Social Stealing - Sarah, Dax, and Max

A special thanks to our friend Cynthia from the UK for pointing out this great video.

These three dancers are well known to be top competitors and teachers internationally. I would like to point out how the dancing here is so calm and connected to the music. These three are all known for tearing up the floor with high tempo (and high flying) routines, but given a slower, calmer song they are just as capable.

Though the big crazy performances get more views, we shouldn't forget that songs and dances like this are much more similar to what we do socially.

Also, have fun and steal a dance every once in a while.  And make it look smooth.

Slow Lindy Hop from Barswingona

One.  We won't do enough slow Lindy Hop.  Let's do more.  

Two.  Here's some inspiration for you.  Enjoy the slow Lindy from Barswingona.  

Three.  Yes, that's a camera on that first guy's head.

Four.  There is a couple that starts out with her leading and him following.  Nice.

BARSWINGONA 2012 - Skye and Naomi

There's something about their movement that is always so deceptively simple, so practiced and perfect.  I feel like watching this video will say more than any words I can come up with.  Enjoy.

Beantown Bounce - Bobby & Kate

Thanks again to my friend Heather Warner-Dubin for another great video suggestion.  She recently had the time of her life at Beantown Camp and has been posting a ton of videos from the event.


This video features Bobby and Kate, who somehow just keep getting better.  Since Lindy Hop is the focus for this blog I don't usually post Balboa videos, but Balboa is another love of mine and with so many Lindy Hoppers also dabbling in Balboa I thought it was appropriate.  (Hmm, how many more times can I fit Balboa into a sentence?)

Is it odd that I find this performance refined, smooth, mature, and also cute at the same time?  Maybe the cute comes from the blending of their personalities - Kate's calm, confident demeanor crossed with Bobby's excited grin and wide eyes.

I highly recommend taking a class with them if you get a chance.  They're both very intelligent and clear instructors with a deep understanding of their profession.  I also recommend reading Bobby's blog, Swungover.  He's a wonderful writer who regularly presents very interesting insights about swing dancing and life in general.

Smooth and Technical, Close and Slow

While searching through some old 920 special instructional videos I came across this one with Jean Ma and Bromley Palamountain detailing some slick moves I'd really like to try out.  


I'd love to see someone locally pull off these moves in a social dance without telling me ahead of time.


I've been focusing recently on building a broader range of expression with my dancing.  I've spent a lot of time over the last year working on fast and big - on being more showy.  I didn't feel like I had much to "throw down" in a contest or a jam circle.  I'm happy to say that I've begun to make some strides in that direction, but I've noticed that I'm lacking also in the tight and technical area too.


When it comes to smooth movement, slower tempos, close or neutral connections I feel less sure, less practiced.  The video up top isn't particularly close or slow, but it's smooth and technical - one of these areas I wish to improve in.


So let's talk about close, slow, smooth Lindy Hop.  You've probably seen this video (cough cough, Skye and Frida).  They're close, smooth, connected, and the tempo of the song is slow, but they work in both slow and quick movements while remaining tight.

And that's one of the things I love about Lindy Hop.  These are all broadly different movements and steps, but they're all the same dance.


Do you have any suggestions for inspiration when it comes to smooth, technical, close, and slow?