Yep, that's what I said.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Friday, May 16, 2008
Moving to the T.
Next week I'm relocating to Toronto, quite a distance from Vancouver. I'm getting married in July. My fiance, my family and his family all live in Toronto, and I did grow up there. So it's somewhat familiar territory for me.
It will be difficult to leave the friends I have made here and the Lindy hop community I have grown up with. Thank you to everyone I have had the pleasure of dancing with, performing with, practicing with and especially the people I have worked with to organize dances, classes and events. From UBC Swing Kids classes at the SUB and St.James to Lindy Bout - the biggest and best weekend of dancing in Vancouver - I'm proud of how far we've come and that I was around to lend a hand.
Lindy Bout is still on - April 17-19, 2009 in Vancouver. Stay tuned for updates throughout the year.
I'm not good at goodbyes.
I hope to see everyone at Lindy Bout!
Stephanie
It will be difficult to leave the friends I have made here and the Lindy hop community I have grown up with. Thank you to everyone I have had the pleasure of dancing with, performing with, practicing with and especially the people I have worked with to organize dances, classes and events. From UBC Swing Kids classes at the SUB and St.James to Lindy Bout - the biggest and best weekend of dancing in Vancouver - I'm proud of how far we've come and that I was around to lend a hand.
Lindy Bout is still on - April 17-19, 2009 in Vancouver. Stay tuned for updates throughout the year.
I'm not good at goodbyes.
I hope to see everyone at Lindy Bout!
Stephanie
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Thank you!
Hello everyone,
Lindy Bout was an incredible weekend of dancing, competitions and cupcakes!
The results are posted on-line on lindyhopper.ca and on facebook. We’ll be updating the Lindy Bout site in the near future, in the meantime join the facebook group for updates on Lindy Bout Round III, April 17-19, 2009 in Vancouver, BC.
Competition footage is posted on youtube and Justin’s incredible photographs are online at justinlee.ca/lindybout
We’ve got an idea about how things went this year and some ideas that will make next year even better but we’d also love to hear from you. Please drop me a line at this address, or talk with me next time you see me if you have any feedback or suggestions. In particular I’d like to know what you thought about the DJ Battle on Friday night, the daytime classes, the amount of social dancing, the schedule and registration for both the weekend and the matches.
I could not put on such an event by myself and I had a ton of help from friends and dancers from across Canada. A special big huge thank you to the following people who helped make this year a great success:
- all the local and visiting dancers from across the world, Seattle, Eugene, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and elsewhere
- Susan, Pawel, Kat, Edina, Devon, Dan, Stephanie, Josh & Tim, the door & make it happen volunteers
- Catie the interior decorator who transformed the Legion into something lovely
- Eric the car volunteer
- Jordan lighting guy extraordinaire
- Dave Hall the super awesome unsuspecting car volunteer
- Stuart Manahan the awesome cupcake acquirer
- Daniel & Professor Smack the video presentation wonders
- Justin Lee the wonderful photographer
- the fabulous music makers that make up Georgia's Hot little Number & the Wetcoast Wallabies
- Afonso, Justin, Dave, Kyle, Alan and Birkley, Western Canadian DJ competitors
- Alan Cheung competition & dancing DJ
- Birkley Wisniewski (aka Smith) the webmaster
- Dave Henderson, sound master
- Dan Amores head judge and great teacher
- Mandi Gould fabulous teacher and judge
- Chris Chapman American fabulous teacher and judge
- Mark Kihara the best emcee ever
An even bigger thank you to Lisa Marks, Hayley Newell, Eileen Jones and Lucy Falkner for taking care of design, matches, volunteers and music (respectively) as well as support, feedback and sanity checks.
Sincerely,
Stephanie McKernan
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Only a Week and a Half
Time is flying by. Less than two weeks until my favourite event ever - Lindy Bout!
This is the time when the rest of my life goes on hold. No one answers my e-mails or calls soon enough. I start to lose sleep. My mind is not really able to focus on anything else. My event is inevitable, there is no going back. I can't sit still. I've taken a huge risk and I'm almost close enough to see the results. I love it. I hope you are close to as excited as I am. Luckily I can get out all this bottled up energy in the Solo Charleston class I teach on Thursday nights.
Some things you may not know:
Last year I listened to the Tragically Hip leading up to and during Lindy Bout. I think this was because I was so excited and nervous I had to reconnect with the rockin' out music I'd listen to while preparing for exams. I have not settled on what I'll be listening to this year.
We have more Americans and Albertans than ever before registered. Last year we had Liv from Norway, this year we'll have two Aussies!
People will be wearing very old swing dance event t-shirts on Saturday during the daytime. Don't feel left out, remember to pack yours.
There will be Emerald City Blues Festival passes for the winners of the Blues Match on Sunday night.
I plan to wear at least 7 different pairs of shoes over the three days, two pairs may or may not be suitable to dancing. Help me to find out.
I've decided on my dress for Saturday night- a very important decision.
Vancouver will be choosing our 2 DJs to represent this Saturday at the Legion.
Facebook says 70 people will be at Lindy Bout.
We have trophies this year. (That may be giving away too much.)
see you soon!
Stephanie
Here's a peek at the schedule. Be advised that it may change. A final version will be waiting for you at the door on the 11th.
Friday
20:00: Doors open
20:30: Competitors Meeting
21:00 - 2:00: Welcome to Lindy Bout! Western Canadian DJ Battle, Preliminary Rounds of Everlast Jack & Jill, Title Jack & Jill and Inter-Regional.
Saturday
Classes at EDAM dance (303 East 8th Avenue)
12:15 - 13:15: Rhythm in Vintage Jazz with Mandi
13:30 – 14:30: Lindy hop with Mandi and Chris
At the Legion - Wear your oldest and dearest swing event t-shirt.
15:00 – Doors open at the Legion
15:30 – 17:30 – Welterweight, Flyweight, Featherweight and Solo Jazz preliminary rounds with dancing in between.
20:00 - 2:00: Swanky Saturday Night dance with music from Georgia's Hot Little Number and DJ Larry Low. Match finals for all Jack and Jills, Inter-Regional, Flyweight, Featherweight and Welterweight.
Sunday
At the Legion
11:00 – 12:00 – Solo Blues with Lucy
12:10 – 13:10 – Lindy hop with Dan
13:20 – 14:20 – Swing ‘n Soul with Dan
14:30 – 15:30 – Lindy hop with Lucy and Chris
16:00 – 18:00 - Performance Match, Blinner Party (food and party hats included), Vintage Clip Presentation with Professor Smack, Awards
20:30 - 2:00: Grand finale dance with Wetcoast Wallabies. We’ll get a bit crazy with the Solo Jazz Match and then we'll dim the lights and turn up the heat with the Partner Blues Match.
This is the time when the rest of my life goes on hold. No one answers my e-mails or calls soon enough. I start to lose sleep. My mind is not really able to focus on anything else. My event is inevitable, there is no going back. I can't sit still. I've taken a huge risk and I'm almost close enough to see the results. I love it. I hope you are close to as excited as I am. Luckily I can get out all this bottled up energy in the Solo Charleston class I teach on Thursday nights.
Some things you may not know:
Last year I listened to the Tragically Hip leading up to and during Lindy Bout. I think this was because I was so excited and nervous I had to reconnect with the rockin' out music I'd listen to while preparing for exams. I have not settled on what I'll be listening to this year.
We have more Americans and Albertans than ever before registered. Last year we had Liv from Norway, this year we'll have two Aussies!
People will be wearing very old swing dance event t-shirts on Saturday during the daytime. Don't feel left out, remember to pack yours.
There will be Emerald City Blues Festival passes for the winners of the Blues Match on Sunday night.
I plan to wear at least 7 different pairs of shoes over the three days, two pairs may or may not be suitable to dancing. Help me to find out.
I've decided on my dress for Saturday night- a very important decision.
Vancouver will be choosing our 2 DJs to represent this Saturday at the Legion.
Facebook says 70 people will be at Lindy Bout.
We have trophies this year. (That may be giving away too much.)
see you soon!
Stephanie
Here's a peek at the schedule. Be advised that it may change. A final version will be waiting for you at the door on the 11th.
Friday
20:00: Doors open
20:30: Competitors Meeting
21:00 - 2:00: Welcome to Lindy Bout! Western Canadian DJ Battle, Preliminary Rounds of Everlast Jack & Jill, Title Jack & Jill and Inter-Regional.
Saturday
Classes at EDAM dance (303 East 8th Avenue)
12:15 - 13:15: Rhythm in Vintage Jazz with Mandi
13:30 – 14:30: Lindy hop with Mandi and Chris
At the Legion - Wear your oldest and dearest swing event t-shirt.
15:00 – Doors open at the Legion
15:30 – 17:30 – Welterweight, Flyweight, Featherweight and Solo Jazz preliminary rounds with dancing in between.
20:00 - 2:00: Swanky Saturday Night dance with music from Georgia's Hot Little Number and DJ Larry Low. Match finals for all Jack and Jills, Inter-Regional, Flyweight, Featherweight and Welterweight.
Sunday
At the Legion
11:00 – 12:00 – Solo Blues with Lucy
12:10 – 13:10 – Lindy hop with Dan
13:20 – 14:20 – Swing ‘n Soul with Dan
14:30 – 15:30 – Lindy hop with Lucy and Chris
16:00 – 18:00 - Performance Match, Blinner Party (food and party hats included), Vintage Clip Presentation with Professor Smack, Awards
20:30 - 2:00: Grand finale dance with Wetcoast Wallabies. We’ll get a bit crazy with the Solo Jazz Match and then we'll dim the lights and turn up the heat with the Partner Blues Match.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
More about Lindy Bout (and me)
Alain Wong interviewed me about my dancing life, including Lindy Bout.
Read the details here.
Thanks Alain!
Read the details here.
Thanks Alain!
Thank you - but I'm not gone yet!
I was in Langley at Fat City Swing on Friday night dancing my heart out to Bria's Hot 6. They played a goodbye song for me. It was very lovely and I had a great time in the jam.
Thank you everyone!
The rumours are true, I will be moving to Toronto in May. My family lives in Toronto, as does my fiancé, his family and both our extended families.
Although I have already moved about half of my things to Toronto it has not sunk in that I am really leaving. One day I'm sure it will, but until then I'm still working on the classes I'm teaching, the performances I have coming up and of course Lindy Bout!
Thank you everyone!
The rumours are true, I will be moving to Toronto in May. My family lives in Toronto, as does my fiancé, his family and both our extended families.
Although I have already moved about half of my things to Toronto it has not sunk in that I am really leaving. One day I'm sure it will, but until then I'm still working on the classes I'm teaching, the performances I have coming up and of course Lindy Bout!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Classes and Some More Time
The early registration price deadline has been extended until SUNDAY MARCH 23rd.
Housing registration is now open.
Here are some details on what to expect in the classes:
Rhythm in Vintage Jazz class with Mandi
Lindy hop Special with Chris and Mandi
Solo Blues with Lucy: Learn to move with smoothness and control at slower tempos. Squeeze every drop out of those longer notes, and find all those body parts you've been neglecting in your dancing.
Olde Tyme Lindy hoppe with Lucy and Chris: cool moves like Gramma and Grampa used to make, low-down swingouts, swinging kicks, and a whole lotta soul. We stole these moves from the old-timers. If they catch us, we'll all have to do the time.
Swing N Soul with Dan: a fusion of Lindy, WCS, Carolina Shag dancing to Soul and Blues
Lindy hop Goodness with Dan
More people from Alberta have registered than last year!
I'm really excited,
Stephanie
Housing registration is now open.
Here are some details on what to expect in the classes:
Rhythm in Vintage Jazz class with Mandi
Lindy hop Special with Chris and Mandi
Solo Blues with Lucy: Learn to move with smoothness and control at slower tempos. Squeeze every drop out of those longer notes, and find all those body parts you've been neglecting in your dancing.
Olde Tyme Lindy hoppe with Lucy and Chris: cool moves like Gramma and Grampa used to make, low-down swingouts, swinging kicks, and a whole lotta soul. We stole these moves from the old-timers. If they catch us, we'll all have to do the time.
Swing N Soul with Dan: a fusion of Lindy, WCS, Carolina Shag dancing to Soul and Blues
Lindy hop Goodness with Dan
More people from Alberta have registered than last year!
I'm really excited,
Stephanie
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Lindy Bout II: Registration is now OPEN
Registration is now open for Lindy Bout!
Register Here.
The price goes up after March 15th - in a bit more than two weeks.
The first registrant is from Canmore Alberta! How cool is that? Very cool. It makes me so excited. I'm looking forward to seeing and meeting people from all across Canada at this year's event.
Housing and Match registration will be open soon.
www.lindybout.ca
Register Here.
The price goes up after March 15th - in a bit more than two weeks.
The first registrant is from Canmore Alberta! How cool is that? Very cool. It makes me so excited. I'm looking forward to seeing and meeting people from all across Canada at this year's event.
Housing and Match registration will be open soon.
www.lindybout.ca
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Charleston
Please note that the class was postponed we'll be starting on Thursday the 21st.
I'm going to be teaching a solo Charleston class for Jungle Swing on Thursday nights starting February 14th. 8:00pm-9:15pm at 7th Avenue Studios.
More information on the Jungles Swing website.
I'm looking forward to this class! I love dancing with a partner but sometimes dancing without being attached to anyone is what I'm feeling. Solo dancing also helps you gain awareness of your own movement and challenges your creativity.
We're going to be starting from the very basics of the Charleston vocabulary; no solo dance experience is expected.
there's my plug,
stephanie
I'm going to be teaching a solo Charleston class for Jungle Swing on Thursday nights starting February 14th. 8:00pm-9:15pm at 7th Avenue Studios.
More information on the Jungles Swing website.
I'm looking forward to this class! I love dancing with a partner but sometimes dancing without being attached to anyone is what I'm feeling. Solo dancing also helps you gain awareness of your own movement and challenges your creativity.
We're going to be starting from the very basics of the Charleston vocabulary; no solo dance experience is expected.
there's my plug,
stephanie
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
Lindy Bout's a-comin'
Here's some preliminary info...
MATCHES
This is a Lindy Hop competition to bring it!! Bring your musicality, your partner skills, your flash, your tricks, and your love of this jubilant dance; we want to see it all!
2 Jack & Jills
Flyweight (Fast)
Featherweight (Medium)
Welterweight (Slow)
Inter-Regional (aka Victor-Regional)
!!NEW this year!!
Performance
Partner Blues
Solo Jazz
DJ Battle
SCHEDULE
All events will be at the Legion
(2205 Commercial Drive in sunny Vancouver, BC, Canada)
Friday
20:00: Doors open
21:00: Competitors Meeting
21:30 - 2:00: Preliminary Rounds of matches & DJ competition with dancing to the best music around
Saturday
Daytime: Dance Classes & Match Preliminary Rounds
20:00 - 2:00: Final match rounds possibly some match preliminary rounds & dancing with an incredible live band and DJ
Sunday
Daytime: Dance classes, Awards, Video clip presentation, Brunch party
20:00 - 2:00: Final match round, Partner Blues Match & Dancing with an incredible band and DJ
CONFIRMED PEOPLE
Mark Kihara - Emcee
Dan Amores - Teacher & Judge
Lucy Falkner - Teacher & Judge & Music Coordinator
Mandi Gould - Teacher & Judge
Chris Chapman - Teacher & Judge
Larry Low - DJ
Jungle Swing - Sponsor
The Pinko Swing Collective - Sponsor
Eileen Jones - Volunteer Coordinator
Lisa Marks - Design Master
Birkley Wisniewski - Web Master
Stephanie McKernan - Coordinator
Hayley Newell - Match Coordinator
Joel Schwartz - Video Yoda
MATCHES
This is a Lindy Hop competition to bring it!! Bring your musicality, your partner skills, your flash, your tricks, and your love of this jubilant dance; we want to see it all!
2 Jack & Jills
Flyweight (Fast)
Featherweight (Medium)
Welterweight (Slow)
Inter-Regional (aka Victor-Regional)
!!NEW this year!!
Performance
Partner Blues
Solo Jazz
DJ Battle
SCHEDULE
All events will be at the Legion
(2205 Commercial Drive in sunny Vancouver, BC, Canada)
Friday
20:00: Doors open
21:00: Competitors Meeting
21:30 - 2:00: Preliminary Rounds of matches & DJ competition with dancing to the best music around
Saturday
Daytime: Dance Classes & Match Preliminary Rounds
20:00 - 2:00: Final match rounds possibly some match preliminary rounds & dancing with an incredible live band and DJ
Sunday
Daytime: Dance classes, Awards, Video clip presentation, Brunch party
20:00 - 2:00: Final match round, Partner Blues Match & Dancing with an incredible band and DJ
CONFIRMED PEOPLE
Mark Kihara - Emcee
Dan Amores - Teacher & Judge
Lucy Falkner - Teacher & Judge & Music Coordinator
Mandi Gould - Teacher & Judge
Chris Chapman - Teacher & Judge
Larry Low - DJ
Jungle Swing - Sponsor
The Pinko Swing Collective - Sponsor
Eileen Jones - Volunteer Coordinator
Lisa Marks - Design Master
Birkley Wisniewski - Web Master
Stephanie McKernan - Coordinator
Hayley Newell - Match Coordinator
Joel Schwartz - Video Yoda
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Thank you!
That was an amazing weekend!
Thank you for everyone who came out to the classes! Thank you to Naomi & Peter for coming out & teaching such amazing classes.
Thank you Sarah for hosting Naomi. Thank you Darren for his support & use of his sound equipment. Thank you Lucy for your support & help during the weekend.
Now i'm turning my attention & focus to Lindy Bout - 3 months away!!
I'll be posting developments & news here until the site is ready. Lindy Bout is happening right around my birthday so expect more than just an incredible weekend of dancing.
Thank you for everyone who came out to the classes! Thank you to Naomi & Peter for coming out & teaching such amazing classes.
Thank you Sarah for hosting Naomi. Thank you Darren for his support & use of his sound equipment. Thank you Lucy for your support & help during the weekend.
Now i'm turning my attention & focus to Lindy Bout - 3 months away!!
I'll be posting developments & news here until the site is ready. Lindy Bout is happening right around my birthday so expect more than just an incredible weekend of dancing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
