Dance Application from Oliver
My friend Oliver shared some of his dance audition recordings with me from 2002. I’ve put them online so that more of the world can see these impressive moves.
Back from India
Spent the last two weeks at a wedding in India. The travel was quite challenging and many fell ill. I ended up with a fever that triggered some nasty stabbing neck pains that subsided only days before my return to Vancouver.
While being laid up in a hotel bed, I did manage to catch this amazing performance by Blaize on Channel V’s Footloose show. My jaw dropped.
[V] Footloose 8th October 11 PART-2 by solution24
West Coast Swing – Michael and Jen
Michael Kielbasa & Jennifer Deluca win 1st at America’s Classic. So much flexibility in the technique. So smooth. Ok, going to watch this for a 3rd time before I jump off the internet.
Night Out In Capitol Hill
Friday morning was an early morning, despite having gone to bed at 3:30am. Toy Story 3 was good. Simple & sweet… as expected. I have yet to be disappointed. Thank you Pixar.
Friday night I was determined to go out dancing. Though I’d prefer not to go dancing alone… well… it was time to use my car for some downtown exploration. I took a 90 minute nap in the evening and then head towards downtown.
I ended up on Capitol Hill (where I took a picture so I would remember where I parked).
I walked around for a little while, stopping into an art gallery that was hosting an art show opening. The hip-hop tunes and crowd standing outside were what caught my attention. Familiar artsy crowd and nice beats. I spent a little time there before continuing on.
I walked all the way up the hill before asking someone where The Baltic Room was. He told me that it was, “back down at the bottom of the hill… and one more street up.” Doh! I was on the wrong street.
On the way back down the hill I met “J”. Our conversation was priceless. We ended up walking around talking for over an hour, before being led back to The Baltic Room. I bought a round of drinks and we hit the dance floor. Later in the night some guys showed up that had some great dance moves. The floor was packed and everyone was going nuts till 2am.
My head was distracted earlier in the night, but the dancing brought me back into the moment. Even got some dance tips, which included, “I love your style… but you should slow down. Focus on every other beat.” Slow down. Such a nice coincidence that brings me around, full circle. So much time spent locked into the details, missing the bigger picture. Somewhere during the last 3 years I tripped off my path.
Simplicity, patience, positive intentions & determination. These core elements, in the right balance, are amazingly powerful. Keeping things simple has always helped me see the bigger picture, but only when I am patient. Determination has helped me work through the hardest challenges, but if I’m not patient, then I tend to lose my intension. Seems complicated… but it’s simple… SLOW DOWN (again). I did it 7 years ago when you decided to move into a creative field, but then I got pulled into the world of tech support. At least this time, I remember how… and it’s working.
“Slowing down”, is why I’m here. Only through slowing down can we see the big picture. My eyes are open… as is my heart. I’m aware of my intentions and there are no more excuses to hold me back. I have bought myself some time, so I must use it wisely. I know what I will be doing and, most importantly, I know HOW and WHY.
I have been aware that something was missing and I have been searching for what it might be. Lost in all the overlapping challenges, with no break. The funny part is that it was me that was missing. A wise man once said, “You can’t save the world till you find yourself.” How true… how very, very true.
Now I understand why so many artists take long vacations between jobs. Unfortunately, my situation never allowed for it… till now.
I remember you… you are Jeremy, right? Glad you stayed in touch, I’m looking forward to seeing what you will build out of this chaos.
This posts seems a little too emotional for a “Night Out” posting… but it was a hell of a night. It’s been a hell of a week. Shit… it’s been a hell of an hour!! However, if you’re read this far then I should reward you with something a little lighter… especially considering how AWESOMENESS the night was. The most interesting part… I present to you, the tree biting girl! One night only.
Dance Class
In case anyone’s curious about how my dance classes are going. I’m having a ball. 
Knee slapper… eh?
I wonder often ‘What if?’ I had started sooner, though I don’t regret.
The next few weeks we are having a festival. Themed nights, once every week. Here’s a sample:
Dance Class from Jeremy Szabo on Vimeo.
Everything’s feeling right and I noticed that it stays that way, when my intentions are pure and proven. I takes a hell of a lot of balance and although I think I stumble sometimes, if I relax and just “do” instead of trying too hard to be perfect… it all goes smoothly… though life’s curveballs are a bit tricky.
oh yeah… and…
LOVE YOU, MOM!!!
Here’s some motivation for those of you thinking about doing some ballroom dance. Certainly inspires me.
Now for some killer West Coast Swing action.
Dance Practice Party
So, I started learning Ceroc about 3 weeks ago. It’s basically a modification of modern jive. It’s a hell of a lot of fun and easy to learn. Not intimidating for beginners (like me). However, after three classes, I was a little concerned with the footwork. There really isn’t any. This can be good or bad, depending how you look at it. It’s good, because it’s easier and you can makeup your own style. The focus in Ceroc is the moves. Notice that I capitalized it, that’s because it’s trademarked.
Here’s a video of Ceroc in action. Note: After about $25 and two two hour lessons, you could be doing this. Again, it’s easy and fun.
Anyhow, my goal was to learn more traditional dances styles. I’ve already spent too much of my life, on the dance floor, swinging my arms around like a fool. I’ve been trying to move that dancing to lower parts of my body. That’s what brings me to the private lessons. Last week I met up at one of Vancouver’s premier dance studios for a free consultation. The consultation included 15 minutes of lessons and a little chat about why I’m doing it, what I want to get out of it, etc.
This past Wednesday was my first official 45 minute private lesson. If you have not taking dance lessons before, I cannot stress what a difference it makes to have a little one on one time with a dance instructer (keep sly comments to yourself). You focus on the core steps and you have someone there to make sure you don’t learn incorrectly. Biggest problem I had with big classes, is there’s a lot of potential to learn it wrong, and there’s one thing that’s harding than learning… and that’s unlearning. If you are unsure about certain steps, they discourage you from practicing on your own. My teacher simply said, “You’ll know when you’re ready to practice certain steps on your own.” Again, don’t want to have to spend time unlearning incorrect form.
Today was my first dance party, which was preceded by a 45 minute group lesson. They really do stick to the basics, but this really helps in getting your muscles trained for autopilot. In the group class, it was similar to the style of Ceroc classes, where you’re constantly rotating partners. Anyhow… now the dance party!
So basically all the beginner and intermediate students get together for some dancing. Shy guys like myself are put in a situation where you must ask or be asked to dance. I didn’t shake with fear and I wasn’t pouring with sweat… well, yes I was, but it was the dancing, I swear! I want to get the most out of this, so I made sure I didn’t cower in a corner somewhere. Luckily, there were plenty of teachers there to come by and pull me onto the floor. I asked two people to dance, but I could swear that one of them dozed off while I went through my basic steps. Naw, everyone was pretty cool. Didn’t take too long before I could actually put a little sway into my waltz. I tried getting a little fancy with swing, but quickly noticed myself getting a little lost in the steps when I did. Stay focused! Baby steps, Jeremy.
What basic steps did I learn? Foxtrot, waltz, cha-cha-cha, single & triple swing, ramba and tango. I’m happy to say that I didn’t step on any toes. I have some slick dance shoes that are basically black sneakers w/ dance bottoms. Love sliding around on them. Best sliding I’ve had since… well… since we used to poor bottled water on the ground to loosen up the rave goo.
Speaking of “rave”, I think one of the instructors used to “party”. We had some good talks about music and DJing. Speaking of DJing, I think I’m finally getting my gear and library shipped out to Vancouver.
But I digress.
I’m addicted. I couldn’t wipe the grin off of my face the whole night. I guess I did well, considering every one’s surprise when I said I had one lesson. Though, I’d hate to think what they expected a beginner to be like. OH… I know… I have rhythm. Yay me!
What do I really want to learn? Well, the thing I always loved about swing (other than the swinging) were the steps I saw… which I guess they call the “lindy hop”? Oh my goodness. So many different types of swing. Checkout the footwork and acrobatics.
My heart beateth.
My own phone and apartment?
I have a cellphone now. I have it through Koodo. I have no contract and I get charged by the second, not rounded up to the nearest minute. I won’t get into the plan details, but it’s just what I need. Already addicted to this text messaging. Though, I’ve learned my lesson in the past so I won’t be abusing it. The phone is slick. Boy, has technology updated since since I last owned a phone. I have an LG Keybo, which basically looks lke a normal phone, but flips open to a QWERTY keyboard.
I’m moving. Yup, I found my own apartment. My transit time to work has been cut by about 10 minutes and I’m right on top of the library. Everyone knows how I love the Vancouver Public Libarary system. I’m on the 5th floor, facing east. Yes, I finally have a balcony again. Picked up Apartment Therapy from the local interior design store, on Main St. Pretty inspiring stuff in there. They’ve also got a blog worth checking out.
Started taking dance lessons a few weeks back. I’ve been playing around with Ceroc, which is fun. It’s a simple and very chill atmosphere. Don’t even need proper dance shoes. On top of that, I started taking private lessons at one of Vancouver’s premiere dance studios. That place DOES require proper dance shoes, though I got some that are basically sneakers with dance soles. My teacher thought they were neat.
Oh why didn’t I start lessons sooner? Shy? Nervous of looking like a fool? Scared to dance all sweaty palmed with the ladies? Well, I just don’t care anymore… and that alone has cut down on the sweat factor. Teacher is graet and private lessons certainly help aleviate the stress. Though, group lessons and parties are part of the package, so I won’t be babied too much.
Last night I finally discovered the dance style that Cecilia was winning trophies for, back in Sweden. She used to always refer to it as “jive”, but it turns out it’s called “bugg” (pronounced “boog” in Swedish). It’s the fookin Jitterbug!! These steps are what drove me to go checkout swing in the first place! Oh my. Jeremy’s heart skipped a beat. I love that techy step and, in Sweden, they do this dance to a 4/4 beat.
Look at these Swedes rock it out in Halmstad.
Daily Digest / 2008-11-09
Robert Muraine’s dance audition on So You Think You Can Dance. That’s a style I can certainly appreciate. For God’s sake, someone give that guy some lessons in 3D animation!!! ASAP!!
Also,
- Nicely catagoried WordPress theme discoveries: http://www.bestwpthemes.com #
- More WordPress themes in Smashing Magazine #
- Phat online electro beats on BaseRadio.net. #
- WordPress 2.7 preview looks great! Customize & edit from one screen. #
- I hope Angie lets me know when T.Linder’s set is available for download on IPM Radio. #
