Swing Dynamite Blog
Thoughts and news about swing dancing in Ottawa
Dancing Sharpens the Mind
[ No Comments ] Posted by Mercedes on Oct 20, 2011 in Learning Swing Dance, Nifty Not Totally Swing Related
I recently read this article about “dancing making you smarter”. That title is a little misleading in the sense that what the highlighted research shows are the surprising benefits of dance on the mind. Social dance, as it turns out, sharpens the mind through improving its memory, the ability to think spontaneously and to reduce the risk of developing dementia in later years. The article offers the stats and explains, in comparison with other brain teaser activities and sports, how dancing is different.
The Souljazz Orchestra in Aylmer
[ No Comments ] Posted by Claudia on Aug 09, 2011 in Jazz and Blues Musicians, Live Music, News, Nifty Not Totally Swing Related
On Wednesday, August 10 – 7:30 to 10 p.m., the Souljazz Orchestra will be playing at the Parc de l’imaginaire (facing the Aylmer Marina) in Aylmer, QC.
Souljazz Orchestra plays a mix of soul, jazz, afro and latin rhythms with strong influence from the ’60s and ’70s music. So it is not really Swing music per se, but still it can be Westie bombed and who who knows, maybe a song or two will be Lindy-able as well.
For more info on the event, please check the park‘s website. This is a free event. Please note that in case of rain, the show will be cancelled.
Fun Swing Choreography Concepts
[ No Comments ] Posted by Mercedes on Aug 05, 2011 in Dance Videos, General, Nifty Not Totally Swing Related, Swing Dancing
As a Lindy Hopper, I often enjoy countless videos on Youtube, looking to be entertained or searching for new ideas on how to improve. I think it’s even more gratifying when you find choreographies that “break the lindy mold” while utilizing a concept.
Performance dance, as it applies to Swing as well, is about crowd-pleasing and entertainment. Although I am among the first to criticize a lack of authenticity in a number, I still am looking to be wowed. I am impressed when dancers use old school moves and plug them in a current context. I love vintage dancing and costumes, but occasionally, I like to be shown how contemporary this 80 year old dance style can really be. This is frequently achieved through “concept choreographies”. This helps the audience feel included.
Mario & Luigi...Charleston?
For those of you born in the late 1970′s through the 1980′s, The Super Mario vintage video games probably make you feel a little nostalgic. A friend of mine sent me this link, knowing full well I’d get a kick out of it. Out of Camp Hollywood, came a Super Mario Brothers Lindy number. The technique doesn’t seem too complex, but it’s still Lindy. Watching this, I felt that the performers were playing to my demographic; they’ve brought my happy childhood memories into my adult hobby. I’d just never pictured Mario and Luigi swing dancing before!