Summer may be winding down, but we have so much to look forward to this fall! September marks the official 15 year anniversary of Hop to the Beat and we are excited to kick off the new season of dancing. We’ve been busy planning for our new classes, dances, workshops and even Beantown Camp 2011. So much fun stuff to do with no end in sight.
We had an excellent time at the International Lindy Hop Championships in DC a couple of weekends ago. Now in year 3, it has really become a premier event on the Lindy Hop calendar, attracting dancers from around the world. Many of the top competitors were in attendance and the dancing was outstanding. What was equally of value was the wonderful spirit throughout the weekend. In case you have not yet seen this, here is Andrew Thigpen and Karen Turman’s “Evolution of Lindy Hop”, probably the #1 highlight of the event:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7l-Qj-JJmI
It made us laugh, made us cry and was fun trying to recall what each piece represented. The energy in the room was incredible as well as the rousing standing ovation they received at the end. Major kudos to Andrew and Karen!
Now on to September…
New Lindy Hop Swing Class Session
As previously mentioned, we’ll be trying something new this fall by offering classes at both our current class locations. We like them both so much, and each has something different to offer. Our usual location in Newton Lower Falls has served us well over many years. The venue is very easy to get to and only minutes off of Rte 128 one exit south from the intersection with the Mass Pike. Over the years we have had students join us from as far away as RI, NH, ME and out to Worcester. Plus Sundays allows us to start earlier in the day and for some it is more convenient to not be on a workday.
As an alternative, on Mondays we have our new location at Ruggles Baptist Church on Beacon Street in Boston right near Fenway Park. It is also a very convenient location with lots of options to travel by public transportation as well as free on street parking. This is a great option for those who prefer classes on a weekday evening and want to stay close to Boston.
With more options, hopefully we can bring more people into the dance community. Fall is a great time of year to start a new activity! Please spread the word to your friends and let them know how much fun we have dancing:-)
Classes for this session include Beginner Swing/Intro to Lindy Hop Level 1 and Lindy Hop Level 2. These classes will be offered on Sunday evenings at the Newton Lower Falls Community Center as well as on Monday evenings at the Ruggles Baptist Church in Boston. It will be possible to make up missed classes at the alternate location.
Also this session we have a new class for intermediate to advanced Lindy Hoppers on Frankie’s Favorites. Frankie Manning, King of Swing and Ambassador of Lindy Hop, has been an inspiration to Lindy Hoppers worldwide. Featured are classic moves we learned from the man himself that every Lindy Hopper should know! This class will be on Sundays in Newton.
After classes on both Sundays and Mondays, all students are welcome to stick around for some practice time. Social dancing is a lot of fun, but it is also sharing the joy of learning, improving and working together. When we first started dancing (we met as beginners), we couldn’t wait to get out and practice with classmates and friends. It really enhances the whole learning experience and adds to the great vibe in our community.
Registration is open. Check the website for more information:
http://www.hoptothebeat.com/classes/lindy-hop-swing-balboa
Uptown Swing Dance
Uptown Swing is our monthly dance catering to Lindy Hop, Swing, Balboa and Blues. Different bands are featured to keep our feet happy and our bodies moving. Most important, Uptown Swing has a wonderful, friendly atmosphere welcoming to all dancers from newbies to pros. We are starting our 4th year at Brookline Tai Chi, a great venue with an excellent smooth wood floor, AC and convenient location on Beacon Street right across from the Washington Square T stop. Here’s what’s coming up for the rest of 2010:
- September 18, Racky Thomas Band
- October 16, Toni Lynn Washington Band
- November 27, Gordon Webster Band featuring Naomi Uyama on vocals
- December 18, Sax Gordon Band
For more details:
http://www.hoptothebeat.com/uptown-swing-dance
Special Events
For those of you who like to get dates on your calendar, here are some of our plans for the next year:
- Skye Humphries and Naomi Uyama Workshop Weekend, November 26-28, 2010
- Michael Jagger and Evita Arce Workshop Weekend, April 15-17, 2011
- Beantown Lindy Hop Camp, June 23-30, 2011
We are currently in the process of putting together the schedule for the Skye and Naomi weekend.
Looking forward to seeing everyone back out this month!
Happy dancing,
Aurelie & Tony
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http://www.hoptothebeat.com/facebook