Time Warp Swing
Saturday, October 15th, 2011
Swing Dance Club at The Ohio State University presents Time Warp Swing, an afternoon of swing dance workshops followed by an evening dance.
Workshop Instructors
Shannon Varner and Mark Calkins
Shannon discovered Lindy Hop while living in New York City in 1997. She has won numerous awards, placing in such competitions as the American Lindy Hop Championships, Virginia State Open, and the Jack & Jill Contest at Midsummer Night Swing in NYC. She has performed in New York and Chicago with some of her credits including: PBS' "Swingin with the Duke" with Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, The Today Show, and Chicago’s month long dance program, Dance Chicago. Shannon rounds out her dance experience with a background in arts administration at The Martha Graham Dance Co and the prestigious Juilliard School.
Mark Calkins recalls being terrified to undertake dancing for the first time, watching his older sister dance in their garage to the sounds of Janet Jackson. After many years of taunting memories of Rhythm Nation, he broke his dance phobia and was introduced to swing dancing while attending Ohio University. Partnering with Shannon Varner; together they are known as The Lindyroos. With their shared love of the authentic dances from the swing era, they have been guest performers for the Columbus Jazz Orchestra's JazZoo and BalletMet's Great Gatsby. As founders and choreographers of the SwingColumbus performance troupe they lead the team to win multiple competition around the Midwest and a top ten finish at the International Lindy Hop Championships.
Schedule
| 12:00PM | Registration opens | |
| 1:00PM | - 2:00PM | History of the Lindy, Part 1: Savoy Ballroom |
| 2:00PM | - 3:00PM | Mark & Shannon's Excellent Neo-swing Adventure |
| 3:00PM | - 4:00PM | History of the Lindy, Part 2: Swing Fever! |
| 4:00PM | - 5:00PM | Hot Tub Time Machine: Boogie-Back to the Future |
| 5:00PM | - 9:00PM | Dinner break |
| 9:00PM | - midnight | Evening Dance |
Class descriptions
History of the Lindy, Part 1: Savoy Ballroom
Your journey starts here. Travel back into time to New York City during the prohibition era where the Charleston evolved into the Breakaway and other early styles of Lindy Hop.Mark & Shannon's Excellent Neo-swing Adventure
Now fast forward to any local dive-bar in the US circa 1999 at the peak of the swing revival. You will find yourself learning over-indulgent dance moves that sound like nauseating carnival rides and styling that makes it look like you're driving a truck. Brace for the most-excellent adventure that will blow your mind and leave you to saying "whooaaa."History of the Lindy, Part 2: Swing Fever!
Be kind, rewind :) You are now in the late 1930's as Lindy Hop has officially taken the United States captive and on the brink of going global with World War II on the horizon. Dancers are shaping to the modern and jivin' big band sounds and forming advance dance partnerships. Expect "solid" steps such as the Whip, the Swivel Circle, the Quick Stop, and the hesitation-Shorty George.Hot Tub Time Machine: Boogie-Back to the Future
Great Scott! Your "density has bought you to" a socially-diverse, fast-paced world which calls for collaborative fusion. Be ready to incorporate West Coast Swing, Salsa, Tango, and Bal-Swing within your Lindy Hop. It's going to be McFly!
FAQs
- What is Lindy Hop?
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindy_Hop
- Do I need a partner to take classes or go to the dance?
- No! During classes you will change partners every few minutes and then you'll know lots of nice people to ask for a dance later at the dance!
- What should I wear?
- For workshops- dress is casual and please wear shoes that are comfortable and won't fall off! Shoes with smooth soles that don't grip the floor are best.
For the dance- dress like you want! Show your style but make sure you can still do your new moves! For shoes, same for the workshops- they might look funny with your outfit, but you'll be more comfortable and have way more fun!