Hey Kids, how’s your Weekend?  I’m off to see the Aretha Franklin Biopic with the girls today, dress ups, lunch and a love of fantastic music.  What a Woman.  As with  the movie Billie Holiday Vs The United states of America, (A MUST SEE MOVIE.. But take the tissues!)   I am sure it will be sad in parts but the music and the power of this woman will be so uplifting and with RESPECT for her we will be dressing up!

A quick newsletter for you all…

1. The Blitz Party II
2. Classes
3. Workshops
4. Swingfit

The Blitz Party II –  It’s definitely a stressful time for anyone trying to put on events.. Worrying about ticket sales, bands over the border, covid restrictions changes and deadlines the day before your event is due to proceed..  YUP… it’s stressful BUT..  its nothing compared to what else is going on in the world…

Anyway…  The Venue, Mo’s Desert ClubHouse, The New Band (Gracie Mack and the Code Breakers) and Ray and I are forging on with the hope the event will proceed on Saturday night even though the restrictions for Stage 3 don’t get announced until Friday 4pm (YUP.. thats cuttin it fine).. SO…  Have you got your ticket yet?  DID YOU KNOW.. if the event is cancelled YOU get a full REFUND?  If we are all going to “Accentuate the Positive”, can you?  Details below on what its a bout snd how to purchase your ticket.

It’s happening again. Tickets live HERE Don’t miss out. Limited! All Girl Band “The Code Breakers” .. Epic night assured!

FB event: https://fb.me/e/dfKg4wBkk

Run for cover! The Blitz Party is nearly here!

BUT… What do I wear?? This SOLD OUT event will be one to remember and getting your outfit sorted is definitely part of the fun..  

Taking place in The Vaults of Mo’s Desert Clubhouse which has been transformed to create an air-raid shelter feel, a cavernous den that contains more alcoholic provisions and Blitz spirit than Churchill’s bunker, this night will recreate the wartime glamour of 1940s wartime. Victory curled ladies and uniformed soldiers can expect a night of live music, classic cocktails and 40s-style revelry.

Live band “Morse Code” will perform a repertoire of 40s classics and modern favourites remixed to resemble the style of the era, the perfect soundtrack for land girls and the home guard to cut a rug on the dance floor.

OK, so I want to give you the inside skinny on what generally would have been worn to an air raid shelter…, not that I was there mind you but watch enough movies, read enough books and live and breath the era of the early 1940’s you do learn a lot.  Here are my 5 tips on how to find that perfect outfit:

1. It’s gonna be HOT..  Sooo, whatever costume you think of then make sure it is breathable, comfortable and dance practical..
2. Research London Blitz Air Raid Shelter – Australian Fashion WWII  1940-1942 – Pinterest Images are great Search Air Raid Shelter WWII blitz fashion
3. Imagine some of these scenarios and let you imagination run wild:  you are at one sleeping and the air raid siren screams out, what are you wearing?

• Maybe you are in your PJ’s? Smoking Jacket just about to retire?
• Maybe you are an Air Raid Warden getting ready for the night shift?
• Maybe you have just returned from a dance and still have your dancing clobber on?
• Maybe you are service personnel (Army, Airforce, Navy, WAAF, AWLA, Red Cross etc)
• Maybe you are the homemaker still in your apron after dinner and cleaning up?
• Maybe you are Rosie the Riveter and just home from a day at the munitions factory?
• Maybe you have just returned home from a Gala Red Carpet evening wearing a stunning floor length 1940’s gown?

Where to look?

Army Disposal/Camping Store

Camp Hill Antique Centre

Op Shops

Costume Hire

Make Something

Get crafty and make an arm band and a Tin Hat

Research Australian War Effort pictures and see what homeland services where wearing (Australian Womens Land Army for instance wore Khaki dungarees a top and Do Rag with hardy Boots and red lippy!)

Some images to spark your imagination:

Air Raid Warden

Land Girl

Home Maker

Rosie the Riveter Munitions Factory Worker

1940’s dancing couple

Hollywood Glam

Red Cross Nurse

CLASSES:

Gold Coast Classes are back on as normal now and we look forward to seeing you all back on the floor for some Lindy Hop classics, a 4  x 4 mini pattern and some Rueda fun.  7pm – Mermaid Beach Bowls Club – $20 for the whole night.

Mullumbimby classes, sadly, are still on hold due to the Covid Restrictions affecting our Northern Rivers Family.  We mis you, your faces, your energy and the laughs but we will get through this and be back there soon.  Keep practicing..  We will set up a Zoom Class for our Mullum Class and send you details shortly.

WORKSHOPS:

SWING ON IN WORKSHOPS COMING UP:   E-mail to book in:  [email protected] Aerial Workshops: – Limited to 5 couples in each Workshop:SUNDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2021 (ONE PLACE LEFT)SUNDAY 3 OCTOBER 2021 (4 PLACES LEFT)10am – 11.30amBreak12.00 – 2.00pm$120 per couple ($60pp)

Do you want to THROW some classic lindy hop air steps into your dancing? Here’s the perfect workshop for any dancer interested in learning some swing dance aerials. Suitable for dancers of all levels – whether you’re a new dancer or an experienced dancer (and anything in between.) Chrissy & Ray have been teaching aerials for over 20 years in Australia  – so you’ll be in very experienced and safe hands. They’ve chosen 6 exciting aerials, starting slow and building throughout the workshop to teach over the course of the day – grab a partner join in! 

* This workshop is suitable for all level dancers. The aerials in the schedule are beginner level moves, classic lindy hop air steps which can look impressive when done by dancers of any level. Chrissy & Ray will teach basic technique and provide important tips on how to dance aerials safely. 

* You MUST register and attend with a partner, we will NOT rotate partners throughout the workshop.

* You need to pre-register by emailing me:  [email protected] or and pay cash on the day for this workshop.   But you MUST attend this workshop with a partner.

* What do I wear?
Shoes comfortable for dancing (flat shoes – sneakers are best.)
Comfortable clothing that you can really move about in. It’s best for leads and follows to wear tops with sleeves (to avoid skin on skin friction where possible).
Jeans, singlets and clothing with buckles or items that can catch are not advised. Pants are generally preferable for the flyers (usually girls) as you will be going upside-down!

* What do I bring on the day?
Water, small towel, deodorant, mints, snacks, lunch, and loads of energy!

Fancy a little old-school glamour?

Let The Lindy Charm School show you how to achieve these looks yourself.

SATURDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2021 – 12 Noon to 4pm$120 pp – Limited to 10 places, must book direct by emailing me: [email protected]

In these workshops we will show you how to achieve that primped, preened and ready for a Mr Cecil B DeMille Close-up in no time!

If you have ever dreamed of having that classic, vintage look but never knew how?  Do you long for a bit of 1940s glamour, 50’s cheesecake or retro style? Miss Chrissy and her Team can help you.

Covering: 1940’s & 50’s:Vintage Old Hollywood Hair & Makeup;

Using tools and also learning without toolsPin Up/Retro and Kustom Kulture Looks also covered.

I will also be running you through the art of Do Rags, Scarves and Turbans for days when you just don’t have it in you to do a fancy do!Yes we do Victory Rolls, Barrel Curls, Betty Bangs, Hollywood Rolls and Gibson Rolls too.  We just start with Pin Curls!!

This class will start with the fundamentals and we will transition through to a finished look together.

Just before we head off into our new world of fabulousness I will run you through your best shapes for your body, for posing, for pictures or just for good posture.This class is open to all ages and if you are wanting to achieve some of these looks?  Then this is the class for you…Our workshops specialise in participation and everyone getting involved, so to ensure you achieve the most out of our classes we advise you to bring some necessary items.

Things to bring with youYour own make up – Don’t stress if you do not possess much , we sell it all – just bring your Mascara..Brush – Or buy ours when you arrive\

Comb – Or buy ours when you arrive

Bobby pins – Or buy ours when you arrive 

HairsprayNB: Hair is easier to work with if it is not FRESHLY washed…

Styling tools such as hot rollers, foam rollers, curling irons are optional as we instruct you on styles with and without the use of any tools.

$120 pp – Limited to 10 places, must book direct by emailing me:  [email protected]

SWING FIT

NO Class Friday 27th August due to Gold Coast Show Day.  Normal Classes are:

Monday – 7AM 
Wednesday – 6PM
Friday – 7AM

Northern Pavilion, Broadwater Parklands, Southport – $5pp – Part of the City of Gold Coast Active & Healthy Program

Lastly, here’s a movie we are planning to watch this week on SBS On Demand.  Can’t vouch for it as yet but looks good.  Thanks Angels Gabrielle and Michael for sharing this tip:  

FEEL THE BEAT

Catch on the flip side of this week people.

Love ya xx

Chrissy & Ray

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