Ex TasSwing Students Sam and Sarah got married a few weekends ago and it was an amazing day, marred only by the recent tragedy in Haiti. Both Sam and Sarah are doctors and were saddened by the devastation that the massive earthquake caused. Sam has spent a good deal of time in Haiti working for Doctors Without Borders, the poverty that Haiti sees can be demonstrated in a little snippet of conversation I caught second hand. "Sam said that when he walked into the tent that was sign posted 'hospital' with black gaffer tape, he was surprised to see that whilst it was very basic, what was there was pretty well organized, there was even a bookshelf with some medical journals on there, and from the look of plaster casts on some of the men on the street, someone had certainly been practicing medicine there recently. Unfortunately the medical journals had been published in 1940, and the plaster casting on the men in the street was done in a style that has not been practiced in Australia, since 1950".
The difference Sam (and all doctors without borders) made in Haiti and all over the world, changes the lives of men, women and children for generations! On Wednesday, I ask you all to dig deep, buy a ten ounce instead of a pint and donate your change to Doctors Without Boarders. Lets see if we can get these guys some medical journals that have been published some time THIS CENTURY! I will have my change bucket in class and downstairs while the band is on!
For more info check out http://doctorswithoutborders.org
Relle
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
More of an indication of whats to come..
December through till after Australia day is for me known as "The Season". The Season has more than ever started to suffer from what managers like to call "scope creep". The Season has started to creep into November and leave its trail of confetti and destruction well past into February, sometimes even past Valentines day (hint hint boys.. 14th feb.. red roses and chocolates LAME.. booze and dinner FOR THE WIN).
The Season starts when the weather gets warmer, its starts when the day light drinking hours get longer, and the the skirts get shorter, it starts when you start your Christmas pudding is hanging and it does not end until your body is pickled, sun burnt, plucked, preened, pruned and someone has been puked on.
The season is all about:
Punchups
Makeups
Breakups
Hitchups
Knockups
Cockups
Beercups
late wakeups
expensive getups, heads full of bad memories and hearts full of regrets.
Ive been away from the blog for a while, I claim a mixture of holidays, laziness, greesy fingers and drunken eyes. The above will give me inspiration over the coming weeks, I shall have a story for each of those headings if it kills me!
Most have a back ground, but never fear, scope creep will provide me more time to fill in the gaps if I have to.
Stay Tuned!
Relle
The Season starts when the weather gets warmer, its starts when the day light drinking hours get longer, and the the skirts get shorter, it starts when you start your Christmas pudding is hanging and it does not end until your body is pickled, sun burnt, plucked, preened, pruned and someone has been puked on.
The season is all about:
Punchups
Makeups
Breakups
Hitchups
Knockups
Cockups
Beercups
late wakeups
expensive getups, heads full of bad memories and hearts full of regrets.
Ive been away from the blog for a while, I claim a mixture of holidays, laziness, greesy fingers and drunken eyes. The above will give me inspiration over the coming weeks, I shall have a story for each of those headings if it kills me!
Most have a back ground, but never fear, scope creep will provide me more time to fill in the gaps if I have to.
Stay Tuned!
Relle
Friday, December 11, 2009
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!
Friday, December 4, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
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/
• 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.
If you are interested in following the progress of my Mo, click here http://au.movember.com/
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
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/
• 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.
If you are interested in following the progress of my Mo, click here http://au.movember.com/
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
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
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 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 |
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
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!
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!
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