teachers and researchers of traditional jazz dance
What’s the best antidote for the cold–a little bit of rhythm. On Saturday, March 12, 2005, Midori and I host our annual nod to rhythm tap and classic big band jazz. The evening features Felix and All the Cats Big Band, playing classic big band favorites of Fletcher Henderson, Count Basie, Erskine Hawkins, Benny Goodman, and Earl Hines as well as special tribute tunes for the late Artie Shaw.
»Swingin’ & Hoofin’ Details
Posted on January 21st, 2005 by chad
For the 92nd Street Y’s tribute to Bobby Darin (Dec. 11, 2004), we were asked to perform the Peabody to Paddlin’ Madelin Home, featuring Bobby Darin and Johnny Mercer.
Posted on December 18th, 2004 by chad
On Saturday, January 8, 2005, the 92nd Street Y rings in the New Year in style with a spectacular evening of music and dancing celebrating Jazz Age dance and the roots of Lindy Hop. There’s so much planned, the dance runs an extra hour longer (running ’til 2am)! For starters, the incomparable Michael Arenella’s 11-piece Blue Orchid Dance Orchestra will keep the joint jumpin’ with a mix of ’30s-style swing and ’20s-style dance jazz, perfect for dancing not only the lindy hop but also peabody, charleston and balboa (as well as collegiate shag, foxtrot and a dash of tango).
»Night at the Races Details
Posted on November 21st, 2004 by chad
On Saturday, November 13, the 92nd Street Y will host a swing dance celebrating the contributions of women to jazz music and dance. The evening features the swingin’ sound of The Harlem Blues & Jazz Band, a ‘national treasure’ formed in 1973 by musicians who actually “jumped” at the Woodside and “stomped” at the Savoy that you must remember from one of last year’s dances.
Posted on September 15th, 2004 by chad
On June 12, the 92nd Street Y will celebrate the teaching and dancing career of Paul Grecki with a special tribute dance held in his honor. The evening features the 16-piece Harlem Renaissance Orchestra and special dance performances. Since 1982, Paul has taught New Yorkers how to swing at Sandra Cameron Dance Center. He studied with two legends of Harlem’s Savoy Ballroom — Al Minns and Frankie Manning — and helped pave the way in early 1980s for the current swing revival by teaching, performing and hosting dances dedicated to lindy hop.
»Tribute to Paul Grecki Night Details
Posted on February 15th, 2004 by chad
We perform and teach popular and historical social dances of the Jazz Age and Swing Era and have appeared on stage, independent film, and local and national television. Known for our performance and our research of social dancing, we also consult and choreograph for period productions, particularly those set in the Roaring Twenties. Though we do not regularly compete, we have placed in a number of competitions, including 1st in the 2004 American Lindy Hop Championships Fast Dance division.