Breanna Perry

I just wanted to use my web outlet to draw attention to Karen Turman and Andrew Thigpen, real quick. I'm here at Swing into Spring 2010 (preparing to DJ, actually), in Columbia, SC, and these two goofballs are here teaching some classes and generally keeping the energy high.

If y'all don't know who Andrew and Karen are, let me point you to their most recent ridiculously-awesome (ridonkulawesome?) showcase routine, which completely exemplifies their silliness and innovation as dancers (below).

Karen and Andrew have been great this whole weekend, teaching fun classes and serving as awesome inspiration on the dance floor. Plus, THEY'RE ACCESSIBLE! For a smaller scene or event like this, they are one of the most perfect couples I could think to have in. They both just love to dance, and be silly, and it absolutely shows. So kudos to Andrew and Karen for being totally awesome. (Also, I don't know anyone who can top Andrew's random outbursts--you should have heard him when he heard that the late night was going to be in a bagel shop with fully operational menu.)

I got back from Rochester, NY earlier this week, after an amazing weekend DJing at Girl Jam. I ended up being only one of three DJs for the weekend, betwixt two other fabulous gentlemen, Michael Gamble and Mike Thibault.

This weekend was the first I've had where the bulk of the DJing work fell to me, and was the first event not-my-own where I DJed a competition. I'm pleased to say that I got several compliments from competitors afterwards, approving my choice of songs.

In fact, I got several compliments throughout the weekend on my DJing, from attendees who hadn't ever heard me before, from organizers, from instructors, and even from those who had seen me as a DJ at other events (mostly in Ohio). It felt great to be in such a prominent role and be praised for my skill in it.

The compliments, plus the DJing stresses that I faced and overcame throughout the weekend, made for one of the most satisfying weekends as a DJ that I've had in a long time. The closest comparison would probably be in 2008 at Oberlin's Jazz Dance Festival, which was essentially my first major out-of-town time as a DJ--and also a weekend full of compliments.

I've been lucky enough to be DJing for a couple years now and to not have had any horrible experiences as a DJ. I've found that the common thread in my most memorable DJing, though, is compliments from the other dancers at an event. Everyone likes compliments, of course, but I also feel that comments--especially specific and direct ones, which are most helpful--put me more in touch with what the dancers on the floor want to hear.

What to take from this? Well, in my experience, DJs don't respond well to requests for specific songs (how many of you have heard the joke about the guy that asks the DJ "Hey, can you play that Jump, Jive, and Wail song?"). On the flipside, they WILL respond well to praise and your actions. So be sure to let your DJs know when they've done something that pleases you!

No real exciting news to report, except, OH YEAH, that part where I'm headed to Rochester, NY this weekend for Girl Jam!

The last time I was in Rochester was a couple of years ago for their solo jazz event, Stompology. I wrote a blog on that, too! I feel pretty confident in saying that I will enjoy myself even more, this time around.
Not only am I excited to go see and dance with my Northeast friends, but this year I'll be playing all sorts of roles. I'll be DJing with Michael Gamble throughout the weekend, and performing Friday night. And, of course, because it's me, I'll be throwing my hat in the ring for the competitions on Saturday. I'm also super excited about the classes lined up with Laura Glaess, Jaya Gamble, and Giselle Anguizola, and to hear what the fabled Miss Mable Lee has to say!

All in all I expect it will be a good time, one that I've been looking forward to. I also expect I'll be a bit tired from trying to keep up with homework over my long weekend, and the two nearly-full-days of travel that will accompany it. I'll let you know whether it was worth it! (Here's a hint: it will be.)