rants and raves

From newbies to rockstars to everything in between the swing dance scene has it all, from people that you definitely shouldn’t trust with a knife behind your back to someone that “has your back” if the need arises.

Right now in the “scene” it seems as if everyone is jaded. They don’t like the music or they don’t like a particular venue, they don’t like a certain person or everyone’s dancing is bland. I’m tired of hearing all the negativity. I like dancing. It makes me feel good inside. I’m no fucking rockstar and I’m not a newbie. I just like to dance. I stretch MY boundaries on the dance floor in small ways that count FOR ME. Not anyone else. This scene is more and more like high school everyday and sometimes it’s really frustrating. Then I am reminded of the goodness in the scene. My best-est girlfriend Lisa supports everything I do and is my biggest cheerleader and I met her on the dance floor. There are others who are just as special and I’m pretty sure they know who they are. I’ll save from naming too many names in fear of hurting someone, that’s just not good. However there are 2 people that I would like all of my non-swing friends to know about.

Ben and Sheri rock my socks off. They are passionate about dancing and 2 of the most genuine people I know. If you’ve ever wanted to take some lessons and see what all the fuss is about, in more ways than one, then take their classes. You gotta act quick though because they’re starting a new series on Wednesday. Yes, that’s THIS Wednesday. If that time frame just doesn’t work for you then ask them about September classes. I do believe they will be continuing lessons on a monthly basis.

Who knows, maybe the dancing bug will hit you like it did me.

x

Comments

[Lisa]

mwas!! I feel incredibly fortunate (and I would even say "blessed" if I was feeling particularly religious) to have met and become so close with Sha-na-na! You have truly changed my existance in LA, and for that matter, anywhere I travel esp. swing-related :) I'm no fucking rockstar either and I don't care. Dancing is a complete release and enjoyable experience for me (at least most of the time) as much for the social aspect as anything else. Once you get the "bug" like I did in 1998, it's hard to go back and I like the challenge of personal improvement - not based on what other people say .... I have no desire to do it professionally and will only compete for the fun of it (and b/c I like being the center of attention esp. when "the office is closed" ;)

People suck sometimes and that's all there is to it whether it's about dancing or anything else. It's not going to change my attitude - I will continue to support my friends and those I respect (and encourage everyone else I know to also) whether it be professionally or personally. I see the swing community as a big family - some relatives you're really close with and choose to hang out with and others you do b/c you have no choice. Overall, it's all good for me and I was just pissed that I had to miss the 1st half of Camp Ho b/c of SCHOOL and that silly paper!!

Be on the watch b/c Shan and I are in cahoots to bring something special to the NEXT Camp Hollywood!! Let's start brainstorming theme suggestions to Hilary... 70's night? Neoswing? Sockhop? White Trash? hahahahhaha Much Love!! CONGRATS BEN AND SHERI!! Well deserved recognition in SO many ways!

[ben]

awwww .... and you say all this even though i still owe you a drink too :) you're the best shan shan shan the wo-man .. you too lisa. you guys are really awesome. like REALLY awesome! Thanks!