Gotham Swing Club - Blake Hobby in the House!

The members of the Gotham Swing Club were treated to workshops by Blake Hobby at this month's dance in New York City.  Blake is one of the most stunning dancers in the west coast swing world.  She is also a very gifted dance teacher.  Observing us, Blake surmised just what would make each and every one of us a better dancer and competitor. 

http://www.blakehobby.com/

Regardless of the level in that room, we all came away with precious nuggets of dance knowledge.  Several people who competed last weekend at Boston Tea Party and had Blake as a judge felt they had an opportunity to understand what she was looking for. 

Something Blake brought up (that may have explained a lot) is when the follower moves too fast and too far on steps 1 & 2.  If the follower is too close to the leader at 2, it limits what the leader can initiate.   Its not a topic I've been hearing about at workshops and I think it is really important.

Blake also demonstrated the difference between how novice and advanced dancers use the music.  Whoaaaa!  Teachers who are trained dancers talk about this all the time in some kind of foreign language.  Blake just showed us.  You know what?  Blake put into motion what thousands of words could not explain.  (Getting our bodies to do it however - is a whole different thing!)

The party that followed was one of the best social events I've attended in NYC.  About 150 people packed Club 412 on 31st & 8th Avenue, near Madison Square Garden.  Quite a few legacy dancers - people who go back to the very beginning of west coast swing in New York - as well as newer dancers turned out.  People came from New Jersey, upstate New York and Long Island, too.

Jeanette Holmes played some amazing music.  This woman is an extroadinary DJ.  She played the current favorites - R&B as well as contemporary - some oldies and endless surprises of interesting and different songs that just inspire.  Jeanette really understands what a west coast swing dancer needs. 

West coast swing is changing in NYC.  In the last couple of years it has enjoyed a steady rise in popularity.  Every swing venue - during the week and on weekends - is filled to capacity.  What is making this happen is that the dancers have greated a new culture.  It is warm and friendly, full of smiles and kindness - and the music. 

Gotham Swing Club is bringing Mario Robau on June 5, Angel Figueroa on October 2 and Jennifer Deluca on December 4.  Get ready to laugh and have a good time - each one of these events promises to be a HELL of a party!

http://www.gothamswingclub.org/