Swing Dynamite Blog

Thoughts and news about swing dancing in Ottawa

When Swing Was King: Swing Dynamite and the Ottawa Jazz Orchestra

[ No Comments ] Posted by on Jul 05, 2011 in Swing Performance

People often ask us at Swing Dynamite when they can see a show that’s open to the public, since many of our troupe shows are for corporate clients or otherwise private events. This Thursday, July 7th, 2011 some of Swing Dynamite’s dancers will be performing with the Ottawa Jazz Orchestra at the Billings Estate Museum as part of an annual event showcasing swing music and dancing.

The forecast is looking good so far for this outdoor show, although we’ve performed just as easily in rainy weather in past years since it all takes place under a large tent. It’s a really enjoyable evening of music and show, so if you love swing come check it out!

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Swing Performance Checklist: Getting Ready for the Show!

[ No Comments ] Posted by on May 01, 2011 in Swing Performance

Tonight our Swing Dynamite teams are doing our big annual show before the Canadian Swing Championships, and I’ve been giving advice to the newer members about getting ready for a swing performance. I thought I’d share some of those tips here, which apply to both competitions and performances.

Swing Dynamite Backstage at the National Arts Centre

Backstage at the National Arts Centre

First, let’s look at the things to remember to bring.

  1. A checklist. Seriously, make a list of all the things you’re supposed to have for the big performance, and put it with your stuff. You wouldn’t believe how many people I’ve seen stuck at the last minute because they left their “performance shoes,” belt, skirt, etc. at home.
  2. Directions/Address and Show Schedule. It’s great if it’s in your phone. But make sure. Also make sure you know the name and number of the contact person.
  3. Your phone. Forgetting your cell phone can be a major problem.
  4. Performance Bag. Have one bag or suitcase where you put all of your stuff for the performance. Instead of trying to remember to bring stuff, the moment you think “oh, I should bring X” just put it in the bag right away.
  5. Dance shoes. Obvious, right? But also one of the most commonly forgotten items. If possible, bring a pair that look identical (eg. a second pair of black dress shoes) but with a different sole so that you can adapt to the traction of different floors.
  6. Belt. In the right color, eg. for a team performance. And for teams, bring an extra belt as a rule, and one day you will win a fellow team member’s deep appreciation.
  7. Socks/Stockings. You might need socks in a specific colour for your performance. It doesn’t hurt to bring extra for pre-show rehearsals, too, so your feet can get dry in between. I don’t know anything about stockings but it’s definitely a good idea to bring extra stockings in case of runs.
  8. Pants/Skirt. For guys, just always bring a spare pare of black dress pants. That way you have a backup, even if black pants aren’t what you’re wearing for the performance.
  9. Shirt, Tie. Same here–bring an extra white dress shirt/blouse, even if it’s not the costume.
  10. Deodorant. The audience can’t smell you, but your partner can, especially after those rehearsals you did this afternoon.
  11. Toothbrush/toothpaste. Get the spinach out of your teeth, and it’s easier to smile with a minty mouth.
  12. Pepto-Bismo, Immodium. Even if you don’t get nerves, a performance is the worst time to have an upset stomach.
  13. Advil. Let’s hope it’s not needed!
  14. Small Towel. To discretely dry off before a performance or between numbers.
  15. Cuff links, hair accessories.
  16. Clothing Steamer. Ridiculously helpful.
  17. Underwear. For guys, an undershirt is often a good idea. For girls, make sure you have the right bra (color and strap type) and (for Lindy Hop performances) the right knickers for your costume and movements. Doing aerials in a skirt with a thong is not the kind of show you were presumably hired to give. Also, back to the guys, I’ll just say to choose your underpants according to the movements you’re doing and the pants you’re wearing: think support, not constriction.
  18. Snack. You want something that won’t give you too much of a sugar spike. Trail mix and protein bars work well for me.
  19. Water bottle. I always require that water or drinks be served for me and our dancers when we perform, but just in case, it’s good to bring some hydration.

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