Despite apprehensions of some first timers, everyone did well doing the Tranky Doo routine (including the instructor I think, haha). The routine was choreographed by Pepsi Bethel back in the 30s, and you can find the original clip of him doing this with Al Minns and Leon James elsewhere in this blog as well. Here’s the clip to refresh your memory, and of course, we’ll practice this at the socials! For those who’ve missed out, one more workshop end of May before I head off to Europe!
Categories: Courses/Events · Video
Here’s a clip of the Vernacular Jazz Workshop in March, showing the Savoy Shim Sham, a.k.a. Al (Minns) and Leon (James)’s Shim Sham, so those who attended the class can review and remember the choreo! Dont’ worry, we’ll do it every week along with Frankie’s Shim Sham on Mondays at the socials! For those of you who missed out, the next workshop will be on 25/4 (Fri). Check Classes Page for details. Enjoy!
Categories: Courses/Events · Video
Presenting: A Charlie Brown Christmas. Not exactly swing related, but at least its jazz. If you don’t have time to go through the whole episode presented below, you have to catch at least the following sequences:
– the opening sequence of the first clip, featuring the amazing song, “Christmas Time is Here”, with the children and Snoopy skating in the pond, so free and joyful
– the hilarious opening sequence of the second clip with the dancing, and again at [1:37],
– [1:08] of the final clip with Snoopy’s jig, and [4:26] where Linus reminds us of what Christmas is about.
(Vince Guaraldi is a genius, just listen to the Peanuts soundtrack and you’ll know!)
So, as Christmas draws near, let us not get side tracked by the commerical side of things, but remember the real reason for celebration, and dance like the Peanuts characters – not exactly swing, but definitely in the spirit of it – free, happy, uninhibited, and as a joyful expression of life.
Have a blessed Christmas, one and all.
Categories: Video
