Lindy Hops Another Ocean - Singapore Swings!
The Lindy Hop world's newest dance troupe - Singapore's Babybugs. Can you spot the teacher? (Photo courtesy of Sing Lim)
S ing Lim.formerly of Chas" and "Rock and Roll WHAT IS LE Roe? Jiuerbugs in London, we111 Flying Rhyrhm Medley" and "Wonderful INSIDE Christine Keeble fills in some Home to Singapore after many Waltzes". There are dance stu of the details (page 7) years of happy hopping. Four dios and teachers, but none of AN Axe TO GRIND months after she leji, she writes to Tayo Ajibade shares her them have heard of Lindy Hop. EVERYBODY'S DOING IT Hoppin'. Not satisfied with the lack of thoughts on the changing rela tionship between music and Louise Thwaite on women's Swing, I decided to find my own clothes in the '20s (pages 8 & 9) Yes, Lindy does it again. Not crowd and work on them first! dance (page 3) content with conquering the LADY HOP DAY, STOCKHOLM SWEDISH SONG LIST Atlantic, Lindy has now made the JR.LADYBUGS(BABYBUGS?) Some women get together to You asked for it! A list of very Hop to Singapore. Inspired by Zoots and danceable slow-tempo songs, per Spangles' work with the Kent develop their dancing (page 4) SINGAPORE DOESN'T SWING (YET) fect for beginners (page 10) Youth Group, I approached my EVENT REVIEWS There is a fairly dedicated alma mata, the Singapore Girls Dance World '95 in London. ESTONIA SWINGS! dance scene in Singapore, but it is School (SGS). The teacher in Workshops in Moers, Germany We did say everybody'sdoing predominantly ballroom/social charge of dance, Mrs. Jean Chan, and Lyon, France - they're hap it! (page 13) dance. Down at Club 5 you has always been a keen (Ballet) pening all over! (pages 4, 5, & 6) might hear "Your Favourite Cha (continued on page 7) and more ...
©1995 Dancing Star Productions except where held by author (noted). All rights reserved. No part of this newsletter may be repro duced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Editorial Hoppin' Volume 2 Issue 3
Letter From the Editor Dear Reader: the rest of the Lindy Hop community who they Many thanks for all your support and contri are and what they're doing, and a picture butions again this issue. It's great fun to open paints a thousand words - particularly given the mail and find letters from Estonia, the size type we use! Australia, Singapore, and other far-flung cor Which brings me to another topic in which Publisher and Editor ners of the world letting us know that there are you might be interested. It has been suggested Deborah Huisken people out there all over the place doing the that we change the format of this newsletter. Lindy Hop, keeping the spirit alive! It's also We'll likely be coming out with our new look Writers immensely gratifying to see my simple idea of in the next issue, so if you have any thoughts a communication vehicle for the Lindy Hop on the matter, now is the time to get your ideas Tayo Ajibade, Fia Kranberg, Sing Lim, Erin community taking off and being seized upon in to us. Stevens, Frank Theede, Louise Thwaite, Isabel by so many people. And last but not least, special thanks to Wolff. There are lots of photos and drawings in this Claire Colbert for her editorial assistance this Additional Contributions issue. In part this is likely due to the contest issue. we've run - this was the last issue to enter to Evelin Adamberg, Dance Diary, James win the first prize of a free week in Herrling, Hamilton, Piret Tonn-Kriis, Lorenz Ilg/SSDS, generously donated by the Rhythm Hot Shots. Michel Lau, Deirdre Ryan, Porl Smith, Erin But more, I think people simply want to show Stevens, Louise Thwaite, Lennart Westerlund.
Editorial Staff Tayo Ajibade, Angela Andrew, Chris Batchelor, Simon Bell, Judy Martin, Porl Letters To the Editor Smith, Bees Thomas, Valerie Wilson. Dear Hoppin' trary and a matter of taste or preference,and l love this newsletter! Keep it up! nobody has to adopt anybody else's standards. Photo Editor Sue Brown It's just that having a common standard helps Chris Batchelor Minnesota, USA to reduce the risk of misunderstanding. I hope all this doesn't sound terribly pedantic! If so, Distribution Dear Hoppin· just put on that Benny Goodman tape and Country Managers: Eva-Maria Schmid, We really enjoy the magazine - keep it hop SWING! Germany; Lennart Westerlund, Sweden; pin' ! Keep up the good work! Lorenz Ilg, Switzerland; Nancy Sandburg, Tina & Jan Bevan Jack Gordon USA. Master: Craig Hutchinson, USA; Julie California, USA Middlesex, UK Oram, Porl Smith, UK. Commercial: Dance Books Ltd., Books Etc., UK. Subscription: Dear Hoppin' Jack - As I happen to agree with you, I don't Freddie Haugan, Norway; Joe Namesnik, You're doing great - keep on going. think your let/er pedantic at all - in fact, I think Switzerland; Tim the DJ, J.lK;Leslie Coombs, Barbara Pavanello it's brilliant. Ed. Melinda Comeau, Kristen Eberlein, Sandra RUmlang, Switzerland Cameron Dance Studio, Rob van Haaren, Dear Hoppin' USA. Dear Hoppin' We have a small, but enthusiastic group of I've just read my first issue of Hoppin', Lindy Hoppers here in Southeastern Submissions Volume 2 Issue 2, and I definitely like it! Connecticut and neighboring Rhode Island. Submissions for Hoppin' may be sent c/o think you are doing a fine job. To anyone We are all pretty much beginners, but there Dancing Star Productions, Post Office. Box wanting to know what's on in the Lindy Hop are a few that are starting to look good. The 6008, London W2 5ZY, UK. Telephone and world throughout the world, Hoppin' is the masses still have no idea what the hell we are fax (call first): +44 171 289 0278 (new num equivalent of your Michelin Guide. Your front doing, but they think it looks good. Hopefully ber). E-mail: [email protected]. Deadline page piece on Lindy Hop and Joie de Vivre in we can get them hooked. for editorial submissions to Volume 2 Issue 4 California was a joy to read. And I'm stuck Todd G. Williams is 8 August 1995. If you want your submis here in London! But one day I'm determined Connecticut, USA sion returned, please include a stamped self to get over there and sample the Joie de Vivre. addressed envelope. We reserve the right to Now, a few comments in response to your Dear Hoppin' edit a11icles for length, clarity, and readability. invitation on your discussion about the proper We are dancing with the Rock 'n' Roll Club designation of dates. In my line of work I fre Moers (also known as "Moers Hummeln"), and Advertising quently have to make references to dates. The are still the only couple in the club dancing Manager, UK: Rebecca Thomas, +44 171 403 standard fom1at we all adhere to is that decades Lindy Hop, although the interest in this dance 3982, West Coast, USA: Steve Carlan, +l 805 are written as '30s or 30s (shmt for 1930s). is growing. We used to compete in Boogie 964 9201. Rates available on request - dead Thus, you could write, "In the '30s (or 30s) the Woogie, but stopped completely to concentrate line for space reservations for Volume 2 Issue Jitterbug form of dance really zoomed." On on dancing Lindy Hop. 4 is 25 August 1995. the other hand, 30's would not normally be Frank Theede & Isabel Wolff used except when used in the special sense of Essen, Germany ©1995 Dancing Star Productions except where indi implying possession or association, e.g. "The cated as held by author. All rights reserved. Responsibility for veracily of informa1ion and opin 30's use of large brass sections to produce a ions expressed within the articles is the author's alone particular sound, etc.) - Hoppin' and Dancing Star Produciions accepts no liability. Of course, I realise that usage is often arbi-
Page 2 Opinion Hoppin' Volume 2 Issue 3 An Axe to Grind The Changing Relationship Between Music and Dance In 1994 at the end of the Can't become a solitary activity carried ogy in both the audio and visual sion. It was not an activity you Top the Lindy Hop weekend in out in the middle of a crowd. fields, good marketing and image could learnin school. Partner New York, there was a panel dis Nowadays when you go to see can create stardom. dancing when I was a teenager cussion on the future of Lindy a band you are attending a concert For many people today, a dance meant getting your arms around a Hop. in a huge auditorium where you venue is usually a club or a disco member of the opposite sex and Nonna Miller made a very are coralled into seats and have where there is no live music. shuffling or swaying to the latest important point, that the music no room to dance. If a venue Usually records or CDs are pop ballad. Lindy Hop was first danced to in does not have seating, people tend played or, if you are really lucky, The conclusion of New York the '30s was the popular or "pop" to push themselves forward there will be a group - who quite panellists Carolene Hinds (Jiving music of the day. Norma and co towards the stage to see the band often are not musicians - making Lindy Hoppers), Ryan Francois panellist Frankie Manning also but no real provision is made for a PA (personal appearance) to a (Zoots and Spangles) and Steve made the point that the live bands dancing to live music. pre-recorded track. The spon Mitcheil was that education is the played so that the dancers could The development of music into taneity of interaction between live key to the survival of Lindy Hop. dance. There was a dialogue BIG BUSINESS appears - to me music and dance is lost. It is important to introduce all the between the dancers and the at any rate - to mean that the peo There are still a fewplaces various dance fonns to school musicians. The dancers interpret ple or the image that the audience where you can enjoy the music/ children. ed the music, which encouraged has of the people in a band or dance dialogue for Lindy Hop Steve Mitchell also went back the musicians to greater musical group is more important than the such as The 100 Club and Notre to the point that Norma Miller heights. This in turnencouraged music they produce. People Dame Hall in London, and The had made about the music. In the dancers to greater dancing appear to go to CO!)Certs to bask in Wells Restaurant in New York. order to interest the younger gen feats. It was a game of challenge the presence of their idols rather My own experience of dance eration, contemporary music and and counter challenge. than to experience the music. while at school was very limited. dance elements need to be incor There is a distance now My personal impression of There was Ballet and Tap dancing porated or recognised in Lindy between ordinary people and musical fame is that in the past a which required special lessons in Hop. music for social dancing, due to person could become a star if they order to learn the steps properly. In the meantime, if you know the huge expansion of the art of were a gifted musician or singer Or there was Ballroom dancing of any other places to dance to music making into this entity or part of an accomplished which only adults did. Jive or live music, let me know via called the music business. ensemble band. Now, with the Swing dance was something you Hoppin'! Dancing for many people has advent of state-of-the-art technol- watched in old films on televi- ©AOA Ajibade 1995
Advertisement
LINH HOP Lindy Hoppers in frontof a New Colourfast Screen Printing on l 00 % York sky line including 1930's Cotton T-Shirts. Machine washable. landmarks like the Chrysler building. May be tumble dried. Sizes M, L, XL. Printed on white shins, Hot orange and cool blue version$ Buying your shirts: When you or your friends visit London, phone in advance to make arrangements.
By Mail Order: I. Phone or write ro place an order. (Scandinavians: Jeg kan snakke norsk!) 2. Transfer payment to bank accountas ,directed. 3. Shirts sent on receipt of payment.
December 15, [944 the plane carrying Glenn Lindy Hop Postcards ( 10 pack): £5. Miller from England to Paris disappeared. T-Shirts: £14. Miller's 1941 recording of Chattanooga Choo-Choo,, the first million selling record since the t920's, Post & Packing: was awarded the first ever gold disk. Printed on i.JK:£ 1.50 for first item, 75p for each white shirts. Red and green versions additiona\ item. Europe: £2 for first item, £1 for each additional item. USA: £3 first item, £2 for each additional item.
Happy Feet'. Duke Ellington ar worldwide attention after the piano. Dancing at the his solo 'Hop' over the Savoy was so intense that the atla.ntic. It is thought that wooden floor had to be the Lindy Hop was named replaced every three years. after this event. Black Printed on black shirts. T-shirts, Red or blue sky. © 1995 Christian Batchelor
Page3 Event Reviews Hoppin' Volume 2 Issue 3
Lady Hop Day in Stockholm! prised when I heard in the autumn '30s and '40s, and we discussed that Ewa and Cathrine had decid the fact that most of those marvel ed to organize a Lady Hop Day. lous dancers actually were men. Both of them were very active in Why was that? Why do the these discussions, and both of female dancers very often seem to them are talented female dancers be on stage just because they are with a genuine experience of a pretty and have got nice long legs, dancing world which too often is not because they are splendid and dominated by men ... creative dancers? Well, I guess Well, what was this world's first you could discuss the reason for Lady Hop Day all about? We those things forever - we did it for were taught a jazz routine and a while. some African dancing. We found After the discussion Ewa and out new ways of doing the lady's Cathrine showed us a video clip part of the swing outs. We tried with two wonderful swinging the very difficult task of leading. ladies from the '40s. These were It was a hard job to keep the mind vibrant ladies doing their own creative and always be one step thing and in that way showing us ahead! But it was also a great something very encouraging. luxury to be the one who decides This Lady Hop Day taught me what to do instead of having to be how very unwise it is to let the polite and just followsomebody men have all the fun of being cre else's steps, steps that sometimes ative. It also taught me that it don't fit the music at all. .. really is up to oneself. There was one man there. A If you want to enjoy and devel The irrepressible Anna and Fia (or is it Fia and Anna?) in Herrang. (apolo nice one, dressed up in '40s op your dancing there are some gies to the photographer - I no longer have a record of who you were. Ed.) clothes and very good at leading. things you must take good care of. Even though you happen to be the Maria (Fia) Kranberg gives us Hot Shots. He made coffee and fruit salad for the following perspective on a Last summer at the '94 dance us, and we could try new steps on one who follows, you should be recent eve/II held in Sweden. camp in Herrling there were a lot him or grab him if we wanted to aware of your own relation to the of very hot and engaged discus be recorded on the video dancing dance and to the music, your own l have no regrets about joining sions, especially among the together with a male partner. feelings, your own way of the Lady Hop Day with Cathrine ladies, about men, women and Ewa and Cathrine showed us expressing things. and Ewa "W" from The Rhythm dancing. Therefore, I wasn't sur- video clips taken from films of the Dance World 1995 Lindy Hop was again well-rep manner of dancers, dance resented at the second annual providers, teachers, organisers, Dance World show staged at and other dance-interested parties. Olympia, London (April 3 I - May Dance World is a lively and fun 2). oppottunity to experience in one The Jiving Lindy Hoppers put place all types of dance without on a rousing show on Saturday having to seek them out individu morning which got everyone's ally. The organisers have spoken blood pumping. From Charleston of plans to go international- we to Lindy with a bit of funk kick encourage them to! ing it off, they talked and danced by Deborah Huisken and their audience through the roots Angela Andrew. and influence of Lindy Hop, one of the things they do best. Bullies Ballerinas were there with a colourful and lively show. Performances also came from the London Swing Dance Society and the Chestnut Grove Lindy Hoppers, a troupe of energetic high school children. Judy Martin of Hoppin· and Dance World is a three-day Jeanefer-Jean Charles of Bullies Ballerinas, chatting on the Hoppin' event incorporatingworkshops, stand. Design and production of pe,formances, awards, and stands. the stand was done by Port Smith, Its aim is to bring together all who also took the photograph.
Page4 Event Reviews Hoppin' Volume 2 Issue 3
Lindy Hops to Germany Advertisement Thcfo//011'i11g update on what's swinging in 1hc 1·ici11i1y of Westfalia, SWING DANCER VERSION 1.12 Nonh Rhine was sent 10 us hy Frank A Swing Dancer'sManual Theede a11d Isabel Wolff, orga11isers by Craig R. Hutchinson and 1eachers. With2eO pages, Inclu d ng: i • Training, mtlSic,technique, • Oeftnttlons choreogniiphy, and history On 22-23 April 1995, the first •Abbfe.wrtlona, dance code • Undy Hop, .lttarbug, Hustle, • 1,53e MOW1$ & turn.s We,J. Coast SWing, Caroll/"la Lindy Hop Workshop was held in a • 17,2ll()danC$poSitioM Shag, Sig Apple, & Shim Sham lillle town called Moers, Germany. • 17 declllonrhythm br8"'k$ • Bibliographies: books,-.ideos , • � duodecllllonflguri,s articles, perlodk:a!s,mollies & The seminar stood under the motto •0,.....50turnexerc:1$e$ • Suppon. syst$m lncludos: "Lindy Hops to Germany" because • S'Wlng danoe dub directory eupp4om"1ts,video tapes, •Annual calendar of events newslettef, and updates we are trying to popularise Lindy •Ovet' 1golitlo:s R&B • Pre-punched tor athree-rlng, e.51C1t nch, loose-r.afbinder Hop and other "forgollen" things of •o ...... 2eO supplemental pago:, i the Swing Era in No11h Rhine SWING DANCER VIDEO SERIES Wcstfalia (one part of Gennany). So this weekend was a beginning. A se
One of the most beautiful ballrooms from the Big Band Era in California, USA is the Casino Ballroom on Catalina Island, 26 miles from Los Angeles. Built in the ·20s. with all the ornate decorative flair of that period (and beautifully restored in the last fewyears), the Casino boasts the largest circular dance floor in the world. and french doors 300 degrees around the ballroom which open to an unsur passed ocean view. Catalina Island is one of California "s trea sures, a charming community with cobblestone streets, palm trees, beach-front shops and restaurants. Everywhere you look there are hints of the '20s. Spanish style arches and decorative tiles remind you of a past era when the ''Big White Steamer" carried scores of pas sengers to this primitive paradise, and dancers (sometimes as many as 6000) packed the casi no nightly to dance to the top name Big Bands. The Casino lobby is filled with piclllres of many of the bands (Glen Miller, Duke Ellington, Chick Webb, The Dorsey Brothers, to name but a few), and pictures of the dancers that document the period and the crowd.
Page 5 · E vent Rev1ew Hoppin' Volume 2 Issue 3
Lindy Hoppin' in Lyon epitomised by Maurice Chevalier, back into the drag - not as violent included throwing women on the as some of the ochers described! floor and pulling them up by their All in all, this was a full, fun hair. Fortunately, the steps we weekend in France. learnt were simply the spinout
,.JITTl:V13U£,S and uv:lJIZJ. ve P resen t
25th - 27th Again In August 1995 ...... 195 ... .. 195 • .. .
Lindy Hop at the leisure centre - the Lyon LindyHop Festival. {photo by Deborah Huisken Deborah Huiskenfinds '<'m/1111 tap") being very popular here, the and ji·antic in France. first three acts were, not surpris ingly, tap from Franck Balbin & Who cou Id resist a dance week Marina Tap, from the superb Bob end in France, where even the H. Ekoto and Compagnie, and Britain's First and ForemostLindy Hop Event Incorporating the Annual UK Lindy Hop Championships cheapest meals are special, the topped off by Ginger de Paris r wine excellent, the people fiend who sang while doing a lot of The b6$flntemation/ Dance Teachers/ ly? And now, Lindy Hop is high-energy tapping during which Late night dancing/ catching on as well. It was more her feel were constantly moving, Worl
Paoe6 What is this Dance? Hoppin' Volume 2 Issue 3
What is Le Roe? dance, see page II. as Pretzel. Others are re-creations with a new name added. Others In London, al leas!, many con are innovations. But they all have lemporary Lindy Hoppers s/arted fun names like Wurlitzer, Glider, !heir dance experience wi1h some Seducer, Hatchback, Yo-Yo, form of French Jive, and moved Swizzlestick, Neckbreak. into Lindy Hop when they wanted I am asked what is the differ somelhing more challeniing. ence between Le Roe and Ceroc. Christine Keeble, Le Roe There is no essential difference. teacher, and producer of rhe video Ceroc is short for C'est le roe '"How 10 Jive with Jive Bunny'', (this is roe), but is a company gives us her definition of Le Roe. trademark rather than a dance. This ex1ract is reprinted by kind Whatever the name, Le Roe is permission from Dance Diary, fun, young and exciting' Issue 3. Formerly of London. Chrisline now lives in Germany. Advertisement The roots of Le Roe are in American Jazz. It stems from the Jitterbug, popularised in Europe by the Gls and the influence of Hollywood. In 1960, London embraced the Twist and pushed partners apa 11. Michel Lau and Christine Keeble, doing Le Roe. (photo courtesy of Michel The French, however, were intent Lau) on keeping a hold of their ladies. In France Rock 'n' Roll or Le Ed nore: We are askedfrom running a seriesdances which are rela/ed 10 or the dance floors became smaller are between the rariousforms of offshoofs of. Lindy. For a pictori and the beat changed to disco. dance which hare emerged from al o\"erriew of 1he erol111io11 of Ballroom Jive has a six beat Lindy Hop. We will 1herefore be rnrious forms of swing-related basic that fits into 4/4 time. Le Advertisement Roe has a different structure. The style developed by Michel Lau of SANDY STAGG London has figures to fit a vary THE ANTIQUE CLOTHING SHOP ing number of beats - some four, some ten, some three, etc. Monday 6:30 pre 1960 costumes and accessories They string together across the 4-week course: $60 friday & saturday at bars of music, which make the l)\b,a.1' dance so flexible, easily learnt Swing, Jitterbug, Lindy Classes 282 portobello road, london WIO and danced to virtually any Basic through Advanced p1'J% '13:.R.]'J{{j5!1) 'I:HIS Jil3{1) (j'E'I 5l 'IJISCO([l'J,/.,'f10% music. Some figures are classics Swing Practice Session +44 181 964 4830 or anytime +44 181 993 4162 adapted from Rock 'n' Roll, such Groupand prl.vate instruction.aoollnble Sandra Cameron Dance Center 439 Lafayette Street get them to "get down"! The classes. Every Tuesday I have a New York, NY 10003 SINGAPORE class had about 35 girls and nine class of 12-15 adults. I've shown (212) 674•0505 were picked to perform The Big them tapes of Frankie and of SWINGS Apple. (Guess who was the tenth Jitterbugs in London and we're Apple.... ). working our way through a 12- ( continued from page I) dancer The girls were also very fortu week course. It's quite difficult to and has always promoted dance in nate that Julie Oram (of London's progress quickly as we don '1 have the school. When they moved to Jitterbugs and Zoots & Spangles) a dancing venue to put the lessons So while I deeply miss my their new larger campus, she per kindly spent some of her holiday into practice. I've been scouting suaded the principal 10 have two dancing companions in London, time in Singapore choreographing around for a suitable venue and it's exciting to try to build a scene huge dance studios built. and teaching them a Charleston have discovered a new jazz bar On hearing that I wanted to here. And if anyone is passing number which they will perform with comfy chairs, a nice wooden this way, do drop in and Swing in teach, she immediately invited me sometime in July. Julie is also floor. ...(Sing's eyes mist over). Singapore! to do lessons with the girls and to liaising an exchange trip between And of course, I've set my choreograph a number for a con the Kent Youth Group and the sights on the Jitterbugs Swing cert in January. The girls SGS Dance Group. Watch this Masters Jam in London in Ed. note: If you will be passing (between 8 and 16 years old) space! August' There is a distinct possi through, check out the Lindy picked up the steps quickly. Mrs. Chan arranged for me to bility of seeing a Singapore con Lis1ings, p. 13,for Sing's conrac1 though it took some convincing to use the school studios for evening tingent there this year. details.
Page 7 The Clothes Hoppin' Volume 2 Issue 3
Women's Clothes in the /11 another in our series of arti they had just lived through and cles 011 rhe clorhes. Louise thought "now it's time to have Thwaite takes a look at rhe sryles some fun!" But where would they of women's dress popular around find it? One year earlier had seen 1he 1ime Lindy Hop S{(JJ'/ed, and a, the end of "the war to end all some of !he i11fl11e11ces 011 !hose wars", leaving most or the eligible .Wyles. male population of Europe dead. One source of fun suddenly be "Post crisis epochs always came very hard to find. Admitted have certain things in common: ly as of 1918 British women could dance mania, an innated cur vote. However, this was hardly rency, a wave of female emanci compensation in my view, espe pation, and general promiscu cially as you had to be over thirty ity... and they are renected with before you could give it a try! astonishing faithfulness in the But young women were not clothes women wore". thwarted. The war had given --James Laver, them something far more practical Women's Dress in the Jazz Age than emancipation -- economic independence. This meant access At the Hammersmith Palais de to the new social scene, to parties, Danse in 1919, the Jazz Age bright young things and dancing! announced its arrival in England The Revue Negre came ro Paris with the opening of a three month in the '20s with its star Josephine season starring the Original Baker. Suddenly, things black Dixieland Jazz Band, which had American became all the rage. created a sensation in Chicago and The Charleston and later the New York through the previous Black Bottom became the first three years. major dance crazes of the twenti At about the same time women eth century. Ewa Staremo of Sweden's Rhythm Hot Shots models something the well took a look at the dreadful years dressed '20s woman might have worn (photo courtesy ofJames Hamilton) Advertisement
DanceCamp-95HERRANG Lindy Hop, Boogie Woogie and Tap. 1-Week programs. All levels. July 8-August 5, 1995
W'.,rlds most comprehensive swing Anita Kankimaki, Martin Wedby, dance camp. 24-hours-a-day Ann Wilow,Christer Isberg and also activities. HDC 1994 included more Swedish Swing Society and The Rhyttun than 700 students from 14 countries. Hot Shots fromSweden. TEACHERS FOR 1995: If you are interested to receive further Frank Manning, Chazz Young, Chester information, please send usyour name and Whitmore, Mickey Davidson, Lance complete address. The Rhythm Hot Shots Benishek and Dawn Hampton from USA, do Lennart Westerlund Simon Selmon from England, Ploggatan 1 Marcus Koch and Barbara Kauferfrom Germany, S-116 34 Stockholm SWEDEN
Page8 The Clothes Hoppin' Volume 2 Issue 3
Jazz Age Now, to have a good time danc Vamps, Virgins, or Femme ing al a party, every girl knows Fatales. The emancipated female you have to have the right thing to painted her face, drank cocktails, wear. In the search for the "right smoked cigarettes, cut off her hair dress" the first thing women did and by 1925 wore the shortest was throw out their corsets. The dresses (justabove the knee) his sighs of relief and the creak of tory had so far seen. The tops of expanding rib cages must have women's "flesh"coloured stock echoed all over the world! If the ings could be seen when they sat corset had not been abandoned, down, to say nothing of when believe me, there would have they danced!. Some people saw been no Lindy Hop. this as an act of the devil and This instrument of to1ture was there was an international outcry replaced with garments made to protect the moral code and save from the new ··an silk" a.k.a the future generation from chaos Painted by Evilin Adamberg, submitted by Piret Torm-Kriis. rayon. As it was more lustrous and destruction. than raw silk, women's clothes The cut of a dress became a The discovery of Tutankhamen's pendence and the adoration of the became at once more flamboyant perfect rectangle with a dropped tomb in 1922 set off a frenzy of fashionable world left her free 10 and more affordable. waist and often a broken hemline. "Tut mania" -- fabrics in Egyptian dress any way she wanted. Women began to dress in char Influences on colour and design green and carnelian with motifs of When she opened her own acter. They were either Flappers, came from all over the globe. hieroglyphics and scarabs became night club in Paris, Vogue maga popular. Women lay in iodine zine repo1ted "She had come in baths to darken their skin. without a wrap, and the length of The new machine-driven age her graceful body ... is swathed in was attracted by opposites and the a full blue tulle frock with a "primitive" designs of south bodice of blue snakeskin ... her America·s pre-Colombian art and hair, which naturally grows in east European folk embroidery tight curls, is plastered close to were popular. The term "An her head with white of egg and Deco" was coined from the looks as though it were painted on Exposi1io11 des Arts Decoratij:I· et her head with black shellac. As Industrial Modernes in Paris in she appears at the Folies 1925 and An Deco sunbursts Bergeres, she wears only a dia were to be found fashioned in mante maillot of tulle, and red beads and sequins on purses, gloves with diamond balls hang dresses and headdresses. ing from the rips of her fingers; But. most influential of all were the effect is up to the wildest the jerky, syncopated rhythms of imagination of Beardsley." jazz music, and dances like the Josephine Baker is one of the Charleston and the Black Bottom. abiding images of the roaring These rhythms were echoed in the twenties, dressed in fringe or glit hard-edged designs on evening tering beads (or virtually nothing dresses. Cut for maximum im at all) and dancing the Charleston. pact on the dance floor, they were Her men friends would have covered with swaying fringes, or looked very elegant in white tie glass and metal beads that glit and tails or dinner jackets. But, tered under the new electric light. debonair as they were, in my Women were freer than ever to opinion they had none of her express themselves through style. In fact. overall, the roaring clothes. The greatest freedom twenties definitely belonged to came to women like Josephine the daring freedom and style of Baker, who had won personal the women fame and fortune. Financial inde- © Louise Thwaite, 1995
HELLZAPOPPIN' CLUB 30's to 50's Swing, R&B, Boogie Woogie. at Cecil Sharpe House, 2 Regents Park Road (corner of GloucesterAvenue), London NW!. Camden Town Tube Saturday nights. 15 & 29 July, 12 August, 9 & 23 September, 7 & 21 October. (Note - 21 October is our 6th anniversary dance) Illustration by Louise Thwaite Contact Caroline Cole, +44 81 444 9623.
Page 9 The Music Hoppin' Volume 2 Issue 3
A Swedish Song List We have been asked a number of times. panicularly by people new to Li11dy Hop.for a list o{music to which one can start learning ro dance. So. we are starting a regular column o{song lists from rarious contributors around the world. If you have a favourite list, send it alo11g. This issue's song list comes ji·om a tape compiled by the Rhythm Hot Shots for Herri:ing /993. These are all relatively slow-tempo songs - 25-35 bars per minute.
SONG PERFORMED BY SONG PERFORMED BY My Daddy Rocks Me Sidney Bechel Texas Moaner Sidney Bechet Sweet Patootie Sidney Bechet Judy Lionel Hampton How 'Bout That Louis Jordan Stack O'Lee Blues Johnny Dodds Out of Nowhere Coleman Hawkins Shake Your Can Johnny Dodds Don't be that Way Teddy Wilson Bump It Jimmy Noone You Go to My Head Teddy Wilson Then You're Drunk Jimmy Noone Keep a Knockin' Louis Jordan A Sheridan Square Henry Allen Honeysuckle Rose Louis Jordan Blue Flame Milts Blue Rhythm Band Necha's Dream Coleman Hawkins Sugar Blues Milts Blue Rhythm Band Indian Summer Sidney Bechel Song of the Swanee Luis Russel Fiddle Diddle Lionel Hampton S'posin Andy Kirk My Last Affair Lionel Hampton Hot and Anxious Fletcher Henderson Dear Old Southland Duke Elllington You Betcha My Life Count Basie Lyin' to Myself Louis Armstrong My Wandering Man Count Basie Who am I Count Basie
A musical jam session. (Illustration by Port Smith}
Page JO
� �
� �
� �
� � t, t,
� �
�. �. � � � �
--
� �
� �
� �
V) V)
E,11£ E,11£
!
I I �
� �
'0 '0
�l �l
......
� �
10&.rr1111:N 10&.rr1111:N
,,-Y,/\ll'f
'- ��
�, �,
(©\' (©\'
� �
LA' LA'
· · ·
c c
-,-_ -,-_
\ \
\-\l�PS
' '
-,--
,,<-K ,,<-K
\ \
\
s�1-'f-E
' '
'ra 'ra -
\ \ \
' '
CH�RLES\Oll" CH�RLES\Oll"
\ \
·, ·,
\, \,
\ \
, � , ,
WORK WORK SONG
,-...JI ,-...JI --,; --,;
� �
(Q) ' ' \
· · �
H�Or H�Or
-� -�
��[N)(C£' ��[N)(C£'
,...... -\_ ,...... -\_
��BALUN'T ��BALUN'T
�rn�(OJ
I I
(U (U
�r�[Dilf �r�[Dilf
,a ,a
"� "�
�����t��1��4:r�;1i�h:itltwrt�;} �����t��1��4:r�;1i�h:itltwrt�;}
,',� ,',�
\ \
TOMMt TOMMt
\ \ · .,
\ \
· · ·
,, ,,
\ \
\ \
EXAS EXAS
, , , ,
� �
' '
\ \
' '
' '
I
� �
\ \
\ \
l't' l't'
' '
\ \
\ \
' '
\ \
\ \
. .
'
... ·
\ \ \
' ' '
CLASSICAL
fO/K� fO/K�
� � ' \ ,'
\
1 1
1
·�-�· ·�-�· QU����ti�-��������i�V-����
� �
(/) (/) (/) (/)
& & ::, ::,
(/) (/) 3 3 Q' Q' ., ., s: s: :r: :r: ::, ::, 8 8 3 3 (/) (/) Q Q s· s· ::; ::; iil iil a. a. en· en· � � v.) v.) --� --� ! ! ., ., ., ., C: C: � � � � l:l l:l .g .g (Q (Q ca ca :, i i :, Qi Qi �-g �-g � � Q: !:2..� !:2..� (1) (1) @ @ � :i; :i; ?� ?� � � 5r 3'),. 3'),. "d "d o- ;:i_.(1) ;:i_.(1) �a �a 0., 0., Q"" Q"" ,:, ,:, :g :g (Q (Q ...... ...... "' "' 'ti 'ti J; J; Advertisement Hoppin' Volume 2 Issue 3 Advertisement THE PREMIERE SWING DANCE PUBLISHED QUARTERLY NEWS ce, PUBLICATION e CALLED Jffilll!!UG FOR SWING LOVERS BY SWING DANCERS FEATURES INCLUDE Biographies of the Stars Regional News Swing History Various Swing Styles Coming Events JANUARY Convention Schedules 1994 Competition Reviews Feature Stories Pattern Breakdown SWING Club Listings Swing Around the World AROUND Watch For Music and Video Listings THE Next Month's Wonderful Action Photos WORLD COVER STAR I would like to order a single issue of JITTERBUG MAGAZINE. Enclosed is my check/money order/credit card number for $7.00 for each single copy. (Cost of single copies outside the United States is $9.50) I would like to subscribe to one full year of JITTERBUG MAGAZINE (published quarterly) Enclosed is my check/money order/credit card number for $25.00 (Cost of yearly subscriptions outside the United States is $35.00) Note: If you are a "collector," please call JITTERBUG to learn how to get back issues. JITTERBUG • 1330 La Mirada • Laguna Beach, CA 92651 • 714-494-5086 Name______Sta rt me w ith______Address______City/State/Zip______Phone ______Master Card/Visa ------Exp. D ate ___ _ Page 12 Spotlight/Classifieds Hoppin' Volume 2 Issue 3 Estonia Swings! Classifieds Want to sell those brand new two-tone shoes you bought a size too small? Looking for someone to run up a pair of armpit trousers? Desperate to find a copy of Count Basie's "Love .lumped Out?". Going abroad and need somewhere to stay? Hoppin' now features Classifieds, where you can advertise, at reasonable rates, anything you need or want, for sale, rent, share, or barter. Replies are to designated box addresses care of Hoppin', and will be posted unopened to advertisers, guaranteeing confidentiality. Help support Hoppin' by making use of this service - your notice will be read around the world! LONDON FLAT LET. Three-week flat let in central London, minutes from all the best dance venues, 21 July to 13 August. Want a summer London holiday? Contact Box D. Some young members of Dance Troupe MODUS. (Photo courtesy of Thomas Kongi) Piret Kriis of Estonia sel1f the following Cabaret and Lindy Hop. REPLIES abow Estonia's budding interest in Lindy Hop. Lindy Hop has been our favourite style dur ing the last 2 years. There is no opportunityto Send replies for Classifieds to Hoppin', Dance Troupe MODUS is a performing com learn about Lindy Hop in Estonia and its neigh P.O. Box 6008, London W2 5ZY UK. pany from Estonia, founded in 1984. MODUS bouring countries. All our experience has been Indicate the box number to which you are includes about 50 dancers aged 10-30, half acquired thanks to Carol Clarke and Zoots & replying in the bottom left-hand cornerof male, half female. The troupe perfonus pro Spangles of England. your envelope. grams of different styles from Estonian Folk to Illustration submitted by Dierdre Ryan Page 13 Philosophy/Resources Hoppin' Volume 2 Issue 3 A Swing Dance Credo Advertisement The following was sem in hy exchanged, maintained and sup Lorenz Ilgof the recently formed ported by dancing with different Swiss Swing Dance Society partners. (SSDS). ft is reprinted here as it SSDS refrains from organizing might be ofinteres1 to otherjledg competitions under its name. hng 01:(?anisations. Our goal is to use the old moves and the old music as a model, The basic philosophy of our serving as a common basis for us community of interests is: to apply and pass on the dance Our aim is to support the Afro and the history in the most American dance tradition, espe authentic way possible. cially partner and group dances We consider the further devel which reached their zenith in opment of the old dances by inte Harlem, New York, during the grating new dance elen1ents, Swing Era. By this we are talking musical trends and the use of about Cake Walk, Charleston, improvisation as not only natural, Shimmy, Black Bottom, Shim but also necessary to keep this tra Sham, Lindy Hop, Jinerbug, Big dition alive. There are no strict Apple, Shag, Balboa, Blues, and rules about what is right and more.... wrong when it comes to dancing. Some of these dances are close We support the exchange of ly related to tap dance. However, information, as well as the coordi since this formof dance enjoys its nation of elatesfor dance events, own tradition, it is included only with existing Swing Dance to a limited extent in our activi Societies (Sweden, London, New ties. York, etc.) We meet on the occasion of The infom1ation leaflet for dance events and concerts to Swiss Swing Dance Society News enjoy and experience social danc is published and sent to all sub ing. Our main focus is on the scribers approximately 4 to 6 the opportunity to have his or her Switzerland's Swing fans. joint celebration of dance, accom times a year. We charge a mini name included on Switzerland's SSDS is a non-profit organisa panied by live music whenever mal fee of CHF 25.00 per year to Swing Fan Address List, which is tion. Its name should only be possible. New Swing fans should cover costs. Subscriber's address available upon request. This list used for events supported express find it easy to join the Swing es are not passed on to third par is meant to encourage and ly by SSDS. scene, whereby the experience ties. enhance the exchange of ideas and and liveliness of dance is In addition, all Swing fans have experiences amongst DANCE: LINDY HOP SWING MUSIC --27th Mar. 1927, p. 27 - 30. --14th Dec. 1936, p. 64 - 68. --21st Feb. 1938, p. 4/5. RESOURCES "Movie "The Castles"'. Fred "Party at the Savoy". Scenes of "Swing Music produces... and Jazz, Jump & .fi1•e. bi-monthly Astaire and Ginger Rogers as the parties at the Savoy Ballroom Shag". Scenes from people 12-page newsletter of the UK Jive actors and dancers in the movie. and some dance couples. caught by Swing music, at home, scene, the Jiving Lindy Hoppers, --22nd Aug I 938, p. 28 - 30 --8th July I 940, p. 84. "The at shoo!, in a streetcar and hotel and the London Swing Dance "Movie 'Carefree"'. Astaire and Aerial". Frankie Manning and --8th Aug. 1938, p. 50 - 60. Society. Published by Terry Rogers are dancing in a new partner doing an aerial "The honest and best kind of Jazz Monaghan, 35 Newton Avenue, Berlin musical. -- 16th June 1941, p. 49 / 50. reaches its Golden Age". Famous London W3 8AR, UK. fax +44 --30th Oct. 1939 p. 6 - 7 "The Congeroo Dance". Ann musicians (Goodman, Armstrong 181 752 0683. "Ballroom or Swing?'" Frank "Popeye" Johnson and Frankie Ellington, Oliver, Basie, Veloz and Yolanda Casazza danc '·Musciehead" Manning doing the Beiderbecke) and bands, Jitterbug The following "Ultimate List of ing Ballroom style, but with the Congeroo. dancers and record session. Life Magazines Back Issues", look of Swing. --23rd Aug. 1943. p. 95 - I 03. --19th Jan. I 942, p. 86 - 89. grouped by subject, was sent to us --8th July I 940, p. 52 - 54 "The Lindy Hop". The ultimate "The Swing Shift." Swing shifters by Lorenz Ilg of the Swiss Swing "Keep off the Grass". High-speed issue on Lindy; a series of pictures in California work until 12.30 a.m. Dance Society. cameras shoot a revue show. about floor steps and shine steps as Carhops or in a factory and Pictures in full color and astonish (Stanley Catron and Kaye Popp), then go out dancing ing quality. p. 68 / 69. "Roller Air steps and Improvisation (Leon BIG APPLE Skate Dancing". Skaterina - a James and Willa Mae Ricker) by 20th Dec. 1937, p. 29 - 32. new word in the fashionjargon photographer Gjon Mili, with the TAP "1937 closes with Big Apple". --29th May 1944. p. 12 - 15 famous picture of bright silhou 25th Aug. 1941, p. 72 - 83. Lots of pictures of parties around "Gene Kelly". Outstanding pic ettes above black. "Fred Astaire''. History about Christmas, with lots of youngsters tures from Gene Kelly dancing, FreelAstaire and tap dance. dancing the Big Apple. made by Gjon Mili with a high speed camera Page /4 Lindy Listings Hoppin' Volume2 Issue 3 Lindy Listings Advertisement These additions and corrections to the Lindy 181 866 9093. Classes Mon - Staines; Tues - Listings, which are published in total in the High Wycombe; Thurs - Watford. first issue of each year, are as up-to-date as we had at the time we went to press. If you have Estonia more recent information, be sure to let us know. Corrections are highlighted in bold. CONTACT: Modus (perform). Piret Kriis, Liivalaia 23, EE-0001 Tallinn. phone+372 2 682658. CO-RESPONDENT SHOES Asia France TWO TONE Singapore CONTACT: Ladies & Gents Syll'ere Valerie (dances}. phone+33 42 63 CONTACT: enquiries invited 32 29. "Welcome in Paris". - - Lim Sing Yuen (teaches, performs). 142 Killiney Road,#11-144, Singapore 0923. Germany The Gandolfi Shop phone +65 737 6689; fax+65 737 7816. Dorset House, CONTACTS: 150 Marylebone Road, Boogie Bears Dance club, Munich. Contact London NWI 5PP. Australia Barbi Kaufer (performs, teaches), Georgenstr. 49, D-80799, phone+49 89 271 7299. Tel/Fax 0171 935 6049 New South Wales Marcus Koch (teaches, performs,competes}, (near Baker Street Stn) NEW ADDRESS: Florastrasse 62, D-81827, CONTACT MUnchen. phone +49 89 430 41 30; fax +41 40 Rob Bloom, (dances). Flat 2, 59 Yeo Street, Isabel Wolffand Frank Theede (dance), Neutral Bay, New South Wales 2089. phone Friederikenstr. I 0, D-45130 Essen. phone +49 +61 2 953 8712. 201 784859 100 East Carrillo Ave, Santa Barbara. Contact Jonathan Bixby/Sylvia Sykes, phone+ I 805 569 1952. Classes Tues, Wed, Thurs. Europe ORGANISATIONS: Santa Barbara Swing Dance Club. P.O. Box England California 21225, Santa Barbara, 93121. Contact Sylvia Sykes/Jonathan Bixby, phone+ I 805 569 1952 VENUES: CONTACT: Saturdays (I/month, 20.00-24.00), Jiving Dennis & Denise Swing Dancing, Santa Massachusetts/Rhode Island Jamboree. Ealing Town Hall, Uxbridge Road, Barbara. Coma�t Dennis Holcomb, phone+ l W5. Contact Colette, +44 181 566 5226. 805 964 1990. CONTACT: Saturdays (2/month, 8.30-11.30), Live2Jive Hop to the Beal (teach, perform workshops} Swing Dance Club. Beechen Grove Church VENUES: Boston, Providence. Contact Tony & Aurelie Hall, Clarendon Road, Watford. phone +44 Fridays (1st & 3rd, 20:30-24.00), Dance. Tye, 1175 Chestnut Street #28, Newton, 02164. phone + I 617 244 1948. SUBSCRIPTIONS Yes, I want to know more about Lindy Hop! I want (check one): __to subscribe, starting with Volume__ _ Issue_ __ * __a single issue -______(indicate which) Name______Address______Postcode______Country ______Phone______Occupation______Where did you get this subscription form?______Costs: Send To: Subscription Sin�le Issue Price Germany: Eva-Maria Schmid, Franz-Joseph-Strasse 32, Country Currency Price Autumn Current 80801 Munchen. Sweden: Money - postgiro 628643-9, Yeah Man; Forms -The Rhythm Hot Shots, Ploggatan I, S- Germany OM 35 4 8 Sweden SEK 140 15 30 11634 Stockholm. Switzerland: Money - Postcheck Switzerland SFr 24 3 5.5 Konto 80-176002-3 Yermerk: speak easy; Forms Lorenz Ilg, Postfach 464, 8024 Zurich. USA: Nancy H. Sandburg, 811 UK £ 10 1.25 2.25 Knapp Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. UK/World: USA $ 19 2.50 5 Dancing Star Productions, P.O. Box 6008, London W2 5ZY World £ 13 l.50 3 UK. *Hoppin' is published quarterly; Vol2 lss I was Dec. "94. Back issues are available. Prices include postage. PAYMENT MUST ACCOMPANY ORDER. Page 15 Lindy Hop Events Hoppin' Volume 2 Issue 3 What's Hoppin' Around the World This section is for all-day Lindy Jitterbugs Swing Masters Frankie Manning We have had to decide how to Hop workshops, weekends, and Jam Ill Workshops, Virginia keep Hoppin' timely, while in- dance camps. To ensure timeli- London, UK. 25-27 August State Open Swing Dance eluding information of interest to ness, we cannot print events '95. Contact Live 2 Jive, Fred Chamgionshigs readers worldwide. Often events occurring less than a month after Hunt and Beckie Menckhoff, Virginia, USA. 6-8 Oct. '95. and workshops are set up quickly the newsletter's publication date. phone +44 181 866 9093. (ad p 6) Contact Potomac Swing Dance - to us is last-minute, given our Many thanks to all who have Club, phone + I 703 698 9811. quarterly publication schedule sent in the details to keep us Lindy Hog Workshog and posting delays. informed There are workshops/perfor- Moers, Germany. September London Lindy Hop mances around the UK by the '95. Contact Isabel Wolff /Frank Festival Die Tanzetage Jiving Lindy Hoppers on I July Theede. phone +49 201 784859 London, UK. 20-22 October Frankfurt, Germany. 17-23 '95. Contact Jiving Lindy (Bath), 5 July (Rugby), 6 July July '95. Contact Bullies Steven Mitchell Lindy Hoppers (send SASE) London (Ludlow), and 8 July (Exeter); phone +44 181 992 8128. There's Ballerinas, +44 181 541 3191 Hog Workshogs Lindy Hop Festival, 35 Newton a training camp in Frankfurt, Connecticut, USA. 30 Sept. Avenue, London W3 SAR. The Swing Dance Sunday Germany 8 & 9 July (phone +49 '95, and Massachusetts, USA. I 69 68 25 09). Humphrey Lyttelton Essex, UK. 6 August '95. October '95. Contact Hop to the will play at Jitterbugs' 4th birth- Presented by Bullies Ballerinas Beat, Tony & Aurelie Tye, + I 617 BACK Issues & day 5 July (+44 181 809 5507). w/ Jitterbugs London Swing 244 1948. Back issues of Hoppin' are Dance Society. Contact the Box available. If your collection is not All these events fall outside our Office, phone +44 1708 44 33 33. 3rd Annual Swiss Lindy complete, you save money buying deadline of a month or more after Hog Weekend them as a group, as we save on our publication date of 17 July. International World Lindy We mention them here in case it's Zurich, Switzerland. 30 Sept. - postage. Hog Chamgionshigs Hoppin', of use to some subscribers. For I Oct. '95. Contact Stephan For details, contact Oslo, Norway. 9-13 August either through your local distribu- the next issue, listings are needed Joller, Erika Schriber, +41 61 411 by 22 August for our publication '95. Contact Bardar Dance Insti- 9576. tor (see page 2) or at Post Office tute, +47 22 20 90 10. Box 6008, London W2 5ZY. date of 17 September. Dancing Star Productions Post Office Box 6008 London W2 5ZY UK