Dear Jam Cellar Readers: We received news recently that the small, unstable livestock-cargo plane carrying Jam Cellar organizesr and world-class Swing dance instructors Naomi Uyama and Nina Gilkenson to Herrang has disappeared over the Swedish Alps. It is believed the dance camp booked the two on a livestock transport plane to cut down on travel costs for the instructors. Though smaller than the Swiss Alps, the Swedish mountain range is still a dangerous terrain full of feral reindeer, freezing temperatures, and petit, blonde-haired mountain men who haven't seen a woman for years. However, in a bizarre streak of luck, Nina's Iphone still picks up a signal, and she has sent us an update to let us know that she and Naomi appear uninjured, and are going to attempt to make their way back to civilization. Because many of you are friends with them, I have included their first correspondence at the end of this email. R.W.
Otherwise, it's a party tonight at the Jam Cellar!!!
Intro to Balboa (Week 2 of 5)!
More of that incredible dance that's sweeping a small portion of the nation. Learn why the California swing dance has such a large cult following in the swing dance scene. Drop-ins for tonight's class only for people who know the balboa basic and the come-around. Taught by international Balboa instructors Bobby un Kate.
Intro to Lindy (week 2 of 6)
Learn all about the original intricate swing dance that started it all.
Sign up for the 1-Minute Showcase (August 12)
Do you love watching incredible dance choreography, but the thought of spending three minutes in front of hundreds of people in the middle of a contest makes you curl into the fetal position? Then this is the perfect event for you! It's the one-minute showcase, inspired by a similar event at the great Lindy Hop camp called the Inspiration Weekend (see how inspiring it is?). Basically, you sign up, you come up with one minute of choreography (partnered dance or solo jazz) to a song of your choice, and you perform it along with others Aug. 12. You even get in free to that dance. Sign up downstairs, and members of the Jam Cellar crew will be on hand throughout the month to help you with anything you need.
2 Summer mini-workshops at Glen Echo!
Bobby and Kate and the Jam Cellar will be offering two different two-hour workshops at Glen Echo this July for your quick fix needs. Balboa Bootcamp (8 to 10 p.m. July 17) will breeze you through the fundamentals of Balboa at a lightening pace, while Beginning Uptempo Lindy (8 to 10 p.m. July 24) will breeze you through lightening lindy hop at a fundamental pace. Each workshop is $22 per person. Presented in cooperation with the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts & Culture, Inc., the National Park Service and Montgomery County, MD.
Email from Nina Gilkenson
Subject: We're okay, but please send help to the plane crash site as soon as possible.
Dear Bobby,
If you are getting this email, it is because my Iphone F-ing rocks. Also, our plane went down and we're stranded on a mountain. Somewhere in Sweden, I'm guessing, since even the animals are thin and have blue eyes. I don't remember much about the accident, but Naomi says that's because I sacrificed myself to protect a rabbit in the crash.
There is no sign of the pilot, which might have been why the plane crashed. It seems like all the livestock animals they were transporting were fine, except that most of their cages were destroyed in the crash, and so now they're trying to eat each other. We did manage to save the rabbit. We've decided to call him Fluffle McChitter.
It's very cold here, and Naomi and I have put on every piece of clothing in our suitcases to stay warm. It worked out for the best, because we noticed several things we had borrowed from each other and forgotten about. Tonight, at least, we have the burning wreckage to keep us warm. However, the snow is starting to fall, and I don't think the fire will last long. So tomorrow, Naomi, Fluffle and I will have to begin looking for civilization.
Anyway, I was mainly writing to see if you could put in your rent check.
Love,
Neeners.
Nina has promised to keep in touch, and so I promise to keep you in touch as events unfold.
The January of the second half of the year! The coldest month in Australia! Named for Julius Caesar, who was born on July 1st, along with Canada Day, where we celebrate our shy, easygoing neighbor to the north, the ones who didn't rebel against the British, causing generations of awkward silence between the two countries! Yes, July!
To celebrate the month that will take us 30 days closer to our deaths, live life to the fullest by coming to tonight's Jam Cellar, where we have all sorts of new beginnings taking place. DJ Lee Tucker will show you why we call his DJ style tuckin'
Intro to Lindy Hop starts tonight!
"Damn you, elusive Lindy Hop! Are you eight counts, or six? Are you open or closed? How can I maneuver your confinement, yet what do I do with the great burden of all your freedom?" If you say this weekly, perhaps with clinched fists in the rain, then what you need is an "Intro to lindy hop series." And you can't get a much better one than our famous "Intro to Lindy" series, which begins today.
Intro to Balboa starts tonight!
Impress members of the opposite sex with Balboa, a swing dance that allows one to dance to swing music in really tight spaces with no loss in speed. It's the lap top of Lindy Hop. With its own slightly different styling and ideals, it still encompasses the fundamental lead and following skills inherent in all good swing dancing. Four week-introduction series begins this week.
The 1-Minute Showcase Showcase August 12
We're so proud of you Jam Cellar dancers that we want you to have a showcase for your talent. We're announcing a one-minute-showcase showcase for August 12 If you'd like to get some experience performing, or basically just have a little fun (one minute's worth), we invite you , or you and a partner, to come up with one minute of choreography to perform for your friends at the Jam Cellar in August. It can be Lindy, Balboa, Solo Charleston, step, clowning, anything. This is NOT a contest, no one will be judged. Everyone's doing it, you should too. Bobby and Kate and other Jam Cellar organizers will be on hand every Tuesday to help out if you need it. Sign up at the Jam Cellar.
2 Summer mini-workshops at Glen Echo!
Bobby and Kate and the Jam Cellar will be offering two different two-hour workshops at Glen Echo this July for your quick fix needs. Balboa Bootcamp (8 to 10 p.m. July 17) will breeze you through the fundamentals of Balboa at a lightening pace, while Beginning Uptempo Lindy (8 to 10 p.m. July 24) will breeze you through lightening lindy hop at a fundamental pace. Each workshop is $22 per person. Presented in cooperation with the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts & Culture, Inc., the National Park Service and Montgomery County, MD.
Tonight is Roaring Twenties Night at the Mansion of Jam, and who knows what debauchery is in store. Be sure to bring your monocles and spats in full force, that's right, I'm talking to you Monopoly Man. Anyone who comes in costume tonight gets $1 off admission, and if you win our fabulous costume contest you get one month of Jam Cellar for FREE*
Its our last night of the Don't Try This At Home series. Drop-ins are welcome but Dropp-ing- not welcome at all. We'll also be having a one time Shim Sham Class for those of you who t'aint know whatcha do when certain songs get played at dances.
Beginning Lindy Hop starts July 1
Get your friends hooked on the dance craze that's sweeping the hmmm.. county.. and perhaps the outerlying suburbs. Tell them to come learn the Lindy Hop, 6 count, and Charleston in our comprehensive beginner course. Six weeks for just $60 (dances included)- The best deal in town. Find out more here
July Series: Intro to Balboa
You may think balboa is great for fast tunes but can be danced at all tempos, you may think you get to press up to people real nice and close, you may think its purty, and well- you may be right. Come learn Balboa from the ground up with resident Bal champs and fancy teachers Bobby and Kate. Five weeks for $60 (dances included). Pre-Req: It is strongly recommended students have previous partner dance experience and don't mind touching others.
Are you a poor lindy hopper?
Of course you are. Do you want to get in free to the best dance in DC? Of course you do.
Be a Jam Cellar Volunteer and help make our dance happen! We are especially looking for people to help with closing, and a street team who wants to get the word out. Contact Naomi at naomi@thejamcellar.com
*Only for dances, fool. So stop trying to come and take our classes for free. What, you think knowledge is free? You're sounding a little pinko to me. Next you'll tell me you support crazy notions like "libraries" and "public schools". We carefully guard our secrets of technique and skill. Now scram, and go spend a couple hours on our youtube vlog compliments of us here at the Jam Cellar.
On this day in 1462, Vlad the Impaler attacked an ottoman camp at night in an attempt to have somewhere to rest his feet. He was named "The Impaler" because of his habit of greeting people by impaling them. Most of these stories, however, are merely propaganda. For instance, he was just as likely to boil you alive, or feed you to your relatives for dinner.
To commemorate this historical event, we will be having New Blood Night tonight, and all people new to the jam cellar will get in free, along with those who bring them. We will also have Kabobs. Andy Reid will DJ.
Upcoming this week
Tonight is the third week of Don't try this at home. Also, Wednesday night is "Jam Cellar" Night at K2, which is a dance club located at the top of the 495 loop. This Saturday is the last night of K2, where the Hot Club of Jam Cellar will play some of the 4 songs they know.
Jam Cellar "Bootlegger's Ball" June 24
Usher in the next depression with our special speak-easy night next week. Wear your best 1920s clothes, dust off your finest pencil-thin mustache, and disillusion yourself that your carefree extravagant lifestyle will never have any costly repercussions. The secret password is OLD SPORT. Also, we'll have a SHIM SHAM class for all dancers in place of our beginner lesson.
Beginning Lindy Hop starts July 1
Invite your new dancers to learn the Lindy Hop from the basic step and up in this six-seek course geared to give you all the fundamental info you need. Find out more here
Intro to Balboa starts July 1
Balboa: It's not just "that dance to fast music." It's a sibling to Lindy Hop, complete with its own outlook, style, and openings for creativity an expression. Learn some this July.
My company decided to have a picnic outside all day Monday. Since then, my brain has sort of shut down. I stare drooling at air conditioners. I lie around humming the theme song to "Sanford and Son." I forget to write Jam cellar emails.
This week, DJ Glenn Scales. And tonight, the second week of Don't try this at home.
New Blood Night Next Tuesday!
People new to Jam Cellar get in for free. People who bring new people to Jam Cellar get in for free. Free super-beginner lesson at 9 p.m.
Jam Cellar "Bootlegger's Ball" June 24
This is a special speak-easy night in the spirit of the roaring twenties. Wear your best 1920s clothes, dust off your finest pencil-thin mustache, and disillusion yourself that your carefree extravagant lifestyle will never have any costly repercussions. Listen for the secret password. Also, we'll have a SHIM SHAM class for all dancers in place of our beginner lesson.
Beginning Lindy Hop starts July 1
Invite your new dancer friends to learn the Lindy Hop from the basic step and up in this six-seek course.
*If you received a blank email earlier today, we apologize. Our web server reset some important settings without notifying us, and it caused some malfunctions. *
Today marks the day…
…the French Philosopher-Theologian Abelard was condemned for heresy, which was what all the cool kids were doing in the 12th century. He was also castrated in his sleep by the uncle of his student and lover, as well you know.***
To mark this occasion, all those coming to Jam Cellar tonight will debate on the conflict of realism versus nominalism, and Andy Reid will make castration puns all night. Also, DJ Allen Kerrwill condemn everyone to heresy. A wonderful, beautiful heresy, where Chick Webb plays drums.
It also marks the last Jam Cellar before the Big Big Event, where the Russ Wilson Orchestra will take the stage alongside The Boilermaker Jazz Band. Incredible instructors, incredible out-of-town guests, incredible music. The last day to register is tomorrow.
Here's what's happening tonight:
Don't Try This At Home Starts Tonight!
Our four-week series on the art of throwing women starts tonight, with special guest instructors Kenneth and Helena from Sweden! Partners only! 8:30 p.m.
New Blood Night June 17
Bring a newbie and you and your newb get in free. Or come to Jam Cellar if you've never been before, and you'll get in free! Then join the next Beginning Lindy Hop series starting July 1
Speakeasy Night June 24
Usher in the next depression with our Speakeasy Night June 24. We'll have a Jack-and-Jill contest, a bar in the back, and the foreboding and intoxicating air of a callously-indulgent prosperity without consequences. But, more importantly, a bar in the back. Dress for the 1920s. Call everyone "Old Sport." Listen to announcements at Jam Cellar for the secret password.
*** Abelard was famous for his great debate tactics, and used them to win the heart of his fourteen-year-old student Heloise ("So, Heloise, you ever, like, think about God?"). She got pregnant and they secretly married. Unfortunately, a misunderstanding lead Heloise's uncle to castrate Abelard in his sleep. This, ironically, ended his chances of promotion in the Medieval church. Heloise became a nun, which all the girlfriends of bad-boys were doing in those days. Abelard became a monk, but continued to teach and was many years later tried in Rome for treason for preaching philosophies that questioned unswerving faith. However, Abelard, always the incredible debater, died before the trial. He is supposedly buried next to Heloise in Paris.
No excuses. Time to work off those tofu burgers and all that whey bacon. What? You used real meat? Do you have any idea how many calories are in that? And Glucotomosic Inhibitors? Well, time to get back on that horse. Here's your new workout regiment.
First off, ride your bike tonight to Jam Cellar, or put it on your shoulders and run with it if you want to show extreme. And go up the big hill as fast as you can. Either way, you'll get a free water bottle . Don't forget your recovery drink. Second, dance all night to DJ Kate Hedin who will regulate your heart rate between relaxed and pumpin'. Wear a monitor. Then do three sets of each:
31 Flavors Workout
Tonight, Bobby and Kate will take you through the final variations for the 31 Flavors series, where we'll do 31 reps of 31 swing exercises. Walk ins welcome. Run-ins, carrying bikes, even more so.
Don't Try This At Home Workout
Beginning next week, get crazy with four weeks of aerials, drops, pops, and whops. This exercise regiment includes picking up women, crunches, pulls-ups, core-work, and putting down women. First week taught by personal Swedish trainers Kenneth and Helena. I know it burns.
Big Big Event two-day workout series June 6-8
We've got personal trainers from across the country coming in, showing you how to flex your core swing muscles. Plus, three nights of live music and incredible DJs. Also, if you can house an out-of-town guest, and let them uses your home equipment, please let us know at huh@thejamcellar.com, and at www.SwingOutDC.com You'll want to be there, or else everyone else is suddenly going to be ripped except for you. And swing-dance bathing suit season is coming up.
New Blood Night Ripper June 17
Invite friends for an introductory trial period to try out Jam Cellar X, our 52-week extreme swing dance workout. They'll get in free if they've never been before. And if you bring 'em, you'll get in free, too. And if you can bench-press them, we'll give you $6.
We have a new edition of the JC Almanac, but before we get to it; here's all the important upcoming Jam Cellar info you need.
Tomorrow night's DJ: Luke, the turntable duke.
Big Big Event only three weeks away
Peter, Ramona, Mike, Casey, Chad, Midori, Russ Wilson Orchestra, Boilermaker Jazz band, Solomon Douglas Orchestra, couples strictly, Peabody contest, and possibly Leonardo Dicaprio. www.thebigbigevent.com. Presented in cooperation with the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts & Culture, Inc., the National Park Service and Montgomery County, MD.
31 Flavors Continues
A great class for walk-ins. It is well known that most original 1930s dancers only really did five or six moves. But how did they make such moves look so alive, vibrant, and musical? Why, they could do each of those moves fifty different ways. This series is all about changing up the basics in order to create a more beautiful dance. Enjoy! www.thejamcellar.com.
Don't Try This at Home in June
We'll be doing aerials and trick steps in this 4-week series. The first class will be taught by Swedish Lindy Hop champions Kenneth and Helene. The rest will be taught by the Italian Tumbling Squadron of the Jam Cellar Crew. Hut-Hut! www.thejamcellar.com.
New Blood Night (June 17) and The Shim Sham (June 24).
New Blood night means you get in free if it's your first time to The Jam Cellar. It also means that if you're a Jam Cellar regular, and you bring a newbie by, you get in free, too. Then, Shim Sham the next week. Then, New Beginner series starts July 1.
[Recently, we've brought back the original 1930s publication The Jam Cellar Almanac, the finest swing dance journal of news and scholarly essays from the era, aside perhaps from The Harlem Shout and The SoCal Swivel. We will have a new almanac every few months.]
The Jam Cellar Almanac
Vol. 12, Issue 2
In this issue: news briefs, the modern history of swing, a special opinion column by "That Guy."
NEWS BRIEFS
FEATURE STORY: Fox to pilot sitcom 'Lindy Hop 90210.'
Fox television corporation recently announced its upcoming fall show line-up, the highlight of which is 'Lindy Hop 90210,' a show about modern, young Lindy Hoppers.
The show will focus on the lives of the 'cool kid' clique; all the drama involved with their romantic experiences, their learning about drinking and drugs, and occasionally, their dancing.
"We're talking people cheating on each other, diva fights, personal vendettas, ego-crazed jerks, and basically the self-obsessed popularity contest that high school is all about," said Fox spokesperson Carla Jenkins.
Some have pointed out that the main actors involved are obviously too old to be playing the parts. "Yes, we know the people in 'Lindy Hop 90210′ look older than high school years, some even in their thirties," said producer Michael Grossman. "But as long as they act like they're sixteen, it's believable."
The show, Grossman explains, is expected to help people keep track of fashion trends; "You know, what hairdo is in, what swing-outs should look like, and what kind of belt you should be wearing."
Reviewers, however, are skeptical. "I think other people will get tired of the show pretty quickly," said Damion Thorp, a television reviewer for Parade magazine. "I mean, most of these people only care about themselves. Why would anyone watch that?"
Nina Gilkenson actually 87-year-old woman
Dorry Segev, a Johns Hopkins scientist, has recently proven that swing dancer Nina Gilkenson is not actually the young woman in her twenties previously believed, but is in fact an 87-year-old landlady who lives with cats.
"It makes sense," says roommate Stephanie Nolan. "She knits, wears funny glasses, and binges on casino slots."
Her dance partner, Andy Reid, agreed with the findings. "I think it's the reason she's such a natural dancer, you know? She grew up with that music, in the depression."
Gilkenson was not available for comment, as she was out playing bingo. However, her daughter, Lori, gave us a tour of Gilkenson's 1910 row-house, warning us against sitting in any of the antique chairs.
"If one broke, she would, like, totally flip out and I'd be in deep [expletive.]" she said.
Even those closest to Nina were not shocked by the news.
"What can I say, I dig older women," says boyfriend Michael. "Antiquam Feminam Amo."
Two guys totally take jam circle to the next level by dancing together
A jam at this year's Mid-East Lindy Feast was totally taken to the next level when two guys decided to come out into the jam, rather than the expected boy/girl couple.
"Well, you see, Ron and Deb had just done their Pancake Snatch," explained dancer Chris Stevens, who was one of the males who danced together. "And, like, that just can't be topped, you know? But then I saw Ben, and he had that look in his eyes, and I knew it was on. He was wanting to do a shake-the-change."
"Yeah, we had practiced doing [the aerial] one afternoon for a few minutes," said, fellow Lindy Hopper Ben Scales. "So I felt good about doing it. We knew it was going to be hilarious."
Witnesses report that after several awkward basic moves, the two males totally busted out the move, which inspired a loud burst of applause. The jam reached an anti-climax, however, when two girls then came out and simply did five swing-outs.
Local teacher teaches class on things he needs to work on
Billy Richardson, a local swing dance teacher in Kahoola, Tennessee, will begin teaching three new series in June, based on the criteria that he needs to work on those aspects of his dancing.
"I took a private, and sort of got some good ideas," Richardson said. "I think by the time June comes around I'll have a good handle on them, and will be ready to spread the love."
The courses, which include speed dancing, solo Charleston, and something called 'connection conversation,' will most likely be attended by the scene's small pool of beginner/intermediate dancers.
"Hell yeah I'm going to take Billy's classed," says Mike Zoudekia, who's been dancing since February 2007. "He's the authority around here, and I've seen what he can do. I saw him dance to 'Lindy Hopper's Delight' once, and that song is blazing."
ESSAY:
The Recent History of Lindy Hop
by Robert White
Author's Note: This article was written and published more than a year ago, and though I've re-edited it, it still might seem dated in some areas. It's a little AV exploration of the swing-trends of the last ten years, focused around the top couples of the time, and how the influence of each trend can still be seen on the modern dance floor.
RYAN AND JENNY
In the late 1990s, the most popular swing dance couples for most people were simply the best local east-coast-dance couples that were on your city's dance floor. For those who did enjoy Lindy Hop, the biggest couples were from DC, California, New York, London and Sweden, especially the British dancers Ryan and Jenny, who had taken what Frankie Manning had taught them and combined it with their tap and jazz training to create a polished and exciting Lindy Hop.
(unfortunately, this is the best example of the sort of dancing they did that inspired everyone in that day. I say "unfortunately" because they were forced to do that song by the producers. They usually dance to classic swing music.)
Why it was popular: This sort of dancing, as you can imagine, made everyone very excited to learn Lindy Hop–here was a living couple doing the sort of dancing all the original dancers did in the clips. High flying aerials, lots of Charlestons… it was like the Gap Commercial, only real.
The moves of the day: Side-by-Side Charleston, Tandem Charleston, cross-over Charleston, hand-to-hand Charleston, and lots of swing-outs with big rock steps. Also pecking, boogying, and mini-dips.
Camp of the Day: Beantown
Side effects When Ryan and Jenny danced, they were good enough to dance "big" but still be contained and have exceptional floor craft and leading/following skills. Most of us, however, in trying to imitate them, bounced a lot, took up a ton of room, and did lots of weird, hardly-lead Charleston variations. A lot of choreographed moves involving breakaways or 'skating' were popular. Oh, and we all wore brightly colored clothing and lots of suspenders and hats. Not a few of us picked up on Ryan's fashion of wearing basketball work-out pants to dance in. Shoe of choice: the Blyers, all around. Then Ryan started wearing jazz sneakers, which some took up.
(For a good idea of what we watched, here's a clip from Can't Top The Lindy Hop, a video put together of Frankie Mannings' 80th birthday dance in 1984. Ryan's in the yellow coat, you only see him for a few phrases. However, his jam with Sing from Singapore from that video tape, which is a good two phrases, was one of the most influential moments of modern dance history. I am not making this up.)
At the time, east coast dancers cursed Lindy Hoppers for taking up so much space and kicking everyone. However, that was soon to pass…
ERIK AND SYLVIA
In California, around 1997, a group of dancers started looking at the old clips of the Hollywood movies where primarily young white kids were dancing. (The person often credited with taking Lindy Hop from the Savoy to California in the 1930s was a man named Dean Collins, and he had taught most of these movie dancers.)
In 1997, these modern kids really liked the look and style of the dancing, so they began working to recreate it. The main couple, Erik and Sylvia, soon started competing and really turning heads with their dancing. They wore complete Hollywood vintage styles, and danced smooth lindy which they coined "Hollywood style," and which some people called "Dean Collins style."
(It should be noted that Dean Collins's dancing was not *really* a new idea for modern swing dancers. Sylvia Sykes and her partner Jonathan Bixby learned Lindy from Dean Collins himself, and demonstrated "Dean Collins" style on the 1984 "Can't Top the Lindy Hop" video mentioned above. What it didn't have, however, was two stylish young kids doing it and trying to capture the glamour of the 1940s.)
Here's Eric and Sylvia's winning ALHC routine.
Why it was popular: To dancers at the time, "Hollywood" style seemed smoother with more emphasis on footwork, and had a really cool swing-out called a whip. Dancers really refined their technique and smoothed out their dancing in this time. Also, dancers could indulge their vintage-love by wearing "cooler" clothes than zoot suits. Men wore baggies, sweaters, newsboy caps, striped socks, and girls wore jumpers, wide legged pants, nice skirts, did their hair up with flowers and put on make up. Shoes: white bucks for guys and wedgies for girls. Everyone put suede on their shoes.
The moves of the day: The whip, sugar push, and quick-stop. Wash, rinse, repeat.
Phrase of the day: "Does anyone have any masking tape?"
Camp of the Day: Why, what else? Camp Hollywood.
Side-effects Though Erik and Sylvia had a good pulse and were best friends with "Savoy-style" dancers Ryan and Jenny, people took the new style to an exaggerated degree.
In trying to be smooth, many people lost their "pulse" all together, so a lot of dancers looked bored and unenergetic.
Also, the dancers at that time took the terms "Hollywood style" and "Savoy style" and created a dividing line, making people think the styles were totally different ideas from each other. So people started dancing like they were completely different ideas. Consequently, this created styles of dancing that were a lot more different from each other than the original styles ever were.
Almost all Charlestons were gone. To many, (At least in Atlanta) if you were doing anything other than the (ironically-named) Savoy-kicks Charlestons, you were considered old-fashioned. The whips were pretty and involved tricky leading and following, however, they stifled the amount of stuff follows could do on their swing-outs.
Also, since the original Hollywood dancers only did a few moves in the old clips, people took their vintage-worship to that level and only did a few moves and lots of footwork. Hardly any moves were invented during this time. Until, that is, someone new stepped in…
KEVIN AND CARLA
Kevin and Carla were both greatly-influenced by "Savoy" and "Hollywood Style" before they started working on new moves and doing more "groove" dancing in their Lindy (For instance, Kevin still wears his Hollywood Bucks and Stripey Socks to this day). They also both concentrated a great deal on musicality, showmanship, and competition dancing. The result was a ton of highly-praised and award-winning routines, like this one.
Why it was popular Making up cool turns was back! Flashy moves were back! Tandem Charleston is cool again! Break dancing is allowed! And what's this body-roll thing, that looks neat! And we can be musical! For the guys, the fashion was cargo pants with lots of pockets. For girls, it was wearing pants under their skirts (skants).
The moves of the day: Girls putting their legs out when they turn. Guys putting their legs out when they turned. And squatting to the ground a lot so girls could jump over them. And, of course, the body roll.
The Side-effects: As always, the side effects were merely people taking the goods to an extreme. Many people became, oddly enough, too musical–they had to hit everything in the music all the time with very large hits. "Splanky" was played way too much during this period.
Body rolls were done in great quantity with various degrees of success.
Follows at this time also started doing a ton, which is great, but it was taken to too much of an extreme sometimes, leading to a "she might as well be dancing with a poll" situation on many a dance floor.
Speaking of extremes, it could be said that Kevin and Carla's popularity was itself a sign of an extreme shift from Hollywood style, which people had begun to feel stifled by. And yet, to some dancers, the new style seemed like it was taking Lindy too far away from what turned them onto it in the first place: The original dancers of Harlem. Thus came…
THE "RAW" STYLE
Here, for the first time in many years, it's not just 1 couple that's setting the tone of Lindy Hop. Instead, it's the young dancers who first began dancing in 1998 when Ryan and Jenny's dancing was so popular.
For a good idea of how many good dance couples felt this way, check out this clip:
I'd like to throw out the theory that each trend is started when something is "missing" from the previous trend. In this case, dancers felt that what was missing was the raw emotion of the dance. We had spent so long smoothing things out, calculating how to be musical, and trying to be graceful, that we forgot how and why the original swing dancers did it. They yelled when they swung-out. They loved to kick, throw each other around, and dance fast. They had attitude and the feeling of dancing was more important than trying to look graceful.
Why it was popular: For the reasons above. Also, for those of us who learned Frankie Manning dancing first, it was a chance for us to get back to the specific reason we started dancing. It also started getting people comfortable with dancing to faster music. For social dancing, many people stopped caring about specific dance clothes–jeans, t-shirts. (This doesn't apply to competition dancing or dances where bands perform, where many people dress up in dresses, suits and sport coats in the old Harlem style.) Shoes: aris allens (mostly white) for the guys, white keds for the girls.
The moves: Wide swivels, stretching, and more of a Charleston influence to the lindy hop overall. All the old moves from Ryan and Jenny years, minus cheesy choreography moves. Faster music.
Camp of the Day:ULHS
The Side-effects: When it first came out, some dancers took all traces of grace out of their dancing, leaving them pretty sloppy. Also, sadly, some people took "raw" to mean "I'm so in the moment I don't have to recognize that I just kicked you in the face."
So, where are we now?
In the neat time span of 10 years, we have sort of come full circle. The "Raw style" has now naturally evolved into many individual dance styles.
It'll be interesting to see what trends come next, if a trend does come next. It'll be hard to take swing back any further in time…there's already a Charelston sub-set. Cake-walk and peabody are probably too small and undocumented for a real revival. Things like Soul and Blues offer a change of pace, but will probably remain a small "basement party" genre. Perhaps there will be small revivals of Hollywood style, or Collegiate Shag, but I would be surprised if it was anything near as big as the "Savoy" and the "Hollywood" trends.
What I think is far more likely is that the modern swing dance scene has now gone through the biggest trends it will. Now, just like an artist or craftsperson who gets the big picture then starts working on details, I believe the swing scene now has all its major ingredients, and is going to play with spices and cooking time (weird analogy).
How they mimic the development of a dancer .What's also interesting is how the development of these trends mirrors a very healthy development for a dancer. First comes the passion and big moves. Then comes smoothing out everything and refining technique, then comes the creative aspect. Basically, once you have technique, the finer things are creating, playing with connection, and working on being musical. Then, once all is said and done, you try to capture the original passion you started with. Obviously, this isn't the only way a dancer can develop. However, it is one way, and it's the way the scene as a whole has done it.
For my part, I think it's important that we realize that despite their "style," all of these couples mentioned above share the same traits– they are all graceful, energetic, creative, and amazing performers and teachers. These things never change, no matter what the trend is.
Those of us who been through each "popular trend" in swing have taken something with us from each to make it part of our own personal style. That includes moves, body-control, and fashion.
COLUMN: Who wants to dance with THIS GUY?!?
By Bob Underchuck
Hello ladies. I see you there, all lined up in a row. Sure, you're waiting to dance with a rockstar-but you're gonna need something to pass the time. So? Who wants to dance with this guy?
I remember you. In the rotation, right? I helped you with that one turn that you kept messing up. Don't worry, a lot of girls messed it up; I had to help them, too.
I just join in the classes to help out a little, especially since they didn't ask me to teach this year. But I do teach weekly in Manchester City.
You see, I'm what you call a natural dancer. I go where the spirit moves me. Change with the times. So, that's why if that kickin' Glenn Miller stuff comes on they play so much these days, I'm just as at home as if I'm dancing back in Manchester to Lou Rawls or Billy Joel. So, you see, a natural dancer. That's why I don't wear deodorant.
But don't think I'm not true to my roots. If I'm feeling it, I just might bust out a 'cuddle', and don't be surprised if I throw you into a pretzel. I don't make it look cheesy, though. I figure if Todd Yanacone can bring back old school moves, why can't I? Tandem Charleston came back into fashion, so I just think that as far as the pretzel goes, I'm ahead of my time. So what do you say? You want to finish this tune? Don't worry about the speed. I just taught a speed dancing course back in Winchester. I'll help you out.
What? You can't right now? Problems with your foot? My cousin could probably help with that. He's a specialist in Frankfurt. Seriously, just give me your number and I'll get him in touch with you. No? You sure? Well, okay.
But save me dance later. We'll catch a fast one. And if you're lucky, I might even take you out into the jam circle.
About the Jam Cellar Almanac
The Jam Cellar Almanac and its contents are written and copyright 2008 by Robert White. As long as the writings are attributed to him, they may be republished on forums. Robert White also strongly recommends images of Collin Firth as Mr. Darcy be used as his headshot. To republish in any other capacity, permission must be granted. For suggestions or comments on what YOU would like to see in the almanac, please email huh@thejamcellar.com.
Velcro officially hit the world, as well you know. Many people think Velcro was a creation of NASA, however, it was actually invented by a Swiss engineer named George De Mestral, who took ten years to do so. NASA was simply the first to find it useful, as they were loosing countless work hours to astronauts trying to get their zippers un-stuck in zero gravity.
So, to celebrate, today we will take apart a schedule and put it back together. That's right, some things have changed around here, so check it out:
Tonight!
DJ Naomi Uyama and Week 2 of our 31 flavor series (walk-ins welcome) with Naomi and Andy.
JUNE 3 - Don't Try This At Home (Airsteps and other fun tricks):
— A 2 week series. Kenneth and Helena (from Sweden!) will be teaching some trick steps in this special class you don't want to miss, and the JC crew will do the next one.
JUNE 6-8
The Big Big Event. Jam Cellar's own special weekend workshop. We are almost out of spaces, so sign up fast!
JUNE 17 - New Blood Night
Our infamous New Blood Night. Folks who are new to the Jam Cellar get in for free, and even better - if you bring a newbie you get in free as well! This is your chance to share the love with some of your friends who have wondered why they haven't seen you in the last 6 months. There, like always, will be a free lesson for them to taste the waters.
JUNE 24 - Learn The Shim Sham
And that about does it for the schedule changes ahead. Any questions? huh@thejamcellar.com.
I made this Jam Cellar announcement for you. I hope you like it. It's got dinosaurs.
Dad told me I'd better do better than that, since he has to spend most of his coal mining paycheck for you on Mothers Day. So me and sis and all the others got together to put on the Most Splendiferous Jam Cellar Family Mother's Day Talent Show Ever!!! tonight. For starters, we made a radio show for you! And that scary Mr. Almonte even promised he'd put it on the online! And he and Uncle Mike Marcott are going to play music from it at The Most Happidiest Jam Cellar Family Mother's Day Talent Show Ever!!! tonight. I want to be a shark when I grow up.
Love,
Billy Watson
P.s. — I also got you a Transformer. I hope you like it.
P.s.s.s. See our program for the Most Bestest Fun-Fun Jam Cellar Ninja Family Mother's Day Talent Show Ever!!!
Building Your Basics starts tonight!
Daddy promised he'd get Uncle Jeff and Aunt Kate to teach us how to Lindy Hop , even though daddy says they're nothing but deadbeat musicians. I've never seen them do magic, but it'd be great if they could for the talent show. Anyway, they'll teach beginner Lindy Hop over the next six weeks! ($60 for six weeks, includes dances).
31 Flavors Class starts tonight!
Aunt Naomi and Uncle Bob are going to surprise you with a visit and talk about many different ways to mix-up swing dance fun-damentals. It'll be just like last Christmas when they came to visit, except Uncle Bob won't forget to take his pills and put the dog in the mashed potatos. At least, he promised he wouldn't. ($50 for four weeks, includes dances. For inter/adv dancers.)
Big Big Event June 6-8!
We're also putting together a CIRCUS! complete with Jugglers! Elephants! Dinosaurs! (Peter and Ramona) Trampolines! Clowns! (Mike Faltesek and Casey Schneider) Bands galore! (Russ Wilson Orchestra, Boilermaker Orchestra, Solomon Douglas) Races! (Peabody contest) and spectacular feats of flight! (Strictly Lindy Comp). Sign up!
Jam Cellar Old Timey Radio Programme!
Yehoodi interweb site promised it would play our radio program all month beginning this Thursday! It includes music from everyone in the Jam Cellar family, and lots of silly stuff from Bobby and Luke, who are sometimes almost as funny as Laffy Taffy jokes. Heehee Laffy Taffy. They're funny cause they're true.
