I began swing dancing when at a jazz club one night, I was asked to dance. I replied that I didn’t know how. “Well, why not?” the stranger asked and I didn’t have a good answer! It was something that I had always wished to do, so I signed up for classes right away and have been enjoying it ever since! I have studied Lindy Hop, Balboa, Collegiate Shag, Charleston, East Coast Swing, and Jive.
Doing The Madison:
At the Jive contest at Viva Las Vegas 2008:
In addition to swing, I have been an avid tap and jazz dancer since childhood, and was lucky enough at a young age to take workshops with Savion Glover and Howard “Sandman” Simms. The study of Jazz (in the style of Bob Fosse) and Tap (both Rhythm and Broadway style) have continued into adulthood. Instead of watching me this time, here are a few of my inspirations:
First up, my holy grail tap number, “Begin the Beguine” featuring Eleanor Powell and Fred Astaire from Broadway Melody – 1940.
And “Moses Supposes” with Donald O’Connor and Gene Kelly in Singing in the Rain:
The incomparable Cyd Charisse in “Girl Hunt Ballet” from Band Wagon:
Shona Mitchell 