Happy Mothers’ Day
Posted By: Shani Brown | General | May 08, 2012
…to all the lindy hopping, samba stepping, dance moms in the world.
Being a mother is often a thankless job. Â I’m not a mother, but I have one, and I don’t thank her enough for all the wonderful things she’s done for me, the ideas she’s exposed me to and the loving support she gives me as I move about the world obsessing over old fashioned dances. Â On top of all that, she’s been a working (now retired) mom who – on top of running after me and my father – volunteers her spare time to projects that she loves. Â Go Super Moms! Read More . . .
These are a Few of My Favorite Things
Posted By: Shani Brown | General | May 01, 2012
What do you love about dancing?
Dancing isn’t all raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, but we all have an answer for this question. Â There are some common denominators which make any type of dance attractive to society. Â Maybe it’s the music, the costumes/clothing, or the warmth you feel watching this art form. Â I’m going to offer up some of My Favorite Things. Â And whether you’re into Ballet, Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing, Salsa, Country Swing , Waltz or whatever, feel free to comment with some of your favorite things… Read More . . .
The Evolution of West Coast Swing from Classic to Contemporary
Posted By: Shani Brown | West Coast Swing | Apr 05, 2012
Every dance evolves and West Coast Swing is no different.  For better or for worse, something (cultural values, music, migration, etc) will affect the look and perhaps the feel of a dance over time.  While is is important to preserve the history, fundamentals and ‘essence’ of partner dances, it can also be beneficial to recognize transformation – to know what changes are occurring in better hopes of understanding why they are changing.
I am not going to make a case for whether or not the shifts in West Coast Swing styles are good or evil.  I definitely find them interesting.  I also believe much has to do with the musical choices of the community (in conjunction with changing opinions of GSDTA/WSDC, culture and the expanding range of abilities dancers are drawing from).  Change is inevitable – as a community, we have some control of how those changes take root or are tossed out. Read More . . .
Balboa Inspirations – Clips to Move Your Feet and Keep it Smooth
Posted By: Shani Brown | Swing Dancing | Mar 27, 2012
Whether you’re headed down to San Diego for Balboa Rendezvous this weekend or not, it’s never too late to embolden your dancing with Balboa. Last week we offered up some reasons why people ‘fall in love’ with this dance. This week we’d like to show you some of the modern and vintage Balboa videos we watch for inspiration.
For those of you new to Balboa, I hope you are thrilled by the blur of feet and individuality of each persons style. And for those who may already be Balboa obsessed, we hope you find some new inspiration from these familiar scenes.
The Balboa Rendezvous 2012 – Coming March 29th to April 1st
Posted By: Shani Brown | Dance Camps | Mar 21, 2012
International Balboa Workshop and Competition Right Here in Southern California!
It is the First Day of Spring and that means in just over a weeks time, Balboa enthusiasts from all over the globe will descend on San Diego (and the historic Balboa Pavilion in OC) for The Balboa Rendezvous!  There will be nightly dances, competitions, a workshop with world class instructors, live bands, late night dances and fun activities.  Then close out the weekend with a special Q&A with the Masters, dinner and dance all at the historic Balboa Pavilion in Newport Beach CA!
You don’t want to miss this chance to learn about or experience this locally seeded jazz dance…only 9 days left to register.
Having Fun & Showing Off Personality at Inspiration Weekend
Posted By: Shani Brown | Swing Dancing | Mar 13, 2012
One of the things I love about Orange County and the rest of the Southern Californian Lindy Hop community is their never ending ability to surprise me.  This is one of the largest and most consistent social swing dance communities in the world.  It’s survival hinges on the preservation of dance techniques, venues and history.  But it thrives on growth and innovation!
Inspiration Weekend is one of those events which challenges this community of social dancers to think outside the box, try new things, and push their technique.  Finding and expressing ones personal inspiration is the driving force, it becomes infectious and soon the whole community is hungry for more!
Here are some highlights you may have missed…
