The Dance Primer

I had the opportunity to speak with Dax Hock about his dancing. I was impressed by his intellectual approach to things, as well as how easily he shares what he’s learned. If you get the chance to learn from Dax, I would highly recommend him.
What’s your biggest tip for beginner dancers?
Be persistent in your learning […]

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This look at the blogroll is a bit shorter than usual, but I’d rather get them out there instead of waiting around in my drafts…
If you are an author on one of these blogs, I’d love for you add a little more about what your site is all about, or about yourself personally, in the […]

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I can’t help myself. I have to promote a national event happening right here in my lovely home of Portland:

The event is actually our Lindy Exchange, which happens every other year. Most non-swing dancers have no idea what an exchange is, though, so it has a second name of Swing Fest.
If YOU don’t know […]

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Now that you’re read a bit of what Jojo has to say, why not check out her dancing? This is her and Dax Hock demonstrating the Tranky Doo - a dance loaded with classic vernacular jazz steps. How many can you name?

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Jojo Jackson and I caught up through email a while back, and she was gracious enough to answer a few questions for you. Enjoy the read!
Also, you should check out her new instructional DVD, “Solo Jazz & Charleston: Level One,” available on her website.
BASIC STATS:
lead/follow– Follow, although sometimes I lead for fun and […]

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Here’s a closer look at the first 13 links in the blog roll. I hope this helps you navigate through which sites you will be interested in. I will periodically post “closer looks” until I’ve covered all 100+ of them…
If you are an author on one of these blogs, I’d love for you add […]

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In vernacular Jazz dance, including charleston and swing, I’ve had several instructors teach that you need to be “bent.” They tell you to bend a little at the knees and waist to get the right feel and be able to move your whole body with more freedom and balance.
I got the idea, but my […]

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Bernadette, blogging on “Just for the Halibut,” wrote a nice piece today about her Jack & Jill dance experience, as well as how she felt about getting critiqued.

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Alain, a fellow swing dancer, just posted an interview with Adam Boehmer. Go check it out!

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I can’t believe I haven’t posted a video of my favorite style of dance yet! I’ve heard it said that Balboa is a “dancer’s dance” meaning it’s much more enjoyable for dancers to watch than non-dancers. Or, it’s not your typical crowd pleaser. However, I’ve performed a crowd pleasing Bal routine (thanks to Russ at […]

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