Song: In The Mood
Artist: Glenn Miller
Description: You may find it corny but this is one of the most famous and recognizable swing songs of all times. This is a song that really defines the later part o the swing era in the 1940s. If you play with the obvious quality of the melody, the catchiness of the tune can really be danced to advantage. Listen to it again in a new light, and enjoy!
Can you believe that it’s 2012? 
New Year’s Resolution? Go to the Herrang Dance Camp for the 30 year anniversary!
Yep, it’s the 30 year anniversary of the world’s biggest swing dance camp. Who’s going with me? www.herrang.com
Ages 14 to 18
Bees’ Knees Dance is thrilled to announce the addition of youth programs starting in April 2012. The program will be offered to both male and female students, aged 14 to 18. Mature 13 year olds may also apply. We hope to expand the program to a broader age range in the coming months.
Swing dancing is joyful, free spirited and infectious. Students will fall in love with Lindy Hop, the original dance of the swing era. Sometimes known as Jitterbug, Lindy Hop evolved in the 1920’s and dominated dance halls throughout the Great Depression until World War II. It is an unabashedly joyful dance, with a solid, flowing style that closely reflects its music — from the late 20’s hot Jazz to the early 40’s Big Bands. The dance evolved along with the new swing music, based on earlier dances such as the Charleston and the Black Bottom, by the African American community in Harlem. The name Lindy Hop was inspired by Charles Lindbergh’s flight to Paris in 1927, when the newspaper headline read: “LINDY HOPS THE ATLANTIC”.
Lindy Hop is a partnered social dance but students don’t need to bring their own partner. We rotate during the class so that everyone has a chance to meet and dance with many different people. Partners are connected in a playful lead/follow relationship. Absolutely no experience or partner are required.
More information coming soon, or please contact us to be notified of the latest youth program updates.
Song: Linus and Lucy
Artist: Vince Guaraldi
Description: Perhaps the greatest holiday but non-Christmas song ever, Linus & Lucy is a fantastic swinging jazz piece and the perfect backdrop to a Charlie Brown Christmas. And the entire Charlie Brown Christmas Album is a must own for jazz enthusiasts.
Here’s the Charlie Brown dancing scene:
Song: The Man with the BagArtist: Kay Starr
Description: We’re continuing with the December holiday theme. Here’s another swinging tune to add to your seasonal playlist. Kay Starr does a very nice version of “The Man with the Bag” that I really like.
Song: ‘Zat You Santa Claus?
Artist: Louis Armstrong
Description: We’ve hit December so it’s acceptable to talk about holiday swing music. Of the available choices, this song is my favourite. I recommend it for any holiday playlist. It’s fun, swinging, and slow enough to be very beginner friendly.
Blindfolded Lindy Hop! Sensory deprivation for improved connection.
This special trust training workshop will put your leading and following skills to the test! How well do you trust your partner? As a leader, how well are you taking care of your partner, and as a follower, are you really letting the leader do their job? In this special workshop we’ll train our senses using special blindfolding exercises. By removing our sense of vision we’ll heighten our other senses. This is a fantastic learning experience. Don’t miss it!
Wednesday, December 28th
– Level 1.5+, 6pm to 8pm, $20
Song: Gimme A Pigfoot
Artist: Bessie Smith
Description: This is not really a Lindy Hop song, but a fabulous and very historically important vintage Blues song. It’s tempo is just quick enough that you could do a little bit of Lindy Hop to it, but really it’s the vibe of the song that you’ll want to embrace. Bessie Smith really sets the feeling of the era that we love so much.
Song: Are You Hep To The Jive?
Artist: Cab Calloway
Description: Songs like this are just purely fun! This is why I wish I had been raised during the swing era. Why don’t people write songs like this anymore? Popular music sure has changed.
Song: Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
Artist: The Andrews Sisters
Description: Continuing today’s Remembrance Day theme and in preparation for Swing Out To Victory, The Andrews Sisters certainly provide the sound and some of the key imagery of 1940s wartime. This is an Andrews Sisters favourite among Lindy Hoppers.
