So, this kinda goes with the "Pick Up and Move" thread. It seems that different scenes gain momentum then die down. First it was DC, then LA, and then Seattle. I've spoken with a number of dancers, instructors, world champions, and legends. As of right now, Seattle has the #1 dance…
Originally posted Saturday, May 30, 2009 (3 years ago)
Quoted from "mouth"
So the main points in what Marcelo is saying is basically what I already said. But that's cool because sometimes things need to be said twice on Yehoodi (or 57 times) before anyone hears them.
Well I absolutely agree with you. Marcelo makes wonderful points. Sometimes I need to read them two or three times though in order to process everything . And sometimes you do need to say something 57 times. And sometimes you need to ask the same question 100 or more times. Meanwhile eveyone gives you a different answer. And all the while certain Yehoodites think that all the different answers are the same answer. And then you get unusual posters who barge in and say that nothing can be gained from the 57 answers and that the 100 questions that you spent so much time to ask really weren't worth asking in the first place. But then again the same poster who says this doesn't have the courage to answer the question himself. Yehoodi is very complicated you know.
Originally posted Saturday, May 30, 2009 (3 years ago)
Wow, going back to name calling. You people need to lighten up.
BTW, Maisie, that was a very sweet PM you sent me. Quite erotic. Unfortunately, I just can't do those things that you asked me to do. Beckto's wiener has first dibs.
Originally posted Saturday, May 30, 2009 (3 years ago)
Quoted from "jlindyhopr" Wow, going back to name calling. You people need to lighten up.
BTW, Maisie, that was a very sweet PM you sent me. Quite erotic. Unfortunately, I just can't do those things that you asked me to do. Beckto's wiener has first dibs.
Are you trying to be funny like Beckto? Jlindyhopr you are a strange bird. I have never sent you a PM. I do not send dirty PMs either.
If you would please. I would like to know more about your views on what classifies a big scene. I would like to know why you think big scenes are more fun. I would like to know more about the trends. Also on an unrelated note can one arrive to New Orleans by rail or bus? How long would that take from New York? And how far are the swing places from the airprot? Are you a New Orleans lindy hop instructor?
I would like to hear less about bodily functions. More about New Orleans.
Originally posted Thursday, June 4, 2009 (2 years ago)
[quote="jlindyhopr"][quote="freddie"]Wednesday- Traditional Swing Night at Rock N Bowl (the longest running swing dance venue in the city). This venue helped the resurgence of swing dancing in New Orleans, and has been the weekly venue for almost 10 years. However, this attracts ECS, WCS, Tango, Waltz, Lindy, and a variety of people, which is why I do not consider it a Lindy venue.
"However, this attracts ECS, WCS, Tango, Waltz, Lindy," is simply incorrect.
ECS, true. It is taught prior to the dance.
WCS..........none. I have religiously went to RnBowl for 9 years and never see the West Coast Dancers there.
I sincerely wish the Westies would come.
Tango..........no tango dancers there. Usually no tango is played but sometimes one. Tonight NONE.
Waltz. You get far fewer waltzes that you get at SWING OUT NEW HAMPSHIRE..........far fewer. Tonight NONE.
I sincerely wish there were a few more.
IMO the reason that this is not a popular lindy gig is for a couple of reasons.
One reason is that a live band (usually, but not always, a band of amazing talent, guys that play at jazz fest every year, guys who played with Snooks, Gatemouth, Santana, hall and oates, on and on and on, super talented) cost 5.
There is music for free all around the city.
Another reason is the popularity of gypsy jazz, which rock bowl doesn't feature.
Rock n Bowl, at the request of Lindy hoppers booked both jazz vipers and Saint Louis Slim (NO, NOT SAYING HE'S GYPSY JUST SAYING HE WAS RECOMMENDED BY HOPPERS) and no one came. Well actually SLS didn't show up for his own gig which ended that.
A lot of people will not pay 5 to see bands that play on the street and all over town for free, inspite of the dance space is far superior IMHO, since it is spacious, wood floors, and no smoking.
Another reason is the rock n bowl is clean. It has a wholesome vibe. Clean restrooms, no smoking, all ages. everyone is welcome and everyone is there.
it isn't the cool street scene. pretty much drug free other than the band, no smoke, your stuff is safe, your car is safe, etc. ...no edge.
In a way it's the opposite of frenchmen street, it's all about music and all about dancing, not about the smokey speak easy jazz vibe coming out of a 1940 novel, referring to the spotted cat and others.
you walk by funky, cool, and cazy people to get to your car. sometimes scary ones. It's cool and has a great vibe, but when it comes to dancing, it can be tight quarters and you come to dance with your partner and familiar faces.
You get to dance for tourists so that's always fun.
The bars have a soul of their own that is quite cool, but there are several things that seperate the rock bowl from the bars and the most obvious.........
Rock and Bowl is a dance.
An actual swing dance where people come to dance on a wooden dance floor that has room to dance.
The main purpose is to dance. Not to be cool, not to people watch, not to be part of a 1940 novel.
No smoke, no drunken tourists, no broken beer bottle on the floor.
So for the scene with an edge, or if you just can't stand bands with drummers, the bars featuring gysie jazz are much better.
If you enjoy swing played by awesome musicians who you must pay for, but in return get a smoke free place with a huge dance floor, easy parking, safe place, and don't have a problem with a bunch of wholesome kids in the corner bowling, then maybe rock bowl is the game.
WHEN YOU VISIT TRY THEM BOTH.
ok, someone else was asking about the jazz vipers and trad jazz. Jazz Vipers have won 'best traditional jazz album' and the like, so does this mean they are trad jazz, as it would imply?
no, not really. They really don't have the trad jazz sound or instrumentation.
what is trad jazz sound? pete fountain, early stachmo, etc. well that's like telling someone what swings. you have to hear it.
from a pure instrumentation standpoint, they are not trad jazz, they are gypsy jazz.
the lack of a drummer (with guitarist playing standard django riffs in place of drums) and inclusion of fiddle (or accordion or other such instrument) defines them as gypsy and defines them as not trad IN GENERAL.
obviously all rules bend here and there.......Jethro Tull was a rock band who played a flute go figure.
they play jazz standards in a gypsy instrumentation and style.
the sound is very popular now.
The music is amazing in new orleans.
But one thing that differentiates the music and dance scene from other places, ESPECIALLY NYC, is that a lot of the dancing is a few people in a bar in the corner, or on the street in the case of lose marbles.
Will 150 lindy hoppers show up to dance in the heat on the hot pavement? not on a continous basis.
Other cities with large scenes of good dancers have actual dances, they do not depend on going to bars.
I LOVE THE SCENE. But do not see it growing as big as other cities if people generally go to bars and don't patronize the actual dances.
for example, Spotted Cat holds 2 couples comfortably NOT A MISPRINT...TWO COUPLES FIT ON THE FLOOR COMORTABLY, dba maybe 6 couples, and Rock n Bowl can do 40 couples on the floor.
Originally posted Thursday, June 4, 2009 (2 years ago)
Quote You're just happy bec. you'll have Natalie, Peter Loggins, Chance, Amy, and Todd in your town to dance with.
Whoever asked the question of WHY some of these people are moving to NOLA, you asked the best question yet.
I just have to laugh at the idea that these people are moving to NOLA only for the dancing. Live music is great, but it's not because they are stoked to dance to it in a "hey, I'm going to the dance!" kinda way, it's because they are friends and peers of many of the musicians.
Chance and Amy dance with Loose Marbles. Loose Marbles live in NOLA. Proximity to friends and music is a big factor, the dance scene comes after.
Todd moved there to get better at guitar. period.
Peter loves NOLA, but he's friends with and loves being around the musicians first and foremost.
Mia and Kelly...friends with musicians and dance partner/musicians.
I'm not trying to imply that these people don't enjoy dancing in NOLA (i'm sure they love it!), I can't speak for them (even though I just kinda did I guess) But to think that they're there solely for the dance scene is just naive, in my opinion. I also don't mean to knock NOLA at all, I just think that quoting "rockstar" testimonial is a pretty flimsy reason to get on a high horse when their motivations are probably personal rather than dance scene oriented.
I hope the scene there continues to grow, and I think the bands there are amazing and inspirational to many other scenes. However, I agree with DancinDavio that just dancing at tiny bars or on the street does not really equate with "next big dance scene", in my opinion. Spirited? yes. Inspirational? yes. Sustainable and thriving dance culture? I don't know. I think more time needs to go by.
And heed Reuben's words also. Many of these new residents have shallow roots and are happy to come and go without worrying about whether some local thinks they should stay and grow "the next big dance scene".
Originally posted Friday, June 5, 2009 (2 years ago)
Quoted from "jlindyhopr" Just to stir the pot a little...
I had 6 people come up to me this weekend during Frankie95, and told me that New Orleans is the NEXT big dance scene in their opinion. 4 or the 6 were international rockstars. When asked if they had read this thread, NONE of them had.
Just sayin'. :)
I know that loggins can sound like 4 to 6 people, but really he is just one person :)
Originally posted Friday, June 5, 2009 (2 years ago)
the true sign of a thriving dance scene is not how many rockstars you have.
rock stars dont like to pay for anything, usually dont dance with a ton of peoples, dont take classes, and typically dont go out every night.
a better indication of how a scene is doing is how strong the beginner/intermediate scene is. These are the people who pay for everything, go out all the time, pay for classes, pay for events, dance with anyone etc. These are the people that make a scene strong and keep it thriving.
Originally posted Friday, June 5, 2009 (2 years ago)
Jlindyhopr
You turned what was a somewhat interesting topic into a personal attack on a thriving scene, very respected dance instructors, and a band that that brings attention to New Orleans Jazz.
None of these things speak well of you, and at this moment to me you are the spokeswomen for your scene. Please be carefull that the growth of your scene does not slow due to bad representation.
Originally posted Sunday, June 7, 2009 (2 years ago)
Quoted from "lindy_rioteer"
Please be carefull that the growth of your scene does not slow due to bad representation.
Cheers
Oh well publicity is publicity. I mean I didn't even know anything about the Lindy in New Orleans until this big fuss all started. It may not help for growth but it certainly helps for attention. And I've been all ears. And I've read every page of this thread. It has been very well interesting but not very informational.
Originally posted Monday, June 8, 2009 (2 years ago)
Quoted from "Bruno Leicht" TheRiz, you talk about anal leakage and make it sound funny, but we sufferers from anal leakage really have a hard time because of it.
I have a sense of humour like any body else, but sometimes I think that anal leakage is no joke
Bruno Leicht, longtime anal leakage sufferer
I do not appreciate this kind of vulgar and personal attack. Your pathetic attempts at sarcasm only serve to justify my impression that everyone I know named Bruno fails to see the suffering and anxiety that anal leakage has caused to both me personally as well as my family and loved ones.
On the other hand. Poop.
Oh, and this guy - http://pictureisunrelated.com/2009/06/04/these-kitchen-appliances-are-safe-once-more/
I hope this clarifies things.
--R
y i no haz signature? Come on people, make with the funny.
Originally posted Thursday, June 11, 2009 (2 years ago)
I am sitting in Charlotte Airport after my connecting flight to Cleveland got cancelled so had time to read the whole thread. I put my vote in for Melbourne Australia - huge number of beg/inter students, some great dancers and instructors and some great live music. (By the way I am from Canberra so no bias :D )
I have just spent a week in NOLA so I thought I would offer a few observations (no political affiliations and without judgement - just observations)
I loved NOLA and the main reason I went there was for the live music and not dancing (didn't even take my dance shoes out with me). I loved Frenchman St and disliked Bourbon St (except for Fritzels). I didn't have a car so didn't explore much beyond there. (though there was a cover band in Bourbon St that did a great version of Space Oddity)
My approach was to check through Offbeat and find bands that I wanted to hear or were interesting. I checked out Loose Marbles at Fritzels and they were great (though it appears Meshiya is no longer singing with them) and met some dancers from Portland and Alice who was also visiting. The highlight gig of the week for me was Meshiya Lake and the Little Big Bands at Donnas. She had a great lineup that night and the energy was great (including Aurora Nealand on sop sax and the Ben? on tuba - Aurora added a great deal of pizzaz to the band, plus other guest artists - trumpet and another bone). Also caught them on Monday night at Mimis with different lineup and the energy was not the same. It was also great just watching some of the bands busking near Jackson Park. On various occasions caught New Orleans Jazz Vipers (great), Pfister Sisters (vocal harmonies at Jimbeauxs - the old Spotted Cat), Tin Men (love the washboard). Also loved the food and trying to find the best gumbo in town. Another highlight of NOLA was Jim Russell Records and I spent three afternoons there exploring their soul 45s (and buying too many).
Regarding swing dancers I saw some but not a great number dancing at these gigs (maybe max of 3 couples at any one time) - I has already been mentioned the venues were small and it was hot! - so not sure it the week I was there was typical.
Overall, I loved NOLA - the food, the live music, the feeling of the place, Jim Russell Records (and LMF). I have some mementos in the music to take home with me but I think I only just started to scratch the surface.
Originally posted Saturday, June 13, 2009 (2 years ago)
yet another classic Yehoodi thread...
"The next Big dance scene" as if size has anything to do quality?
Seattle is hands down the highest quality Lindy scene on the planet, but it certainly can't compare in size to Russia or even Korea which also some amazing dancers.
after traveling to Seattle for 10 years, i made the decision to move there specifically for dancing because i wanted to be around great dancers and to be inspired by dancers while out social dancing.
I move to Seattle from Los Angeles, because LA simply fell off the map. going from the biggest and highest caliber to basically nothing. The music turned to groove at the "dance venues" the good dancers either moved, quit,passed away or were few and far away , the clubs closing etc.. LA was just too depressing.
I could go on and on about every scene on the planet, small , big, good and bad and honestly it's irrelevant, because the only people that do care about "how many" are either Teachers, stalkers or people that nobody will dance with.
The reason I like NOLA is because the music first, it is and will always be the epicenter for Jazz and second there is little or practically no Lindy dance scene.
I don't believe NOLA will never have a big Lindy scene. the floors suck, the crime is one of the highest if not the highest in the USA, and most important while it might be the best damn dance music on the the Planet it's not necessarily "Lindy" friendly.
for there to be a big lindy scene, i think it needs to be very middle class, musically friendly, and have a lot of dancers wanting the same thing with a decent floor, so dancers can show up alone knowing there will be somebody to dance with.
Originally posted Saturday, June 13, 2009 (2 years ago)
Quoted from "freddie"
Peter loves NOLA, but he's friends with and loves being around the musicians first and foremost.
Thanks Freddie for keeping it truthful....
I really enjoyed NOLA personally because when i go out there are no Lindy Dancers, and at the one club where there was a couple "swinging out" it was actually embarrassing, because it was a small club and the guy had no freaking clue where his feet were.
I think FaLTY is right, scenes are more based off beginners and intermediate dancers and i beleive (as someone wanting to move there), that's the last thing anyone wants around FQ bars and clubs.
Originally posted Thursday, June 18, 2009 (2 years ago)
Quoted from "PeterL"
I don't believe NOLA will never have a big Lindy scene. the floors suck, the crime is one of the highest if not the highest in the USA, and most important while it might be the best damn dance music on the the Planet it's not necessarily "Lindy" friendly.
for there to be a big lindy scene, i think it needs to be very middle class, musically friendly, and have a lot of dancers wanting the same thing with a decent floor, so dancers can show up alone knowing there will be somebody to dance with.
that certainly isn't NOLA.....and thank goD.
Peter, we have both worlds, it seems you have only visited one.
We have a weekly swing dance with a huge, wooden, smooth, awesome, dance floor that is actually a DANCE where people go there knowing others will be there to dance. There is 6 count swing lesson prior to the dance and a 6 count swing lesson taught by Nathalie at a different location prior to the dance.
Some lindy hoppers come, some lindy hoppers will not pay to hear musicians that actually get paid, when they can hear free music on the streets.
The street musicians are great, 'free' is great, but a big nice dance floor and (usually) top end musicians....who actually cost a measily 5....at a dance where people are there to dance is better for the growth of hte scene.
Two weeks ago, people came to the local dance and sat out on the benches smoking because they didn't want to see Dr. John's guitar player, John Fohl, Snooks Eaglins bass player Mark brooks, Gatemouth Brown's piano player joe krown, mikey barras on drums.........guys who have played jazz fest for 20 years and swing night for 6 years..........and Swing Set a vocal trio from Austin and NOLA.
That music was just not worth 5?
So another part of making a dance scene work is supporting the scene by actually coughing up a measily 5 and not depending on free free free and i'll sneak in my bottle of water.
Anyway, there's a groove scene and an actual dance with live music and large wooden dance floor scene.
you might like it, you might not, but i hope you give it a try. Rock n Bowl, wed night. Swing Night, though the owner doesn't differentiate rock a billy from swing so sometimes it's rock a billy, often boycotted by swing dancers, but hey, i love it all.
Originally posted Thursday, June 18, 2009 (2 years ago)
Dear Peter,
Why hating on all the other American scenes outside of Seattle? I have to admit I'd only danced there once (Seattle) and it was absolutely lovely, but was crapping out Los Angeles because of where they took the their dance and music necessary? I have to admit I am no fan of groove either, and I argue that we were force fed it here in New York or else not dance at all; but the latter was not an option and the older dancers adapted for the people we've become close friends with more than just the dance. It might not be to your preferrence [the calibur of dance] but no need to be insulting...
I have to admit that the music I listened to in New Orleans was amazing, and that's saying a lot for me because I'm not really a big fan of jazz. (but I dance; long story.) I could just happily listen to Charmaine Neville sing all night and not dance or pop right up when there's a tune that makes my legs itchy for a dance. If other people feel compelled to get up and dance, and as long as they are not stuck up snobs, then God love em, I'll enjoy just watching them dance or partake with.
For me, I enjoy globetrotting the world as my passtime, and for a locale to have a lindy scene, its a perk but not a neccessity. I was embarrassed many years ago, and before I went on an exchange hiatus, to answer the question, "So you went to [enter city here]? What sights did you see?" And responded, "Ummm... A park... a gymnasium, a church (with no stained glass windows)" And I made it a priority to explore the city first and dance later.
As a city, I found NOLA pleasant, yet unsettling, when I wandered the french quarter aimlessly during the day, got a little lost, and found out someone was murdered at the very same confused spot I stood not six hours later, but what can you do? I didn't meet a whole lot of locals when I was there, but those I did were lovely people, and I'm all about the people first, and if they can also dance marvelously, then that's just gravy!
The next big dance scene
So, this kinda goes with the "Pick Up and Move" thread. It seems that different scenes gain momentum then die down. First it was DC, then LA, and then Seattle. I've spoken with a number of dancers, instructors, world champions, and legends. As of right now, Seattle has the #1 dance…
Page(s): < Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ... Next > (226 items total)
Well I absolutely agree with you. Marcelo makes wonderful points. Sometimes I need to read them two or three times though in order to process everything . And sometimes you do need to say something 57 times. And sometimes you need to ask the same question 100 or more times. Meanwhile eveyone gives you a different answer. And all the while certain Yehoodites think that all the different answers are the same answer. And then you get unusual posters who barge in and say that nothing can be gained from the 57 answers and that the 100 questions that you spent so much time to ask really weren't worth asking in the first place. But then again the same poster who says this doesn't have the courage to answer the question himself. Yehoodi is very complicated you know.
I think I am being fitted for cement shoes. See you beneath the Hudson river.
Wow, going back to name calling. You people need to lighten up.
BTW, Maisie, that was a very sweet PM you sent me. Quite erotic. Unfortunately, I just can't do those things that you asked me to do. Beckto's wiener has first dibs.
Are you trying to be funny like Beckto? Jlindyhopr you are a strange bird. I have never sent you a PM. I do not send dirty PMs either.
If you would please. I would like to know more about your views on what classifies a big scene. I would like to know why you think big scenes are more fun. I would like to know more about the trends. Also on an unrelated note can one arrive to New Orleans by rail or bus? How long would that take from New York? And how far are the swing places from the airprot? Are you a New Orleans lindy hop instructor?
I would like to hear less about bodily functions. More about New Orleans.
Anal Leakage.
y i no haz signature? Come on people, make with the funny.
[quote="jlindyhopr"][quote="freddie"]Wednesday- Traditional Swing Night at Rock N Bowl (the longest running swing dance venue in the city). This venue helped the resurgence of swing dancing in New Orleans, and has been the weekly venue for almost 10 years. However, this attracts ECS, WCS, Tango, Waltz, Lindy, and a variety of people, which is why I do not consider it a Lindy venue.
"However, this attracts ECS, WCS, Tango, Waltz, Lindy," is simply incorrect.
ECS, true. It is taught prior to the dance.
WCS..........none. I have religiously went to RnBowl for 9 years and never see the West Coast Dancers there.
I sincerely wish the Westies would come.
Tango..........no tango dancers there. Usually no tango is played but sometimes one. Tonight NONE.
Waltz. You get far fewer waltzes that you get at SWING OUT NEW HAMPSHIRE..........far fewer. Tonight NONE.
I sincerely wish there were a few more.
IMO the reason that this is not a popular lindy gig is for a couple of reasons.
One reason is that a live band (usually, but not always, a band of amazing talent, guys that play at jazz fest every year, guys who played with Snooks, Gatemouth, Santana, hall and oates, on and on and on, super talented) cost 5.
There is music for free all around the city.
Another reason is the popularity of gypsy jazz, which rock bowl doesn't feature.
Rock n Bowl, at the request of Lindy hoppers booked both jazz vipers and Saint Louis Slim (NO, NOT SAYING HE'S GYPSY JUST SAYING HE WAS RECOMMENDED BY HOPPERS) and no one came. Well actually SLS didn't show up for his own gig which ended that.
A lot of people will not pay 5 to see bands that play on the street and all over town for free, inspite of the dance space is far superior IMHO, since it is spacious, wood floors, and no smoking.
Another reason is the rock n bowl is clean. It has a wholesome vibe. Clean restrooms, no smoking, all ages. everyone is welcome and everyone is there.
it isn't the cool street scene. pretty much drug free other than the band, no smoke, your stuff is safe, your car is safe, etc. ...no edge.
In a way it's the opposite of frenchmen street, it's all about music and all about dancing, not about the smokey speak easy jazz vibe coming out of a 1940 novel, referring to the spotted cat and others.
you walk by funky, cool, and cazy people to get to your car. sometimes scary ones. It's cool and has a great vibe, but when it comes to dancing, it can be tight quarters and you come to dance with your partner and familiar faces.
You get to dance for tourists so that's always fun.
The bars have a soul of their own that is quite cool, but there are several things that seperate the rock bowl from the bars and the most obvious.........
Rock and Bowl is a dance.
An actual swing dance where people come to dance on a wooden dance floor that has room to dance.
The main purpose is to dance. Not to be cool, not to people watch, not to be part of a 1940 novel.
No smoke, no drunken tourists, no broken beer bottle on the floor.
So for the scene with an edge, or if you just can't stand bands with drummers, the bars featuring gysie jazz are much better.
If you enjoy swing played by awesome musicians who you must pay for, but in return get a smoke free place with a huge dance floor, easy parking, safe place, and don't have a problem with a bunch of wholesome kids in the corner bowling, then maybe rock bowl is the game.
WHEN YOU VISIT TRY THEM BOTH.
ok, someone else was asking about the jazz vipers and trad jazz. Jazz Vipers have won 'best traditional jazz album' and the like, so does this mean they are trad jazz, as it would imply?
no, not really. They really don't have the trad jazz sound or instrumentation.
what is trad jazz sound? pete fountain, early stachmo, etc. well that's like telling someone what swings. you have to hear it.
from a pure instrumentation standpoint, they are not trad jazz, they are gypsy jazz.
the lack of a drummer (with guitarist playing standard django riffs in place of drums) and inclusion of fiddle (or accordion or other such instrument) defines them as gypsy and defines them as not trad IN GENERAL.
obviously all rules bend here and there.......Jethro Tull was a rock band who played a flute go figure.
they play jazz standards in a gypsy instrumentation and style.
the sound is very popular now.
The music is amazing in new orleans.
But one thing that differentiates the music and dance scene from other places, ESPECIALLY NYC, is that a lot of the dancing is a few people in a bar in the corner, or on the street in the case of lose marbles.
Will 150 lindy hoppers show up to dance in the heat on the hot pavement? not on a continous basis.
Other cities with large scenes of good dancers have actual dances, they do not depend on going to bars.
I LOVE THE SCENE. But do not see it growing as big as other cities if people generally go to bars and don't patronize the actual dances.
for example, Spotted Cat holds 2 couples comfortably NOT A MISPRINT...TWO COUPLES FIT ON THE FLOOR COMORTABLY, dba maybe 6 couples, and Rock n Bowl can do 40 couples on the floor.
MY 2 cents.
Whoever asked the question of WHY some of these people are moving to NOLA, you asked the best question yet.
I just have to laugh at the idea that these people are moving to NOLA only for the dancing. Live music is great, but it's not because they are stoked to dance to it in a "hey, I'm going to the dance!" kinda way, it's because they are friends and peers of many of the musicians.
Chance and Amy dance with Loose Marbles. Loose Marbles live in NOLA. Proximity to friends and music is a big factor, the dance scene comes after.
Todd moved there to get better at guitar. period.
Peter loves NOLA, but he's friends with and loves being around the musicians first and foremost.
Mia and Kelly...friends with musicians and dance partner/musicians.
I'm not trying to imply that these people don't enjoy dancing in NOLA (i'm sure they love it!), I can't speak for them (even though I just kinda did I guess) But to think that they're there solely for the dance scene is just naive, in my opinion. I also don't mean to knock NOLA at all, I just think that quoting "rockstar" testimonial is a pretty flimsy reason to get on a high horse when their motivations are probably personal rather than dance scene oriented.
I hope the scene there continues to grow, and I think the bands there are amazing and inspirational to many other scenes. However, I agree with DancinDavio that just dancing at tiny bars or on the street does not really equate with "next big dance scene", in my opinion. Spirited? yes. Inspirational? yes. Sustainable and thriving dance culture? I don't know. I think more time needs to go by.
And heed Reuben's words also. Many of these new residents have shallow roots and are happy to come and go without worrying about whether some local thinks they should stay and grow "the next big dance scene".
:)
I know that loggins can sound like 4 to 6 people, but really he is just one person :)
the true sign of a thriving dance scene is not how many rockstars you have.
rock stars dont like to pay for anything, usually dont dance with a ton of peoples, dont take classes, and typically dont go out every night.
a better indication of how a scene is doing is how strong the beginner/intermediate scene is. These are the people who pay for everything, go out all the time, pay for classes, pay for events, dance with anyone etc. These are the people that make a scene strong and keep it thriving.
Jlindyhopr
You turned what was a somewhat interesting topic into a personal attack on a thriving scene, very respected dance instructors, and a band that that brings attention to New Orleans Jazz.
None of these things speak well of you, and at this moment to me you are the spokeswomen for your scene. Please be carefull that the growth of your scene does not slow due to bad representation.
Cheers
Oh, but don't take away her tiara and banner.
...
I think this was meant as heavy sarcasm, but due to the general tone of the thread, comes across wrong.
Yeah, everyone knows that Austin TX is the next best place to be anyway.
I think GuruReuben's picture applies even more now.
If you are bored check out my blog... http://taintwhatyoudo.wordpress.com/
[deleted by moderator]
I agree with Redshoe. I think she was trying to use sarcasm. And that she actuallly likes the DC area dancers.
Oh well publicity is publicity. I mean I didn't even know anything about the Lindy in New Orleans until this big fuss all started. It may not help for growth but it certainly helps for attention. And I've been all ears. And I've read every page of this thread. It has been very well interesting but not very informational.
My response to the last two pages or so:
Seriously?
I come back to check out the haps on Yehoodi after a month or so and we've got this?
Yeesh.
I do not appreciate this kind of vulgar and personal attack. Your pathetic attempts at sarcasm only serve to justify my impression that everyone I know named Bruno fails to see the suffering and anxiety that anal leakage has caused to both me personally as well as my family and loved ones. On the other hand. Poop.
Oh, and this guy - http://pictureisunrelated.com/2009/06/04/these-kitchen-appliances-are-safe-once-more/
I hope this clarifies things. --R
y i no haz signature? Come on people, make with the funny.
Does this mean that the next big scene is in TheRiz's pants?
I am sitting in Charlotte Airport after my connecting flight to Cleveland got cancelled so had time to read the whole thread. I put my vote in for Melbourne Australia - huge number of beg/inter students, some great dancers and instructors and some great live music. (By the way I am from Canberra so no bias :D )
I have just spent a week in NOLA so I thought I would offer a few observations (no political affiliations and without judgement - just observations)
I loved NOLA and the main reason I went there was for the live music and not dancing (didn't even take my dance shoes out with me). I loved Frenchman St and disliked Bourbon St (except for Fritzels). I didn't have a car so didn't explore much beyond there. (though there was a cover band in Bourbon St that did a great version of Space Oddity)
My approach was to check through Offbeat and find bands that I wanted to hear or were interesting. I checked out Loose Marbles at Fritzels and they were great (though it appears Meshiya is no longer singing with them) and met some dancers from Portland and Alice who was also visiting. The highlight gig of the week for me was Meshiya Lake and the Little Big Bands at Donnas. She had a great lineup that night and the energy was great (including Aurora Nealand on sop sax and the Ben? on tuba - Aurora added a great deal of pizzaz to the band, plus other guest artists - trumpet and another bone). Also caught them on Monday night at Mimis with different lineup and the energy was not the same. It was also great just watching some of the bands busking near Jackson Park. On various occasions caught New Orleans Jazz Vipers (great), Pfister Sisters (vocal harmonies at Jimbeauxs - the old Spotted Cat), Tin Men (love the washboard). Also loved the food and trying to find the best gumbo in town. Another highlight of NOLA was Jim Russell Records and I spent three afternoons there exploring their soul 45s (and buying too many). Regarding swing dancers I saw some but not a great number dancing at these gigs (maybe max of 3 couples at any one time) - I has already been mentioned the venues were small and it was hot! - so not sure it the week I was there was typical. Overall, I loved NOLA - the food, the live music, the feeling of the place, Jim Russell Records (and LMF). I have some mementos in the music to take home with me but I think I only just started to scratch the surface.
I second what sydneyhepster said - Melbourne scene is awesome. I am rather biased however.
yet another classic Yehoodi thread...
"The next Big dance scene" as if size has anything to do quality?
Seattle is hands down the highest quality Lindy scene on the planet, but it certainly can't compare in size to Russia or even Korea which also some amazing dancers.
after traveling to Seattle for 10 years, i made the decision to move there specifically for dancing because i wanted to be around great dancers and to be inspired by dancers while out social dancing.
I move to Seattle from Los Angeles, because LA simply fell off the map. going from the biggest and highest caliber to basically nothing. The music turned to groove at the "dance venues" the good dancers either moved, quit,passed away or were few and far away , the clubs closing etc.. LA was just too depressing.
I could go on and on about every scene on the planet, small , big, good and bad and honestly it's irrelevant, because the only people that do care about "how many" are either Teachers, stalkers or people that nobody will dance with.
The reason I like NOLA is because the music first, it is and will always be the epicenter for Jazz and second there is little or practically no Lindy dance scene.
I don't believe NOLA will never have a big Lindy scene. the floors suck, the crime is one of the highest if not the highest in the USA, and most important while it might be the best damn dance music on the the Planet it's not necessarily "Lindy" friendly.
for there to be a big lindy scene, i think it needs to be very middle class, musically friendly, and have a lot of dancers wanting the same thing with a decent floor, so dancers can show up alone knowing there will be somebody to dance with.
that certainly isn't NOLA.....and thank goD.
Thanks Freddie for keeping it truthful....
I really enjoyed NOLA personally because when i go out there are no Lindy Dancers, and at the one club where there was a couple "swinging out" it was actually embarrassing, because it was a small club and the guy had no freaking clue where his feet were.
I think FaLTY is right, scenes are more based off beginners and intermediate dancers and i beleive (as someone wanting to move there), that's the last thing anyone wants around FQ bars and clubs.
Peter, we have both worlds, it seems you have only visited one.
We have a weekly swing dance with a huge, wooden, smooth, awesome, dance floor that is actually a DANCE where people go there knowing others will be there to dance. There is 6 count swing lesson prior to the dance and a 6 count swing lesson taught by Nathalie at a different location prior to the dance.
Some lindy hoppers come, some lindy hoppers will not pay to hear musicians that actually get paid, when they can hear free music on the streets.
The street musicians are great, 'free' is great, but a big nice dance floor and (usually) top end musicians....who actually cost a measily 5....at a dance where people are there to dance is better for the growth of hte scene.
Two weeks ago, people came to the local dance and sat out on the benches smoking because they didn't want to see Dr. John's guitar player, John Fohl, Snooks Eaglins bass player Mark brooks, Gatemouth Brown's piano player joe krown, mikey barras on drums.........guys who have played jazz fest for 20 years and swing night for 6 years..........and Swing Set a vocal trio from Austin and NOLA.
That music was just not worth 5?
So another part of making a dance scene work is supporting the scene by actually coughing up a measily 5 and not depending on free free free and i'll sneak in my bottle of water.
Anyway, there's a groove scene and an actual dance with live music and large wooden dance floor scene.
you might like it, you might not, but i hope you give it a try. Rock n Bowl, wed night. Swing Night, though the owner doesn't differentiate rock a billy from swing so sometimes it's rock a billy, often boycotted by swing dancers, but hey, i love it all.
That what she said during a "Blues Dance"
ftw
Dear Peter,
Why hating on all the other American scenes outside of Seattle? I have to admit I'd only danced there once (Seattle) and it was absolutely lovely, but was crapping out Los Angeles because of where they took the their dance and music necessary? I have to admit I am no fan of groove either, and I argue that we were force fed it here in New York or else not dance at all; but the latter was not an option and the older dancers adapted for the people we've become close friends with more than just the dance. It might not be to your preferrence [the calibur of dance] but no need to be insulting...
I have to admit that the music I listened to in New Orleans was amazing, and that's saying a lot for me because I'm not really a big fan of jazz. (but I dance; long story.) I could just happily listen to Charmaine Neville sing all night and not dance or pop right up when there's a tune that makes my legs itchy for a dance. If other people feel compelled to get up and dance, and as long as they are not stuck up snobs, then God love em, I'll enjoy just watching them dance or partake with.
For me, I enjoy globetrotting the world as my passtime, and for a locale to have a lindy scene, its a perk but not a neccessity. I was embarrassed many years ago, and before I went on an exchange hiatus, to answer the question, "So you went to [enter city here]? What sights did you see?" And responded, "Ummm... A park... a gymnasium, a church (with no stained glass windows)" And I made it a priority to explore the city first and dance later.
As a city, I found NOLA pleasant, yet unsettling, when I wandered the french quarter aimlessly during the day, got a little lost, and found out someone was murdered at the very same confused spot I stood not six hours later, but what can you do? I didn't meet a whole lot of locals when I was there, but those I did were lovely people, and I'm all about the people first, and if they can also dance marvelously, then that's just gravy!
Page(s): < Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ... Next > (226 items total)
BBCode is no longer supported. Use Markdown instead: