How do you express your passion for the music through the dance?

Expressing the love and the passion for the music through dance is the most amazing feeling I've ever experienced. However, having danced for 10 months, I can now see my eagerness to move is exaggerated when I dance. It's improved so much, by keeping everything smaller - but I can now see and understand what I want to do, more than before. I want to keep myself together, but at the same time keep the fire burning. Does that make sense? I want to express what I feel in the music, in a more controlled manner, but I want it to be infectious.

I had a class here at Snowball with Frida Segerdahl and Skye Humphries today, where they did a slower, shorter version of Big Apple jazz routine. She looks amazing, and to be honest, I just wanted to be her, right there. Perfect. Technically brilliant, having a ball - like the kids in Hellzapoppin'.

What a day!

Today I woke up early, went outside and recorded a little song. I finally started living the life I want to live this year.

Midvinterblot

Went to Anton's yesterday, and as I arrived a bit early Johan Norin and I went food shopping for the lamb BBQ. A few of us stood around outdoors in the drizzle trying to get the barbecue going. A few lamumbas, whiskeys and glasses of gluewines later, we managed quite well. In the picture you see (left to right): Anders Malmberg, Johanna Tagesson, Johan Åkers and Olle Lybegård. The movie is a wonderful moment where Micke Antich sings a dansband song that he thought didn't suck too badly. Indoors, we ate the lovely lamb with some great gravy (3 liters of cream, was it?), played a drinking game and talked alot. We stayed until 2.30 am when Olle and I shared a cab home.

Lovely Saturday

First week of Winter Holidays. I should pack for parents' and Snowball. Leaving on Monday. Today should be a relaxing day, just sleeping or sitting around. Tomorrow, I'll have coffee with Sara, one of my non-dancing friends (yes, I do have a few of those), before I go to a social thing at Anton's which I will tell you more about later on.

Save the last dance for me!

Yesterday I came home at four in the morning. I had such a blast! I had some great dances, despite the fact that they only played Christmas songs. My best dances tonight were with Olle - although they were 2 slow songs. Made a nice change from the rest of the set. I was also surprised that someone announced a birthday jam for me yesterday. It sure was fun! It's not my birthday until the 26th but still. I hope to celebrate my birthday with some dancing friends next year. Hopefully I'll do New Year's with them too. I now will go to Stockholm for the Snowball dance camp.

Today was my last day at work. Yay! Tom and I spoke on Skype this morning and we sang a bunch of disco tunes - it was really awesome.

Dance crazy

Ali and I both wore Santa hats yesterday for the dance. I had a great time, and Micke Antich showed me some really good stuff to work on. As you can see from the image, it's sometimes a sweaty job being a dancer. I, of course, NEVER sweat.

Ali was asked to dance by tons of girls, due to the fact that someone had passed around "all-you-can-dance" vouchers with Ali's picture on it.

Christmas party at Johanna's

Johanna and Linus had a Christmas party. They had prepared lots of yummy food. During the day, Robert came by, to have some lunch and go and meet Joe Labero in the local cigar store 5 mins away from where I live. He's in charge of buying the cigars for our evenings, and it turns out Joe Labero has his own brand cigar, and was going to show up yesterday, so we went there and acted like we were huge fans, asking for autographs and everything. It was so funny.

Lucia & losing my hair (as a result?)

Lucia went great with the kids. We went on the bus to MKBs head quarters in Rosengård and they loved it. We also did the same show downstairs in the school. In the afternoon I went to have my hair done. I always feel a few kilos lighter afterwards.

Mind you, that was BEFORE that pizza I just had.

Ding Fries are Done!

I'm exhausted. My brain has gone on holiday. I've eaten too much junk food in the past two weeks. Had too much work to do. Today I can't do anything but sit here staring into the wall. It's great. I so wish I'd had a salad instead though. Getting sick of Burger King. The song reminds me that I ate too many burgers recently and how dead my brain cells are right now.

Bed, bed, bed, where art thou? I've also cancelled some of my social gatherings for the upcoming week. However, there's not a chance in hell that I'm going to miss the dance tomorrow. Xmas break coming up next Friday. Halelujah!

Would you like an apple pie with that?

I hate to be repetitive but....

Dancing was great :)- very energetic. There was a jam which I gladly participated in, as well as Big Apple. I don't know it well enough, but it's a good opportunity to try it a bit and to practise. I really enjoyed it!!

I don't know who is initiating the jam circle, but it's awesome. I love love love it. MORE OF THE SAME, please!!

Today's great blunder happened in a dance with Micke Antich. He initiated a jump and I jumped but did some sort of split instead of what he had planned (I still don't know what??) and landed with legs spread open straight on his thigh. Could have hurt if I were a guy, but now it was just funny!

We went to the pub afterwards, and since Olle was the designated driver, I could have my first beer in that pub. Very nice indeed. Had good talks on the way home.

Last Lindy course

Yesterday I had my last dance class. We did some air steps and I remember thinking it was very scary but really fun too. We did "flygirl", "frog jump", a mini dip, "cradle" and some others. Afterwards, Johan and I went to the Indian restaurant near the station. Excellent food and great conversation! I'm very much looking forward to him helping me setting up some personal dance goals for next year.

Kids will be graded today. Mission accomplished.

Sunday Morning and the last Lindy lesson

Yesterday I went to a Xmas bash thing in Lund. Some of us had a great dinner there and some drinks, then danced to some rockabilly bands. Had a great time. There was also some blues dancing in the backstage area. I danced with Olle, Micke A, Johan N, Finn, Ali and Ted. I enjoy the dance, but I find it kinda difficult. It's easier with some booze. :)

I can't wait for my last Lindy course for the term - it's again about jam circles and it will be very very exciting. I'm exhausted though, and ought to do the washing, but ... alas! No energy. NO energy.

Thank God it's Friday!

So, weekend once again. Great. Dancing was interesting yesterday. I added another dimension to it by wearing a new outfit - Debras pants and my pink/white shirt. People seemed to like it and it was nice to hear some kind words. I am of the opinion that people should dress up more for the dances in general, because we need people from the public to show up - a) to buy alcohol in the bar and b) watch us dance AND buy alcohol in the bar. Who is going to want to watch a bunch of people dressed as if they were in a homeless shelter? I reckon putting on a jam often would make draw more attention to the place even on nights when there is no band playing. Dressing up a bit more, respecting the 3 hours of fun as well as each other and people from the outside, I think we'd have an even better time there. Weekly jams would be inspiring for everyone, plus there would be a place for the more experienced dancers to show off a little bit. But it's such a Swedish thing - Who do you think you are? Everybody who is better must keep it to themselves. It works the same in the Swedish school system. We push the kids who barely make it, so that they do, but in the meantime, we forget about the people who are doing great, and who have talent. Who will put the effort into stimulating them?

I really think the jam on Monday was excellent, and everyone was happy and smiling afterwards. More of the same, goddammit. I know I'm not the best dancer in the world, but I do my best, and I'm not afraid to make a fool of myself, because I know that's not what people look at. It's the attitude. I.LOVE.TO.DANCE.PERIOD.

Hectic, hectic

Monday's dance was really great. I was there for the last part of the Big Apple routine, and I kinda sucked at it. It's one of the few things that pushes my button actually - when I temporarily totally suck at something I wish to be good at. Afterwards, though, something made me change my attitude, and I had a superb time. Johan really is one of the best guys in the world. He made me do the jam with him and that of course was really exciting. I thought he would do something freaky, but I think he decided to be gentle and nice to me. Really a cool moment.

Inspired by my trip to the US I've been talking to everybody about doing more jams here in general - it gets the energy level up in the room, and it's very freeing and inspiring to watch and participate in - even for people like me who haven't been dancing that long. In class we did jams last week, and will continue on Sunday. I talked about it also in our board meeting and everyone is all go! MORE JAMS IN MALMÖ & LUND, I say.

Speaking of the US, I miss talking to Tom. He's very busy and so am I. It's hard to time it. Other than that, today is work work work and decided what grades to give to my students.

Ruminate.

What a sexy word. Ruminate.

Those summernights!

John Travolta and Oliva Newton John's classic song from Grease still sends chills up my spine everytime I hear it. Today's party was interesting. One girl came along, dressed as a Strawberry Daquiri, red outfit, headband with an orange and to make the outfit complete, she had two straws tucked inside it. Neat. We have alot of people named Anders at the dances. In the picture you see Anders x 3. Also, check out the cool palm tree.

I like Chinese!

Olle invited a few people to his house for dinner. The deal was, we prepare it. Johan N, Maria D, Håkan and I were there with him, and we all prepared the dishes. It was pretty good. I liked the fish the most I think. It was nice to see Olle's place. I arrived earlier than anybody else so we had an hour and a half to talk and play some soft football.

Today is a hectic day. I fixed the windscreen wiper on the car, with some help, I drove around town trying to find a parking spot so I could buy the gift certificate we need for the party tonight. There's 8 of us paying towards a present for Mette and Micke who are hosting a party tonight called Summernights.

Trötthetsågren och Dr Sloans Liniment

Jag sover alldeles för lite. Ja, det gör jag. Kanske sex timmar per natt i snitt. Jag borde sova mer. När jag körde föregående klipp med Helmer Bryd E.F.Q. blev jag inspirerad till att spela en till för er, kära läsare. Tänk, om man i en drömvärld kunde använda nån piffig drog som inte gjorde nån skada, så att man orkade vara vaken jämt? Detta hade ju gjort susen i Herräng också. Tänk på det!!

Helmer Bryd - Oh, the Eminent Five Quartet swing swang swung, all at the same time!

Kärringens bröst föll ihop när barnet kom, så nu är Helmer Bryd jävligt trött på dom. Kärringar skall hållas kort!

Thoughts on dancing

A friend said about dancing:
"When I connect with a woman through dancing, it is a real thrill because it allows me to access parts of my personality I cannot do on my own."

To which I replied:
"Dancing, ah, the dancing. The thrill you describe is pretty much a female fantasy of what something resembling love is, by the way. A guy who all of a sudden becomes focused on making not only himself, but also you shine, no verbal communication necessary (most of the time), a lot of touching, but most of all - like you say, clicking when you merge into one with your ideas, physically and mentally. Now, it's ironic to note, that I truly appreciate a talker in a relationship. :) Maybe I just need a dancer.."

Interesting huh? I say yes.

All I want for Christmas is Us

(tris)
What to give the girl who has everything
All i want for christmas you
Here’s my list
I checked it twice
Wasn’t good, wasn’t bad
I was naughty and nice.
Had my eye on you all year long
And now i know fo sho
I wouldn’t even have to try you on
No need for gift return.

(tris: chorus)
It’s going to be a cold winter
But i wont need the heat to keep me warm
As long as you wrap yourself around me
On christmas morn’
Whether it’s now or later
S’long as it’s before you go, you know
My love is always in your favor
And now you know that
All i want for christmas...
Is...

(tris)
Sweet like a candycane
Hanging from the tree
I will stripe you red and green
When you hit me like a sugar rush
No need for the other stuff
This season you’re all that i need.
They say wishing for you
Is like wishing for snow in california
But you know that i can prove them all wrong
Cause my love is true
I simply adore ya.

(tris: chorus)
It’s going to be a cold winter
But i wont need the heat to keep me warm
As long as you wrap yourself around me
On christmas mornin’
Whether it’s now or later
As long as it’s before you go, you know
My love is always in your favor
And now you know that
All I want for christmas...
Is...

(jason)
Can’t say that i’ve been good all year
But I've been making resolutions to get you here
And if it means being better than whatever, no sweat
Well I bet my halls that i deck for the cause
And santa claus, he knows what my intentions are
Even dismissing mistle toe
So I get to know ya, first of all
Singing oh my god
You’re the reason that i decorate my yard

(tris and jason)
It’s going to be a cold winter
But I wont need the heat to keep me warm
As long as you wrap yourself around me
On christmas mornin’
Whether it’s now or later
Got to tell you before you go, that
Love is always in your favor
And now you know that
All i want for christmas...
All i want for christmas...
All i want for christmas is us..
All i want for christmas is us...

So here's the dance I did with Tom, the worst one of them all, and I was quite nervous. The aerial at the end I missed, but I'm hoping some of you will find this as entertaining as I did. I plan, however, on learning it sooner rather than later. I think I can do it now, but I don't feel confident. I know how to though.

In any case it was a great experience dancing so much with him over there, getting alot of advice but mainly just having a ball!

Oh, and this is what the aerial was supposed to look like, btw.

Boogie Woogie and a tribute to Charlie.

Charlie Norman is just one of the greatest, wouldn't you say? I love a boogie woogie piano and it gets me going like nothing else. When I have more energy, I may go to Ingrid's class in Lund. I spend about 15 hours dancing now, so I'm trying to take it easy sometimes. Enjoy this clip, folks.

The American Dream

Yes, according to the infamous legacy of the American Dream - everyone can succeed in this world if you work hard enough. Having second thoughts about my teaching at the moment;an idea just came to me today. If I had some money to gamle with, I'd start my own business number 2 and run an all-American diner around here. I think it would do huge business. Imagine the furniture, the jukebox, the authentic burgers, the huge milkshakes - and Elvis and Little Richard blasting out of the speakers. Imagine a small dancefloor where you could have dancers or live band with this. I think I need some more guts. Don't you?

shhhhhhheeeesh

Got the flu on Thursday so had to stay home from work. I completely lost my voice, and so I've had to shut up now for two days. It's really quite relaxing in a way, but I don't want to have to think about a situation in the classroom where I have to take control without the voice. It won't work. For fifteen minutes it's the best tool in the world, but after that it wouldn't apply any further.

So. Today's plan, like yesterday's, is to remain in bed, watch alot of youtube clips and write some emails. Probably won't be able to dance in the next few days, but I may go and watch anyway.

Lack of sleep

I've slept too little again. Nonetheless, I have had time to read and browse the newspaper, which I'm quite happy about. Tonight will be a night at home - washing, cleaning, grading papers and maybe some sleeping. Will be awesome. I can't wait actually. After an intense weekend of dancing, I kinda just feel like taking it easy. 12 hours in 3 days is a bit too much, if you don't get enough rest.

I want to show you the Big Apple routine we're doing. We'll learn it from Johan during 3 consecutive Mondays, yesterday being the first. I thought it went pretty well, but it was superfast and I'm sure it looks silly, so working on the steps at home a bit this week is necessary for me.

We learned everything up to the bridge part, to a song faster than this one. Although it's hard to deceipher details in this clip, it truly is amazing to watch!

Lindeman-abstinens

After my trip to America, things have calmed down a bit around here. I have started subscribing to the newspaper again, and hopefully I'll have time to read it too. I woke up this morning and felt a sudden urge to listen to some Lindeman-sketches, by Hasse å Tage. Those of you who know me well, know that I'm a total HåT addict and know most things by heart. :)Oh, this national treasure of ours!

The weekend

Loads of dancing this weekend including a live gig with rockabilly band Nosey Joe. I quite enjoyed it, although Thursday's dance was better. I have received a few compliments on my improvement this week, and of course I'm delighted!

Thursday dance

Had 30 great dances yesterday and danced with an American guy in Malmö who practised the switches, I think he called them "sugar" something? I showed Anton who probably will now start using it too. I had 5 great dances with him yesterday. My favourite dances, however, were with Olle, whom I haven't danced with for a long time. I was exhausted and jet-lagged but loved every second of it. Micke A did the aerial with me that I didn't manage when Tom first tried. I was happy that I made it.

Mom is coming today with the car and the cats. Tomorrow is Nosey Joe at Tangopalatset, will be good. There is a pre-party and since I'm in charge of marketing, I have to fix some stuff for it, like printing tickets.

Oh, and I have to grade a thousand papers. Look like the weekend is all booked up. :)

Autumn Leaves

Despite the fact that the leaves have fallen
Despite the fact that I'm not in DC anymore
Despite the fact that didn't have a nice cheeseburger for dinner
Despite the fact that I'd rather work with something more challenging
Despite the fact that I'm quite lonely and the flat is quiet
.........
I'm one happy girl. I've had a great year, and met alot of new people. I have made new friends that are friends for life. I have had a great holiday away, and I'm really one happy camper today, despite the above.

Last day in Washington

Today Bob Kleinpeter knocked on our door. He is one crazy dude. He took Larry and me out for lunch. I loved dancing with him. Apparently he knows my dancing friend Annette Jacobsson. I packed my stuff quickly, and Larry drove me to Tom's house. I waited for him to get ready in the house, then we took off and headed for the airport. He had a really cool jacket which said "Lindyhopper from Hell" on the back. We said goodbye and it all felt okay. I slept like a baby all the way home, including on the flight from London. Probably needed it.

I feel like a hamburger. I mean, literally like a hamburger.

DIET STARTS NOW!

Brain crash and the infamous dance with no sound

Hmm. Turns out that my computer battery had completely run out without me realising. I usually always get a low-battery indicator warning, but this time things turned black. I thought my computer died on me, but all I needed was some sleep and a power cable :)

Fred Astaire, frame disaster and Elan Dance center

I spent most of the day waiting to go to Elan Dance Center. Larry and I went for breakfast but everywhere was closed, so we ended up buying a coffee. I was dancing a bit back home too. Tom was supposed to show up at 6 but was late as always and we only had 10 minutes to talk about my dancing and dance two songs. Anyway, I will try to take his advice which was:
a. Look up, look at your partner.
b. keep your frame (I can see it's improving, but not nearly as much as I would like. How is that done??)
c. don't swivel all the time
d. give some more resistance in the right arm
e. feet under your body, don't wander.

While Tom and Debra were doing their performance group class, I asked Sue and Gary to show me the move they do, a St Louis Collegiate Shag. I filmed it. I asked Tom for a last dance and knowing he would try his silly aerials I got nervous and only thought about that, which you will soon be able to see on the video. He told me that was my worst dance and that I did much worse when I was being videotaped and that my frame in that dance was horrendous. Nice comments, huh? But very true, I can see it and I could feel it. The good part is that I know that I do better than that normally, and also it looks slightly, if not much better than the clip before Herräng. I really must do something about this. Will film another dance when I focus more on the dance than the fact that I'm dancing with Tom Koerner, so I can see for myself whether what he said was true or not. It felt like I wasn't focusing and that I was stressed about it.

Afterwards we went for pizza at UNO's. Tom took me home and we didn't make any definite plans about airport today. "Let's assume we'll see each other tomorrow". I gave him the Swedish candy and a book about Fred Astaire.

I hope I get to say goodbye today, or else I'll be a sad girl. Come to think of it, I'll be very sad girl in any case, so it doesn't matter.

Mount Vernon excursion.

Today Tom brought his oldest son, Tom, and me to see George Washington's estate, Mount Vernon. It was an impressive place. I loved the view the most. It was right by the water. We were lucky to have a beautiful day, about 20 degrees. Went for gross lunch afterwards in Mackey's - a place that smelled too much of smoke and had bad Irish stew. In the evning we went to Glen Echo, Debra me and Tom and Larry, although we met up there. Tom danced 3 songs with me 2 very fast ones and tried me to do a charleston through a swingout. That was fascinating, I will work on that. I had alot of great dances, before T and I left through the back to go to the Diner. I ate grilled cheese with bacon and had loads of iced tea to drink. Tom drove me home, we talked about all kinds of stuff, then dropped me off at Larry's. I went to bed feeling a bit sad, because, well, I have no idea if this is a once in a lifetime thing or not, dancewise. I was also sad because I won't see Tom again in a very long time. He has become a very close friend of mine.

Cab Calloway Orchestra at the Carlyle Club

So,in short, if you're ever in DC, be sure to check out the Carlyle Club. I still can't believe what just happened tonight. The wow-factor is extremely high, and as soon as you walk through the door, it's like entering a lost era, one that you didn't think exísted anymore.

Carlyle Club, part 2

I must remember to read up on Cab Calloway. Tom and I were discussing whom his biggest competition would have been back in the day. Reverend Arnold came to the dance, and I just love this man. He married Tom and Carolyn, he dances really well and he is now 83 years old. I love him!

The Carlyle Club

Tonight Larry and I went to the Carlyle Club. It was of course Halloween and so we first waited around a bit at home for the trick-or-treaters to come by asking for candy. We then left for this fancy 30s style club, a top-notch restaurant/club where Tom is a part owner. Larry and I had a few drinks before Tom and Debra showed up. Another guy, Dave also showed up and a few others - reverend Arnold was one of them. Tom introduced me to Cab Calloway's grandson who is now the front figure in the CC Orchestra!! He told him how we met online etc. I thought that was really sweet. I had so much fun there, the place is one of a kind, the decor, the food, the music. Fantastic. I had to pinch myself to see whether I was dreaming or not! I had a lot of nice dances there with the few people that came, but my favourite dances were with Tom. We all looked hot and fabulous as you can see! Oh what a night!

A lovely day!

Today I spent most of the day in the mall area of DC looking at the Lincoln Memorial and Capitol. I had lunch in McDonalds - totally disgusting mainly because of strawberry flavoured Fanta! Took the Metro home to Clarendon station and fell asleep for a few hours due to another bad case of food coma, before getting ready for tonight's great event... to be continued...

Tom's Diner

Tonight Tom took us all out for dinner at Wildfire, a steakhouse. Larry and I were on time, the others were a bit late. Debra, her husband Bob, Tom, his wife Carolyn, me and Larry went there. I had a horseradish steak - it was absolutely perfect. I've never tasted anything so good, as far as meat goes. Sorry Gordon! Carolyn and I split a dessert.

Tom raised a toast to me and everybody did likewise. I thought that was so sweet. I held a little speech where I said that I started dancing seriously mainly because of a clip I saw of them dancing on Youtube in February, and that they helped change my life to the better. I was so happy to sit there with those guys and tell them this.

Tom showed me the mall, it was beautiful, but no people there. He says he wants to sponsor dances there, to bring people in. We'll meet up again tomorrow for the Cab Calloway dance at the Carlyle Club. I've pracised swivels and switches for 3 hours today.

One useful advice Debra gave me today when I asked about how she deals with when it comes to comparing yourself to others, and how feminine everybody looks except you, she said "Tom used to say this: you are what you are". Be who you are and use what you have. I'll try to remember that. It's easy to forget when everybody else seems cuter or taller or more feminine.

Dabe, Janelle and shopping

I went shopping today in the mall. Didn't buy very much but a pair of Keds, a flower for my hair and two candles.

Watched lots of dance videos when I came home and tried to practice the switches, but after just having watched tall, long-legged beautiful professional follows, I just felt stupid and ugly and short, so I gave up for the time being.

In the evening 2 of T & Ds teachers, Dabe and Janelle had a social dance in a place called Nick's that Larry and I went to. Tom didn't come, because he wanted to see his kids. Had some good dances there, but there were only six of us. Dabe is great, I like his dancing! Afterwards, Janelle showed me switches again and told me to keep the left foot really forward, about 11 o clock. Don't overdo it with the hips. Keep body straight from hips and upwards. Loads of things to think about which is why I have a hard time with this. Then she showed me swivels properly, and I got very excited about that, it makes such a difference! She started the prepare already on six. I filmed it.

The Plan

...is apparently as follows:
Wednesday I go dancing at a place called Nick's with Dabe and Janelle, two dancers here. Thursday we go to dinner together, Tom, Carolyn, Debra and her husband, Larry and me. Looking forward to it. Dunno what I should do tomorrow and thursday and Friday during the days, but I'll figure something out. Friday, is Carlyle Club and Saturday is apparently Glen Echo. I didn't know that, and it made me happy. Sunday I'll have classes with Tom and Debra again, and he's just said that's a good time for a private lesson. I'm not after a private lesson as such, because I just want to dance dance dance as much as possible for the experience. I also want to remember it well because who knows if I'll ever see him again.

From food coma to rock n roll

Woke up late. Skipped breakfast. Larry and I went to a place called Dog-something, can't remember. We had pizza here and a very nice beer. I got a bit tipsy due to the fact that I'd had no breakfast. On top of that was a bad case of food coma, which meant I HAD to sleep all day almost.

Came to Tom and Debra's two classes again, but today at the Clarendon Ballroom. This is where they recorded their dvds, I noticed. Anyway, I was introduced as always by lovely buddy Tom. Social dancing was great and we danced to a great live band, rockabilly. The cool thing was, that when they only just started, there was a power cut, so they played in the dark, acoustically and we all loved it and danced. Tom asked me to dance 3 times and I loved every second of it. I felt confident, happy and in love with the music. Look up!, was probably the main thing about the dances, again. Dammit. I asked Debra to show me the switches and she worked with me for 15 minutes showing me how to practise. She said don't overdo it with your hips, don't turn your left foot as much and keep your knees closer together, and also move in a circle around the guy, not straight. Will practise and do my little test on Sunday.

I got a free CD from the band and I asked if I could play a song with the bass player after the show. We did "King of the Road", it was great fun. Tom and Debra went with me to the Silver Diner, and oh boy I love it there. We talked like old friends, and even though we've only really talked on skype, it feels like I've known him forever. Even Debra is very easy to talk to. My one mission tonight became to try to get Tom to see how ridiculous I think it is with people with any kind of attitude. I said "I just LOVE the music. I LOVE the music, you know what I mean?" I too have felt competitive awhile back, but after a few days you realise it's all bullshit. This dance isn't about what moves you know and can show off, what famous hotshots you know in Herräng or what music is popular to swingdance to right now. It's about loving the music, showing it with your whole body and just dive right in there, head first. Period.

Tom dropped me off at midnight and we decided we'd talk tomorrow. I probably won't see him then, but I'll go to another dance. Today I did boogie steps and dancing with Tom's jumpy style became more fun that way.

Court & burger with jam!

Yesterday I took the Metro to the Vienna/Fairfax station. Tom was picking me up and it was freezing standing there. We went for a burger in a place where he used to go disco dancing in the 70s, before heading off to court. The murder case was postponed and instead I got to sit in and listen to other stuff that he did there. We then went to his house in Fairfax. It was a perfect house. The prettiest, biggest mansion I have ever seen. The master bedroom was huge, and their kitchen was heaven. He showed me around and I was a bit in shock. The bathroom upstairs was amazing. Better than a hotel... The walk-in closets (they have one each) were to die for!

I met wife and kids and played lego with them. They were wonderful. They left, and Tom fell asleep in his room and I fell asleep on their sofa. It was so quiet. We left for dance class and ate Hershey's chocolate bars in the car, and we talked about everything. Traffic made it impossible to get to their class on time. When we did show up half an hour late Debra said "here's Tom and the Swede!". I was in the intermediate class, and enjoyed it.

We stayed there to do social dancing. I enjoyed all the dances there and when Tom took the microphone to make announcements he again said "this is our lindy-with-lina week" so I'd like her to get up here", me and 2 other girls had to stand in the middle. That was my first jam!! Very exciting!! I danced two dances with Tom, once I asked and he reminded me only once to keep my frame and look up, and the other song he asked for , the last song. It was a disco tune. It was great to dance to. He did a move with me in there called the pretzel. Very neat. A jump was thrown in, as well as a small aerial that we had tried in class before - it had two jumps in it.

Went to eat a sandwich afterwards with some other dancers, and then Larry and I went home.

Dance classes and WiFi

Stephanie Fuller and two of the boys we practised the aerials with.

Larry and I went for breakfast in a Mexican fast food place. I had 3 soft tacos. Weird not having any breakfast, and then eating a big lunch. I then of course put off having dinner until after our classes when Tom, Debra and I went to the cheesecake factory.
In town, Clarendon, I bought a cute outfit. I'm quite happy with it. I sat down trying out wifi in the bookstore and had a coffee. Then Larry gave me a glass of wine (didn't take much to make me tipsy) before driving me to Tom's classes. I met Debra, which was neat. Then Tom said I could be in the aerials class next door to their beginner class. I felt so out of place, but I decided to stick with it and do my best. We did a flip over the guy's back, which was pretty hard. Anyway, after that I took T & Ds intermediate class. I was introduced to everybody. "This is Lindy with Lina week... Lina is my friend from Sweden and we'll have her for ten days, so ask her to dance..". Tom was good because he went around dancing with everybody. I knew most of the stuff from that class, but it was still very fun.

After class, Tom and I drove to the Cheesecake factory. He then proceeded in eating the hugest burrito I have ever seen. I had meatloaf but saved 8/10 of it in a box. :) He drove me home, and I went to bed straight away. I'm slightly jet-lagged and woke up in the middle of the night, for some reason.

Best dance ever, sorry guys.

I've had the best dances ever tonight. Sorry you guys back home, but these beat it. Oh lord. I got ready to go dancing tonight at a huge place built in the 30s called Glen Echo park. It used to be an amusement park, and is now run by the government. It's beautiful and it reminded me of a larger upscale version of tangopalatset. There were about 4-500 people there. Me and Larry danced many dances, and it went great. Then I danced with the reverend who married Tom and his wife Carolyn. Arnold, I think his name was. He was a good dancer and it turns out he's 83 years old! I then danced with many other guys and they were doing the switches, and I find it hard but I will try to nail it while I'm here. I danced and danced to a great live band and I thought I did pretty good.

All of a sudden, 30 mins before it ends, Tom arrives. He's standing there among 400 people watching me (ME!) dance. I didn't know this but he told me afterwards. He grabs me, then dances with me. Everytime the music stops, some girl comes up to him to snatch him and he says: I'm dancing with my Swedish friend here". We did a couple of songs, then he wanted to do a fast one with me to see how I was doing. I did fine, but he kept telling me "Look up!", all the time. Story of my life. Well, being able to dance with him has been a dream of mine for a long time, and he just was great and the dances were wonderful. I'm amazed I didn't die or faint, or both.

Afterwards Tom and I drove to another diner which I can't remember the name of. I had a ceasar salad and loads of caffeine in the shape of tea and coke. Apparently the waiter thought I was Debra, so he brought in tea automatically when we came in. I was quite happy to drink it. The meal was on me and I'm glad I could pay for them. Larry came too.

Today was another day I will never forget. A dream of mine came true. Wow.

The rain and the practice.

Today it's been pouring down with rain. Yet, I've had some nice scrambled egg in the wonderful kitchen here. Larry took me on a drive around DC to see some monuments from the car. I also had to pick up a hairdryer. We danced for about an hour trying some different moves, and it strikes me I cannot do proper switches. Today's goal is to improve those as well as not look down when I dance. Contacted Jack from Herräng on Facebook, since he's from here. We'll dance tonight at Glen Echo. I would be lying if I said I wasn't superthrilled that I'll be trying Tom out today.

Tom, 600 euros and an authentic chocolate milkshake

I'm blogging from the guest room in Larry Macdonald's house. He's a very friendly, retired man who kindly offers to put up dancers here in the Koerner/Sternberg scene sometimes. I just found out that this bed was last used by Lennart Westerlund, and that the sheets are still the same. :)

These past 24 hours have been so neat. Hard to describe but I will try. First, in Heathrow a few of us were told we had to wait there for six hours because the flight was overbooked. I got reimbursed though - 600 euros! Paid for my whole trip, almost. The flight across the Atlantic was great, very good service. The best part was having Richard Branson welcoming you on the little screen in front of you.

I thought I'd be nervous about meeting Tom IRL but I wasn't. As I went through customs, leaving fingerprints and whatnot I could feel nothing but excitement. He stood there waiting in a black leather jacket. I noticed straight away that he is shorter than I thought. We hugged for a long time, then went out to his car. On the way out he said "you're shorter than I thought". :) His licenceplate says "JITRBUG". As we drove to a Diner near the Clarendon Ballroom called the Silver diner, we talked about this that and the other and it felt very natural. I like him so much, and he's meant alot to me since February. We ate in the Diner and met up with some guy who is also a dancer and talked to him for awhile.

Tom dropped me off at Larry's at 12.30ish and stayed around to chat some and to semi-plan the rest of the week. Apparently this really IS "Lindy with Lina week" and everybody has been told to take good care of me. I will see Tom tomorrow night at Glen Echo after his and Debra's paid private gig. During the day though, I'll just catch up on some sleep I think and hang around here.

I will be sure to be back but for now...zzzzz.

Meeting Tom today was very very exciting.

I'm out of here

OK. It's 3 am. I didn't go to bed. Bags are packed, I'm all set to go in a little bit. This is ridiculously early. I'm going out dancing at the Carlyle club as soon as I get there, apparently.

What a great night.

Yesterday we had a really great night here. Ali wore my dad's kilt (without the underwear, of course). We contemplated over life's big issues, had some drinks and cigars and were generally pleased with the way things turned out. Tonight I'm packing for DC, skipping the dance for the first time ever. Gaaaaahhhhhhhhhh, can someone please pop by for a dance on your way home from Tangopalatset?

Stop, look & listen baby!

I've had recent conversation with a dancer-friend of mine over here about the importance of doing nothing at all. He's a very interesting character. We're both a bit older than most of the people there, and life just flies by. Everything becomes a happy-go-lucky mess of sorts, and you never take a break, never sit down and wait for things, thoughts to enter your brain. You never allow them to. I told him this yesterday, and that we should both take a week-long break from all activities etc and try to see what happens if we stay at home by ourselves. It's probably better for you than 100 yoga sessions. I dared him and myself both to do it. We'll see.

That being said, DC awaits and I don't have time to take a break right now. :)

This week's swingmail...

I just received this mass-email from Gottaswing.com:

Tuesday, October 21

Join us in welcoming Lina Kvist, Gottaswing's first (and thus far, only) official Swedish pen pal on her first visit to the United States. Arriving on Thursday, she'll be our guest for about 10 days and will be traveling around to our various Gottaswing dances. Stop by and say, "Tja!" Then ask her to dance, please.

Very flattering to receive this kind of welcome, I must say, although it makes me slightly nervous. And no, it's not my first visit to the United States, neither to DC - I lived in Dobbs Ferry, New York for a year when I was 16. Best year of my life, I would say.

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3

DC is slowly becoming reality in my head. I cannot begin to tell you how exciting this is.

Today at the dance, Johan N showed me some dips and I totally loved it - sometimes I think that people take for granted that you do some manuever and you're all set - but for me, I do the dip, I manage it, and you have to realise this is the first time ever I can do these things. It's huge. It's like losing your virginity, of sorts. :)

Washington DC - the ultimate getaway

I've had one of the worst weeks possible. If I work very hard during the next few days, I'll feel extatic when I'm on the plane bound for DC on Friday. Please, let this week be better than my last. I so hated it...

DC - the ultimate getaway? I'll be dancing with Tom and other people. I can't wait to get away from this place right now. My brain is so pre-occupied, I find it hard to focus. I thought I was ready, but it turned out I was wrong. Maybe, just maybe now, I am, however. Remains to be seen. Below you'll see Jean Veloz, the lady dancing with Tom Koerner in the photo, in "Groovie Movie".

Mitt nya liv

Mitt nya liv är definitivt rikare och mer givande än mitt förra, på så många plan. Jag älskar människor, och umgås mycket med mina vänner. Det visar sig dock att det ibland kan bli lite för mycket av det goda. Ska nog se om jag inte kan försöka ha en dansfri vecka. Det tar emot nåt enormt, men jag tror det kan behövas, inte minst med tanke på resan till USA - måste packa och fixa och dona.

Igår fick jag en fin komplimang: "inser du hur underbar du är som sätter guldkant på människors vardag?" Det var verkligen snällt sagt.

Kom på att min första dansbild togs nån gång i mars eller april och är med Anton, som var här igår. Den bilden visar nog rätt så tydligt hur jag tycker att det känns när man dansar.

Dinner with friends #3

Yesterday I had 5 friends over for dinner. The purpose is to get to know them better, because we dance all week long but rarely talk to one another. This time around, the guests at the table were: Johan N, Ali, Magdalena, Anton & Matilda. It was a great night with quite nice food and lots of wine. I learned a few new things about each of them that I didn't know before, which was really cool.

Late last night..

The other day took its toll on me, for sure. I was dizzy all day yesterday and I wasn't very good on the dance floor, although, I had a ball, as always.

Busy week ahead and countdown to Washington DC begins...

stryk!!

Snälla kan nån se till att snabbt som fan stryka dagens datum ur kalendern. Vill aldrig mer tänka på att den här dan fanns.

Som tur är finns det en säng. Som tur är finns det tonfiskpasta.

Dans är som espresso!

Igår på dansen var tempot väldigt högt och energin var på topp. Jag dansade väldigt många danser och häftigaste ögonblicket var när jag klarade en dipp som jag inte klarat tidigare med Micke Antich. Skithäftigt.

Tyvärr hann jag inte dansa med alla mina goa killar, och alla var inte ens där. Men så är det ju, vi börjar bli rätt många som är där.

Denna och nästa vecka är väldigt hektiska och jag får anstränga mig till det yttersta för att hinna med allt.

Som sagt var, epresso eller dans - vad som finns att tillgå, funkar bra för mig!

Att sätta gränser

Idag har till stor del handlat om att sätta gränser. Jag har sagt ifrån till en elev, min chef, min kollega och en av mina vänner. Konstigt att det sammanföll på en och samma dag. Jag har ganska svårt för att visa vart bordet ska stå ibland, men idag kändes det helt befogat, naturligt och rätt.

Remember, regain territory. Man är värd att ta plats.

Yesterday

Yesterday we had a whisky sampling night at Anton's. It was very laid-back and pleasant. I must say, however, that the "Smokehead" whisky didn't work for me.

The "Can-I-have-a-pint-of-Macallan-please" story went down well, as always. Oh how I miss those days now all of a sudden. Hi to you dearest friend/"wife"/reader.

I want!

All I can think about today is this. Isn't it great?

Tired

Just been hanging around at home for the past two days. Feels kinda weird. I'm not used to it. I'm so tired though, I fall asleep no matter what I do.

Speaking of which, I'll take a nap now so I have energy for the dance tonight.

See it Once, see it twice.

One of the best films I've seen. Simple and terrific.

"Out of my league?"

What does that mean? Isn't that a very relative phrase? I've heard myself say it recently, but listen to it: "It's out of my league". Doesn't that just mean you're degrading yourself? Nothing is no longer out of my league, it may just not be IT for me.

Monday at Kårhuset

I don't know why, but I feel happy right now. Dancing at Kårhuset in Lund yesterday was bliss. I danced with some of the guys in beginner/intermediate class. My best dance yesterday, however, was with Johan Åkers. Anton came in as a close second.:)

Isn't it great to have this dance on Mondays? That way, you can't say that you dislike Mondays anymore. Oh.... reminds me... great song:

Weekend fun

Jag har haft en fin helg. Mina vänner är så gulliga. Fest hos mig i fredags och igår var det möte med Cats' Corner som övergick i en höstfest med efterfest hos Johan. Jag har inte skrattat så mycket på länge. Om inte helt fullt ut, så tror jag ändå att vi löste några av världsproblemen igår.

What personality type are you?

Here's a personality type test for you. I am an ESFP. I can't say that surprised me. What surprises me is that I just realized that I think the old saying "opposites attract" still goes a long way!

Eye surgery

I've had a lazy eye since I was born three months premature. It prevents binocular vision, and I have never even thought about doing anything about it.

I was never bothered with it. I'm quite comfortable with who I am and what I can do and I don't need to prove myself to people. But I do find, that when I started dancing I have a bit of a hard time looking people in the eyes, basically because I'm physically a bit unable to!

Tom, my friend in America, has suggested and talked alot about eye surgery. I'm seriously thinking about it. Not only would it look nicer, it would make me more comfortable, confident and the eye itself less runny if it's windy out, etc. I'll have a think about it anyway...

Oooooo

I helped the sound guy at Mejeriet tonight, quite neat. Dancing was so good... I'm so tired and my feet are hurting.

I want to thank everyone in my life for making today especially nice.

When dancing briefly became a competition

Confession: I never thought I was competitive. But you know what? I am, a little bit. Almost all the people I hang out with are now in the intermediate - advanced class, while I'm still in intermediate. Most of those friends, however, have been dancing for a good year or so more than me, so fair enough. But a few of them have been moved up even though we started at the same time. This was a bit of a blow to the ego, I must admit.. I've worked so hard, and eat, breathe and sleep dancing, pretty much. But yet, I have to accept the fact that a. I think that I'm in the correct level and b. some people are faster learners than others. I just hope I can see / feel / get feedback on more progress soon.

Dancing for five hours yesterday hurt my feet. I was helping out as an extra in the beginner - intermediate class, then went on to my own intermediate class (which is excellent, by the way) and finally onto the jazz routines class. Johan N, Håkan and I went out for dinner afterwards.

Dancing again tonight to Atle Big Band in Mejeriet, Lund. Will be great!

Höstfint

Yesterday I went for coffee with Sara. We sat outdoors in the sun, contemplating and discussing big issues. Afterwards, we went past a plant store and I bought some nice things for my balcony. It's getting colder and I hope I'll be able to use it for quite a long time still.

Dancing in Lund today. I can't wait, as usual. I'll be an extra in the beginner/intermediate class first, then go to my own intermediate class, and after that on to the charleston class.

Jason Mraz i Lund

Just nu känner jag inte för att skriva på engelska, och tänker inte heller göra det. Ikväll var Mårten, jag, Emma V och Maria Davidsson på en konsert med vår favvis Jason Mraz i Lund. Perfekt konsert - ljudet var på topp och fansen (vi) jublade!


Detta klipp är från en tidigare konsert i Amsterdam. Häftig ny värld där publikhavet blinkar av filmande mobiltelefoner... Blunda och njut av denna härliga låt.

Livsnjutarklubben

Ja, det var en fin kväll. Jag, Johan Åkers, Micke Rundberg, Roberg Klingvall, Maria Schilling och Lovisa Malmgren Appelqvist. Tyvärr dök inte alla upp vid bryggan, och tyvärr rådde lite missförstånd vad gällde bad, och tyvärr funkade inte högtalarna utan sladd. Men vi som var där hade fantastisk tur. En solnedgång utan dess like, bad av Lina och Micke, och champagnen tog vi med oss hem, där Robert höll välkomsttal genom mitt fönster. Vi åt middag och hade mycket trevligt. Jag önskar att alla människor kunde prioritera det goda i livet, så som vi valde att göra denna kväll (och faktiskt de flesta andra kvällar också...)

Flowers, candles and cleaning sollution

I've spent quite some time cleaning up in here recently. It needed doing. Sitting here with my coffee, fresh roses and candles makes me quite proud of myself. Anyone for a dance?

Mmmmm

Sometimes I think I'm so in love with this dance that I don't need anything else. Luckily I still have some ketchup in the fridge.

Oh shit.

Mindfulness

I was having a conversation with someone a few days ago about mindfulness. It reminded me, again, how important it is to stop and try to be present right here, instead of either dwelling on the past or thinking about what's to come. There's nothing you can do about the past, and sure, you can think about the future - but if you do, you risk wasting alot of precious time that you could have spent actually living your life today. I know alot of people who say that life flies by way too quickly. If you feel this way, try the things I've mentioned below for a few days. I promise, you will remember those days very clearly.

As for me, I don't think too much about what I should or shouldn't have done. I do, however, let my mind wander sometimes. Right now, for example, I think about my DC trip. So I need to get on with business in the following fashion:

A few things to try:
1. When you take your shower in the morning - how does the soap feel on your skin? Is the water hot or cold? When you feel your mind wander off, think about the above again. Force yourself to focus on those things alone.

2. When you have breakfast - What does your sandwich taste like? When you're touching it, what texture does it have? What flavours can you deceipher?

3. Walking/cycling/driving to work - look around you? Have you seen those particular trees before? How many are there? What colour are the leaves?

In short, try to just live in the moment. Feel textures, look at colours, what do things taste like? It's takes alot of pracise, but I can assure you, things will slow down, and you'll feel so much more relaxed. Things will also seem more meaningful all of a sudden, and not just this big mess of time that just seems to pass with an endless amount of activities.

Good luck! I'll start now for a few days...

Party at Mårten's parents' place

Went to a party yesterday at Mårten's parents' farm. It's a great place and they have lots of animals there like Highland Cattle, horses. I went with Olle in his car, and we stopped in Sjöbo to buy food for the BBQ. Had a lot of good talks with him. The BBQ was nice, but silly me had forgotten the hot dogs at home! They have an outdoor tub that we had a bath in and you could see the stars. Fantastic! I reckon my parents should have one like it.

Was woken up by O this morning at 8 am and we headed back. I've had some fresh air this weekend that's for sure, in all kinds of ways.

Dance with me!

I would pay a lot of money to have someone nice right here to dance with, when I hear this. In a dream world, of course, that nice someone would be here dancing because he wanted to.

Continued...

Here is a photo of Erik from yesterday. Makes me smile to see all the happy people I hang out with.

Blues dancing & BBQ at St 21

Yesterday I went to Hepcat Store in Lund, where they sell retro gear etc, to have BBQ and to dance blues on their dusty old attic. It was love at first sight, and what a charming place it was! I could have danced all night. I would have liked to stayed the night there on the floor. In blues dancing, I just learned that you're not supposed to connect with the hips, only the upper part of your body.

Party tomorrow at Mårtens' parents'. Swell!