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Live Like Someone Left the Gate Open…

Live Like Someone Left the Gate Open…

Heard this saying yesterday and it resonated with me..  I have always tended to live like that, maybe its the Sagitarian in me or maybe its because that’s how my Mum lived her life, who knows, BUT I do know that through the past few years of grief, death, illness and then a pandemic, the will to live like that is stronger than ever but sometimes the weariness of it all prevents you from bolting out that gate.  Do you feel that way sometimes?  well, you know what?… It’s OK.. as long as the gate is open and when we feel like it we can charge on out into the next big thing.. You know me.. I’m always organising the next big thing.  A trick for me when I’m in that weary state, I set up future events that make me accountable to show up and that ends up being the thing that ignites me again!,  so it’s just a strategy that works for me.. what strategies do you have in place to bolt out the gate when you’re not feeling it?

 

In this Newsletter:

Workshops Coming Up- So Many – Read on
Christmas Dance – Save the date
Mullum & Gold Coast Classes

WORKSHOPS:

SHIM SHAM AND MAMA STEW DANCE WORKSHOP – SUNDAY 7 NOVEMBER 2021 – 10AM

Join us for a special Shim Sham workshop where you will learn the basic choreography and a bit of the history behind the dance.
10am – 11am – Stepping through and teaching the Shim Sham.
11.30am to 12.30pm – Teaching the fabulous fun and furious routine that is Mama Stew
Practice time.
$40pp – cash only on the day
Book in by email: [email protected] or
SMS: 0409727888
Bring, water bottle, towel, snacks
Wear Comfy clothes, flat non grip shoes
Whats the Shim Sham:
So what is the Shim Sham?
Originating from a style of dance termed the ‘Goodus’ in the late 1920s, the Shim Sham Shimmy was first performed on stage in Harlem in the early 1930s as a closing routine that would get all of the singers, dancers and performers on stage together with the audience joining in. It wasn’t until some lindy hoppers at the Savoy Ballroom did the Shim Sham as a group line dance (without the taps) that the dance style really took to fame.
In the mid-1980s, the Shim Sham was introduced at New York’s Swing Dance Society dances by Frankie Manning, who went on to create a special version of the Shim Sham dance just for swing dancers. It is the tap dance routine that we know and love today, involving a shuffled rhythm of the ‘Time Step’.
For more on the history of the Shim Sham check out: https://authenticjazzdance.wordpress.com/…/the-short…/
Whats The Stew?: The Stew is a vintage warm-up choreography used by Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers to warm up before practicing their routines. This routine is often called the Mama’s Stew routine as Mama Lu & The Parkets very famously performed it together.

SOLO CHARLESTON – SUNDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2021 – 10AM 

Join us for a day of Solo Charleston fun. Teaching 2 fabulous & fun Workshops back to back:
10am – 11.15 – The Charleston Stroll
Break
11.30 – 1pm – New Choreographed Routine
$40pp in cash on the day
Email to book: [email protected] or Text
Mob: 0409727888
Wear comfy clothes, flat no stick shoes, bring water bottle, snacks and towel.

A VINTAGE STYING WORKSHOP WITH MISS CHRISSY – SATURDAY 27TH NOVEMBER 2021 – 12 NOON

Fancy a little old-school glamour? Let The Lindy Charm School show you how to achieve these looks yourself.
SATURDAY 27th November  – 12 Noon to 4pm
$120 pp cash on the day  – 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 tools.
Pin 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…
Class Time
Classes begin promptly so please arrive 10 mins prior to class commencement so as not to miss out on any of the fun!
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 you
Your 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 hen you arrive
Hairspray
NB: 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.

BLUES DANCE WORKSHOP – SUNDAY 28TH NOVEMBER 2021 – 10AM

Join use in the studio for a rare treat. One of there Best Blues Dancers I have ever seen is coming to us to teach YOU, the best of Blues..
The Queen of Blues Ms Caitlin Taggart is from Empire Swing in Brisbane and has been quiet on the teaching scene of late due to her work and study commitments but has agreed to do a workshop for us in the studio here on the Gold Coast:
Limited Places:
$80 pp
Must come with a partner
Bring, dance shoes, comfy clothes, water bottle, towel and a snack for the break.
Email to text me to book in.. First in best Blues on the floor.
Mobile: 0409727888
Email: [email protected]
What is Blues Dancing?:
Blues dancing is about moving to blues music.
It was born from African-American movements and rhythms, expressing the blues music of the American south. It has a grounded, relaxed aesthetic that gives amazing freedom for creativity, and invites improvisation and individual expression, with diverse rhythms, shapes and stylings.
Today, modern blues dancing encompasses a big family of dances danced to blues music and jazz, and sometimes drawing on diverse influences such as tango and waltz, while embracing the long, rich history of blues music from it’s African-American roots to the vibrant contemporary culture.
With supreme focus on partnership connection, learning blues enhances skills that translate to all partner dancing.
It also provides ample opportunity to work on your solo movement, and add personality to all of your dancing.

UNWRAP YOURSELF FOR CHRISTMAS – A MAKEOVER AND PHOTOSHOOT EXPERIENCE – SATURDAY 4 DECEMBER 2021

 

Ever wanted to make your own calendar up and send it to all your loved ones for Christmas? Maybe just framing that perfect picture to pin to your wall to remind yourself ever day how amazing you are is the best preset to yourself?
Well, why not treat yourself and your loved ones with a Christmas Vintage Makeover and Photoshoot with Miss Chrissy from The Lindy Charm School and Amanda from Peppermint Photography.
Included on the day:
* All Hair and Makeup
* Styling to create your look
* Posing Techniques
* Refreshments and fun* Your photo session with Amanda from Peppermint Photography who I have worked with many times and is so fabulous. We can tailor your experience to the look you want (if you have something specific in mind) or you can give your trust over to us and we can explore. We have a couple of sets ups that have worked in the past:

1. Vintage Christmas Theme
2. Pinup/old Hollywood Glamour
3.  Vintage Boudoir
4.  Poster Boys
5.  Family Fun
6.  Couple Love
7.  Gal Pals
Process: 1.5 hours with me for Styling Consult, Hair and Makeup then over to Amanda for photos and that can take anywhere from 30 mins up.
The Cost is $600 Includes up to 25 Edited images for you
Email to book in: [email protected]
Limited places.

CHRISTMAS DANCE – Friday 17th December 2021

Join us for a night of FOLLY, HOLLY AND JOY
Save the date:
Friday 17th December – 7pm – $20pp
Live entertainment (TBA) and multiple DJ’s to entertain you. Live performances and even a Christmas Tree.. who know/s Santa may even Pop In!
Treats on the tables for everyone and come early to order yourself some dinner and fine wine.
Prizes for Best dressed too!
Mermaid Beach Bowls Club

GOLD COAST CLASS THIS WEEK – 26TH OCTOBER – ONE NIGHT ONLY VENUE CHANGE:

Our regular venue is double booked on Tuesday 26th October, so, instead of cancelling classes we are opting for as different style of Swing On In Dance Class for this Tuesday only…
Limited number so please text or email if you intend coming: 0409727888 or [email protected]
Format:
Beginners class in the studio starting sharply at 7pm….BUT whilst that is going on, the rest of you can be watching a Lindy Hop Classic Movie in the Man Cave OR you can be hanging out on the Deck and reading Lindy Hop History Books and passages to share the knowledge and the roots of the dance you are learning.
THEN: Changeover..
when its time for Intermediate, you shuffle about and everyone takes a new posse and we teach the next class
THEN: by then, only a few advanced will be left and we will finish off the last class in the studio.
$20pp
Venue: Our Studio – LABRADOR. Address will be given at time of booking.
THEN BACK TO NORMAL FOR THE FOLLOWING WEEK AT CLUB MERMAID.  

MULLUM CLASSES

Well, we got over the border, got into the club, had an amazing meal and was delighted with he amount of dancers that came along, it was a success and for all the dramas and hoo ha and pain which will continue no doubt for awhile yet,  we were relieved that our decision was the right one… one hashtag sums it up for us:  #DANCEWINS

We look forward to seeing more and more of you return each week and we promise to keep on showing up for you and keeping the faith that a united Christmas will end the year on a high!

Til then,
Keep scratchin circles on the ole dance floor…  (A line from one of our fav rockabilly songs by JD McPherson)
Chrissy & Ray

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