Back to basics

Whilst I was in Copenhagen for the lindy exchange earlier this year, I got talking to some dancers on a rather interesting topic: does having all the moves necessarily make dancing any more fun?

I remembered when I first started dancing, I didn't know any fancy swing out variations (hell I didn't even know a basic) and I still had really fun dances.

Now, although I still have absolutely amazing dances, I find myself thinking 'what crowd/lead pleasing variation can I do next?' I can't help but wonder, am I over complicating things?

In a bid to encourage other dancers to ask for a dance (because let's be honest, it's fine asking for a dance but it is rather lovely to be asked) I'm essentially peacocking. But sometimes I've been a victim to my own attempt at flashiness, mistiming a variation and totally missing a beat.  

I find myself panicking when I dance with a lead who throws in every move in their arsenal and often find some of my favourite dances are ones where the lead uses a few select moves but executes them really well.

Maybe it's time to strip back my own dancing and stop peacocking for any Tom, Dick, or Harry.

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! 

Leading the way

Having been dancing for five years this year (where did that go?!), I decided this year to set myself a dance goal; I want to learn how to lead.

If occasion arises I can sort of maneuver someone around the dance floor but not being great at it I tend to avoid doing so. A good friend of mine (usually a follow) is an amazing lead so I thought it was high time I lead the way.

Since the beginning of the year I've been doing a Swing Patrol class in Finsbury Park (and making new friends) as a lead and I'm loving it. And I must say, my eyes have been truly opened to how difficult leads have it. Having to think of moves, having to lead moves, it's so much pressure.

So far I'm really loving, and it helps that the two teachers, Tae and Roberto are pretty awesome. The one thing I'm struggling with is dancing with follows who don't relax so I'm finding it difficult to do swing outs for example.Any tips from leads there would be appreciated, I don't want to feel like I'm manhandling follows, and I'm sure they're not mad on that either.

I don't feel confident enough yet to ask people I don't know to dance with me leading, I think I need to have a few more lessons first. Sadly for the follows that know me, you may have to endure a dance while I learn to lead.

Dancing on home turf

Since my class in Holborn binned its jazz class and the advanced level classes, I have to admit that sadly the number of times I go dancing in the week has reduced. I've even taken to getting of one tube stop early to make up the extra exercise I'm missing through lack of dancing!

Now when I do go dancing I usually head to Dalston to Passing Clouds (my absolutely favourite place!!) or the Scolts head, which are a bit of a mission to get home to. 

Thankfully a new Swing Patrol class has opened in Finsbury Park, just two stops from where I live! Joy!

So as of the first class last week (I say first but I think it closed down and re-opened with new teachers) I now have somewhere again I can go dancing each week! 

And the best thing is the teachers are ace, Tae is amazing and I was chuffed she would be teaching so close to where I live. I'm really excited to be learning from her again; she used to teach the jazz class at my old Holborn classes.

I even joined in the beginners class; I’m determined to learn how to lead properly so thought ‘why not?!’

I’m looking forward to extending my lindy friends circle and meeting and dancing with some new people.

A piece of history

Last month I was lucky enough to get to take part in the celebrations for Waldorf Hilton’s £13.5 million refurbishment. 

Champagne please!

Part of the celebrations included a tour of the new Astor Suite (which officially became the best suite/hotel in the world when  I saw the 'Press for Champagne' button in the room - you literally press it and champagne is brought up to the room by a waiter!) and a chance to dance in the Palm Court. 

People have danced and socialised in the Edwardian ballroom since its opening in 1908, and the place has become such an important landmark that the building is protected. This protected status means that certain things cannot be changed, altered or revamped, so rather charmingly the floor in the Palm Court is covered with the nics and scratches as a result of over 100 years worth of dances. 

Dancing to live music in the Palm Court

Totally charmed by this factoid, dancing there that night was made all the more enjoyable, knowing I was literally dancing on history. 

As well as dancing there was a performance by the Twin Swing and a dance class from Strictly Come Dancing's Matthew Cutler.

Dances have been held in the Palm Court since the hotel opened in 1908. The evidence of that fact can been seen on the floor.

Tea dances are held most months at the hotel and the £62 a ticket includes a delicious afternoon tea and live band - nothing beats dance to live music. 

To book and for more information visit www.waldorfhilton.co.uk/dining-bars/tea-dance.html  

Vintage and dancing

Vintage dancing, or rather dancing in vintage splits opinions. 

There’s the camp who want everything from the music and the dancing down to the shoes and outfit they wear to be original. Or there’s the camp I’m in, the ones who would rather wear reproduction through fear of damaging their real vintage.

Out dancing in my reproduction (top from Collectif and shorts from River Island - you can also find some great items on the highstreet!)

I’ll be the first to say I love, love, love original vintage clothing. My wardrobe is full of it and I feel at my most attractive and best when wearing it, but I would never dream of wearing it dancing. That doesn't include accessories though, a vintage headscarf is a favourite of mine.

For a start I’ve seen (and heard) far too many rips and tears in true vintage items at dances. And as blunt as it sounds, yes I feel very sorry for them, but what did they expect? Lindy is a fast dance at times and accidents can happen. I would much rather have an accident happen to my reproduction item than the real deal, especially as a curvy girl who has to put in the extra work to find that perfect fitting vintage gem. 

That said people should wear whatever they want so if they are comfortable taking that risk then fine. But the thought of wearing my original 20s silk dress and it getting damaged brings me out in a cold sweat.

Out to dinner in my original 50s dress (an etsy gem!)

Washing too often can be incredibly wearing for all clothes especially older items. And if you’ve spent the night dancing away there is no way washing your clothes can be avoided. Another reason reproduction is best for me. 

When it comes to true vintage, especially when it’s delicate, I do choose to wear it for special occasions – and yes for me that does include to the office, well you’ve got to make the effort haven’t you? But my true vintage will never be seen on the dance floor.

Advice from the archive: 1925

Working here at The Lady, I'm incredibly lucky in that I can wonder down to our creepy (and definitely haunted) basement and look at our top notch archive.

Having started in 1885 and celebrating it's 130th year this year, no other publication has as rich and complete an archive and I relish times when I have a spare moment to go and sit amongst the dusty shelves and read past copies.

Spanning the sinking of the Titanic, two world wars, and countless other events in history, it gives a unique look into the social history of our country.

Whilst sitting in said scary basement this week, the history lover, and more importantly, the dancer in me was beyond chuffed to discover this little gem; Beauty tips for dancers from 19th November, 1925.

Click on the picture and enjoy!

London Lindy Exchange

A belated post about LLX over the May bank holiday weekend.

It was amazing. As ever. Gordon Webster was amazing. As to be expected. The Shirt Tail Stompers were amazing. Again, as to be expected. I was asked to dance loads. Amazing because despite fact I've been dancing for nearly four years I still get nervous asking for dances! Every dance I had was amazing. Total win.

The only two pictures my friend and I have from the event, clearly having far too much fun dancing to think about posing. How unlike me!

There isn't much more to say. LLX is, and will always be one of my favourite dance events.

The Thigh Clap

I am a curvy size 12/14 (I can squeeze my waist into a size 10 50s style cinched in dress or skirt - a fact I'm rather chuffed with) and I am incredibly comfortable in my own skin. Without wanting to sound like a big headed knob, I actually love the way I look.

This includes my chunky thighs (and my large bum, hips and tummy).

But although I like how I look, I don't always love the way I sound. Yes, any dancer with larger thighs will know exactly where I'm about to go here... the dreaded thigh clap.

I remember the first time it happened. I was helping to teach a class, It was a warm summers evening so I had bare legs. Whilst demonstrating a move with my partner I heard it. The sound of my wobbly thighs clapping together. I was mortified. Had others heard it? Did this happen to other people?

I wondered if anyone else had heard the cacophony of clapping from my never regions...

Now with warmer weather approaching and I'm starting to put my tights away, thoughts of the thigh clap are at the fore. Especially as I'm off to Swing Crash in Italy in June.

Luckily I know I'm not alone, gin fueled conversations with my girlfriends has shown that I'm not the only one in the Thigh Clap Club or the TCC if you will.

Still I'm wondering what others who have had this happen to them do? Some of my friends wear little shorts, but I get hot dancing as it is, without another layer of clothing.

So far I have yet to find a solution so I have decided to look at the bright side. At least someone will be clapping me when I dance!

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

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!

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

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  

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.