This Summer, technically the Spring as well, has been JAMMED with incredible traveling, gigs, people, places, and things. I can't even fit all the photos and fun things I would really like to. You can easily see all the random pictures on my Facebook profile.
I guess it really all began in May. My birthday month, and turning the BIG 3.0.!
In the month of May, I was in Italy with The Killer Dillers doing our first ever full length show, completely live to "The Nine Penny Orchestra." Then for my 30th birthday, I was in Munich, Germany teaching with Michael Jagger for Boogie Baren. We stayed up all night with Remy and Moe. They are crazy. And by crazy I mean . . . . . you know what I mean. To conclude the month, I taught with Ryan Francois in New York City at Dance Manhattan. It was transformative! The amount one learns by experience, from the source, is absolutely beyond any other form of education. I think I have said this before, but I will continue to say it again, it is the greatest honor and opportunity to work with / partner other phenomenal dancers because of how I am able to physically learn and adapt.
In June I taught with Manu Smith in Copenhagen. I think that may be the most beautiful city I've ever been to. The people, the lay out and the energy. Especially the light. Daylight there was so perfect. It helped that we had great weather and while on a boat tour, Manu and I saw the Queen. Good Luck and great timing allowed our tour boat to pass her private dock as she boarded her own boat. What are the chances that I would see the Queen of Denmark?
Then there was Beantown. Again, with Michael, we had a wonderful time teaching and performing. A spectacular show was produced by Ryan and the other teachers in the Rose Theater on the Saturday evening. I was especially proud of Ramona, Naomi, Karen, and myself as we backed up Jenny Thomas for a Ladies Tap number.
The rest of the month, as for most folks in the Lindy Hop community, was filled with the occurance which is HERRANG. I taught there for the first time in my 11 years of dancing with Manu. It was amazing. I LEARNED HOW TO RIDE A BIKE. (again) Technically my Dad taught me when I was little but I fell and never got back on. Can you believe? So it took all these years of dance coordination, and accommodations far enough away from classes that I had no choice but to get back on the bike and ride. Victory!
I am still on the road. Since Herrang I've traveled with Michael to Germany again, Ireland, and the UK. Once I finally get back to NYC. It will feel really good. More to come soon.
