Jack and Jill Drove up the Hill

So every year we have the local TasSwing Jack and Jill comp as part of the Christmas Break Up Party festivities, and every year at the last minute its begging and pleading and bribing people to enter.  I remember my first Jack and Jill, the Cake lyrics below sum it up for me:

Reluctantly crouched at the starting line,  (I didnt want to go in the comp, I really was quite reluctant)
Engines pumping and thumping in time. (lets be obvoius here, the engins pumping and thumping really just a metaphore for my beating heart)
The green light flashes, the flags go up. (it was more like the dice monkey rolled her dice and chose my fate, you don't get to choose a partner in Jack and Jill)
Churning and burning, they yearn for the cup. (We were all too cool for the Jack and Jillgame, but the first honk of the horn and the completion IS ON)
They deftly maneuver and muscle for rank, (oh nice dip, nice move, lets see you do that again)
Fuel burning fast on an empty tank. ( a couple is eliminated, the dice monkey rolls again, everyone gets a new partner, are your moves going to work with this one, can you do that quick stop ONE MORE TIME?)
Reckless and wild, they pour through the turns.(Guys throw themselves at the floor)
Their prowess is potent and secretly stern.(Follows make it look good)
As they speed through the finish, the flags go down. (Elimination, dice monkey, elimination, dice monkey until there is only one couple left to take all of the glory)
The fans get up and they get out of town. (Your fans say you were robbed, others say they deserved to win, you try to stay cool but damn it.. you really were robbed)
The arena is empty except for one man, (of course as a follow you blame it all on your lead.. Damn it.. ROBBED)
Still driving and striving as fast as he can.(probably away from you, because this friendly comp means just a little too much to you...)
The sun has gone down and the moon has come up, and long ago somebody left with the cup.(lets say again how you were robbed!!)
But he's driving and striving and hugging the turns. (you have a whole year of classes to nail it down)
And thinking of someone for whom he still burns.(next year the trophy will be yours)


To be honest its no where near that competitive, but I  wanted to build it up a little!  The whole thing is very friendly, its usually a great mix of experienced dancers, with new students, and a few loud show offs (I'm not supposed to enter this year.. being a teacher and all...).  The minimum number is six, but I'm sure Dave would be delighted if we had a few more enter!!  Let him know by emailing dave@tasswing.com.au, Ill see if I can bring Cake along to rev everyone up, and remember, ITS ALL ABOUT THE FUN!

And the Winner is?

Pirates all over the world celebrated the other weekend when this man won best dressed at the TasSwing pirate themed ball:

The ball was a huge success with enouraging numbers and some amazing costumes.  A big thank you to everyone involved in the organisation of the event!

The costumes were amazing (I believe there is a DVD being put together right now of some of the highlights and the performances!!).

I ofcourse got my moustache back out for some more fund raising, I "think" Tim is now sitting byond $500.00, big thanks to everyone who got intimidated into giving me money!!

Relle

MO-VEMBER

Hey - below is a quick email from Tim G, please read on!

I am growing a moustache this year for Movember.  I have decided to put down my razor for one month (November) and help raise awareness and funds for men’s health – specifically prostate cancer and depression in men. 

What many people don’t appreciate is that close to 3,000 men die of prostate cancer each year in Australia and one in eight men will experience depression in their lifetime - many of whom don’t seek help. Also astounding is that 1 in 4 men will try to grow a moustache in their lifetime.  Less than 20% of them actually look any good.  I'm hoping you can support me in my attempt to raise awareness and be one of those 20%.

To sponsor my Mo, you can either:

•    Click this link http://au.movember.com/mospace/33609/ and donate online using your credit card or PayPal account
•    Write a cheque payable to ‘Movember Foundation’, referencing my Registration Number 33609 and mailing it to: Movember Foundation, PO Box 292, Prahran, VIC, 3181

Remember, all donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Movember is now in its sixth year and, to date, has achieved some pretty amazing results by working alongside The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCFA) and beyondblue: the national depression initiative. Check out further details at: http://au.movemberfoundation.com/research-and-programs.

If you are interested in following the progress of my Mo, click here http://au.movember.com/mospace/33609/. Also, http://au.movember.com has heaps of useful information. 

Thank you


--
tim grimsey  -  timgrimsey@gmail.com

Dont get me wrong - im donating to the cause with real money - but also doing my bit to raise awareness check out my pic! - relle

We can all say we knew her when...Congrats Em Doi

Hopefully most of you remember one of our youngest students Emily Doi.  Em proved to be quite the talent very on in her swing classes, but it seems of late may have been turning her attention to more pressing matters.  Read below for the great news!

 

2009 Tasmanian Young Historian announced

 

 

A Grade 6 student has been named the winner of the Tasmanian Young Historian for 2009 for creating a historical scrapbook on the experience of Japanese war brides in post-war Japan and Australia.

 

Premier and Minister for Education and Skills, David Bartlett, today congratulated 11 year-old Emily Doi on winning the top award – the Premier’s Medal and naming her as the Tasmanian Young Historian 2009 – as part of the 2009 Australian National History Challenge.

 

“Emily has also been named as the Tasmanian and National winner in the years 5/6 age category as well as the Tasmanian and National winner in the Asia and Australia special category as part of these prestigious awards,” Mr Bartlett said.

 

“In addition, Emily has also been named as the Tasmanian and National winner in the Triumph Over Adversity through a Museum Display special category, which challenges students to be innovative and creative in presenting their research. Emily’s work will be on display at the National Museum in Canberra early in 2010.”

 

“Emily has travelled to Japan several times and chose to focus her research and present a short history of Japanese war brides’ experience in post-war Japan and Australia. Emily presented her work as a museum display, in a scrapbook format.

 

“Emily’s work reflects her deep understanding of the period she researched and the story of Japanese war brides and their triumphs over adversity.

“Her work is not only a tribute to the story of Japanese war brides, it’s also a valuable record of Australian history we can now all share.”

 

“Emily will now go on to vie for the Australian Young Historian of the Year award at a ceremony in Canberra on 24 November alongside the other State and Territory Young Historians for 2009.

 

Mr Bartlett said that a total of eight students were presented with awards for entries entered in special categories including war and peace, sport, heritage, women and indigenous Australia.

 

“In Tasmania, we value history as a discipline and want our students to understand the really important events in history, why they have occurred and how decisions were made as a way of gaining an appreciation of the attitudes and values of other people, times and places,” he said.

 

“That’s why the Australian National History Challenge is so fantastic – it provides students with rich opportunities to explore their own past, use key thinking skills and interpret, evaluate and present the information that they find.

 

“I’d like to congratulate Emily and all the winners on their outstanding success and wish them all the best in their futures.”

 

LIST OF WINNERS

 

Tasmanian Premier’s Young Historian Medal:

Emily Doi, Princes Street Primary

 

Division Winners:

Year 5/6 – Emily Doi, Princes Street Primary
Year 7/8 – Jessica Kapp, Sorell School

Year 9/10 – Edward Pitt, New Town High School

Year 11/12 – Sam Upton, Rosny College

 

Special Category Entry:

In War and Peace:

Patrick Cordwell, New Town High School

 

Asia and Australia:

Emily Doi, Princes Street Primary

 

Women:

Jessica Kapp, Sorell School

 

Heritage:

Evie Clarke, The Friends School

 

Indigenous:

Grace Gunn, The Friends School

 

Museum Display:

Emily Doi, Princes Street Primary

 

Australian Prime Ministers:

Christopher Boon – Tasmanian Academy and Polytechnic (Hobart campus)

 

 

 

Further information:

rod scott 6233 2170

gosh it seems so long ago

I never really got around to telling you all about how much I enjoyed CCB this year. I don't know if the event itself is getting better organized, if the teachers are getting better at what they do, or if I'm getting better what I do and if this year I was just more relaxed, but it was my favorite so far.

My first CCB - THE first CCB was crazy. I had no idea what to expect, neither did they (the rest of the students and the event organisers) to be honest. Some concepts have stuck around and some have been put in the third draw down to be used again at a later date.

By the end of my first CCB, EVERYTHING hurt, my core hurt, it was over being engaged, my right thigh hurt, it turns out to be the dipping leg, I had learned phrases like "clam clamp" and "room for Jesus" and to be honest, I actually felt overwhelmed all together. All these people were moving to the music, with their eyes closed, and their superman posture on, the girls looked light as air and the boys just looked nonchalant.

By the time the second year rolled round I felt like I should have been better prepared, like I had a whole year to practice, but did I? NO.. Once again my workshop expectation fear kicked in, and I froze up. I don't think I got as tired, and I don't think I got too stressed out, but I also don't know how much I took away from that weekend because if you asked me to show you one thing, just one thing, I would fall down failing.

This year though (I missed last year) just sorta had a different outlook on life, heaps of classes to choose from, different subject matter in each, heaps of new people, but the comfort of some of my favorite teachers!

The approach to blues dancing this year was super relaxed (yay who needs to work hard at playing fun?). Pretty much learned the basic concepts just from walking around! Josh and Noni just have a way with words, a real warmth to give to the class, and by the end of the first session, everyone I spoke to, and eavesdropped on, felt like they "got it", and the good vibes kept on going all throughout the weekend!

Unlike in previous years I did not stress to get to the classes before the night time activities, of the whole weekend, these classes were the classes I enjoyed the least, maybe because I need longer to learn (15 mins per session is not long), maybe its because I always took so long to get ready, maybe it was because I had learned so much all day, I just wanted to cut foot loose already!

To be honest, I think it was the hip hop classes that I really got a kick out of, I felt super challenged but so did everyone else. I would never give up swing but if I could find a place to teach me some more hip hop, I would do it in a heart beat.

Judging on how much improvement has been made on event organisation and teaching methods in only 4 short years, I can only strongly advise EVERYONE to get along to the next CCB. CHURCH CITY BLUES 2010 OCT 15-17 Registrations open June 1st 2010 !!!!

Due to various reasons (including venue size and the fact that we want it to be an intimate & boutique event) we only have 150 peeps at CCB.

Even if blues is not your thing, you never know, hip hop might be a new love for you, and besides, really for most of the time there is just this over arching "blindy" umbrella where you get to use the concepts from both, in both, to create your own thing.

Till next CCB, you gotta make it along to as many Kara classes as possible. I did not go to hers at CCB, figured no doubt I would get to learn in a more intimate environment back here in hobs with my peeps. The next class is in two weeks at the central bar and cafe - check your newsletter for details!!

PS - below is a blast from the past Kara, Dan and I made it over to the first ccb, stayed in a house that belonged to this guy called "pirate pete" and had the after party at our pad.. i wanna say it was rock and roll, but was more like rhythm and blues!

Real Men Dont Do House Work

As promised - from class the other night - how to do "real men".  Please leave a comment or email me if the instructions done make enough sense!!

Things to know before you start.

Unless otherwise stated, action is first performed on the left leg (ie the Charleston, sweeps, etc)

Moves start on one

This should be as “big” as possible!!

1                     Basic Charleston (all on left foot)

2                     Basic Charleston (all on left foot)

3                     Sweep the floor (this is left sweep, right sweep, left sweep, right sweep all whilst moving backwards)

4                     Stomp the bug (stomp left clap, stomp right clap, stomp left clap clap)

5                     Tick tock/Suzie Q to the left for 8 counts (it does not matter if you tick or tock first!)

6                     Tap around 90 degrees to your right, using your left leg to tap out, in, out in etc for 8 counts)

7                     Shorty George (kick ONE with your right leg, then left shorty George, right shorty goerge etc until 7, 8 which is a smooth up and spread slide)

8                     Break step (left step forward with your toe, then place heal down, right leg keep in place but come up onto the toe, and then down onto the heel, left leg keep in place come up onto the toe and then the heal, right leg “kick turn” to make it 180 degrees around)

1                     Basic Charleston (all on left foot)

2                     Basic Charleston (all on left foot)

3                     Pimp walks (left, right, left, right, don’t forget your pimp style here)

4                     Fish tails (push your bum to the right, left, right, left – clicking in time)

5                     Up clap, down clap, up clap clap (same timing as stomp the bugs)

6                     Tap around 90 degrees to your right, using your left leg to tap out, in, out in etc for 8 counts)

7                     Mess  around (im a little tea pot), this is 8 counts, and you can do what you like!

8                     Break step (left step forward with your toe, then place heal down, right leg keep in place but come up onto the toe, and then down onto the heel, left leg keep in place come up onto the toe and then the heal, right leg “kick turn” to make it 180 degrees around)

STARTS FROM THE TOP AND REPEATS

CCB - Forecast from the BOM

Friday        Shower or two.                         Min 11    Max 18
Saturday      Light shower or two.                   Min 10    Max 17
Sunday        Fine. Mostly sunny.                    Min  9    Max 18
Monday        Fine. Sunny.                           Min  9    Max 23
Tuesday       Fine. High cloud.                      Min 12    Max 27

Dont find your self needing a church city blues aliby

Right-o a quick do's and donts and a few doo whahh haass of exchanges, social dances, and holiday romances (ok just put that in to make it rhyme).

Top Five To Do's at Any Exchange:

1 - Take a change of clothes, specifially a change or two of your top (applies to boys and girls)

2 - Pack a snack and a drink bottle, nothing worse than dry mouth and grumbly tummy

3 - Cleanliness is close to Godliness.  Start off clean, and apply deoderant, and for good measure take your deoderant with you (be a good friend, pack spray on!)

4 - Musk sticks, minties, strawberries, all great for great breath, pack a few, share them around, that way, you smell nice, and its not so obvious if you offer all your friends a mint, not just that one stinker in the back corner

5 - Take a bag to put your stuff in (including your keys, mobile phone, roll of quarters (wink), this helps avoid any uncomfortable post embrace moments when neither are sure what was poking into her..

Top Five Don'ts at Any Exchange

1 - Try not to be late, the class will start without you and no matter how exciting last night was and how hung over you are and who from the tv you met, everyone is paying to be there to learn, not to hear you "my dog at my home work" excuse.

2 - Try not to bring your previous class emotional baggage with you.  You are there to learn from those teachers and learn it the way they are teaching you, even if its different to what you thought the "rule" was, roll with it.

3 - Try to avoid taking calls during class, at the very least, pop your phone onto a discreet setting

4 - Try not to freak out!  The class may be hard, the lead/follow may be bung, you simply just might not get it, but dont worry!  Its supposed to be fun!

5 - Try to avoid chatter in class.  If you have a question, ask the people you are paying to learn from, if you have feedback for someone be sure to check with them first if they are happy to receive it from you.  If you are just the generally happy chatty type, let your smile say it all!!

Most exchanges have a social aspect to them, this is supposed to be the time where you get to apply everything that you've learnt, hang out with your friends, get to know the teachers, and generally live it up a little.

Try To:

1 - Same general personal hygene, breath mint, rules apply as for when in class, try to pack a change of tops and some extra deodrant!

2 - Try to introduce your friends from different circles, sure we all met in class, but so many new faces!!  Nothing worse than an awkward game of slurr the word, even if you introduce people twice, they will be thankful for it!

3 - Try to dance with as many people as you can, any money there will be a dark horse beginner out there, you just gotta find him/her.  At the other end of the scale, if a teacher, or someone "above your level" asks you to dance, its because they actually want to dance with you.  There is no shame in saying yes, and then "getting a few things wrong", remember what we tell you in class, its called a variation!!

4 - If you do decline a dance, try not to say yes to the next one straight away.  If there is someone you simply cant imagine dancing with, excuse your self to powder your nose, change your shirt, grab some air... avoid using tired as an excuse.  Its heart breaking when you've asked someone to dance and they say they are tired, then two seconds later someone else comes along and BAM, not so tired any more.  Really - dancing with that one person you dont want to, just once, is usually easier than hiding from him/her all night!

5 - Have fun!!  Try to avoid sitting there getting bitter and cold, mingle, chat, ask someone for a dance, grab a pretty girl a glass of water, and she will think of you as her hero!

I'm pretty excited about CCB this year, there is huge Hobart Crew, Kara will be there teaching, it will be my 3rd CCB, and my only other event other than Devil City Swing that I attend with any regularity (sooo it must be good!!).  Looking foward to seeing you there, or catching you when I get back!!

Love

Relle

Life is a Cabaret ole Chum!

MEDIA ALERT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 28/09/2009

The Brisbane Hotel, in conjunction with Circus Horrificus, proudly present: Circus Horrificus & Friends Cabaret; a dinner and show combination, like no other.

“Get set for a unique, weird and wonderful dining experience!” said Samora Squid, host.

The first is to be held on the 9th of October: 6pm - 8pm
Tickets: $30, all inclusive (meal and show).
Bookings only, through The Brisbane Hotel – seriously limited seating! Phone: 62 34 49 20
“Hosted by Tasmania's resident Vaudevillian Clown, Samora Squid, this is restaurant-theatre, in a comfortable, relaxed and accessible setting.” - said Gibbo, proprietor. “Come in, mingle with friends and order a delicious meal from our sumptuous menu (catering for carnivores and vegans alike!), then sit back, relax and enjoy some of the finest cabaret acts in town.”

Samora will be presenting several top-quality acts, including:
Bridget Bridge
“..an attractive, but slightly eccentric girl...”
-Wal Eastman, The Mercury
An incredible combination of physical comedy, movement and death defying stunts, Bridget Bridge is sure to shock, amaze and inspire, all the while keeping her audience in stitches.

Madam Goulash
“Seductively raunchy” -SAUCE Magazine
Madam Goulash will take you on her wildest fantasies through story telling, dance and her very own 'pussy
whipped' quiz. She is known for her unpredictability and audience participation. So, prepare yourself to be
involved: you will be moved with love, jiggled with laughter and whipped with leather and cream.



For information, images, quotes, interviews and FREE media tickets; contact: Samora 0400428261 or samora_clark@yahoo.com.au

for your viewing pleasure!

So we have been studying musicality in the 6.00 class this month, and it made me realize, how often I "know the song" but I don't really listen to it. I'm one of those people that seem to be able to feel whats going on, and whats going to happen in songs that follow a standard structure, but for some reason, I cant take advantage of syncopation to save myself!

Anyway the ever faithful Pat shot me though the links I asked for in class, the YouTube to go with my favorite version of "Love Me or Leave Me". If I could dance half as well as these guys, I'd be happy with myself. Bryce and I spend a stack of time when we were teaching partners trying to nail some of the moves, and I wont lie, it was hard work!! The routine is obviously choreographed but just look at how these guys NAIL all of the high lights, accents, breaks and beat changes. These boys who rule my love of swing !!

On a different note, through a million clicks I also found this little gem! I'm not the biggest fan of hers but, if I could have this ladies wardrobe I'm pretty sure I would just go ahead and marry myself - also keep a watchful eye on her back up dancers. Next time there is a solo Charleston class - this is what we are talking about!!


For those of you who are really dying to know - this is the film clip that I mentioned in my previous blog, the one that got me into swing dancing (yeah I know - I've been asked to hurry up and write the next installment of the adventures of Relle and Mr T, but I gotta draw out the suspense!!)


Watch all three film clips in a row and you may need a cigarette after (wink), welcome to what makes me tick!!

Old Times = Good Times

Im not sure what the rules are when it comes to not having a face book, and someone else sending you a photo that they saved off someone elses face book to show you what you looked like many years ago and as a broody brunette.. but for the giggles I got I thought it was worth sharing.



There is another photo somewhere from the same TasSwing ball, where I'm standing next to Kara, and I must have been standing on something cos I almost looked tall.. My hair is quiffed up, I have my white singlet on, black braces, attempting to look hella tough-a-billy.. someone saw the photo and asked when my brother had been in town, and how he knew Kara. Not sure who should be more offended, my brother or I, but I'll chase down that photo, again for giggles.

It does show that we all go ALL OUT for the TasSwing balls, and the one coming up in November will be NO EXCEPTION.

Meet You at Around Midnight @ Syrups #2

So there we were, me partying on Fri and Sat nights, Mr T bouncing downstairs till ugly hour. One chilly evening decided not to stay warm in a sensible top and pants, but instead wear the beanie that I had finished knitting the night before. "Cool beanie" said Mr T, "Ta" said I, "I made it last night".

From there the conversation went along the lines of me promising to teach Mr T to knit, and in return he would owe me a favor.

Now don't get me wrong, I don't judge, but I'll tell you know, it is quite a giggle to see a 6 foot 6 bouncer learning to knit one, pearl one to make himself a killer scarf!! A few dropped stitches, and a few added on and he was off like a rocket.

We sat there in silence, knitting our scarfs and watching rage when BAM it came on, i heard for the first time the song that made me learn how to swing dance.

"Jump Jive and Wail" by Brian Setzer made me fall in love at first site. I'd always harbored a slight psycobilly crush, mixed with a love of "happy days" and poodle skirts, but this was different, this was sexy, this was pencil skirts, quiffs and hot rods all in one song!


"LETS LEARN TO SWING DANCE" yelled Mr T excitedly over his knitted creation. Hang on a minute, wasn't that supposed to be my line? Wasn't this going to be the favor that he owed me? "Come on - lets do it, Ill owe you another favor!!" he pleaded. Where did this guy come from??

It was my job to find out when and where - although he secretly got all the info before I did and just acted all casual when I told him about it.

Week one was hard, week two was hard, week three was hard, week four was hard, week five, somewhat easier...

By week five we had already attended an aerials workshop taught by some crazy cats from over seas, we were no longer worried about the dancing, more the throwing of me around in the air and the him catching me before my face hit the floor.

THIS is what it was all about, THIS is what they did on the film clip that looked so cool.. and Mr T being built like he was, and me, well a midget by comparison, it all seemed toooooo easy.

We did day one of the workshop, all good, pretty stiff and sore, but it was ok. Day two was a killer, a whole hour of warm ups concentrating on the thigh area, and I wanted to go home!! OH THE PAIN.

The teachers were great, they told us to make sure we cooled down properly, and that we went for a light walk when we got home, pfft - what would they know- a cool down is a warm shower and a little nap in my book. WRONG

I woke up in time to go to dinner at my mums house, I kinda swung my legs out of bed and THONK, I hit the deck. My legs did not hurt, I could not feel them at all, my thighs would not support my own weight! I had to slide down the stairs of my two story town house and call my mum to come and pick me up!

The next day at work, after limping around and generally looking like I had been hit with a truck, I got called into my bosses office. After skirting around the subject for a while she eventually handed me a business card for a counselor and suggested if things weren't ok at home there were people I could talk to - She thought I was stuck in an abusive relationship. I realised that I was COVERED in bruises, on my arms, neck, legs, and one big hand shaped bruise that I had to later explain to my boyfriend at the time.

Apparently "I'm a swing dancer" is in the same vein as " I walked into a door", it just made me all the more determined to get good at what I was doing and "show them all".

Next post I will tell you the pros and cons of determination, partnering up with a BJJ enthusiast, and how the war was won.

Meet You at Around Midnight @ Syrups

I get asked a lot how long I've been dancing for, and what got me into it in the first place, and whilst I'm not sure how long I've been teaching for let alone dancing, I know exactly what started the ball rolling.

For a few years I was a shift worker at the local chocolate factory, It meant plenty of coins, but a pretty hard to juggle social planner, when I was awake, everyone was asleep, when everyone else wanted to party, I was at work. It got harder and harder to stay in contact with my collage mates, and for a while there I just gave up.

Enough was enough I said out loud one sat night - to no one but me and some "from the vault" 80's RAGE hit tune. I put on my jeans and singlet and decided, I was going out.

Twice I stopped to turn back, I was scared about going into town by myself, about not knowing anyone, about having to walk into the pub by myself. I made myself sick with nerves but suddenly I was there.. the Salamanca strip.

Pretty soon I either met new friends or stopped caring, no one knows you're dancing by yourself to an 80s cover band till the band is over and you have to buy yourself a lemonade and contemplate your next move.

My next major mile stone, would be to leave the comfort of the pub I had started to claim as my own, and take it up a notch to TackyLand.

I would walk past the line up every Friday and Saturday night, wanting to cut foot loose but too nervous to go in by myself - Plus the bouncers were a deathly duo, of a battle dwarf and a man who could stop you dead with one flash of his fantastic mustache!

Not usually a fan of the stash, I could not help but be in awe of this one, night after night it would haunt my dreams, I had to tell the face that owned this stash how I felt.

It was a busy Saturday night, even if I had gotten the courage up to actually line up to maybe get into this club, the chances of getting in within an hr were pretty slim. My awkward and unfaltering stare caught the bouncers attention, bold as I could be in my Jeans (with long socks underneath so I could tuck my id and phone into them so they would not bulk out my back pockets) and singlet, I walked up to the bouncer and I said to him "I just have to tell you, that is the most Porno mustache I have ever seen in my life".

That night was my first night up at Tackyland, turns out the bouncer in question, Mr T (Trev), did not mind a little bit of flattery, and so he encouraged me to walk on in, compliments of the house that night. I danced till my feet bled and then I danced some more, all the 80's hits I wanted, in one night. It was magical. All of my hard work paid off - being brave gets you good music!

Eventually we got to chatting on the quiet nights. Trev and I because good friends, I would smuggle him chocolate from work or the occasional home made baked cheese cake, and he would make sure I was looked after. He would check on me during the night if I was out solo, and split a cab with me if I danced all the way though ugly hour. It turns out that going out solo, had actually given me the opportunity to make a really good friend.

So how did I start dancing?? hmmm so far its a long post, read this one again, remember the names and places, and I will give you part two of Meet You at Around Midnight @ Syrups next time!!

womens weekly cooking from the 70's

Such a fine line, trying to decide - do we get it right and feel proud - or do we get it nearly right and have more fun? Sometimes we think we have it right, have a stack of fun, but then realize we have been doing it wrong all along.

For me dancing is like eating. Its like eating your mums chow mein, and then growing up and going to a real Asian restaurant and realizing that chow mein is indeed not fried mince with two minute noodles and tomato sauce, which is actually more delish than what it sounds but still no where near the real deal. This simple dish is actually a master full dish full of delicate flavours, subtle nuances and depending on where you go, a real feeling of authenticity.

Dancing is the same, for years and years you can get away with thinking that you're dancing chow mein when really you're just dancing fried mince, and although, you will always love that home made recipe, there is a whole new world out there, god forbid some Peking duck, some udon noodle, something that you cant even pronounce on the menu but looks like its good when its served up at the next table.

The thing is though, when you go home and your mum cooks you your "favourite" chow mein, you cant exactly say to her, "mum, you've been doing it wrong for years, this is some on the cheep recipe Womans Weekly released in 1973 to be all exotic", you just gotta love your mum, pile on the soy sauce and tell her that you loved it and would love it again next Sunday.

When you have traveled the world, eating out at restaurants highlighted in swing dancings "gourmet traveller" and you have sucked the bones clean of many a miscellaneous animal, remember, someone out there is still living at home with their mums, still eating fried mince and calling it chow mein, offer them some soy sauce, but don't be too keen to tell them how badly the have it wrong, sometimes, we all just wanna enjoy the simple things in life.

I guess what im really trying to say is, be kind to your fellow dancers, no one needs to be told their mums chow mien is rubbish, and no one needs to be told their dancing is not quite right, takes us all time to figure that out ourselves - you need to keep in mind, your chow mein, might not be the same as mine, or his, or hers, or thiers, does not make it not as good, just makes it a provincial recipy of yours!

chicken in a dumpling?

I recently had the pleasure of enjoying a home cooked meal with friends, everyone brought a plate, or a bottle of something, and we all just got to sit down and chat. The fun started before all of the guests arrived when I was in the kitchen with my mate and he was cooking a secret family recipe, as I was chopping vegetables to roast in the oven.

We were both rambling on about our days, our lives, the sands in the hour glass, when I cheekily decided to steal a taste of the cooking while my friend was not looking.

This little bite sized delicacy was covered a crunch golden crumb coating, it was steaming hot, and I just could not resist.

I was expecting the most luscious chicken nugget, I was thinking it would be moist and salty, I was thinking it would be flavorsome and full of texture.. I was wrong.

What at first looked to be home made chicken nuggets, turned out to be a sort of sweet gnocchi covered in an almost biscuit crumb, that was steaming hot because of boiling, not because of frying.

I was horrified and wanted to spit my stolen treasure out, THIS IS NOT WHAT I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE, but I kept chewing, exploring the new textures and flavours, and wouldn't you know it, it was delicious (I went back and stole a few more, this time with a different expectation).

How often we all go into a situation thinking we know what it will hold for us, or what the out come will be, and how often is it that our expectations dictate to us what that outcome will be.

For me teaching a class is a very similar experience. I can not afford to go into any class with an expectation of what the out come will be. Every class is different, even if I have taught the same thing a million times and I suspect that the students have learnt it before. If I went into a class with set expectations that were not met, how often I would be disappointed, confused, forced to try to have a second crack at it a week later with a different expectation in mind.

The same goes for attending a class. Each and every class you attend should feel in so many ways like your first. As an experienced dancer you can not afford to walk into a beginners class and demand chicken wings if we have prepared sweet gnocchi for you! It is so important to keep your eyes and ears open in every class that you do, so that you don't miss out on the perfect time to perfect your dancing taste buds and enjoy all the flavors and textures around you!

As a new dancer, every class will feel odd and at times not to your taste, but as you grow, and learn what flavors to mix in with your dancing, your appreciation will grow and you too will be able to hone in your taste buds!

I suspect this will apply more and more as we try to get the shift between all level 1, 2 and 3 moving up and down and sideways not just starting at level one and ending up at level 3. In the past we would encourage students to stay in beginners class for months and months, then when they made it to level 1 they were there for years, level 2 is a recent addition to the Tasswing structure that means we can iron out a few more crinkles before you are introduced into level 3. In the olden days you earned your stripes after years of beginners and level one classes, when you made it to "intermediate" as it was called then, you were there for life! You had seen it all and you were the cream of the crop.

These days, the scene has grown, the teachers have new philosophy's, and you guys seem to want to explore more and more faster and faster. That is why we are doing our best to provide a way for you to taste as many new flavors as possible, to find the flavours you like, to work on getting it all to work, and in as many levels as possible.

This means in some cases you can shoot through to level 3 in four short months. In our recent Balboa frenzy we had beginners students who were 4 weeks old, move into level 1 beginners bal for a month, into level 2 for a month and then into level 3 for a month. These guys did not stay in the level 3 class, most of them came back to level 1 or 2, because at the end of the bal frenzy level 3 were not teaching bal anymore.

With this new structure, its almost circular, and we encourage everyone to come back to level one (heck even beginners, you know i love it when you visit) as often as possible to see whats on the menu!!

Till next time..
Relle

I think I've got writers block.. and a blocked nose.. and a blocked bathroom sink.. there is a theme here somewhere... So I got out the plunger and I think I found the drowned long lost brother of Chew Bacca in my bathroom drain, I've managed to pump so many multi vitamins into my body that im pretty sure my hair smells like berocca, but still, the blog remains clogged...

Do I write about how classes have been and whats coming up? Do I write about how I'm tickled pink by the number of students moving up, down and along the class structure at the moment? Do I talk about how, every week, I meet new people, some go, some stay, some go and then come back? It all seems a little bit long and heavy.. so what I will write about is the real application of swing in our every day lives!

Application #1 - Riding Public Transport
How much better is my balance after learning some blues fundamentals? HEAPS BETTER, I was surfing the tram last time I was in Melbourne and I thought to myself.. hmmm somewhat easier now that I know how to transfer my weight, stand on my whole foot, use my knees as shock absorbers, and get down lower rather than fly into a tippy toe emergency break to my face!

Its sorta geeky but I was hoping for more bumps and abrupt stops, I kinda felt like I was dancing with the train, pretty confident that I can follow a foot lead now - and with no hands!

Application #2 - Dodging Traffic
Not like in dodgeball where you either get hit in the head with a spanner or have to run into traffic, but as some of you might know.. I'm a little bit short.. and sometimes I'm scared of crossing the road on my own, so now I can read the body language of the taller people, and see when they feel its safe to cross the road, works a treat when walking with friends and they decide to cross without using words..

Application #3 - Dodging Human Traffic
Like at Salamanca! I feel like I'm always ducking and dodging and ninja rolling to get out of the way of some pram or in a hurry teen (Geez I sound old). People stop suddenly to compare the cheep sunnies from one stall to the other ten meters up and bam - you either have some serious front bottom back bottom ramming, or you employ your swing spin on the spot, change of place, mini dip etc and manage to somehow avoid the collision.

Application #4 - Self Defence
I kid you not - I saw this one in real life. A local Hobart bouncer had just nailed the swing out, and boy was he stoked!! He left class, put on his security pass and went to work the seedy clubs of Hobart. Later that night - the inevitable happened, some crazed drunkard came RIGHT FOR HIM (hear that ladies.. straight in at him). This bouncer took the drunk by his hand, and led him right into a "pass by" - as if that was not gold enough - the drunk came back for more! This time the bouncer took his hand, led him through a full swing out.. and promptly used his momentum to swing the drunk right out the door!! Much easier than using brute force!!

I welcome your real life swing applications!! I know more are out there!!!

Relle
xxxx

Thrilling

Oh darlings - how I do love to see you all as zombies in my class! Usually I'm trying my best to rev you all up and get your excitement on, but for this month, we will be chillin and killin ZOMBIE style!

Thriller is being taught as a warm up for both the 7.00 and 8.00 classes, come one come all!!

Also - I will post a Devil City Swing wrap up relle style ASAP!!

love you all!

Relle

Relle is for sale!

Its true and I sell myself by the hour!

It has made me so proud this year to see how many great dancers are moving between the ranks. Our new class structure seems to be helping you guys move up and along and sometimes back down with ease and without disruption! Good work to all of us I say!!

Sometimes though we get a taste for a particular move, or styling feature, but the teachers cant re teach that move to a whole class, this is where private lessons come in handy. Sometimes try as we may, we just cant seem to get the hang of that pesky swing out, or balboa foot work, again, this is where private lessons come in handy. Sometimes we just need to sit and chat about the state of the nation... I would not suggest choosing me for your private teacher in that instance!!

I don't like to do the hard sell, but I will just remind you all that I am available (as are the other Tasswing teachers) for private lessons. Teachers book themselves out so contact them directly, you can contact me via email narelle@tasswing.com.au for class prices and availability.

Looking forward to some one on one action with you all (so not as dirty as it sounds.. ok.. yes it is!!)

relle

Not bad for a new girl

heheh.. I was thinking about a dance with a stranger that I had recently. He was a proper stranger, not someone I had not danced with before, someone I had never even met before. He asked me to dance without even knowing my name, or me his, but I did not mind, that's living on the edge people.. wooo! So it took a little bit for me to feel his mojo, we had different ideas about where 1 was in the music, and I had to turn all my senses onto over drive to feel for his leading, they were moves I did not know, from a guy I had only just met, let me tell you, it was hard!! I felt like we got it together pretty quickly, and I thought we had a great time until... Until the song finished and I asked for another dance and was denied. That's ok, not everyone wants a second dance, but this guy gave me one of the worst reasons ever he said, "No thank you, I don't usually dance with beginners".

I was stunned, did he think I was such a bad dancer that he would not dance with me again, and did he think he was such a good dancer he could exclude all those that were "below him"? I could do nothing but blush and thank him for the dance we had. As I began to walk away, he changed his mind, and said "ok, one more, you did pretty well for a new girl". Was I supposed to feel flattered or worse? My heart was not in the next dance, it was more of a spite three and a half mins than anything else, I pulled out all my stops and tried to be as fancy pants as possible, I even got a "nice variation" out of the guy, I think i sparked his interest because at the end of our second dance he said to me, "oh that one was better by the way, how long have you been swing dancing for?".

I wanted to say, oh a while - been teaching for a few years now, how bout you loooooosseerr?? But I refrained.. I said, "a little while, but keen to keep learning!" to which I got a "cool, keep at it, you will get there!!".

OH boy, I cant begin to spell out how wrong that whole situation was. Its not that I'm a teacher and he should have known and should have so blown a whole heap of wind up my skirt.

Its just wrong to deny dances to people you think are lesser dancers than you. Its wrong have two whole dances with someone and not even ask their name. Its wrong to comment on someones dancing if you have not checked if you can give feedback, or if they have not asked, and if you do give feedback, perhaps something a little nicer than "you did well for a new girl" could be said.

For all I know this guy thought I was a bad dancer (hell I may be a bad dancer) but if you have nothing nice to say, perhaps say nothing at all. At a guess, I would say he was a level 1 dancer, I very subtly asked around and no one seemed to know who he was. I guess at level 1 cos there were one or two tries at swing outs, but mostly six count. I guess level one cos there was still all that enthusiasm of a newish student, but potentially not so much of the refinement? At any rate, it does not matter, no matter how high up the food chain you are, no one you dance with deserves to walk away feeling bad about wasting your time.

I should mention just in case its not obvious, this did not happen in Hobart, this was not a Tasswing Student - but there will be big smacks if ever I hear a Tasswing student talk to another dancer the way this guy spoke to me!

Anyway, Im actually looking forward to seeing that guy again, and maybe having another dance with him, because I am keeping with it, and i will get there one day!!

PSSST, SHHHHT, SHHHHT KSSSSS, ahhhh

These are the mystery noises behind a male friend of mines bathroom door when he is getting ready. I often wonder what he does in there for the hour before he goes out, and the other weekend seemed to be the perfect time to break down all social barriers, plonk myself down on the toilet lid and observe the male of the species in his pre-pick up ritual.

It all starts with a shower (ok i was not in the room for that part.. but from what I can gather the whole thing was pretty standard, there was some hair washing, and to my surprise the use of conditioner after (even though it is prone to making his hair.. fluffy), and the cleansing power of soap was also an essential marker for this bathing experience, this guy in particular is not at all ashamed to admit - he uses dove, he finds the 1/4 moisturiser helpful in maintaining a softness in his skin (ladies, he is single!!).

Once showered and a towel slung low around his swimmers V, I was allowed in to see what all the fuss is about.

Apparently there is quite an art to shaving the face, it involves a sink full of warm water, some of the more expensive brand of shaving gel, that is applied to a damp face (apparently this also feels nicer than the foam, and negates the need for oil.. there is oil??). The razor was new, and silver - you have me there, I was distracted by the silver and did not check for the brand.

Anyway so the shaving was happening, and i was memorized, the shave was close, and i think i was secretly attracted to the danger!! Once that was done, the cleansing began. Apparently some guys think that shaving gel is the same as a cleanser, its not. You gotta use a cleanser to make sure there is no shaving gel left in your skin, follow that up with either a splash of cold water, or some toner if you re into that kind of thing and then most importantly gently pat the face with a non girly scented moisturiser!

Once the face is primed, after shave can be applied although these days, it seems there is a lean away from after shave toward manpume. This gets sprayed on now - onto the body, warms up the scent and "stains the skin".

It gets trickier, next is the deodorant V antiperspirant convo. Deodorant sometimes just makes you smell nice either by covering the smell with a new one, or by not allowing the smelly bacteria to grow, antiperspirant sometimes has no smell just sorta stops you from getting stinky by either making you sweat less or again making the bacteria not grow. What you want to do is with any luck find a product that does both, but if had to choose i would choose stink free and damp, rather than damp and stinky. Anyway, read your own labels!!

Spray, roll, squirt, rub on your deodorant/antiperspirant and leave under your arms to dry whilst you groom your hair.. this way you re not putting a shirt onto damp under arms and you wont accidentally get hair product on your collar...

Singlet goes on, shirt goes on, pants go on over top of underpants (I'm gonna suggest those butt hugging ones that are like boylegs or something? they are shorts but underpants all at the same time..) and you can accessorise how you want.. but be warned.. if this guy were a dancer, in his bag he would pack:
A change of singlet (or two, or three)
A change of shirt (or two, or three)
Potentially a change of pants.. you never know!
A change of socks
Talk powder (sometimes the feet need it..)
More deodorant
The manpume
Comb for the hair
Refresher towel (you can get these at coles, woolies etc, they are like wet ones for kids, but grown ups use them under the arms, back of the neck, it cleanses and then leaves the skin smooth and dry)
Face washer or towel, for a general mop up
Mints
Water

Its tough being a guy, with all the mid dance maintenance that needs to happen, its not enough that you leave the house looking good and smelling amazing, you have to dance your behind off and still look great and smell amazing!

Anyway.. this man friend of mine is not a swing dancer, but he does hit the clubs pretty hard, and now that passive smoking cant be blamed for that rank smell you walk home with, its more important than ever that the good times roll all night.

I did meet up with my man friend, mid morning the following day (one of us, not me, had done the walk of shame from someones "couch" to the cafe) and as i gave him a high five and a hug hello, his breath was minty fresh from his mentos, his skin was still smooth from last nights close shave, he did smell a little musky, I think its that smell that all boys get, but his collar still smelt of manpume, and BO was not to be smelt anywhere.. After the $100.00 of booze and 6 hrs to dance it all off with, this guy was still doing ok. I guess like any piece of art, it all starts in the preparation.

All boobies are women - treat them like ladies!

DCS is drawing ever closer, and my bet is most of you have got your costumes well underway, for both the "Suit Up" themed ball and the lesser known "impress the pants off of everyone in my fantastic new outfit that I've been saving for just this occasion" Friday night welcome even. for those of you who have been around for my phases such as, "can you see my nippies in this?", "how short is too short?", "can i wear plunging necklines with high slits?" and lets not forget, "I cant breathe, sit down, talk or dance but damn my ass looks great in this outfit", come with me for a little outfit choosing journey.

Of late my favourite phrase is - if you cant jog in it - don't wear it dancing! And no matter how hot you are in that ankle length pink high wasted, puffy sleeved, backless, attention grabbing, bust squeezing, thigh defining disco number - this phrase will ring true EVERY TIME.

You know me, don't like to have too many rules.. but let me lay down some law for the ladies..
1 - Wear a bra! I'm not joking.. from A cup to G cup our girls should be treated like ladies and a bra is essential, if not only for your comfort, then at least for the comfort of the poor clasp searching lead you are dancing with.

2- dress straps are mandatory, sleeves are better, "boob toob, pray to god the stay there with all the Hollywood tape you could by at sports girl" is not going to cut it for long! Once again, your boobs are ladies, keep em under wraps!

3- high heels make a grand entrance, right into the thigh of some innocent behind a Charleston frenzy. By all means wear them out, wear them to the venue, but once there, slip into something a little more comfy.. I my self cant go past my 10.00 pair of keds rip offs!

4 - Hair ties are golden, if you are blessed with long flowing locks of beauty, I'm not suggesting you hide them away, I'm just saying, ever been whipped in the face with a riding crop? its what your hair feels like flashing past my face flesh.. if you need some "updo" inspiration let me know, Ive been doing hair and make up for swing events for ever!!

5 - BIG PANTIES!! sure you get a panty line, sure everyone knows you got your granny panties on, let me tell you though, you will not regret the choice when you are in the air, legs akimbo, shrrreeekinnnggg "oh my god my skirt is around my ears". It happens!

If you have your outfit ready at home or if you have your eye on a little somethin something, here is the fail safe outfit test.

Home outfit test:
1 put your whole outfit on, earrings, shoes, panties etc, take a good long look at yourself in the mirror.. you are beautiful.

2 plug in the vacuum cleaner and go to town on your house, make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies, get down low... LOW.. under the couch.. get up high..HIGH.. get those cob webs you have been eyeing off whilst slumping on the bed.

3 by now you should be hot, puffed, stretched and with any luck.. big panties = no wedgie.. now stand on your bed and jump.. Jump i say.. little fast jumps.. bouncy high jumps (I have no insurance for broken legs or beds - I accept no responsibility!!).. how our your ladies?? in place?? good!

If your outfit makes it through that test.. you are onto a winner. If you are yet to purchase then you need to:

1 Put the outfit on. If you are lucky enough to be in a change room with five thousand mirrors and fluorescent lighting - yay for you! Now with all the might you have dance like you are in flash dance.. tight little jogging on the spot - hands up high, knees up high, chin up high.. WHAT A FEELING...just imagine the beginners warm up in a confined space - dance like a pirate, I dare you!

2 Crouch down low, lower, lower.. any plumbers crack? whilst crouching down - place your hands in the air, if nothing breaks and you still look hot - by it, actually buy two.. no regrets!

I'm sure I don't need to tell anyone that perfume is beautiful, a subtle layer that sits above your anti perspirant your shiny clean teeth are a real asset, and your neatly groomed nails really show of you delicate hands. Go get em ladies, and gents, stay tuned for your tips to follow shortly!

Dr Strange Dance or How I Learnt to Relax and Love the Bomb

Its not often i get the absolute pleasure of attending someone else's class. These days it is getting slightly easier with the addition of the blues nights that Kara and Bryce are teaching, but usually I have to travel interstate, or wait for someone to visit Tassie... and it usually feels like forever between either of those options.

Its hard to explain why I like attending other peoples classes so much, because I'm often outwardly fearful of being exposed as a fraud, of everyone finding out I cant really dance, of everyone finding out it takes me a really long time to learn, of everyone finding out that I teach this kind of thing "back home" and I still sometimes don't have it quite right. They are all silly fears, but they are mine and I carry them with me every where I go.

About 6 months ago, I realized, how I am both my own worst enemy, and the largest walking contradiction I know. I shall explain.

My pet peeve, the one thing that really lights my wick (and not in the good way), is when I'm trying to teach a class, and the people attending my class, try to teach it for me, by either giving little classes off to the side, or by not changing partners so that they can further explain the intricate details of beginners Charleston to some new innocent or even just correcting time after time the minor quirks of someone else's dancing.. IT KILLS ME.

It annoys me for two reasons, one, we all know I am the center of attention (I choose to share the limelight with Duncan from time to time), but also, if there is a valid concern about someones foot work, lead, follow etc, how helpful would it be for the WHOLE class to hear about it, rather than individuals have it pointed out to them by a peer on their way round? I guess the other thing is, a lot dancing is individual style and technique, its actually pretty hard to teach a straight down the line basic of any kind, because the more you dance the more flavor you get to add in, and if you are in a class and you are commenting on another students performance, you have to be pretty sure of what you are asking them to do, and what tools you are giving them to work with.

There are so many sneaky tricks that we all use to share info in a class, so very very often a more experienced dancer will ask the most basic of questions "I'm just not sure if my back hand should be high or low in my six count basic, can you please remind me?". I know full well that this student knows where to place his hand, but he might have just overheard a comment that I cant hear, or he may see a lead a few down that is not quite right, and then the teachers get to address the whole class and answer this "great question" without anyone feeling embarrassed or picked on.

I want all the dancers in all the levels to just have a think about how much comment they make when they make a cameo appearance in a lower level, or indeed the more experienced dancers that are now choosing to be Faux Bro's or for whatever reason keep returning to beginners and level one classes. I would love to hear more "great questions" and less personal instruction, because every question thrown open to the class is like a shower of gold, it helps everyone move forward, and shows the new people that questions are ok!

Kara is a great one for reminding us all that feedback should be given carefully, we should ask if people want our feedback and we should give our feedback sparingly (one comment at a time.. per night!), but unfortunately, or fortunately, beginners students are like sponges, they just want to soak up everything all at once (why wouldn't they? this dance is amazing!!). Remember, that the beginner you are dancing with is probably in the same boat as the other 30 students in the room, and if you ask them if they want feedback, you will probably spend the rest of the night repeating yourself.

So the more I thought about it, the more I realised, when I am a student, that is all I am. I'm not a teacher any more, I'm just some kid off the street looking for some dancy action. I don't have to know what I'm talking about, I don't have to make comment when I do know what I'm talking about. The better I can listen to my teachers and my lead, the better student and therefore dancer I will be.

Its this epiphany that has made me shed my fears of not being a very good student, of being found out by everyone, because next class I attend, be it an advanced class or an into to swing, I am just a regular student, with perhaps a few "great questions" up my sleeve for the class.

Blues Before Sunrise

I have heaps to talk about - too much for on my lunch break - but check out Sally Pattersons face book for some photos of some super cute chicks.. and a big thanks to Anna deVries for capturing this moment for me!!

faster, faster, slow and strange

Ever been in a situation where you ask a girl to dance, and she says, "nahh this song is too fast". So five mins later you ask her to dance again and she says, "nahh this song is too slow", then finally you get a great song and she agrees to dance and at the end of the dance she asks you for another and you say, "nahh I need a drink", but secretly, you're too embarrassed to have another dance, because you used up all your moves already.. ?

Well level one for the month of June is where you need to be!

This month we will be exploring how to dance SLOW using the six count structure, we will learn how to dance FAST using the six count structure, we will then go FASTER still using six count, and then bam, bust out some freaky foot work to spice up all of the above (yes still in the six count structure).

This is not a block, you can rock when you want to - the only catch is, like a game of dice, we decide on the night which of the above styles we are going to teach.. !!! We are Evil!! (this means.. you need to remember the golden rule - if you would not jog in it - dont wear it to class)

So if Duncan and I are the dark side, Kara and Barry must be the light. They are teaching "fun" this month. A little bit of this, a sprinkling of that, dusted down with hundreds and thousands and I believe you get the fairy bread of swing! Those crazy cats are cooking up a swing storm, mixing all the ingredients that you have together (swing outs, six count, Charleston) and covering them with delicious technique, getting them to ooze with gooey styling, but most of all injecting them all with FUN. This is a block - but its not too late to join!!