Charmed Im Sure

Dust off your cucumber sandwiches, iron you big panties and crack open your finest red lipstick, the Lindy Charm School For Girls is coming to Hobart

Save the date of Saturday, May 22, 2010

The Lindy Charm School for Girls is coming to town to tutor us in how to recreate the hairstyles of the elegant 30s, 40s and 50s using modern and vintage techniques. 

They also have a wealth of knowledge about vintage clothing and styling to share with us!

A vintage fashion expert and model has been invited to join us, to give us some tips and help us with a photo shoot.

Once the girls have glamed us up and covered us with charm, we think we might meet up with some well-dressed gentlemen for a delightful evening that may even involve dinner and dancing!

Final times, venue and price will be confirmed as soon as we have some other details sorted out.  In the meantime, contact Olivia to register your interest:orbowman@gmail.com

Or leave me a comment on this blog!!

Dont forget to check out the Lindy charm School’s website:

http://www.thelindycharmschoolforgirls.com

SPACES ARE LIMITED so register your interest with NOW!

Baby I Got The Blues

Dear Fans of being Totally Awesome

There has been a surprise upset for those of you expecting to see blues on the agenda for Level One next month!  Whilst Level One Blues classes in April had been confirmed for weeks, the decision has been over turned, meaning Kara and Graeme are no longer able to teach these classes as planned (and there is nothing they can do! Believe me, we tried!!).  The good news is that they will both be teaching level one next month (just not blues) and they will be able to teach their Level One Class in June and then their Level Two class in July, BUT WHY WAIT??

Kara and I are keen as mustard to get you guys into your blues groove BEFORE mid year, so we would like to invite you to book in some private lessons with us!!  They are not really any more expensive than normal classes (if you share the cost between you and three friends), for the same low price of 50.00 per hour, up to four students can attend a private lesson, but I think there are more than four people out there keen to keep the blues fire burning, so I think considering there are two teachers involved, we could take bookings of up to 8 students for 100.00 per hour ($12.50 each, and I'll throw in a lemonade for you!!  plus I think for the extra coin, its worth seeing the old gold of Kara and Relle getting their blues on together)

Kara and I are available most Tuesdays, alternate Thursdays and on weekends and are happy to slot in classes where they suit you best (we are even more obliging when there are more of you in attendance, so grab a few friends and get them on board!!)

Of course if you would prefer a different teacher combo, please contact Kara, she does have a few blues leads in the palm of her hand, and is a great teacher on her own, of course other times are available for smaller private lessons (again contact Kara, she really is the best at this blues thing!!)

Private lessons are completely endorsed by TasSwing as a great way to improve your dancing, this year Blues will only appear once on the teaching calendar for the year (for Wednesday night classes).  As you would know there are also monthly Tuesday night classes as part of the teaching calendar, but is it really enough?? is it?? I didn't think so!  Keep in mind, that private lesson attendance is not a substitute for regular class attendance, more of a supplement, we will still love to see you in class on a Wednesday night when the blues classes come round!

After the EPIC blues after party for Devil City Swing last year, I know that no one wants to be rusty at the blues game when it rolls around again this year!  The Level One blues class will be only 3/4 of the way through by the time DSC is here, another great reason to make sure you're not left behind in the slow smooth shuffle that is the beat of the blues!!

Get in quick by either emailing relled@gmail.com or martin.kara@gmail.com to book your place in a group private lesson - remember - the more the merrier!!!

Fondest regards
Relle "one half of the awesome" Davis
&
Kara "the other half of the awesome" Martin

The Little Follow That Could - Guest Writer Kara Martin

This edition of Rellezaboppin is brought to you buy guest writer Kara Martin (of Swing Dancing, Swing Teaching and Devil City Swing fame)

Boy am I excited to see all of you guys switching up your roles on the dance floor and giving the other side a go. Faux bros and he-she's abound in our classes and the social dancefloor and whilst I think that switching roles is such a great way to improve your dancing I think it is important to learn the opposite role at the right time.

Let me tell you a story about a little follow that could.   Not too long ago,  I had a student who was dedicated as all heck, she would come to all of my classes, laugh at all of my jokes, and  just generally help  out before, during and at the end of class.  She would be nice to all the new students, would be gentle with all the leads, and encourage everyone she came across, but for some reason she refused to move up to a higher class level.  Maybe it was that back in those days you had to  change venues or maybe it was because she had to change teachers. No matter the reason, I was getting worried that one day she would just get bored and leave us.

One fateful night, on a particularly warm summer night, dozens of  follows turned up but only a couple of leads. I thought to myself, was this going to be the opportunity that would give my student something more from her classes.  I said to her " go on, give it a go".

"No, no" she said " I don't know how to lead"

"No problemo bambino", I said "this is a beginners class, NO ONE expects you to know how to lead"...
 

Even though she struggled at first my student is now a great lead and follow, although I think she prefers to follow these days you will see her both leading and following whilst teaching your Wednesday night classes. (Maybe she'll tell you about her experiences in her next blog post ;) )

I have a great respect for any girl who wants to learn to lead, as I personally started dancing as a lead due to a knee injury. Throughout my years of leading I  have come across all kinds of adversity tho! Some girls dont want to dance with other girls, (same goes for guys who want to learn to follow) and it is always nice to ask someone you don't know if they're comfortable dancing with you. 

The moral of the story here is this:  If you want to be a gender bender (man follow, lady lead), dont cheat yourself by skipping too  far forward. With classes structured the way they are these days, you should not have to spend too  long in beginners and level 1, but you will need to start at the beginning and move at a pace that is appropriate to you and the class . Ask your teacher how they think you're doing and remember, every class is different, take it for what it is, learn what is being taught and most of all have fun.  Also be aware that sometimes, people just assume that if we "think we're good enough to lead, we must be".  Sadly, it isn't always the case  - it is hardly ever the case - but we are all in class to learn, regardless of leading and following and our gender!  You will look back at your journey and think to yourself.. ahhhh so THAT'S what they were trying to lead on me all those times....

If you get really stuck, or you just dont want to have to spend so long hanging out in beginners/level 1,

I would suggest getting private lessons - they're a great way to advance your role switching and then you can bust out on the social floor and wow the socks off all your friends. Not sure who to choose? Well as most of us can both lead and follow (ahem, especially my student and I  ;)  ), just ask your favourite teacher if they'd be keen to help you out. =)

My Love I have Cheated

Oh Dearest love, Tuesday nights used to be yours for Blues and Bal love but I have found a new love, one that I just cant seem to resist!  Alley Cat Bingo - Every Tuesday night from 8.00pm!  Im not suggesting ANYONE stray away from their Tuesday night classes - but on their off weeks, its certainly worth popping your head in for a FREE game of bingo!  You can win prizes, you can spill your beer on yourself from excitement and most recently you can get your bot bot WHIPPED by the one and only Madam Goulash!


Every second Thursday you can frequent the Alley Cat AGAIN for Alley Cat Comedy!  Seven Dollars,  Nine Comedians at Seven Thirty.. its the most fun I can think of after work on a Thursday night!  Every fortnight I am the door girl, so come in, grab a beer, pay your clams and get a seat.  Seats are limited so I suggest parking your bum nice and early! Oh and only those who arrive before the starting time are eligible for the lucky door prize drawn by either the lovely Momma Rosa or the Gregarious Le-ah (say it out loud - the dash is not silent)

Thursday nights are also Ramen nights, for around about $15.00 its a massive bowl full of delishous and authentic Ramen - menues are scattered around - order and pay at the bar and the waiting staff will deliver your dinner to you.

HINT - if you're hoping for a kit kat choc or some other sweet delight - have your correct change handy!!

How to Look Great and Feel Amazing for Less than Fifty Clams!

Ok ladies, first things first, lemme tell you my biggest fashion secret to date (oh man, there goes my reputation).  I used to be a G girl all the way, worked wearing one, slept wearing one, danced wearing one (constantly feared the thought of getting dipped in one) but a recent purchase of what I like to call "Mad Men Panties" has revolutionized my entire life.  For $9.99 at one of the larger clothing chains, I purchased myself a FIVE pack of black, high wasted 100% cotton panties!  The leg of the panties goes under my apple bottom (no need to get cheeky) and the waste sits just on my belly button.  Do you know how many sins these little gems cover?  They make me feel like a vintage doll!  You dont see any G bangers in your 1942 womens weekly do you??

You cant wear them with your hipster jeans, but you can wear them under your high wasted pencil skirts, and on occasion I have been known to do the dishes in them, well black panties and an apron, it is the house wifes uniform after all!

Whilst lounging about in my Mad Men Panties, I also like to paint my nails.  To achieve ultimate shine and application its all about preparation ladies!!  Invest in a buffer and some nail scissors, honestly, how could you have made it this far without them?!  Buffing the ridges out of your nails not only means a smooth and long lasting nail polish application, it is also a cheat I use when running short of time to give the look of gleaming clear lacquer without any of the drying time!  Start by using the rough side of the buffer to work away the larger ridges (pay attention to this bit, they look so care free in the old movies but they were only acting!!)  The second side of the buffer is a mid level buff, once you've taken away the deep groves, this buffer gets the surface flat and even, again, pay attention here or you will buff your nail all the way off!!  NOW comes the fun bit, its time to POLISH your nail with the smooth side of the buffer.  If you have done the first two stages properly, this stage should not take long at all, withing seconds you have a "smooth as glass" finish on your nails that you can either paint in your favorite color or simply protect with clear.  Like I said, if you are pushed  for time, you can leave your nude nails to shine, and just touch up with the smooth buffer every few days.  (Don't forget, this is not just for your hands, your feet need some loving too!)

Ok so now we have glamorous nails, mad men panties and we are nearly there.  So far we have invested probably about $25.00 into ourselves and we should be feeling pretty pleased!

If you really want to put some icing on the cake, I suggest you part your fringe on the other side of your head.  If you usually part your hair to the left, go for the right and vice versa, you can even experiment with straight back or a cute little lady quiff.  Changing your fringe kinda makes you your own evil twin sister!  Is she naughty? Or is she nice?  You get to decide!!  People will know you have done "something different" but might not be able to tell exactly what, but they will keep on looking at your face (especially your eyes) for clues, and you my dear can choose to tell them what ever you want.  Changing the part of your fringe is FREE  however, don't feel bad about splurging on some new hair clips to keep it all in place, some new ear rings to show off and some length creating mascara.. Girls, for less than fifty clams, you can look and feel amazing, then when someone else buys you a drink, you have pretty much MADE money by trying out these little tips!

PS - check it out JOAN IS BIG PANTIES