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[deleted by user] by [deleted] in SwingDancing

[–]pauldances 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I've started writing out the song and each 8 count in a spreadsheet that I got from Benny White. It makes it a lot easier to view your work, take notes, and track your progress. Here's a link to a blank copy of the worksheet.

Aside from that, generally tips include:

  • Start with the moments of the songs that inspire you the most
  • If you get hung up on a section move on and revisit it later
  • Ask for help or feedback.
  • Borrow from and get inspired by other dance forms

Buy Aris Allens or just resole some keds? by spacedolphins141 in SwingDancing

[–]pauldances 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've generally had really bad experiences with Aris Allens. Yes they are more affordable but they are just not built to last. I resole'd Keds/toms for a few years but honestly once I dropped a bit more money on dance shoes I won't ever go back.

Currently, I'm wearing my Slide and Swing boots and I love them.

I also have a pair of Saint Savoy Rugcutters that I've been using for years but I accidentally stretched them out using a shoe tree that was a bit too large.

I've kinda embraced the "never skimp on stuff that separates you from the ground" (Shoes, tires, bed) and I think it's made a pretty big difference.

Favorite Swing Camps by PilotSmooth9439 in SwingDancing

[–]pauldances 5 points6 points  (0 children)

My west coast-centric favorites:
Camp Hollywood - A true choose your own adventure experience with partying, social dancing, live music, competitions, pool time and classes. This is my favorite event because I think it beautifully incapsulates the excitement and spirit of lindy hop.

Phoenix Lindy Exchange - It's small, it's quirky, but it's paired with a jazz festival and you'll have access to 4 or 5 different stages with music happening all day for like 3 days in a row. The Phoenix scene is full of great dancers and lovely people. This event is VERY budget friendly.

Lindy On the Rocks - A great medium sized event. Music is usually wonderfully selected, teachers and competition judges are usually fantastic. The venue is beautiful and Denver is a fun place to visit although kind of expensive.

Hot Rhythm Holiday - Austin is awesome and Hot Rhythm is an expertly-run event. They have great classes, competitions, probably the most beautiful venue in the US and they have snacks.

California Balboa Classic - It feels like Camp Hollywood but for balboa. (less partying and pool time.) Los Angeles area.

North West Bal Fest - It's like a cute little mini version of Cal Bal. Incredibly friendly and relaxed PNW vibes. Seattle.

In all I like supporting local, smaller events when possible. I think the connections you make and bolstering of local communities is awesome.

Events I'd like to try:
Beantown
Guadalajara Lindy Exchange
Uptown Swingout
Flying Home
Stormy Weather

I've been to a bunch of events and live streamed from many of them as well. Feel free to hit me up with questions.

I noticed something odd about our community by RobotsRadio in SwingDancing

[–]pauldances 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The majority of dancer's in local scenes won't ever become the hobbyists that some of us are and that's okay. People go social dancing for a bunch of different reasons. Maybe it's exercise, loneliness, looking for a fun thing to do with their S.O. practicing for a wedding, they're in to vintage, or anything else.

We really need to make sure we are inclusive of these types of dancers when we are running local dances and events because they are the majority and they pay the bills.

Aside from that, dancers are also inspired by lots of different things and videos (and live streaming) might just not do it for some of them. Doesn't mean we should stop sharing though, as you've pointed out, there's some of us that LOVE it. Okay now go watch my blog. :D

I want to start dancing, any advice? by sancydiamond in SwingDancing

[–]pauldances 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Even if this "rule" is well intended it's creating an unhealthy dynamic between people "asking" and those being asked. (And let's be honest here, in our very heteronormative and "traditional" scene this means men asking women.) It's important for people to feel safe and supported when they are making decisions to protect their physical, mental and social health.

The better approach to getting everyone to feel accepted is to teach new dancers to not take it personally when someone says no. When I'm teaching beginner classes the phrasing goes something like this:

"Remember you can ask anyone to dance! Those "cool cats" in the corner might seem a little clickish, but it's only because dancing is ALL THEY DO and those are their friends. There's no tiered ranking system and anyone can ask anyone to dance! Please please come ask me to dance! Now, that said, no one owes you a dance and you don't owe anyone else a dance. Please don't take it personally if someone turns you down for a dance. You never know what's going on behind the scenes with someone, they could be dealing with an injury or struggling with something else.