Little Rant - Time for Some Tough Love Swingers

I was blown away on Tuesday (of last week), by the number of students and their enthusiasm in the Beginners Blues Class, taught by Bryce and Kara. Numbers were close enough to even, and the class picked up and ran with every concept straight off the bat. This would not have been possible without the AMAZING turn out of some of the more experienced blues dancers, who came along, not to assist the teaching of the class, but to enjoy the class, and challenge themselves by dancing with the new students.

Kudos to you guys - you know who you are, your peers know who you are, and now you are all under the "dream boat umbrella".

What I'm trying to say is, it is so important for you as a dancer, and for those less experienced than you, that even if you think the class is "below" your standard, you turn up to a beginners class, especially if it is being followed up by a more advanced class. More often than not, at least ONE NEW CONCEPT is introduced because teaching and dancing in their nature are organic and constantly evolving.

I sat out of the second class (it is well known that I'm a dirty piker, but also, numbers were completely balanced without me!!) and with only one or two exceptions, the people who did not attend the beginner class, would have done well to do so. Its not a reflection on any ones level of dancing, but it turns out that even though they were beginners concepts that were taught in the beginners class, they were concepts that appeared to be new to some of the more advanced dancers.

I know that some people may have had commitments and perhaps just could not make it in time, but next time if in doubt, come along to a beginners specialty class (Bal, Blues etc), not only will it make sure you are on the same platform as everyone else, it will also help you get your advanced mojo on a little quicker, and is a sure fire way to bring everyone in the swing scene up the ranks even quicker. It is amazing how fast we all learn when surrounded by more experienced people.

I tell you this because I love you all, and want you all to fit under the dream boat umbrella!!

ok enough serious - check out the hot pics to be uploaded as soon as I figure out cropping!! (thanks to Liv for her handy work here)

What a Doll

Hey! Just got hooked up with some photos of the amazing Julia Livingston. She was an attendee of a 1930s Wall Street Crash Bash party recently (as were some of my props and costumes). To really get the feel of lady like behavior, Julia popped into have her hair and make up done at my place. The bubbles were sweet and the curlers were hot!
Not to be a dame distressed by a little rain, Julia grabbed a brolly and was whisked away for a night of frivolity and fun!

Class wrapup and melbourne missmash!

Hello darlings!! Its been soo long - at least two weeks by my calculations, but I have a good excuse!! One of us (ok its me) took a week of prior to Easter, to relax, gets some bedtime action, (and some sleep - giggles) and prepare for the concert of a life time - BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY. The corner hotel was not the best venue in old Melbourne town - but I would have paid to see those guys play in a back ally if i had to! Quite a crew flew over, and a much loved Melbourne crew joined us at the Corner for dinner and an all time favourite tribute to Cab Calloway. Will share more goss and spill more beans once I get the photos.. ohh there are stories to tell!!

Aside from my personal shannagins in Melb, dancing has been a high priority as always. Classes last week had one major highlight for me - TOO MANY BOYS IN BEGINNERS!! Awesome! Keep up the good work ladies, we all know its you they are coming to class for!

This week, teachers were back to normal (ish), Kara was back for the 6.00 class (thank goodness - the three hours of Relle power last week was too much for everyone.. umm myself included), Balboa love continued to grow (give it your best bounce boys and girls), and beginners continued to rag on Duncan "gay pirate" Robinson!!

Due to April having five wednesdays, the beginners class were treated to some good old fashion fun with Solo Charleston - I wont give too much away but gentlemen pull up your socks and ladies slacken your garters, all sorts of moves were busted once the lights were turned off.. A lady wont ever kiss and tell - so its lucky I was not kissing when the lights were down, so I will tell all - THE BEGINNERS CLASS, were FLIPPIN AWESOME, 360's, Shorty George's, Floor Touching, Bottom Touching, and a sexy little move called the Come on Over were all employed for the 2.5 mins of magic in the dark at the end of class!!

I have it on good authority, that a Wall St Crash Bash party last friday sported a few pretty numbers from my wardrobe, so stay tuned ladies, Im hoping to get some photos soon (hint hint!!)

Till then, I miss you already!

Relle

Weekly Wrap Up - 1st April

This is no joke FOOLS!

Students last night were treated to three hours of power - but the one and only Barry "snazz bazz" Windridge!!

6.00 students fine tuned their swing outs - i have to say, the round of applause given to Duncan and I from Kara, Barry and the students for all our hard work last month, nearly brought a tear to my eye.. i was forced to take an extra large gulp of my beer!! Very humbling and extremely rewarding - Just so you know.. We do it all for you guys!! Us teachers get such a kick out of knowing that its all FINALLY COMING TOGETHER!!

7.00 students were introduced (some reintroduced) to the dreamy stylin of Balboa. In my personal opinion, we should be charging everyone twice the price for this class, Barry really is the authority when it comes to Bal, have confidence Hobart, you are learning from our finest (im not sooo shabby either if i do say so myself!!).

If you missed this class, either try to catch me (narelle@tasswing.com.au) for a quick debrief, or come along to class and try with all your mite to catch up! No new students accepted after class next week!

Tip for the Bal class - its gonna get crazy, if you would not go for a jog in it, don't wear it to class. This means supportive undergarments for EVERYONE boys and girls, and flat, comfy shoes for all as well!!

Beginners were treated just as well - but the weary but not defeated Barry! For the first time in a long time, snazzy took the back seat and I ran through the class with as much joy and passion as I usually do, but this time, I had proud moments, not just because of how well all the students did, but because, I was again teaching beginners with Barry (it has been a while). Now don't get me wrong, Duncan "Danger" Robinson, is an amazing teacher too, but Barry is a sometimes treat.. nice to have pepper up our classes every now and then.. wouldn't you agree??

Next week its still a mix 'n' match of teachers, this time its THREE HOURS OF POWER with yours truly. Kara is up north, cameo appearing in the Swing Patrol teachers line up, so I'm sorry gals and boys but you get me again for more Swing Outs at 6.00, Bringin on the Bal at 7.00 and six count at 8.00. Duncan will also be back for beginners, he was seconded to intermediate class this week!!

Relle

PS - how boring is this blog without photos?? Please please please email me what you have stashed away - or bring your camera to class.. there could be some brownies in it for you!!

This one is more for the girls than the guys I'm afraid! Recently it has been discovered that I am quite the wealth of vintage fashion for sizes 6 -14!! Hey some things I buy for when I am thin enough, some things I buy for when I grow up and fit into them (you can never trust vintage sizes anyway!!). The stunning Anna de Vries was spotted recently at a Stock Market Crash Bash in a cute little number - an old friend that I had once loved ever so dearly and then at the addition of any color other than black to my wardrobe, promptly forgot about!


It occurred to me that i should fling open my wardrobe to students and sundry! I have been investing in these outfits for years, and im embarrassed to say - i have too many dresses and too little parties to attend. So let me know in class or via email narelle@tasswing.com.au if you are in need of a dress up party rescue! I have flapper outfits, burlesque costumes, sailor outfits, just about anything you could want for a 1920's -1950's party!!