The Buzz: From Swan Lake to Swing-Outs

Confessions of an Ex-Ballerina   At a recent solo jazz workshop weekend, I had an interesting experience that has stuck with me and really forced me to think about my Lindy Hop learning style. At this workshop, I was taking part in an individual technique assessment that involved performing an improvised solo jazz set to …

The Buzz: Out of Town Event$ – Tips for Traveling on a Shoestring Budget

Workshops! Dance camps! Exchanges! Competitions! Travelling for dance can be a great way to meet new people, accelerate your learning, and improve your dancing. It can also be expensive. Registration fees, transportation, accommodations, and food can add up fast. Here are some useful tips to help you get out of town without breaking the bank. …

The Buzz: Toronto’s Quest for Gender Neutrality

Happy Pride! In celebration of inclusivity and openness within the swing dance community, here are some of my thoughts on gender roles within swing dancing. The swing dance community is very supportive of the idea that the dance roles of following and leading are not inherently tied to female and male gender roles. But even …

Bees’ Knees Dance closing on Yonge St. & re-locating under new management

It’s with great sadness that I make this important announcement. Bees’ Knees Dance is closing at 750 Yonge St., and re-locating under new management. We have loved The Hive at 750 Yonge St. but the space is too expensive for us and we will be closing this location at the end of June. Our time here has been a success in most ways, but not financially, so the time has come to move on.

Mandi’s ILHC 2013 Highlight Videos

Mandi, Phil, Jasper and some other Toronto dancers attended the International Lindy Hop Championships last weekend. Lindy Hop is certainly more of an art than it is a sport, but sometimes these competitions produce an opportunity to showcase something truly fabulous.