Some Lindy Lessons

I expected to better my technique and learn new moves from the 3 day workshop so quainlty referred to as Camp Jitterbug that takes place annually on Memorial Day weekend. Brush up on the technical aspects of the dance. What I learned most about, though, was its history and its wonderful atmosphere.

So, my next few posts will be dedicated to a few lessons from lindy as displayed by the fashions and talents I witnessed. They will come in installments, because, well, it's just more fun that way.

Lesson 1: Marilyn Monroe is still alive. 

Well, not literally, but her essence is living in Sharon, a famous lindy lady from Australia. And really the point from this is we carry history in actions, in our passions. Lindy hop took its first triple steps in the late 30s, and yet here we are in 2011, dancing our hearts out. We are keeping the lives of people such as Norma Miller, who was in the original landmark lindy video below, valid and purpose-filled by both modernizing the dance and recreating the classics.

These two videos really illustrate that. This scene from the movie Hellzapoppin' helped kickstart the lindy buzz around the world. And in the 2000s its importance and display of talent have not been forgotten. 

Original Hellzapoppin

Jitterbug Hellzapoppin: Start at 2:56