I got to experience this three times in my life:  once at Atomic Ballroom’s Saturday night dance, once at a private Milonga (tango party) and once at Alpine Village in Torrance  where orchestras still strike up a waltz and (mostly senior) couples flood the floor.  And it was pretty cool!  There is a unified rise and fall as everyone in the room moves with similar rhythms and steps, casually leading or following basic figures.  Ah, social ballroom.

Around the turn of the 20th century, many society individuals were pressured into training for a number of of popular dances: the one-step, two-step, waltz, minuets and more – which required precise knowledge of hundreds of exact figures.   To encourage a more relaxed and social environment, societies began dwindling down the number of dances people were expected to know and the two-step, waltz  and tango basics became the foundation of social dancing as other dance crazes came and went.

Anyone can work hard to be as adept as Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers, but you didn’t have to.  As long as you could walk out a foxtrot or keep the waltz beat, you were sure to have fun on a social dance floor.

We admire the commitment and discipline of competitive dancers, but it is also important to encourage everyone (even swing dancers) to become familiar with ballroom basics.

In honor of social ballroom dances, here are some clips of ballroom dancers from yesteryear…

Dancing at the Tower Ballroom in Balckpool, UK

Check Out These Dancers Flooding the Floor

*Even those who don’t do the popular craze (Charleston) can still step around the floor in a poised ballroom fashion!

Down Argentina Way (1940)

“Social Tango” Scene from Evita (1996)

Social Two-Steps or Castle Walking

Check out our Ballroom Dance Nights for social dancing and a chance to practice those moves you learned in class!

• Monday Night Ballroom Practice
• Saturday Ballroom Dance
• Sunday Club Danzarin Tango

A mother’s happiness is like a beacon, lighting up the future but reflected also on the past in the guise of fond memories – Honore de Balzac

Motherhood and Dancing

How can the arts support the creative act of dancing, choreographing, practicing, performing and making babies? As someone who has been dedicating their life to Balboa and Lindy Hop well over a decade, at the age of 30, I currently face challenging questions of wanting to start a family as well as maintain my creative outlet.  As I watch my friends and community grow older and have children, I am finding that questions around pregnancy, motherhood and dance are as unique, complex and emotionally demanding as the process of becoming a “lifetime” dancer – perhaps even trickier.

Many dancers today dedicate a large chunk of their lives to learning, performing, competing, teaching and travelling.  Such a transitory lifestyle is the norm for working artists.  But at some point, the biological clock starts ticking and oftentimes, a choice is made: to pass on family for life on the road, start a family and quit dancing, or find a way to balance motherhood and dance.  Thankfully we exist within a supportive community which encourages dancers to start families and return to dancing with babies in tow.

For Mother’s Day 2013, I had a chance to sit down and chat with incredibly inspiring dancers, who also happen to be mothers.  We discussed their experiences of being pregnant and raising little children while continuing to social dance, teach and perform; and I had the particular honor of interviewing Atomic Ballroom co-owner, dancer, instructor and mother of two, Nikki Marvin.

Becoming a Mother
Active dancers may think family life will be too demanding – It takes an amazing amount of energy to maintain a home and family when children are small. It’s a 24 -hour job that needs a fair amount of consideration before jumping in, head first, with your mate. But even the busiest professional dancer can go from pregnancy to birth in a safe environment with a supportive partner, family and community.

Each of the mother’s I spoke with had plenty to say about dancing and pregnancy. First rule of partner dancing, is safety comes first, especially when you’re expecting. When Nikki was first pregnant with her daughter, Anjali, she and her dance partner, Mikey Pedroza, had to make adjustments to their routines and teaching to accommodate her body. “My center of gravity had completely changed,” said Nikki, but together they managed to find the right balance point, allowing Nikki to continue teaching and performing. Then, there were times when her first and second child had grown to a point that they began moving around, “it was like a alien had taken over my body,” Nikki once remarked to me. For all dancing mothers, making balance adjustments seemed to be a constant issue that had to be addressed once again after delivery.

On a social dance floor, pregnancy can be difficult when you have to make choices of safety and acknowledgement by both parties. In a partnership, safety can be developed for the duration of the pregnancy, but on the social floor, each person you dance with will have a varied knowledge of how to “take care of you”. Moms-to-be have to determine if someone is going to throw them around the floor, however, usually everyone is super careful. And thanks to a thoughtful dance community, both Nikki and fellow lindy hopper (and sister-in-law to Nikki’s dance partner), Claire Pedroza, were able to safely dance through both of their pregnancies in heels – why sacrifice a vintage feminine aesthetics if safety is a non issue, right?

For women working as dancers, they will have difficult decisions to make in getting pregnant. Without dancing their income could grind dry up, but many are involved in other ventures which allow them the freedom of dancing throughout motherhood. Either way, pregnancy will be a difficult emotional and psychological adjustment.

Making Time for Family and Dancing
When I sat down with Nikki at the Women’s Club of Orange during Inspiration Weekend, her eldest child, Anjali, was dancing around the ballroom as son Arjuna slept in the stroller they walk over from their home 3 blocks away. She and her husband Shesha had just put on another successful weekend workshop – where I saw them both working with kids strapped to their chest or alongside – and it left me wondering…How do you find the time?

Nikki and Shesha have the unique experience of being both professional dancers and business owners. Both endeavors require a significant amount of scheduling to keep all the things working in balance. “We get to go out less, together,” explains Nikki, “[usually] if I go out, Shesha stays home or I stay home when he goes out. And I set limits to go out earlier and not stay out as late.” They also have made a point of continuing to travel – Nikki is spending Mother’s Day in Minnesota at Midwest Lindyfest – both individually and together, to keep their careers and business healthy.

At home in Orange County, the swing dance community is uniquely keen to keep an eye out for little ones around the dance floor. Anjali and Arjuna will rarely be alone with so many other babies and children around – they often have twin cousins and a new baby from dancing parents the Tan-Marvins, as well as best friends the Pedroza boys, and number of other pals their age at dance events, baby showers, baby-wearing parties or Disneyland.   And the support these other dancing parents offer has allowed these mothers to share their experiences, educate each other on methods for time management and continue to dance for fun or work.

Having the kids around the dance community “[has made them] independent, social and confident,” says Nikki on looking forward to raising such strong children.   Nikki is keen to encourage her kids “to follow their bliss” just as dancing has been a source of bliss in her life.

Happy Mother’s Day to all those dancing moms out there! 

Celebrating Mom

For this entire week, Atomic Ballroom is encouraging attendees to CELEBRATE MOTHER’s WEEK!  Bring in a mom for one free class during this week or give her the gift of dance.  Check out the calendar for this weeks scheduled group classes and drop-in to Atomic Ballroom with mom for some swing, charleston  salsa, or any other class.

For 58 years, Disneyland brought visitors live musical talent upon a little tented stage set among quiet gardens which wound towards the side of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.  Walt himself was a fan of swing dancing and invited local school bands to play for visitors during the day, while weekend spots went to famous jazz greats such as Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Gene Krupa and Lionel Hampton.  And for years, locals regularly flocked to the park just for the music and dancing;  right up until the end – last year.

In Honor of Our Fond Memories…

Atomic Ballroom will be commemorating the joyous time we all shared and keep the memory alive with live music from Stompy Jones, one of the regular boogie bands on the Carnation Plaza Stage this past decade.  They will be showing a 1313 documentary, The Stage Walt Built.  And be sure to dress in your favorite Disney-inspired outfit so we can join in a group “Let’s Dance at Disneyland” routine.

Anyone Can Dance – Disney Routine

You have one more chance to learn the routine in a 45 minute class –  Friday (May 17) at 9:15 pm. Or check out these online instruction videos: How To & To the Music.

If you or anyone you know loved dancing at Disneyland’s Carnation Plaza, come re live the fun times and come jump, jive and boogie swing over to Atomic Ballroom!

Scientists have yet to discover the magical quick fix for getting people on track towards better health, but two things can get you pretty close – your right foot and your left foot.  Put one in front of the other for a few hours a week and you will improve your cholesterol levels, reduce your risk of heart attack, breathe better, and prevent or reverse weight gain.  Many experts advise taking 10,000 steps a day for good health.

But walking is so boring you say?  Okay, so you’re not in the mood to go walking for miles or hours on end, so why not add something interesting to your exercise activities – dancing!

Dancing is a fun, creative, and sociable way to reach those 10,000 weekly steps.  Studies have shown that  by replacing sedentary time with two one-hour classes a week of low-intensity ballroom (or social dancing, but we’ll get to those benefits later) can add about 2,000 steps to a person’s daily total. Try mid-tempo dances such as  Country Swing, Tango, Fox-Trot, or Cha-Cha, which are good for all ages and physical abilities.

If you want a more intense workout, Swing, Salsa, and dance fitness classes (such as Jazzercise) will pump up that heart rate for increased oxygen consumption and calorie expenditure.  With these spirited dances, you are clearly getting a good workout, but research suggests that nightclub (social) dancing appears to burn more calories than just typical classes.  So head out for a night of fun with friends and get your daily exercise!

Learning to dance has a positive impact on personal health and fitness.  Add it into your daily routine if you’re sedentary or boost that cardio if looking to supplement your weight loss regimen with something a little more interesting.  Take a step towards better health and fitness today!

Burn Calories Learning New Dance Moves

To lose weight, we must burn more calories than we consume each day.  So if you maintained your normal diet and simply added a few hours of dancing to your weekly regimen, you will take those extra 2,000 steps towards shedding pounds.

Your calorie expenditure while dancing will depend on the intensity and duration of your workout.  Now you just have to decide which dance style appeals to you.  Are you looking for intense cardio or something a little more low impact but just as effective?  Maybe you want to work towards a goal like a performance or competition.  Every dance has something to make losing weight fun!

How Many Calories Will You Burn on the Dance Floor?

*All calorie calculations are based on a 150-lb woman.  If you weigh less you will burn less and if you weigh more you will burn more.

**Check out the most accurate calorie counter to see exactly how much you can burn doing your favorite activities!

Other Health Benefits of Dancing

Health isn’t just about losing weight, and dancing certainly does more for our bodies than burning calories.  Dancing – whether by stimulating the brain, heart, or muscles…

• boosts cardiovascular efficiency and capacity
• helps reduce stress, depression, and anxiety
• alleviates Parkinson’s symptoms
• helps to keep joints flexible and strong
• allows us to connect and bond with other people
• keeps our minds keen with consistent mental challenges

Anyone can dance and reap the benefits no matter your age or ability.  Dance keeps us Youthful, Happy and Healthy!

Make Atomic Ballroom Part of Your Fitness Regimen

Building healthy habits and losing weight is easier with a support system.  Atomic Ballroom is a full time dance studio offering classes in a variety of social dance styles, group dance fitness classes, private instruction, and nightly social dancing.  Bring a group of friends in for a fun-filled Belly Dancing class on Saturday mornings.  Grab your sweetie and drop-in on some Samba classes and lose the weight together. Or meet other dance enthusiasts at our weekly night social dances and lose weight or keep fit while you are having fun.

References

Center for Disease Control and Prevention.  How Much Physical Activity do Adults Need? (2011).  Retrieved June 24, 2012 from http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/adults.html

Matthews, Jessica (2009).  What are the Benefits of Dance Inspired Workouts?  American Council on Fitness.  Retrieved June 24, 2012 from http://www.acefitness.org/blog/99/what-are-the-benefits-of-dance-inspired-workouts

Health Status.  Activity Calorie Burn Rate Calculator.  Retrieved April , 2013 from http://www.healthstatus.com/calculate/cbc

Gretchen Reynolds (2012).  How Exercise Could Lead to a Better Brain. The New York TImes (online). Retrieved June 25, 2012 from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/magazine/how-exercise-could-lead-to-a-better-brain.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all

Here are some of the most popular tango de salon dance clips on the Internet for a little inspiration.
1. Julio Balmaceda and Corina de la Rosa (793,473 views)

2. Javier Rodriguez y Geraldine Rojas (280,453 views)

3. Osvaldo Zotto and Lorena Ermocida (133,225 views)
Slowing things down…

4. Natacha Poberaj & Fabian Peralta (84,729 views)

5. Sebastian Achaval and Roxana Suarez (51,685 views)
I really enjoy this couples vintage aesthetic! From their vintage dress to their natural dance lines (not over-stressed performance style) they are absolutely captivating.

2. Fabian Peralta and Virginia Pandolfi (22,166 views)
Virginia’s hips and feet swing and sway in the enticing way you’d imagine a salon girl would’ve done for customers back in the day.

Today, the most popular form of swing dancing is Lindy Hop – a variation of swing popularized in the ballrooms of New York. But did you know that swing dancing in Calfornia developed its own variations of swing? Dances such as Balboa, Bal-Swing, Western Swing and Laminu evolved under many of the same musical influences as Lindy Hop but adapted their techniques and presentation to fit the crowded ballrooms, Hollywood films and music popularized by western musicians.

History of Swing Dancing in Southern California

La Monica Ballroom on the Santa Monica Pier

The art of swing dancing is influenced by many cultures and traditions, from the Afro-Caribbean slaves to the popular dances of the late  nineteenth century (Tango and Waltz) and early rag-time jazz dances (Fox-Trot, Cakewalk, Castle Walk and Charleston), while dances such as Truckin’ and Black Bottom are known to have preceded the swing dance craze in the US. Sometime in the 1920s, jazz music began to evolve again. As the radio became more accessible, musicians from every corner of America began adding their own spin on jazz. The driving rhythm sections of “traditional” jazz began to adopt a swingin’ eight count and incorporate more classic melodic instrument players for a homophonic sound. In 1935, Benny Goodman brought this “sweet” jazz to the Palomar Ballroom of Los Angeles and transformed the local dances.

Now, since the turn of the century, California dancers had been packing coastal ballrooms to do the waltz, fox-trot and the like. There were local variations of popular dances and dances (or dance steps) completely unique to local communities. And unlike New York City with its plethora of jazz clubs, Los Angeles and Orange County were so spread out (and rural) that there were designated hot-spots for everyone in the area – in other words…one very crowded ballroom.As jazz and swing became popular across America, southern California dancers had to adapt to their sardine-like conditions.  Southern California was experiencing a population boom, and with the extension of the trolley car from Los Angeles to the end of the Balboa peninsula, more and more dancers ventured to the Rendezvous Ballroom at the end of the line in Newport Beach.  It is in this period that a dance called Balboa evolved.

The Balboa & So Cal Swing

Balboa, also referred to as Pure or Strict Balboa is a closed position jazz dance where partners remain embraced as their (less restricted) feet play with swing rhythms.

Eventually, more people could easily afford individual cars for traveling around town and ballrooms popped up around town.  This probably allowed for more room on the dance floor as a new generation of young teens began breaking away from their partners to experiment with wild swing movements.  This southern California swing (Bal-Swing) was similar to its Lindy Hop cousin but with a style all its own.

Dancing at the Rendezvous Ballroom 1938

Hollywood also picked up on the popularity of dancing and hired a number of these young social dancers to act as extras or performers in bit movie parts.  To please the camera, SoCal dancers adapted linear movements and flashy jitterbug antics.From here, the dances all took different directions. SoCal Swing dances kept some of the balboa dance lines and rhythms yet opened up for new turn combinations and spins while Lindy Hop from New York (and similar swing dances elsewhere) began to encourage new athletic and dynamic movements. Around this time many of the swing dances begin to take on similar characteristics as movies and migrations spread the same pop-culture around the nation. And then, the music changed…

From Western Swing to West Coast Swing

Towards the end of WWII, musicians seemed to either shy away from playing for social dance crowds in favor of intimate settings and experimental opportunities; or moved on to new popular, simplified blues rhythms – rock and roll or r&b.  In California, western swing moved out from the shadows of its jazzier cousins and musicians like Spade Cooley packed barn dances throughout LA and OC.  Dancing, again, had split off to follow the new musical influences.  So Cal swing broke off into jive for the rock and rollers, western swing from the country folks, and jump blues for fans of both styles (just to name a few).

Western Swing or as it is eventually called, West Coast Swing, is sophisticated and simple.  Dancers began to smooth out the steps into slotted patterns but kept the swing alive in other ways.  The music transformed over the 50s, 60s, 70s and dancers adapted their patterns so they could west coast swing to nearly any style of music.  Even now, many modern west coast swing dancers are able to incorporate hip hop and contemporary movements into their dancing.

For More Information about Swing in Southern California, check out this awesome video lecture from Peter Loggins.

Movies That Tap, Twirl and Swing Into Our Hearts…

Welcome back March Mayhem celebrating a variety of dance styles on film! Last up this month – Some of our Favorite Dances From Classic Films! We all know there have been countless inspiring dance performances sprinkled throughout movies released after 1970, however, since the inception of sound on film in 1929 until the late 1960′s, music and dancing were the popular method of engaging audiences.  There are far too many incredible, inspiring, emotive and athletic dances portrayed in movies from this period which deserve our accolades.  And so we bring March Mayhem to a close with a variety of solo and partnered dance numbers in classic movies.

We’ve got some of your favorite, most memorable dances on film with Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly and the like.  And hopefully there are a few clips of films you haven’t seen (in a long time) of popular swing movies which spread dance to any audience with a movie theater or Nickelodeon.  These dances with films have everything – from solo jazz to tap, tango, fox trot and some seriously jammin’ lindy hop – we’re taking Dance with Films old school!

So let’s get started.  Here are some of our favorite dances from classic films …

Starting Out Solo

Gene Kelly in Singin’ in the Rain (1952)

Audrey Hepburn expresses herself through dance in Funny Face (1957)

Ballroom Duos and Jazz Hands in Classic Films

Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers doing “The Continental” in The Gay Divorcee (1934)

Jane Powell & Ricardo Montalban dance “El Tango” Two Weeks With Love (1950)

Gene Kelly & Judy Garland try jivin’ in Summer Stock (1950)

Vera Ellen & John Brascia go jazz crazy in White Christmas (1954)

Donald O’Connor and Peggy Ryan Jitterbuggin’

Jitterbug performance in Jivin’ Jack and Jills (1942)

Swing to “Love Laughs at Anything” in What’s Cookin’ (1942)

A little “Rude, Crude and Unattractive” from Mr. Big (1943)

A new meaning to “La La Palooza” from This is the Life (1944)

Happy Easter!  Merry Spring!  And Happy Passover Holidays!

Fred Astaire and Judy Garland in Easter Parade (1948)

Welcome back to March Mayhem celebrating a variety of dance styles on film! Next up on tap – international dances!  No matter where you are from or what language you speak, nearly every human expresses themselves though movement and dance.  There are many types of international dances – African Dance, Irish Step Dance and Bollywood Dance are just a few.   And when these dances come to America or American culture comes to them, there are new opportunities for innovative and inspired dancing.

Time to appreciate the unique touch everyone bring to the international dance melting pot – if only to better understand our own beloved swing dances, ballroom dances and jazz steps.  So let’s get started.  Here are some awesome clips of international dances from famous movies and films…

African Dance

Coming to America (1988)

African Dance Demo at Herrang Swing Dance Camp

- I had to include this because it’s an inspired demonstration of rhythms

European Folk Dances

Irish Step Dancing  from Riverdance (1996)

Scottish Jigs & Reels from Brigadoon (1956)

Anthony Quinn as Zorba the Greek (1964)

French Apache Dance with Shirley MacLaine in Can-Can (1960)

Lucille Ball Shows Us How to Hula in Dance, Girl, Dance (1941)

Asian Folk Dances

Bolloywood Dance Comes to SYTYCD

Teams.  Group Performances. Chorus Girls.  And more…

Welcome back to March Mayhem celebrating a variety of dance styles on film! Next up on tap – teams, group performances, troupes and mass viral performance art.  Every dance style likes to showcase their unique moves with large scale choreography.  By taking up space and repeating or transferring movement between dancers, choreographers are able to maximize the visual effect and inspire awe and empathy in the audience.  There are many types of group dances, these are just some of our favorite jazzy routines from movies, contests and live performances.

So let’s get started.  Here are some old classics, some vintage inspired performances, team showcases and modern viral dances…

Chorus Guys and Gals Showing Off in the Classics

Hot Mikado – A rare look at Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers performance during the World’s Fair

Over the Counter (1932)

Dance the Devil Away (1930)

Springtime in the Rockies (1942)

Vintage Inspired Teams, Group Performances and Gal Troupes

Northern Lights – Jump Session Show

Lucky Devil – Chance, Amy, Patrick, Natasha, Jenna and Chris with Meschiya Lake

New Orleans Bump – Evita, Jo and Eylse

Atomic Cherry Bombs in a Music Video! Hollerado – Got to Lose

Modern Group Performances & More

Chicago – We Both Reached for the Gun

SYTYCD Group Performance – Rama Lama Bang Bang

Silhouettes Performance Troupe on America’s Got Talent

Gangnam Style Flash Mob at Superbowl 2013 – Did you see a couple of NOLA swing dancers in there?!

Solo Jazz.  Solo Charleston. Solo Blues.  Tap.  And more…

Welcome to March Mayhem where we will be celebrating a variety of dance styles on film! We’d like to begin with a look at solo dancing – solo charleston, blues, tap and smooth ballroom.  There are many types of individual dances, these are just some of our favorite jazzy routines from movies, contests and live performances.

While partner dancing is an incredible phenomena, there are merits to practicing and absorbing these wild and crazy steps in your own body before they come easily while doing lindy hop or fox trot.  Solo jazz steps are like the vocabulary of a dance – the more you know (and know well) the more you have to say when speaking with someone else.

So let’s get started.  Here are some old classics, inspiration throw down contests, sleek performances and creative rhythms…

Solo Dancing in the Classics

Spirit Moves

Two Men Solo Jazz Dancing

Gene Kelly is Ballin’ the Jack

Fred Astaire Hat Rack Dance

Solo Charleston and Blues Battles

Inspiration Weekend 2012 – Apple Jacks to Apple Jacks

ULHS 2006 Solo Blues Battle

Jivin’ Those Performances

Sharon Daivs takes us to Duke’s Place from Rock That Swing Festival in 2012

Mike Faltesek, Laura Glaess and Mike Roberts Show us the Joys of Solo Jazz

Taps and Tricks

Sammy Davis Jr in his Prime

Eleanor Powell Show us that ladies can Jazz Tap too!

Tips & Tops Tranky Doo with Atomic Ballroom’s very own Shesha Marvin

Want to learn from a creative solo jazz artist and hat trick master! Check out Shesha’s upcoming Hat Trick Workshop on March 9, 2013.

Inject some creative fire into your lindy hop with tracks for all levels of social dancers, competitors and teachers.  I am so pleased Shesha, Nikki, Mikey and James are able to continue offering Inspiration Weekend as a vehicle for attendees “to be inspired by the dance, either for the first time or to find [their] inspiration all over again.” Now is your chance to be playful with your dancing, try new and interesting techniques, learn a new dance style and learn how to share your inspiration with others.

The Inspiration Weekend Experience

Most dance camps organize workshops by levels with highly competitive contests needing some fierce preparation, but Inspiration Weekend offers  new outlook on dance camps.  Classes are geared towards helping students achieve their goals rather than define their level of capability.  Competitions are fun and casual allowing students to showcase their strengths in individual contests, super fun jack n jill’s or tournament style throw-downs.  And nightly entertainment with the nations best DJs and swing bands will keep the creative juices flowing from one day to the next.

The Classes

Inspiration Weekend is geared to inspire dancer at any level to develop and reach their personal lindy hop goals.  Each of the instructors offer students a unique and varied approach to dancing, learning new skills and being creative.  And the tracks are designed help individuals become comfortable with their first steps, improve their social dance skills, elevate their competition material or breakdown complex concepts for teaching or higher personal learning.

• There is a crash course for those people taking their first steps in lindy hop to feel comfortable with basics
• A social dance track for those wanting to improve the connection, confidence and creativity on the social floor
• A track for competitors looking to take their routines and performances to another level
•  And really cool teacher’s track for understanding how to breakdown and rebuild movement, musicality and more

The Contests

Show off what you’ve learned and inspire the rest of the crowd with your hard work, creativity and personal style! The Apple Jack solo jazz contest on Friday night is my personal favorite, but then again there is the awe-inspiring 30 Second Showcase and weekend long tournament…hm, too much

• The Lindy Hop Tournament (Fri, Sat and Sun)- tournament style strictly lindy competition over 3 days
• The 30 Second Showcase (Sat)- give it all you’ve got in a 30-40 second routine
• The 24 Hour Jack n Jill (Sat and Sun)- finalists get 24 hours to get a connected feel for their new dance partner
• Pro/Am Jack n Jill (Sun Afternoon)- just like is sounds! Pros and Ams show how they support, grow and inspire each other
• “Make Frankie Proud” Trick Contest (Sun)- show off those crazy moves and air steps you’ve been working so hard to refine
• Apple Jacks and Solo Jazz (Fri)- display your personal swagger break a leg all by yourself
• Blues Battle (Sat Late)- where competitors show us how it’s done when the lights turn low

The Dances

3 Nights of lindy hopping with the best DJs in the west and Jonathan Stout ensembles – who would want to miss that?!

Friday – 8:30p till Late at Atomic Ballroom in Irvine

Saturday – 8:30p to Midnight at the  Women’s Club in Orange with Jonathan Stout and his Campus 5

Saturday Late Night  - 1am till early Sun at Atomic Ballroom in Irvine

Sunday – 8:30p till Midnight at the Women’s Club in Orange with Jonathan Stout and the Rhythm Busters

Whether you are new to dance, new to lindy hop or an old hat looking for some new tricks, head on over to Orange County for some inspired lindy hop.  Fall in love for the first time, or all over again!

We all have periods of feeling uninspired, when you slip into a pattern of mental (and physical) hibernation during the winter and by habit or distraction the flame of creativity is stymied and extinguished.  Well, spring is just around the corner and with it comes a chance to dust off the cobwebs, inject some life into those feet and find your creative spark at Inspiration Weekend!     

For those of us in need of some motivation to get off the couch or a little shove in a new direction, let’s begin igniting your passion for dynamic lindy hop, classy balboa, kickin’ charleston and smooth blues.

So where does your inspiration come from?

First, you’ve got to enrich your mind by reading or studying video and train your body with classes and practice.  Go on a forum and read up on the latest discussion.  Watch an old movie to see vintage fashion and body lines.  Take a trip and dance somewhere outside of your community.  Go to a lecture on teaching methods for adults.  Listen to only Chick Webb for a week.  Take an intro class for another dance – you never know if that mambo step will help you jazz up that swingout.

Once you have cultivated data for the imagination your mind has somewhere to draw inspiration from.  Out of the din comes something which inspires awe.  It is that ah-ha moment where you decide that not only are you excited by that specific move, syncopation, musical bridge, etc., but you are inclined to put interest into action.  That is inspiration.  The impetus to transform, grow and pass on inspiration to others.

I am inspired by the instructor line-up!

This year’s team of inspirational instructors boasts of Skye & Frida, Mike & Casey, Thomas & Annie and the return of OCs favorite tap dancer and DJ, Peter Flahiff.  This group of dancers are uniquely capable of inspiring everyone from beginners to rising stars and fellow instructor/performers.  Peter, who has been dancing, performing and teaching swing in southern California for 20 years, knows how to push and pace any level of dance class.  Skye and Frida have a way of making even the most complicated musical syncopation seem a cakewalk.  Mike and Casey’s breath of knowledge in vintage dances will have you obsessing over every variation in the shim sham.  And Thomas and Annie will push your limits in strength and stamina – and you thought you couldn’t do a pancake at 50, ha!

Here is just a bit of inspiration to light your fire…

Skye & Frida – ILHC 2011

Thomas & Annie – ILHC 2012

Mike & Casey (with SoCal dancers Nikki Marvin & Jeremy Otth) – LindyFocusVIII

Peter Flahiff (with Hannah Tripp) – Jump Session Show 2011

Happy Valentine’s Day 2013!

It’s officially that time of year when we appreciate our loved ones with gifts, cards to express our admiration, sweets, treats and special moments in time.  So let’s kick off Valentine’s 2013 with some romantic, seductive and magical dance clips.  This year I’d like to steer away from the classic love scenes in dance and opt for a variety of dance forms – west coast swing, tango, ballroom, some cartoons and a flash mob with an epic surprise!

To get you in the mood for that special date or Valentine’s Dance, here is some Love & Dancingclips for your enjoyment. And have a Happy and safe Valentine’s Day.

This One Goes Out to All the Lovers

Let’s begin with a BANG!  Here is a clip from the movies Love N Dancing (2009) which centered around a woman and her west coast swing dance instructor/partner.  Right out of the gate, there is the renowned west coast swing dance champions Jordan & Tatiana performing My Valentine, a swanky number.  From romance to sexy, these dances give their all.

So You Think You Can Dance always offers up some beautiful, moving and heart wrenching dance numbers.  Fall in love with these 2 minute love stories.

For the Ballroom Dancers and children in all of us, here are some cartoon waltzes by Disney.  How many of these movies do you remember or don’t know at all?

For our passionate Tango lovers and vintage fashionistas, here is short clip of Jessica Biel dancing with Colin Firth in the movie Easy Virtue(2008).

Finally, here is love and dancing. You must see this flash mob! Not only is it uplifting to see people of all walk of life and ages dancing together, but a creative romantic surprise is dropped seamlessly into the middle of this dance.

That was cute, huh? Well, now it’s time for you to put your best foot forward, go out and spread some love of your own. I hope that you get to Dance to the End of Love with Somebody Who Loves You. Happy Valentine’s Day!

And Surprise Your Fiancé with Dance Lessons this Valentine’s Day

It’s not enough to just buy a ring and think it’s smooth sailing down to the aisle.  Here is your chance to show your future mate that you’re actively involved in the wedding process and treat them to a little active fun this Valentine’s Day.  Stop at Atomic Ballroom to pick up information on wedding dance consultations, lessons and choreography.  Buy a gift card and sign-up for the April workshop.  Then take your sweetie out for a group lesson and night of playful social dancing – just a taste of the exciting adventure to come!

Get Off on the Right Foot

Some tips for the gentlemen: It can be quite difficult for men to feel comfortable on then dance floor, especially when many people don’t grow up doing partner dances anymore.  And while you know she’ll be happy with any moment alone with you on the dance floor, you also know that deep down she’s hoping to be swept her off feet or looking to bust out in a Glee-inspired flashmob.  Well, the earlier you begin, the less stressed you’ll be on the big day.

• Reserve your spot for the upcoming Wedding Dance Workshop to try out a variety of dances before you set your twinkle-toes on one special dance style.
• Book a package Wedding Dance Lessons or Privates and place your special gift inside her Valentine’s card.
• Grab an Instructor you trust and Take Private Lessons to boost your confidence in front of your sweetie and your potential attendees.

Go Beyond the Candy, Roses and Restaurants

Do something fun and active this Valentine’s Day and go dancing!  Before V Day, there is salsa and swing at Atomic Ballroom.  But for some sensual and adult style swing dancing, check out the west coast swing scene at Swinging the Blues on Thursday.  You can groove to your favorite pop music and top 40 tunes as you swing your way into her heart.

or ‘Shani’s Adventures in Swedish Swing’

This past fall, your Atomic Blogger in residence finally got a chance to make her pilgrimage to Sweden for 3 months of Balboa, Swing, and snow!  Why Sweden? Well, I’ll tell you…

Have you heard of Herräng Dance Camp – the 30 year running summer dance camp held in the wood outside of Stockholm?  For 3 decades, this camp has pulled a number of original Lindy Hop dancers (like Frankie Manning, Norma Miller, Dawn Hampton, Chazz Young and many others) out of retirement to reconnect with passionate young students.   Going to Herräng is a dream pilgrimage for many swing, lindy hop, balboa, and boogie dancers.  I really wanted to make this years camp since for our simultaneous 30th birthdays, but it was not possible – so I made other plans.  I decided I would move there for few months…

That’s right, a few months!  For years I have heard about the thriving social dance scene in Stockholm.  And I have met some amazing dancers, performers and instructors from Sweden - Skye & Frida will be coming to Inspiration Weekend.  Then, a few years ago, I became great friends with some of the super talented balboa dancers in the Stockholm and Uppsala areas.  And that was it – the impetus I needed to visit one of the oldest and great capitals of worldwide the swing dance revival outside of Southern California.

Since I am a huge balboa enthusiast, I figured I would go for the annual Sweden Balboa Weekend (at the end of September) and stay through the New Year for an epic experience at The Snowball.  And with several weekly venues in the two towns stretched 40 miles apart and flights to other events in Europe, I would have no problem getting my lindy hop fix.  So I grabbed my laptop, some warm clothes and was off!

Sweden Balboa Weekend

 Sweden Balboa Weekend is an annual event hosted by the Stockholm and Uppsala balboa communities (alternating years).    And this past year, some of the best balboa and swing dancers in Europe flocked to the picturesque college town of Uppsala for SBW 2012.  Held in a lovely venue – awesomely located in the center of town – international and local instructors  offered a multi-track workshop, while at night, DJs and live band keeps the dance floor shuffling.  And shuffle they did…

I was in balboa heaven between the fast floor and incredible talent!  While the (central) Swedish balboa dancers are inventive and passionate, they seem to have a strong connection to the smooth style and classic movement of the original California old-timers.  For this California-girl, a little of the familiar dance connection in a new social context was an inspiration – especially considering we are separated by 5500 miles.

If you’re interested in going to SBW 2013, it will be held in Stockholm – which I am sure will lend more of its ‘big city’ charm to the event. 

Social Dancing in Stockholm

After a few weeks visiting friends and social dancing in Uppsala, I took a short ride south to Sweden’s capital city, Stockholm.  This incredibly picturesque metropolis sprawls over a series of island between a lake and the sea – like a giant Newport Harbor.  And even more amazing is the fact that they have several dance venues offering weekly classes, social dances and mini-workshops.  I can’t say enough wonderful things about the venues and the Stockholm swing community who was very warm and welcoming to newcomers.

Whether they’re practicing choreography for a team performance, working with their partners for the next competition or trying to perfect that Al Minn’s shimmy, the Stockholm swing community works hard on their dancing.  But they sure know how to have fun too…I hear there are even little underground swing clubs lindy-bombing at local restaurants with excellent live music.

If you’re swinging through Stockholm or want to know more about the places I went, check out some of these dance sites:

• Swedish Swing Society – Swing, Balboa and Blues
• Chicago Swings – Lindy Hop, Salsa and Tango
• Balboa Noir at Chicago – Be there in your formal wear
• Stockholm Song and Dance – Lindy, West Coast Swing and Salsa

The Snowball

Ah The Snowball 2012-2013 – I survived 7 straight nights of swing dancing!   Anyone who attends the full week of events at The Snowball (or its American counter-part: Lindy Focus) should receive a merit badge for managing to make classes during the day only to stay up on the social floor through the dawn, take a nap and do it all over again.

The best thing about  The Snowball this year was the EPIC band battle between Sweden’s Gentlemen & Gangsters and America’s Gordon Webster Band featuring Steven Mitchel and Naomi Uyama.  I heard the commotion all the way up in the Balboa room and ran down just in time to see the last song battle which involved a 2nd Line and crowd surfing.  I cannot put into words the antics and burning hot trad jazz that poured over the audience.  You’ll have to see it to believe it!

Epic Band Battle at The Snowball 2012

Final Thoughts…

Although it is great to be home, I fully caught Stockholm Syndrome.  As a full time swing dance hobbyist, it’s hard for me to imagine calling anywhere but Southern California and Atomic Ballroom my home.  However, I left my heart on the dance floor in Sweden, and I WILL being going back for Herräng (or any other excuse you or I can come up with to get back there) one day soon.  Either way, it was a wonderful chance to revive dance exchanges across international borders.

A Little Swing In Sweden’s Past – Jitterbug (1944) 

*Leave a Comment if you'd like to know more about my trip to Sweden and side adventures to the UK and France, or if you'd like more information about connecting to dance communities outside of the United States.