How it Began
This was the most well-run event I have ever attended. The people at the registration desk were very quick, efficient, and nice, as well as the people overseeing the competition side of things (thank you Tony and Aurelie). When there was an issue, things were resolved there on the spot, instead of having to deal with more people than necessary. There was no bullshit. It was lovely.
Competitions ran on time. I think there was one competition we ran a tad behind on, but only by 10 minutes or so. It was amazing – I’ve never seen lindy hoppers be so punctual! The dance floor was great, the hotel rooms were nice, and there was lots of food within a 3 minute walk from the hotel. Fucking sweet. And let’s not forget the music: it was great all weekend long and the sound was nice and full. I applaud everyone who made that event as wonderful as it was.
Ok, now to the juicy stuff, and in no particular order:
The Junior Division
I cried. I totally cried. The first couple came out and I lost it when Derrick did the first move. While watching Derrick and Sioban, it finally struck me why children are truly such little treasures: they mean the future. There is a possibility that if a child learns something, then that “something” has a chance to be passed down. Derrick and Sioban mean there is a future for lindy hop. I think everyone shed a tear while they were dancing; I don’t know if it was for the same reasons, but nonetheless, we were all moved by them. Here they are:
The Solo Charleston Division
One name, two words: Marty Klempner.
One color, five-piece outfit: a red zoot suit.
One dance, twelve dancers: the Big Apple.
Check it:
One word: Truckin’.
Hats Off to them
I have to give props to Max and Annie as well. I give them “The Best Use of Props in a Showcase” award, hands down. Dax threw Max a hat in the middle of the routine, then Annie does the Flying Lotus and takes the hat from Max, whereby placing it on her head, and then Max steals it back. All done in one shot. They didn’t even need a back-up plan! Check it out:
A Cult Classic in the Making
Finally, I must give mad props to Stefan and Bethany. They are such an inspiration and they threw down. They never compromise their style and they just DANCE. They are my movement heroes (and will appropriately be at Inspiration Weekend this Labor Day).
Regardless of what year you watch this clip, know that this changed the Lindy Hop community profoundly:
Personal Victories
Otherwise, I am super proud of me and Kev debuting two new routines. We had 2 weeks to get 2 routines together; we’ve never done that before and are proud of taking on that challenge.
Oh yeah, and I took 2nd in the Charleston contest and I have been out of the solo dancing loop for some time now. I give myself 2 pats on the back.
