GNSH 2016

So this morning, 6am, I was still dancing away at Goodnight Sweetheart (GNSH). Now a few hours later I'm at my desk, the feeling of tiredness being totally overwritten by the huge high I'm still on after the weekend.

Jiveswing who run GNSH will always have a place in my lindy life as I learnt with them when I started Five years ago, so the weekender is always something I look forward to.

Advanced class fun with Joseph Sewell and Audrey Da Sois. Photo by Joseph.

It may not be the biggest camp, or in the most exotic location (try as I might, Watford just isn't sexy), but what lacks in size and location it more than makes up for in atmosphere and the level of teaching.

Sitting at my desk now, I can feel my legs and feet throbbing after the hours I've spent in class and on the social dance floor this weekend, but it's a pain that is totally worth it because I always learn so much.

I never remember my fan. Ever. This was a momentous moment!

Highlights of the weekend class wise were the two tasters I attended, Joseph Sewell's Blues (the old school, couldn't get a piece of paper in between a couple style) and Eglė Nemickaitė and Arnas Razgūna' shag taster.

I love learning new moves and techniques in the advanced classes I signed up for but it's always fun to have a go at something new!  

The last night survivors picture. Tired, achy, but having oh so much fun. Picture courtesy of the lovely Alex Gall

I also entered the Jack and Jill again this year, didn't place (obviously) but I just love the experience so it's a joy nonetheless. But my amazing dancer of a friend Florence came second which was too exciting!

And as always, I had some amazing dances, both with people I already knew and new faces. 

Every time I go to a camp it just reaffirms how much I love dancing, and that even having to hobble up the stairs because I've got achy legs and the odd bruise is so, so, so worth it! 

All in all, roll on 2017 I say! 

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!

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