Today's Youtube feature comes from ILHC 2010's advanced J&J division--yes, I know the event was more than a month ago, but I'm still doing my share of rewatching of all the videos, so I thought I'd share some of my favorites. Today, some follows (and their lovely partners) that didn't place in the competition, but whose dancing I particularly enjoyed. I'll give a couple reasons, below.

First up, Crista Seipp (DC) dancing with Patrick Szmidt (CAN). Patrick is responsible for some of the great HD videos that popped up so quickly after ILHC, and does all sorts of great stuff with his usual partner, Natasha Ouimet. Here, he provides some great structure for Crista to play around in!
I've always admired Crista's clean and compact dancing. She has great control over her movement and always looks like a great complement to her lead. Here, I'm pleased to see that she felt comfortable breaking out of the box a little--check out the interesting way she uses her whole body for the switches at about 0:59, and I LOVE the attitude in the little variation around 1:10. On top of all that, she looks like one of the most responsive, easy-to-move follows ever! These two didn't place, but I had a lot of fun watching them, and I wish I had been at the event to see it in person this year.

Next, we've got my faux-twinsie (seriously, it's kind of ridiculous how often I've been mistaken for her), Kate Hedin (DC), dancing with Andreas Olsson (SWE). I've only danced with Andreas once, at All Balboa Weekend in 2009, but I think I'll probably always remember that I had an absolute blast dancing with him. I think Kate did too--the two of them look like they're having a ton of fun in this dance!
I love the way they start off, with Kate immediately injecting some attitude into the dance that echoes the chill sassiness of the horns in the song. And she amps it up even more, with a cute little pose around 0:21! Check out the shape she makes right around 1:00--I adore the definitiveness and cleanliness of it, like it just makes so much sense and of COURSE that's what she would do there. Again, Kate looks all sorts of responsive and ready-to-move, a quality I would like to develop more in my own dancing.
Kate's definitely been featured, especially among follows, for her balboa dancing and stylings--I would say (although, of course, I'm no expert) that she is one of the leaders in follows-having-their-own-say in the dance. This clip, I think, is a perfect example of why she is a great lindy hopper, too, and all the work that she's put into her dancing over the years is totally evident. Compare this clip to Kate lindy hopping in 2007, and you'll see changes, but still with the same personality to it.

That covers my kudos to these underfeatured ladies for now. Maybe more later!
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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:
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An update! 12/20/2009
 
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!
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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.
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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!
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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!
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