This summer, Toronto Lindy Hop will be sending 2 dancers on an unforgettable trip to Herräng Dance Camp!
Get ready for a week of dancing at the world’s biggest Lindy Hop dance camp in beautiful Sweden. Learn from the world-famous teachers you’ve adored on YouTube, and s…ocialize with dancers from around the world!

We’re giving a pass for a week of your choice and $200 towards airfare to each of 2 Toronto-area dancers who have never attended Herräng (level of dance does not matter).

To win this, tell us in 1000 words or less:

1) Why you want to go
2) How you’ll share your learning with the Toronto scene when you return, and
3) How you could contribute to the TLH website (ex: blog post, video etc.).
Creativity is encouraged!

Applications are due at 11:59pm on April 14th via email (see address below), and the winner will be announced at the TLH Dovercourt night on April 28th. Put yourself in the spotlight and show us what you’ve got!

Fine print:
1. This contest is ALSO open to Hamilton, Kitchener, Waterloo, St. Catharines, Burlington and all surrounding areas (sorry Ottawa and beyond are not able to apply). With the understanding that in your written piece above you really state a strong case on how you will be able to contribute to the Toronto scene.
2. The judging will done blindly. Meaning the submitters names will be removed and handed over to the judges to review fairly. Those judges will remain anonymous to avoid any issues 🙂

Send all applications to: info@torontolindyhop.com

http://www.herrang.com/

PASS THIS AROUND even if you can’t apply yourself. Share in the fun for others 🙂

 

We’re pleased to welcome “Black Coffee” Joshua to Toronto for a special 2 part workshop !

Joshua has been dancing Lindy Hop and vernacular jazz for 14 years. Choreographer for The Careless Lovers’ hit music video Black Coffee, Joshua is known for his musicality and dynamic rhythms. He’s coming to Toronto for a vacation. While he’s here, let’s spread the rhythm around.

Our very own Reesa Del Duca will be partnering with Joshua to bring you this terrific workshop.

The level of this workshop is 1.5+ and is designed for social dancers of varying levels of experience.

Workshop: Spreading the Rhythm Around!

Part I: RHYTHM IS WHAT WE SELL

Wanna get your rhythm to market? 50% off on all winter material, everything must go! This class is about ridiculously fun Lindy Hop rhythms.

Part II: DOIN’ THE JIVE

You’ve called for the Shim Sham. You’ve called for the Jitterbug Stroll. What about Seattle’s new dance that’s sweepin’ the nation? Doin’ The Jive, brought to you by the same fools who made Black Coffee, is a new jazz dance that’ll get you clappin’ your hands, stompin’ your feet, and swingin’ out wide. Do the Suzy Q, mix in a step or two, throw it all together and you’re Doin’ the Jive. Join us for the Canadian premier!

Spreading the Rhythm Around!

• Level 1.5+
• Saturday, April 14th
• 4pm to 6pm
• $20 in advance/$23 at the door
• Pre-Register Now!

Song: Blue Moon

Artist: Billie Holiday

Simply a beautiful version of this song. Perfect. It’s been a favourite of mine lately and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Song: I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter

Artist: Paul McCartney

Yes, you read that right. Paul McCartney has put out a jazz album entitled “Kisses On The Bottom” (referring to a lyric in this song) that includes 3 swinging songs that are appropriate for Lindy Hop.

Here’s a link:

I’ll admit that I didn’t like this album when I first heard it. I felt that Paul’s voice was starting to go with age and that it just wasn’t working. But it’s really grown on me and there’s a sincerity that I’m enjoying. Let me know what you think!

Song: Minor Swing

Artist: Boilermakers Jazz Band

From the album Give Me Your Telephone Number, this band is very popular in both the Lindy Hop and Balboa communities. This song is certainly one of their more well-known and is often played at Bal dances. You can order their album on Amazon or you you can listen to a sample and order it on CD Baby.

GUESTS & PAST INSTRUCTORS

Caitlin Wellman

Dance Instructor (Toronto)

Caitlin teaches her students more than just a bunch of cool moves (but they get that too)! Her focus on solid lead/follow technique – based on momentum, connection, and rhythm – helps her students enjoy the dance on a deeper level and become more connected to the music and their partner. Her teaching is clear and articulate, and full of fun and creative ways of improving your dancing.

She was a founding member of the multi-award winning performance troupe Minnie’s Moochers, from Ithaca, NY, who recently performed at the Frankie95 Celebration in NYC. She has been in demand as a teacher across the US, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia for many years. With her Toronto partner Chachi, she is the Director & Choreographer for Capital Dance Productions, a performance troupe that specializes in 20th century North American partner and solo dances. She has also been the Artistic Director & Choreographer of The Flappettes, a sassy all female 1920′s Jazz & Charleston troupe.

Caitlin has also made several Television and Print appearances such as: Instant Star, Much Music Video Awards ’06 with Fall Out Boy, Toronto 1 “Toronto Dances” program, and the cover of Dance Spirit Magazine.

Krister Shalm

Dance Instructor (Toronto)

Ever since Krister Shalm first saw a couple Lindy Hopping at the Reservoir Lounge in 2005, he was hooked. Inspired by the joy of the dance, Krister soon became a regular fixture in the scene. Known for his energy, enthusiasm, and love for Lindy Hop, Krister can often be spotted dancing down the street working on his shorty george, camel walk or spank the baby. On the dance floor, he is both fun and entertaining to dance with or to watch. Krister has passion for teaching and sharing the spirit of Lindy Hop – particularly the Zen-like nature behind a person’s connection with both the music and a partner and the resulting dance steps and movements that take shape. His primary inspiration is the original Whitey’s Lindyhoppers troupe who infused the soul of Lindy Hop with their raw energy, power, and emotion. It is this raw essence that Krister tries to capture when he dances and teaches.

 

Thank you for being a part of the History of Swing on March 31st!
***Important information enclosed.

Please share all of this information with everyone in your group(s). The show order is as follows this message. (Please let me know if you’ve accidentally received this message twice.)

1) Costumes/dress – Please make sure that you have appropriate dress planned for the show. This is a historical show so no jeans and please coordinate any modern clothing in such a way that it looks swing-appropriate. Also, we do not have a green room so you’ll need to pack and organize your things in a careful way. Please don’t bring more than you really need since storage space will be an issue.

2) Show times & Call times – everyone must be ready for a roll call at 2pm for the day. There will only be a short break between the 1st show and second show, so please bring everything that you need and plan to stick around the Dovercourt for those 2 shows. After the second show, I’ll have pizza delivered for everyone. (Heather O’Shea, can you be my helper for ordering the vegan pizzas???) You’ll be free to do as you pleased until the evening call time of 7:15pm SHARP.

SCHEDULE:
2pm – Call Time for the day with roll call
2:30 – doors open for 1st show
3pm – 1st show
4:30pm – doors open for 2nd show
5pm – 2nd show
6pm to 7:15 – free time/pizza party
7:15 – SHARP call time for evening show
7:30pm – doors open for evening show
8pm – evening show

3) Tickets – there are now tickets for the 5pm show at the studio. Please encourage your friends to purchase them quickly because they will sell out! We have just a few tickets left for the 3pm show too. We’ll offer some standing room for the evening show for $5 but the show is a full 60+ minutes so it’s a long time to stand.

4) Floors – we will be on the 1st floor for the first two shows. However, we’ll need to move all of the chairs upstairs because the evening show is on the 2nd floor. FAVOUR: if everyone helps to move a couple of chairs upstairs it will go much more smoothly. Thank you in advance!

5) Ushers & Seating – I would love to ask the Lady Bugs & The Honey Bees if they could be ushers for the seating process. Cool cool?

6) Running Time – the show will be a full 60+ minutes.

****

SHOW ORDER

Pre-Swing
The Lady Bugs – Maple Leaf Rag

1920s
Yellow Jackets: Melancholy by Johnny Dodds.
Intermediate Choreo – That’s a Plenty
Reesa, Shannon, Heather Trio – Dinah

1930s
1.5 Choreo – Vagabond Blues and It Don’t Mean a Thing
Tranky Doo – BKD teachers (& juniors?)
BKD Performance Troupe – When I Get Low
BIG APPLE – BKD teachers (& juniors?)

1940s
The Honey Bees – Washer Woman
Balboa Choreo – Vol Vist Du Gaily Star /Jan Savitt Orchestra
BKD Performance Troupe – In The Mood
SHAG – Digga Doo (SONG CHANGE????)
Comp & Show Group – Clap Your Hands but Lucky Millinder

1950s
Rachel’s Group – Sixteen Tons
Rock Sock The Boogie – Johnny B. Goode

Modern Savoy
Jonathon & Carlynn – Ain’t No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down

Finale – A Return to the Roots of Lindy Hop
TEACHERS – Riff Time by Erskine Hawkins

*****

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Song: Lady Bug Picnic

Artist: Palmeto Bug Stompers, from the album Live @ D.B.A.

Another great pick from Phil! One of New Orleans’ most popular bands among Lindy Hoppers. They have been part of the band line-up for the Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown ever since it moved to New Orleans in 2009. Although all of their music is fantastic, this novelty song is certainly one of their catchiest. It’s based of an old Sesame Street cartoon, using some of the same lyrics combined with that sweet Palmetto Bug Stompers sound. With band members such as Will Smith (no, not the Fresh Prince) and the Famous Washboard Chaz, any Swing music enthusiast MUST add them to their collection.

You can listen to this song and others on their website and this particular song is found on the 4th album so scroll down the page. http://www.washboardchaz.com/recordings/

Remember the original?

Song: Ain’t·cha’ Glad?

Artist: Alex Pangman

Alex Pangman is truly one of Toronto and Canada’s jazz stars. Jazz FM calls her Canada’s sweetheart of swing and she’s much deserving of the praise! Here’s a really nice swinging tune at a more moderate tempo from Alex’ recent album, 33. Check it out!