Platinum Party

The third Friday night of every month in Manhattan is blessed by Eric Novoa's Platinum Party. This month featured a hustle lesson by Silvana Gallager. The DJ was Wes Carajat who always finds the best funky music. It was very difficult to sit out a dance. http://www.swingshoes.net/

This event is supposed to be a mix of hustle and west coast swing. Eric Novoa is certainly trying to promote hustle. And, there was an excellent turnout in Sylvana's 30 minute crash course. However, most of the crowd were west coasties and that's the music they ultimately asked for.

As always, the atmosphere at Platinum is comfortable. The usual dancers that can be found at the west coast swing events attended. But, unlike some of the other events, it can be a little tough getting a dance because there are usually more followers than leaders at Platinum.

Some dancers have an natural gift for the music. They hear tones and feel variations in the rhythm that many dancers miss. Sometimes the leader is busy leading convoluted patterns. Sometimes the follower is too absorbed in syncopations and styling to become hooked into the rhythm with their leader. Then, there is an occassional leader that is so totally hooked into the music that it is impossible to do one's own thing.

I had a dance with one fantastic leader and it was the highlight of my evening. This particular person is at the top of my list for slower, more sultry music. He interprets the rhythm like a trained musician. It is as if he is literally plugged into the sound system.

It was very difficult to end the evening. I never seem to get my fill of this dance. Judging from the rest of the crowd who lingered until the end of the last song, I was not the only one.