Into the rabbit hole…

This weekend was the Southern Belle Swing Bash in Atlanta. I flew down on Wednesday afternoon. It was a great time. I spent a few days just hanging out with Brooks, and even met up with an old friend, a Physics major from RIT now doing his grad work at Emory.

The Belle Bash begun Friday night with the most enjoyable dance I can ever think to remember. It was at the GA Tech ballroom (a large venue with a great floor). There were two bands that night… yes- TWO. They were each stationed on opposite sides of the ballroom and they traded off sets throughout the night. My favorite, the Hotlanta Dixieland Jazz band was amazing. The mere thought of knowing they were going to begin another set had me out on the floor ready to either share a dance with someone or just enjoy the music myself with some solo jazz. I dare anyone to listen to them and not smile. Got both of the cd’s they were selling by the end of the dance. I had some amazing dances that night, and thanks to Brooks (my lindy hop pimp) I met and danced with all the fun leads. It was truly a wonderful night. By the time the late night rolled around, my ankle started to hurt again. So, I sat out a few dances and just took it easy. Classes started the next day and I wanted to me on my leg.

Classes were great. My only regret is that Peter and Frida were teaching independently of one another simultaneously, so I had to choose… who’s class would I take? I didn’t mean for it to turn out this way but I ended up taking all of Frida’s classes, none of Peter’s. There was just always something in a class description for Frida’s classes that won over what I wanted from Peter’s. It was either something I was insanely curious about, or something I’d been neglecting in my dancing and needed work. Her classes were extremely enjoyable, as you might imagine. She’s funny, quirky, and gets her point across (amidst various amusing sound effects).

Saturday’s dance was a different thing altogether. There was a Jack n’ Jill and a solo charleston competition. Because this was a ladies’ event, only follows were judged in the Jack n’ Jill, and the organizers picked out some amazing leads to help with the competition. I participated in both events. I was nervous as hell but the experience was one I won’t forget — particularly the solo charleston competition. I managed first place in the Jack n’ Jill and third in the solo competition. My big accomplishment: I remembered to look up, and not at the floor. The winner of the solo competition, Ember, is possibly the most unique dancer I’ve seen. She definitely has a style all her own. I didn’t get a chance to see her dance earlier in the evening, and then in the finals I was up right after her. I swear it took all my concentration to think about moving my feet and not stare at hers. She has energy and presence when she dances. I was just in awe. I’m very happy to say that she’ll be joining us in Rochester for NE Girl Jam.

Peter DJ’d the late night on Saturday. lets just say, if that was a preview of Swing & Soul then everyone should make every effort to go to the event. Everyone eventually began dancing as whole. The mood and energy changed completely, but it just felt so good. It was a party in the best sense of the word. That’s all.

There was no dance scheduled for Sunday night, but lets face it, people wanted to dance. So one dancer opened up her small day care studio to anyone who wanted to keep dancing that night. The floor was so slick that if I were a kid there I’d want to do nothing more than slide back and forth in my socks. It was a lot of fun. A small group of people, a laid back vibe. It was a nice end to the weekend.

Overall, I really liked my trip south. The city was beautiful, and I met a lot of really awesome people – made new friends. I’m sad I won’t get to hang out with them on a more regular basis. I’ll definitely be making a few trips back throughout the year.