Swing Dynamite Blog
Thoughts and news about swing dancing in Ottawa
Django Libre: the essence of Gypsy Swing
[ No Comments ] Posted by Claudia on Aug 17, 2011 in Jazz and Blues Musicians, Live Music, News, Ottawa, Swing, Swing Dancing, Swing Music
Catch Django Libre at the Avant-Garde Bar this Friday, August 19 – 9 to 11 p.m. Django Libre will be joined by Richard Page.
Gypsy Swing – a.k.a. Gypsy Jazz or Jazz Manouche, was developed by Django Reinhardt by mixing Gypsy elements to his jazz improvisations. Django Libre keeps this music alive here in Ottawa with wonderful renditions of the Gypsy Jazz standards.
Avant-Garde Bar
135 1/2 Besserer Street
(613) 321-8908
Usually they have a suggested donation as a cover.
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!
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Getting out of your comfort zone
[ 2 Comments ] Posted by Mercedes on Jul 29, 2011 in Getting Good at Swing Dancing, Swing Dancing
In keeping with Byron’s last post about auditioning for a continual advanced class, I thought it would be a good idea to list the benefits of getting out of your comfort zone.
Charleston Dancers, Photo from DanceHeritage.org
Breaking “The Box”
I have experienced, time and time again, that when I push myself (even just a little) to do things that would otherwise intimidate me, I discover that I am capable of accomplishing things that I didn’t suspect I could do. When you try new things with your dancing, you break free from “The Box” and you are exposed to a world of possibilities. Breaking a pattern or “dancing outside the box” will help you improve in more ways than one; it’ll help your creativity, it’ll force you to think about technique and connection and it will help you develop your personal style.
Broadening horizons
When you open your mind to what life has to offer, you experience more of it. The same applies to dance. Try different styles, dance with different partners, travel to a variety of venues, incorporate what you learn into your dancing; it’ll heighten your dance experience.
Facing fears
One of life’s greatest limitation is fear. Fear of ridicule, fear of failure, fear of rejection… the list goes on. I often say, “Fear is a wall between you and your happiness. Recognize it, face it, then get over or around it!” Whatever your fear may be around your dancing – whether it be solo dancing, or aerials – face it! You’ll feel better about yourself for being brave and you’ll become a better dancer overall.