For today's love of the YouTubes, I picked one of my favorite recent routines, which debuted at Lindy Focus just a little over a month ago. Andrew and Karen are fabulous dancers, and their choreography is just as good--full of great energy, great dancing, and great humor. I don't know if I know any other dancers that use their face to the extent that these two do. Plus, have you SEEN Karen's hair?!

Check out Andrew Thigpen and Karen Turman performing their most recent showcase routine at Lone Star Championships 2010, in Austin, TX. This routine had everyone going crazy with tears of laughter, and of course a standing ovation at Lindy Focus. Just watch, you'll see:

Hey blogosphere!

I know, it's been a long time since I've written. To be fair, I've had semester finals and lingering unemployment to deal with, so I've had plenty to occupy my time.
Now, it's almost Christmastime...which, for me, only means so much (because my family is on the opposite coast). Chances are that I'll be spending my December 25th packing for MY Christmas--Lindy Focus!!

Lindy Focus is my absolute favorite dance event of all time. It's a week of amazing dances and challenging classes and hanging out in hotel rooms with every dancer I could ever want to see, pretty much. This year, I'll be helping to cook for the teachers, and I'll also be debuting a routine with Morgan Kestner that was inspired a bit by Sister Kate (Seattle's girls vintage jazz troupe) and all sorts of girly dancing. I can't wait! Coincidentally, I found the perfect shoes to wear (since my own black heels are now worn out). Of course, I'll also be bringing my washboard and having fun with that, and dancing my heart out. If I come home and can walk on January 2nd, I'll be surprised.

In the meantime, I'll leave you with another youtube clip, which should do until I can post again. This one is of Todd and Mia's 2nd place dance during the ACBC at All Balboa Weekend this year (2009). They were my favorite couple to watch in the competition, completely joyous, and dressed fabulously of course. If you're not convinced they're having fun, check out what happens around 0:28. Adorable!

This week's clip is a fantastic example of social dance, and one that I was lucky enough to witness live :) Here's Chance Bushman and Kelly Arsenault, two top-notch dancers, dancing together to one of the many live (AMAZING) bands that played New Orlean's French Quarter Festival this year in April. I love the interaction they have with each other, and the awesome musicality and footwork exhibited. As you can tell by the background applause, the crowd loves it too! My favorite part might be that little section around 1:17ish.

Just a short clip today, from Herrang 2006. Here's some silliness courtesy of Frida (our hero) and a couple of guys (I see Todd and Peter, but I don't know who the third is). Love that this shows off what fun our dance community can be!

Here's attempt #1 at trying to keep up with my new blogging schedule...it's a teensy bit late, but homework comes before internet fun, y'know.

Check out this video of the Pro J&J all-skate at Lindy on the Rocks this year! In the spotlights, Kevin St. Laurent danced with Ramona Staffeld, and also danced with Nelle Hatley (I'm assuming there weren't quite enough leads). Of course, that meant that hilarity ensued during the all-skate. Love that they all had fun with it! And of course, I love these ladies' dancing anyway. Wish I could have been there!