Dancing

Swing Dancing

I was first exposed to the Vancouver Swing scene in '98 when swing dancing came to SFU. I still remember a demo session out in the convocation mall, where the experienced swing dancers were strutting their stuff. Totally awesome. I signed up for a series of workshops which took place at the Legions on Commercial (run at that time by Blue Lizard Productions) and was hooked for life. Through the years, I have seen the swing scene evolve from east-coast centered dances to the current lindy-hop fad. I am slowly adapting. I am frequently seen at the Hot Jazz Club (on 2122 Main Street), the Legion on Commercial and 6th. If I'm around in the summer, dancing at the Showboat at Kits beach is a weekly ritual.

I am in many ways a social swing dancer; content with the style and moves I have acquired over the last 7 years, and dancing with everyone who will dance with me. If there is a brave follow out there who is looking for a regular swing partner, I may be interested. =)

I apologize for not having any photographs involving swing dancing activities; I guess I'm always too busy dancing. I will try and correct it in the future

I no longer run the SFU Swing Club. You can still find dancing on the hill tuesday nights 8:30-midnight at the MPX gym. Contact me for more info. Lessons are from 8:30-9:30, cover for the night is $3 for members, $5 for non-members. Stay tuned for special announcements regarding live bands, workshops and lesson series.

Scottish Country Dancing

A new hobby that I picked up in 2002, I'm quickly losing interest, so I thought I would motivate myself by reminiscing about the joys of Scottish Country dancing.

SCD is a mix of social and line dancing. It is a partner dance (and yes, you're allowed to flirt =), but involves other couples to form fancy formations and patterns. When done properly, it is really quite a sight to watch and participate in.

I got involved with Scottish dancing when one of my good choir friends, Colin Hutcheson, dragged me out to Stanley park for his farewell party. He had of course planned it around a Scottish dance party happening in the park. This dance was an outreach event held by the Vancouver branch to get the attention and interest of passerby s. Well, it definitely roped me in - free dancing in the park on a gorgeous summer day, a full live band, enthusiastic and friendly people ...

Over the course of that evening, I met Tanya (a future choir member =) who was starting a Scottish dancing club at SFU. I have been involved ever since, attending weekly and even going to some special workshops: A youth weekend in May 2003, and a Pearl-Holmberg workshop for teachers and musicians. I have made some good friends in Scottish dancing. On May 22, 2005, the youth weekend is coming back to Vancouver! Although I'm not technically a youth anymore, I'm sure no one will notice if I sneak in... =) goto www.youthweekendwest.com for more information.

Ben and Dorothy at the fiddling workshop

Ballroom & Salsa

There's not much to say here. I have taken several series and workshops which have given me solid foundations in social dancing. I don't get a chance to practice these very often, unless at a dinner party with more mellow music. I can survive a Salsa, Cha Cha, Waltz, Rhumba and two step. My passion still lies in swing however.

Links

Last updated: Wednesday, 29-Aug-2007 21:20:19 PDT