their stories and hearing first hand about the people and the music from someone as amazing as Norma.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kflv49JTDZE&feature=youtu.be

It just makes me enjoy lindy all the more and strive to become better.

Monday 9 February 2015

The Right to Say No

There have been lots of discussion on Facebook and other forums of late about the right to refuse a dance, and whether you should have to give a reason for refusal.

Personally I would never refuse a dance unless I was totally pooped after a previous dance. And I would always say I would find them for a dance later, which I do.

Even people I don't particularly enjoy dancing with, I would never refuse.

Sometimes though, even with a valid reason, people can get offended. Just the other week I refused a dance as I was knackered and the lead looked at me like I shot a kitten right there in front of him. A reaction I think was uncalled for and led to me felling really bad.

As for people bringing up the questions, is it OK to refuse a dance and not give a reason, well here I have to disagree. Having asked someone to dance once (and I get very nervous asking for dances so it was quite a big deal for me) they just said no and walked off. The lack of a reason left me feeling like maybe it was because they had seen me dance and thought I was pants. As silly as that may sound, I know of others who may have been in a similar situation and had the same feeling as I.

Refusing a dance is fine, but a reason is a must.

Sunday 1 February 2015

To heel or not to heel...that is the question

Having been dancing for four years this year, nothing amazes me more than seeing other ladies on the dance floor dancing elegantly in heels.

When I attempt to dance in heels, unless it is very slow lindy of blues, I look like Bambi...on ice. I have tried numerous times in varying heel heights but I just find I feel incredibly unstable. Especially on faster tracks. Fast tracks in heels brings me out in a nervous sweat! And fast tracks in heels on a lovely slippery floor - scary! I've yet to try dancing in a wedge shoe yet - any opinions would be welcomed!

On top of that, and this is probably a slightly silly reason, but my dancing heels from Remix and Miss L Fire, well they all cost more than your average pair of shoes, and I don't want to scuff them. I know totally ridiculous.

But my white dancing pumps (I'm cheap and wear the £3 offerings from good old Primark!) if they get dirty and scuffed, well they were only £3 so who cares. I tend to wear my darling dancing heels to work complete with some great Revival Retro dress of something from Betty Page - I like to rock the40s/ 50s secretary look for work if you hadn't worked that out! 

But considering how many ladies I see dancing beautifully in heels, sometimes I wonder if it's just me?

Are there other follows (although this does mainly go out to the female follows - but male heel wearing follows do get in touch!) who feel the same?

The only consolation (for me anyway) is that when I look at pictures of dancers at the Savoy Ballroom, the majority of ladies are in flats.

For the moment, all my pretty dancing heels will just have to be pretty heels.