Janet Jackson was the most influential and important Jackson for me growing up. I admired Michael, but I LOVED Janet, following her career from break-out pop star to an increasingly confident and nuanced solo artist. For awhile I bought every album the week it came out, memorized the songs, tried to copy her dance moves. She made…
Category: Dancing / Music
A Visual History of African-American Social Dances from the Charleston to the Dougie
A brief history of African-American social dance, from the Charleston to the Dougie. Created and narrated by choreographer and dancer Camille A. Brown.
Watch SwingNation #77: DecaVitas vs Swedish Dance Association, More on Sexual Assault in the Scene
Black or White: Epic Dance Homage to Michael Jackson by Tobias Ellehammer
Watch this moving and inspiring dance homage to Michael Jackson, led by dancer Tobias Ellehammer with a global crew of amazing movers and shakers. Great choreography, cinematography and concept. I'll be watching this one again and again. In the first scene of the video, we have Paris and all the incredible talent…
“Vulnerable”: Photo Essay on Feelings of Insecurity and Sadness at a Dance Camp
Sarah Warny Berg created this wonderful photo essay about some of the darker feelings and thoughts experienced during the Herräng Dance Camp. Obviously this isn't exclusive to this camp or these people, but touches on some universal experiences we all go through but don't express often. I can totally relate to many of the sentiments…
Herrang 2016: Solo Jazz, the “Bus Stop,” and Swedish Pancakes
I’ve been at the Herrang International Dance Camp — “The Home of the Happiest Feet” — for the past week and a half, along with hundreds of lindy hoppers from all over the world. It’s billed as the “most comprehensive and exciting dance camp focusing on African-American jazz dances from the Golden Era of jazz.”…
Off to the Herrang Dance Camp Tomorrow!
Tomorrow afternoon, I'm headed off to Europe for the Herrang Dance Camp, which I call the Burning Man for lindy hoppers. It's a five week intensive, chaotic gathering of thousands of lindy hoppers from all over the world for workshops, social dancing, performances, parties, socializing and much much more. Being there is like being transported to…
“Swing” – Beautiful mini-documentary about two swing dancers
Watch "SWING" a lyrical documentary about swing dancing. Get ready for all the feels. From the description: "It portrays the relationship between two brilliant dance partners, and between them and the dance itself. Michaela and Rupert talk about how the dance changed their lives and brought out their real selves." A Film by Anna Franzén…
Classic Clip of Filipinos Lindy Hopping on Film!
Check out this classic clip of Filipinos dancing lindy hop on film! Not sure what the name of this film is, but the principal dancers are Dolphy and Teroy de Guzman. I'm stealing ALL OF THESE MOVES. UPDATE 7/22/16: Reportedly the film is called "Sa isang sulyap mo Tita" dated 1952.
Watch SwingNation #74: Frankie’s Google Doodle & the Bachelorette Swings
This month on SwingNation , I'm back in front of the camera, with my friend Ellen Huffman this time! This show's featured stories: Frankie Manning gets a Google Doodle! Lindy Hoppers appear on ABC's "The Bachelorette". Juan Villafane and the Buenos Aires Lindy Hop scene. Watch it all below!