This looks to be an incredible Memorial Day weekend for swing dancing in New York City! I've been away so I'm itching to get my lindy hop on. Among the highlights are:
- Saturday May 30 — Dawn Hampton's Birthday Bash: The fabulous dancer and entertainer Ms. Dawn Hampton is celebrating her birthday with a dance party featuring the great Wycliffe Gordon performing. That's at Club 412, 412 Eighth Avenue, 4th floor, from 8pm-midnight. More details here.
- Saturday May 30 — Solo Jazz and Lindy Workshops with Ryan Francois and Evita Arce: World class lindy hopper Ryan Francois of the UK with New York's own Ms. Evite Arce will be teaching solo jazz and lindy hop workshops at Dance Manhattan Studios. See here for more info.
- Sunday May 31 — Frankie Manning's Headstone Dedication: Passing away a little more than a year ago, legendary lindy hopper Mr. Frankie Manning was a major loss for the lindy community. Frankie's gravesite now has a lovingly designed headstone at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx and all are invited to the dedication ceremony this Sunday at 1pm. More details here.
- Sunday May 31 — Dreamland Beach Party: Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra are throwing a beach-side vintage dance party at the Water Taxi Beach in Long Island City. So get on that vintage bathing suit and parasol and head on out for some swinging in the sun! More details here.
All that and much, much more going on over the next few days. To get the full rundown, check out the Yehoodi.com event calendar. Just type in "New York, NY" for your location.
I love New York. I love lindy hop.
[Awesome photo of Dawn Hampton and Frankie Manning by D-rod]