Tuesday 31 March 2015

No Dancing this weekend

Having spent the weekend in Wales learning how to make my very own leather handbag from scratch I'm afraid there was no dancing this weekend. But look at my beautiful bag (below)! I think it was very worth it and I would highly recommend one of their courses. https://leathercoursesbritain.com/


After two days of hard work I have an amazing leather handbag!

In the meantime here is a link to a feature I wrote on the Imperial War Museum's latest exhibition, Fashion on the Ration, which I hope you'll enjoy until I manage to get some dancing in!

http://www.lady.co.uk/people/8615-fashion-on-the-ration 

Enjoy! 


Monday 23 March 2015

A New Week

The last Wild Times last Tuesday means from this week on, I will be dancing elsewhere.

Usually I dance every Monday and Tuesday at one of Simon Selmon's LSDS classes but the new format of his evenings means I've had to move on. Limiting his social dancing opportunities to his once a month night, Swing Time, I now have to go elsewhere for socials.

I totally understand that he has had to change his format to keep the numbers up, but replacing all the social dancing time with Balboa classes just wasn't really going to do it for me. But I look forward to his Swing Time on 11th April.

So this week I shall be at the Scolts Head dancing to the brilliant London Dance Orchestra on Tuesday and Wednesday I shall be Dalston way again at Passing Clouds - although I do go more to enjoy the music as opposed to dancing as space is tight.

Looking forward to meeting some new dancers and finding more great places to explore

Monday 16 March 2015

I DON'T want to dance

It's not very often those words slip out of my mouth. In fact, that may be the first time I've ever said it. But nonetheless, this weekend at The Ivy House (their Sunday roast is truly epic FYI), I found myself at a dance gig not wanting to dance.

Why? Because the band that were playing were of such a quality that all I wanted to do was sit back (with a glass, OK a large glass, of red) and enjoy watching them create amazing music.

Doollaly Tap at The Ivy House, Nunhead

I have seen Doollaly Tap before, at the Shoreditch Townhall, and since I first saw them I have no doubt when I say they have become one of, if not my favourite live band to see in London.

I have danced to them before, they are an amazing band to dance to, but watching the band members interact with each other, have fun on stage and create amazing music gives me just as big a buzz.

My friend and I enjoying the band, Sunday lunch, and a nice glass of red!
I guess this may be because I was already a fan of the genre of music before I started dancing. Indeed it was the music that made me want to learn. 

I'm not sure if other dancers have felt this way on seeing a band but I have to say it's a first for me.

Living and breathing Lindy, sometimes I forget how nice it is to sit back and just watch a group of amazing musicians create great sounds.

www.doollalytap.co.uk  
www.ivyhousenunhead.com 

Monday 9 March 2015

Please Mind the Gap!


As  a vintage enthusiast and a lindy hop dancer, a new drinking hole that sates both my passion for vintage and dancing, well I couldn’t grab my coat and head down quick enough! 



Cahoots in Kingly Court is that new watering whole. 



Hidden below the streets of Soho, Cahoots is the latest addition the Inception Group’s arsenal and if you ask me, it’s their best offering to date. 


From the moment you enter, the attention to detail is so evident

The outbreak of war meant that a number of disused underground stations were turned into air raid shelters and Londoners would transform the spaces into a ‘home away from home’, with their own nick-nacks and furnishings. There would often be a makeshift bar so people could drink, dance and generally boost morale during the Blitz.

 
Tickets Please! And coats and bags!
This venue aims to bring the illicit and nocturnal escapades from the era and those shelters back to life.

Once you have found the venue (I got completely lost and had to call the venue and hysterically scream down the phone that I was lost and I needed assistance – yep I know, oh so cool) you will be transported back in time to post-war 1940s in a disused underground tube station.

 
Just a few of the cocktails
There are a number of fabulous cocktails to be enjoyed (the list really is HUGE, more than 45! The Vera Lynne is my personal favourite), Blitz spirit themed snacks – SPAM sandwiches anyone?, and live music;

Le Bistrotet the formed from members of The Top Shelf Band, fronted by the dashing rogue Fred Snow, kept the crowd entertained with their filthy swing at the press launch.

 
Service with a smile
The attention to details when it comes to the décor is astounding. I dread to think how much they spent but it is certainly worth it. Stairs disguised as classic style wooden escalators lead you downstairs, a vintage train carriage, 1940s tube carriage seats, and of course a bit of bunting all make for a fab venue. Even those who aren’t lovers of vintage would find it hard not to be impressed by this venue. 
 
Considering the fact I'm such a huge poser, the only picture I managed to get into was this one! Enjoying a cocktail with band front man, Fred Snow
And they intend to have dance events - joy! When I spoke to them at the launch they weren't sure of what format but they have teamed up with Swing Patrol (obviously!) so there is clearly something in the pipeline. But with live bands set to entertain, even if it's not an 'official' dance event there is still the opportunity to swing out. 



As a dancer, a somewhat large fan of vintage, and a lover of jazz, Cahoots doesn’t get much better!




Monday 2 March 2015

A New Swing Thing

Last week I managed to get along to two nights I hadn't been to before.

Tuesday, I finally got the chance to see the fantastic London Dance Orchestra in action. One word: wow!

The London Dance Orchestra is an 11-piece band of musicians who are best at playing infectious and highly driven music to fuel dancers of all ages and tastes. The band comprises some of London’s hottest jazz talents  with the charismatic and honey‐toned singer Derane Obika fronting the band.

The band are so incredibly slick and sharp and my favourite thing was they played a host of songs you rarely hear live. Tracks live Nina Simone's See Line Woman, I found myself thinking 'why don't more bands cover this?!' And Derane has the most amazing voice (it's obviously what I think I sound like when I'm singing in the privacy of my own home), I found myself just as happy sitting and listening as dancing.

The London Dance Orchestra in action at the Scolt Head, Dalston

FYI, the aforementioned foot injury did mean I have to sit a few out, those who may have been worried, it seems to have sorted itself out!

The second night I attended was Swing Patrol's Swing Pit at the Corbet Place Bar and Lounge. This one I found to be a bit of a slow burner, but after an initial slow start the night did pick up and I had some great dances. Although, note to self for all future dance events where I decide to dress down, skinny jeans...not such a great idea. Not only was I boiling but leg movement was restricted.

This week is my birthday week (25 on Wednesday!) and as I'm having my mum come to stay dancing is off the menu. Next week however, I'm looking to head to Wilton's Music Hall on the Monday, and an old favourite, Passing Clouds on Wednesday.

Until next time....toodle pip!