Something to think about when I’m trying to “teach” (lol) jazz steps..
swing that body like a lil elephant
at about 1:10 in the video.
And, what is that tapping devil-magic in his suzie Qs?
I have no idea what’s going on and why he’s talking about elephant, but tumblr loves the strom, so…
I’m not sure if this changes my impression that post-war jazz was not meant to be danced to, but you have to admire their determination and skill…some of it does kind of look like what passes for authentic jazz among swing dancers, and has a definite tap influence.
So here’s something I’m discovered about Shorty Georges.
I always thought mine looked kind of “flat”, even if I did the pulling-up-of-shoulders and arms. What I’ve discovered now is that I like them much better if I pull up the entire side of my upper body instead of just the shoulder, so I feel a stretch diagonally through my core. It looks much more dynamic and interesting, I think.
Find a mirror, give it a go (if you don’t already do them that way) and see if it works for you!
Lindy Focus X Performance: The Tranky Doo
Going with the theme of alternate interpretations of the Tranky Doo — here you go! This is a WONDERFUL video.
Also,
I am legitimately distracted and inexplicably inspired by Bobby White’s dancing here.
WATCH IT.
I may have to steal Bobby’s crazy leg fall of the logs!
BARSWINGONA 2012, SKYE and NAOMI (by MIRAswing)
Skye and Naomi = magic!
If you are “so tired of the shim sham” this is gold dust!
Bearded Rhythm (aka (Adam Boehmer and Ryan Calloway) at Boogie By the Bay 2010Glorious!
I love their bearded, lanky gooiness.
We all know that solo jazz is THE SOLUTION TO ALL YOUR DANCING PROBLEMS ALWAYS, but have you found anything useful that’s not under the vintage swing/blues umbrella? Something that’s part of your background that you believe made you a better dancer? Or something you’ve been thinking of taking up in the hope that it will improve your dancing?
Today’s challenge: learn the Chase! I’ve never been taught it and it isn’t very popular in my scene (but it should be!), so I’ve never encountered it on the social dance floor. And I’ve been dancing for more than two years now!
I definitely recommend doing it with some music as well as the counts to get it into your body.
