And another

The song we filmed before the previous one. A bit better I think.

Last Day Impressions

Last day. Last morning. Last eggs. Last goodbyes.
I've had an amazing time here. People have made me feel very welcome and special. I owe alot to Tom for that. I've been dancing loads - 9 nights in total. I've probably gotten more experienced on the dance floor even if last nights dancing didn't show the results I was after. Sure important to take the steps, but right now, I'll work on trying to mirror what the guy is doing. I don't really want to go home, but I guess I'm going to have to. I like my life back home too, and it's going to be great to see my friends again.

Last dance with Mr Tom

Last night of dancing. I had loads of fun dances, and the music was nice, and choppy, albeit a bit too much of the same thing. Danced with all kinds of people including four dances with Tom which is alot. He's been telling me earlier to try to be more upright and I'm working on that, and also taking smaller steps than before. But then today, things didn't turn out the way I had plannned, First, I hit him on the nose with my elbow. How embarrassing. Then, we filmed one song and I'm focused on doing my triple steps like I've been told by everybody. After the dance he says: Do you want an evaluation of your dancing? Yeah of course I did. He said: "Are you aware of how much you move" "You move so much you're making me exhausted and you're using up all your energy". I realized then, that I'm just doing the step at all costs, at all times, and I'm not mirroring the guy, at least not here. I want to be able to follow everybody, not just Swedes, and not just Swedes in my own dance community. We all speak different dialects, and I can understand and speak my own, but clearly not everyone else's. Yet. There are alot of things that have improved though, but hell, I'm kinda pissed off right now, and I'm going to get those things fixed. Crap ending. Again. Well, I'm gonna fix that too.

I danced with this guy!

I've been dancing quite alot with a guy who is just here visiting. The one who is travelling the country in his mobile home that I told you about? I found a clip at Larry's of him doing the ProAms with Carla! He'll be there tonight too, I think.

Elan and Cheesecake Factory

I should have bought the cheesecake itself, NOT the popcorn shrimp! Oh well. Another time. Today after classes at Elan we went to Cheesecake Factory to eat, and then Tom drove me home. We talked alot today, and it was really really great. Earlier in the day I'd had brunch with Larry and Bob, and afterwards I spent alot of time talking to Bob about dancing, while Larry was watching his football game.

Spent the day with Tom, finished off with The Boilermakers

Tom asked if I wanted to hang out for a bit, so I took the Metro to Vienna/Fairfax, where he lives. He picked me up after like 45 minutess, and took me to Artie's - a restaurant which serves classic American food. I had crab cakes, he had chicken club sandwich. Was very good. I got the check this time. We went home to his beautiful house, the biggest I've ever seen. The President could well live there, that's how beautiful it is. I played with Raymond, his youngest son, who is 3. Lovely kid! So cute! They were all going to their cousins to go trick-or-treating in the rain, so they dropped me off at the metro station.

Larry and I got ready to go to Glen Echo. The Boilermakers were playing. Some highlights were "Sweet Sue". Naomi Uyama was the singer. I think they were good, but the young crowd here think they're the bees knees - I think they are highly overrated. Nonetheless, I had really fun dancing tonight despite the absence of Tom & Deb. I think, however, that T&D's dances have a much more welcoming, warmer feel to them, these younger kids stand around in groups talking and/or dancing. I didn't get turned down when I asked some of them to dance, but alot of them looked at the floor and not at me. There were exceptions though which I liked.

My request

I so would love to have Tom pick his favourite three songs of all time, bring them to Elan Dance center tomorrow night, and dance them with me, and put that on tape as a memory. But without any type of instruction or feedback, just go with the music and dance, no matter what happens. I really wish that could happen.

Tom & Debra's Halloween Dance at CCB

Went to lunch with Bob Kleinpeter, who treated us. I laughed so hard. This guy is funny and can really tell some crazy stories: "I always dance with some beginners. This girl comes up to me and asks me to dance. She's all nervous and says "I'm just a beginner." Don't worry about that, I said, we've all been there. Just don't embarrass me in front of my friends". Very funny guy. Will look forward to dancing with him some more tonight and film some.

Stayed home during the afternoon and watched dance clips. Larry took me to CCB where Tom and Deb had their dance. I saw fat ladies with bare legs dressed up as cats, and other horrible things, and nobody there seemed to be able to know how to dance very much except two people or three. I danced with an older guy from Michigan. Retired, had a mobile home and escaped the colder months with his wife to other cities and they dance wherever they go. He was great!!

As the night progressed, more good dancers came in. I danced alot with a guy called Dave (not the Dave from the other day), Joe, and also Tom. Tom gave me useful feedback today and I had fun dances with him. Debra also gave me feedback. Afterwards, Tom and I went by ourselves to Metro 29 - a Diner. There were loads of people there, a Halloween Party, Anyway, we talked about everything as usual, and I had a great time. He paid for dinner which made me happy. Talked in the car too, and decided to meet up again this afternoon, ie Saturday. I'll brief on that later. Tonight, there's the Halloween dance at Glen Echo which Larry and I will go to.

Downtown DC and steakhouse dinner

Today a guy called Dave Dante who is also a dancer, took me to see some stuff downtown DC. We went to the Bureau of printing and engraving where they make the dollar bills. Then we went to the Smithsonian Museum of American History, saw the Washington monument, had lunch in a restaurant, went up in the old Postal office Pavillion building to watch the view, and finally went to Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Would like to have seen the air and space museum, but I'll try to do that before I go.


This evening Tom took us all out to a restaurant, and I was happy about that. He really is something special. I had a Cosmopolitan and felt pretty damn content with life!

Lost Dog Café & Nick's Nightclub

Didn't have breakfast this morning. Instead, we went to the Lost Dog café and had two beers and a pizza. All the nutritients you could ever ask for! After that, I headed off for some quick shopping at the mall. Bought a pair of jeans and some high heels.


In the evening, we went to Nick's a nightclub but it's more like one of these little bars you see in American movies filled with guys in hats and country music blasting from the speakers. The dancers tonight weren't that great, to be honest. I enjoyed dancing with Dabe, Bob Kleinpeter and of course Larry too. And Dave Dante. I'm going to go into DC with him tomorrow and he's going to show me around. Hence, it's sleepy time.

Tue at Clarendon Ballroom

Wrote two nice emails this morning that made me feel really good for the rest of the day. Larry took me to his friend's kid's birthday party. Two professional dancers - Thomas and Tricia who live nearby. Their kid Jamie was adorable. Stayed for awhile, met Tricia's Swedish friend from Huddinge and her two daughters. It made me feel like I wanted to keep in touch with people from high school again. Must do that.

Fell asleep for a few hours during the day, and then I left for Clarendon Ballroom which here in Arlington. It's a great place, last time the electricity went, and today it's leaking through the ceiling (aparently has done so since forever too). Tom danced with me, and told me he wants more resistance in my frame, especially in the fast songs. He tried the skipping lindy which I've never done, the jump charleston which apparently they stole from Eric and Sylvia - and his trademark skip. I wasn't up to scratch to mirror that so quickly. Must ask him to teach me again on Friday. I feel stupid too taking up people's precious time by asking them to teach me stuff. I had three dances with him in total including the last song. Very good dancing there.

I helped them move PA system etc, and I got a ride home from Tom again. We drove around for a bit, and we stayed in the car talking again. I'm so flattered he enjoys it just as much as I do. I really am lucky to have such a great person in my life.

Monday Night at CCB

Slept late. Went on treadmill for an hour. Felt great! At 8, Bob Kleinpeter took me to the dance, and again, I was introduced by Tom, lovely lovely Tom. He's such a wonderful guy. The dance afterwards was no more than OK. Not so many good people to dance with although I had a few nice moments, the nicest being the last song of the evening: That's not my Name, by the Ting Tings. Five Fun minutes with Tom Koerner on the floor. Went out to eat after, and I reunited with Dave, a guy I met here last year. He'll probably take me out on the town on Friday. Tom drove us home, and when I arrived, it was POURING down with rain. I mean really pouring. It was interesting trying to run for the door there...

Brunch, rest and classes

Had brunch with Larry today. Walked to a quaint little place with a really nice buffet. I've told myselt to stay easy on the food over here, but it's hard on days like this. Some pancakes, maple-glazed sausages and scrambled eggs, yummy! I stayed on in town and did some shopping. Rested for most of the afternoon, and then Larry gave me a ride to Elan dance center, where I took a Charleston class with Tom. He kept telling them stories of how we started talking on Skype. I learned a few new moves: Swedish S-turn, Larry's move and jumping Charleston. Lovely.

After class, Tom and Debra took me to the Silver Diner. I had a Ceasar salad. Delicious. They told me their story, and how they met Fayard Nicholas for the first time. I was flattered to have them telling me all this stuff. We also talked about running a swing dance business, and I learned alot from that. Tom drove me home.

Woke up 3 am. Silly jetlag.

Glen Echo

Today was very humid. Indian summer at its best but with the additional light drizzle. The changing leaves are beautiful. I wish I had someone to share all this with right now, Larry gave me a ride into the shops and I bought some neat shirts and had a pretzel with spinach and feta for lunch. Came back home and practised some styling upstairs. I love the mirrors because you get instant feedback that way.

Went to Glen Echo with Larry. Got there at the end of Tom and Debra's class at 8.45. There were sooo many people there. I danced constantly the whole night. Dancing with Tom again was perfect. I really am a lucky girl. We danced two dances yesterday. Because it was his and Debra's dance, they were both busy working the room. I was introduced by Tom from stage, and everyone wanted to dance with me. Lucky me.

Afterwards, we had food and drinks in a Diner nearby. I had a grilled cheese sandwich with bacon and some tea. John Mortenson, a dancer and a pilot, was there too. Nice guy. Funny with people you're only friends with on Facebook... :) Tom gave me a ride home and I was back around 1.30 am. Still quite jetlagged...

Arriving in DC

Dancing on Thursday was like floating on air. I think something is working now, that never worked before. Very very very cool feeling. I had to say goodbye to all my friends which was okay since I'll only be here for 12 days. But the sad part was saying goodbye to Anton who is leaving for China soon to work for six weeks, and to Olle and Johan who are leaving for Egypt the day I return. I didn't go to bed at all on Thursday, just stayed up all night and packed.

The trip here was okay apart from a 1,5 hour delay from Kastrup, which meant we had to run through Shiphol (it's huge) with lugggage. I didn't think I could run, but I think I'm going to have to thank lindy hop with greater over-all fitness.

Arrived at 6 ish pm. Larry picked me up at the airport. When we got back Larry gave me two really good beers, from microbreweries around here. Made me a bit tipsy. Danced some with Larry, then watched loads of Lindy clips with him upstairs where he has turned the house into a dance studio.

Went to be at ten - woke up at five. PHew. Today's plan: excersise on treadmill, relax and tonight, meet Tom and Debra at Glen Echo!!

Sauna on Sövdesjön

8 degrees C in the air, and 7 in the water. 12 people on a raft-like boat which consisted of a sauna with a stove for wood in the middle. Windows on all sides. Nice autumn colours outside. Bloody wonderful. A really cool, and indeed cooling experience. I thoroughly recommend it to anyone seeking something a little different. Something even more bizarre occurred when I accidentally left all my dry underwear in the car. This resulted in me driving back to Ali's house in the robe... Funny times. :)

Sauna on a boat in Sövdesjön.

Thanks to Ali for arranging this beautiful day. We went to his place after, and made lasagna, drank some wine and talked alot.

Love,
xxx

The T-bone and the outdoors

Went to a friend's house and had a small BBQ. Olle, me, Johan Norin, Johanna and her boyfriend Carter were there. Lovely evening with some wine and really lovely food. I loved it. Pretty nice to stand outdoors too in the cold with gloves on! I really do lead a pretty nice life.

I never used to live this kind of life. It's just turned out to be something absolutely extraordinary.

Segelflyg i Landskrona

Bestämde hastigt och lustigt att jag skulle följa med Olle och flyga segelflyg idag på Landskrona Flygklubb där han är aktiv både som skolchef och smörgåstårteexpert. Fint initiativ, som jag blev väldigt glad över. Klart man måste hänga med på en sån grej. Fick tjusiga rundturen av klubbstugan och hangaren, hörde gamla-i-gemet-gubbarna sitta och prata flyghistorier, vilket fick mig att tänka på när jag var liten och det lät likadant i mitt vardagsrum. Olle visade vad de olika mätarna betydde och efter att ha krängt på sig tjusiga illblå fallskärmsmojängen var man redo att starta. Han bak. Jag fram.

Väl uppe i luften var det ingen termik alls (vart har jag hört uttrycket "light cats förrut?), vilket förvånade mig lite. Det är en känsla som är svår att beskriva. Det känns nästan lite overkligt att sitta där och sväva fram, ljudlöst och lyssna på vinden. Lite som att sitta ensam vid havet och lyssna på vågorna, fast från ovan. Men bara nästan. Man känner sig ganska liten där man sitter, men känslan är mäktig och jag kan tänka mig att när man flyger själv för första gången är det nog rätt oslagbart. Utsikten var magnifik - man såg halva världen kändes det som. (Det gjorde man naturligtvis inte, men det kändes så då). Tror vi var uppe på 1500 meters höjd, eller något sånt. Fick testa att spaka lite också, och det var jättekul! Insåg dock snabbt min talangbegränsning när Olle frågade mig om jag visste var flygfältet var någonstans och jag fick svara negativt på den frågan.


Har ni åkt berg-och-dalbana på taken av hotellen i Las Vegas nångång? Det är väl det närmsta man kan komma vad gäller det som hände sen. Som tur är har jag tre kronor på banken om jag händelsevis skulle råka bli skadeståndsskyldig till stackars Olle som nog blev döv på köpet, i nåt svagt ögonblick då man inte visste vad som var upp och ner.


Pappa Leif som har varit pilot tyckte detta var minst lika kul som jag, trots att han inte var där, och berättade att han just rotat fram sitt gamla segelflygcert inbundet i brunt linne med gult och blått band, och att det där står inskrivet: "Bergfalke".

"Släpade" mest på den tiden (tidigt 60tal)på Kronobergshed och Ålleberg...kommer väl ihåg en härlig sommardag på K-hed med över 60 starter..."

Plans and things

I've just booked a ski-trip with some of my friends. We'll go to France in February. I haven't seen a pair a skis (let alone used them) since I was...what? 13? 12? Will be interesting to see if it's like riding a bike.

I've been doing a bit of tap dancing lately. I never thought I would like it, but I'm really enjoying it alot. At least when I remember the patterns. I think I'll have to film it soon and practise a bit. I don't really have anywhere to practise right now, which is a bit of a shame. Maybe we'll get a place to hang out with our tap shoes once a week.

Other than that, life consists of gym, dance work and social life - like it should. Life is gorgous just now. I'm loving it.

Oh yes!

Today I'm proud of where I am in my life. I've spent alot of time recently trying to implement some easy routines - like eating breakfast (harder than you would think), and keeping my flat clean and tidy and, most importantly, spending more time alone, and relying on the fact that people WILL contact me even if I choose not to initiate it. I love organizing events, parties, get-togethers of all kinds - but I've realized, that there are more people out there who are perfectly capable of doing it too.

I've spent alot of time in the gym, losing quite alot of weight and just gaining more control over my body the way it moves, or rather, the way I choose to move it. To me, there are two things that prevents me from taking a huge step on the Lindy Ladder - 1.lack of body control, due to poor general fitness and 2. a mental block, which is only there, really, because the body control-thing doesn't work like it should. I find, as I work out more, I become more aware of what's going on, and I feel stronger, I realize when I have bad posture or jump around too much. This in effect, makes me feel more confident - and as I see the changes coming, in the mirror, it's easier for me to let go of that stupid mental block.

Come on, just bring it on! I'm ready.

Tangopalatset!

We started a new season at Tangopalatset yesterday. It was great to be back!

At school, we had a Banana theme day. I made short movies with my groups, and one came out like this:


These are the people I work with: Maria, Håkan (new guy) and Micke. All wearing something yellow because of the Banana theme.

Herrängnatten

Yesterday I organized an event called Herräng Night on the jetty by the beach overlooking the harbour and the skyline (if there ever was one). Absolutely stunning! About thirty people came and I had some people helping out with music, sound and baking.

We started at 9 pm and about 30 people showed up, in good spirits.




Olle Lybegård, official lighter.


Christina, Henrik, Annette, Ali & Johanna. Henrik is a dance teacher in Malmö, Johanna is a very good DJ (and great dancer too).



We danced, danced and danced some more. Had a little bit of wine, coffee and banana bread - a bit of shim sham, warm blankets and a last dance later... before we knew, it was 6 am and Ali and I had one last dance before leaving. It was daylight as we walked on the jetty on our way home.

Thanks to everybody who showed up for fantastic dances, and for making this one of the most memorable nights ever. Totally priceless.

Here's the last dance. 6 am after what? Nine hours of dancing, some wine and a swim in the sea. Not pretty, but that's not the point.




Photos by Ali Lindgren.

Time stood still for a moment

Had a talk, which turned out to be a good, long, heartfelt talk with a friend of mine last Sunday. I'm very happy we talked, because we needed to clarify what was going on. Anyway, that all took up alot of energy, and I'm ready to move on. For a few days now, I haven't felt the need to socialize at all. I think it's because it's been very hectic at work, at dance camps and, even at my parents'. I needed space.

Back on track now with the biggest smile on my face and my new tap shoes on.

Tap shim sham tonight with Johan x 2 and Maria. Maybe Olle will come too but I don't know. Anton is back in town today, just returned from Tokyo. Welcome back fellow swing music geek.

Your Feet's too big

Nope. No Fats Waller being played at the dance last night on the beach here in Malmö. Nonetheless, it was a perfect night with a beautiful sunset, and the rain decided to go away on holiday for awhile. It felt a bit stiff to dance, I thought. I have so many new things to think about when I dance, and also there is this feeling of people "testing you out" after Herräng, seeing how much (or how little) you have improved. It's scary. But it was fun, and we had a BBQ next to the floor.

I left at nine with a friend, with whom I had one of the best and longest talks outside my apartment. We needed that. Hopefully now, I can start clean-slated and be happy with the fact that we are really close friends.

Nawwww!

Still relaxing in the archipelago. Off home on Friday. I have a break from everything. In the meantime, I found this adorable photo.

Still thinking of H.

Gaaaahhhhhhh!!! I want to go back again!
I think it's inevitable for every dancer returning from Herräng to want to go back. Yes, you may be physically and mentally exhausted, but knowing it's not over up there, makes you want to be part of the whole thing. The picture is of me, Johan, Olle and Maria doing the tap shim sham - first time I ever tried :)

However, I'm sitting here, by the sea, enjoying the sun, trying to recover from the Herräng Flu (or the HDC09 virus). Almost two weeks now. Gah.

I've compiled the info I got from my private lessons, so it looks nice and tidy. I need a lot of social dancing to make all that work, I tell you.

Herräng Post Depression

Came to my parents' house in the archipelago to recover yesterday. So much for rehab - I stayed up until five a.m. watching Herräng / dance stuff on Youtube, chatting to people in Herräng on Facebook, posting pictures, emailed people, and ... had chocolate (I had no brownie, so plain chocolate had to do). Today I'll try some tap stuff on the deck outside, accompanied by birds, the sea and wind. That's music too, don't you know?

13 hours of madness

Folkets Hus. Theme Party. Think cartoons. Think superheroes. Imagine this small village in Sweden, which not even Swedes themselves have heard of, full of people from all over the world. Most of these people were wearing costumes of some kind. Some came as Superman, some came as the Joker. There was a Spiderman up on the roof. There was also a light reflection of the Batman sign up on the wall of Folkets Hus. Dancing was magnificent. So magnificent indeed, that I stayed up until 9.30 in the morning dancing. Gah. Many new doors opened for me tonight. I finally seemed to grasp the idea of matching your lead's tension, at all times. I hope I can maintain that sensation tonight and, more importantly, later on when I return back home. I feel completely drained today, after not having gone to bed at all. I will now, however, before I need to work with round 4 of Lennart's evening meetings. Last one for me this year. Over and out.

Oh, and what the hell happened there?

I'm just wondering what's going on. Today I had the private with Peter. It was really really nice. I feel like I'm thinking too much right now but that's natural. Like letting go of the crutches after surgery, or something. But then, dig this: During the meeting today, some dancers jumped down from the stage (I was watching for a change) and Peter Loggins asked me to dance. Oh yeah baby! I stayed on, and felt pretty tired, but asked some people to dance. Had decent dances. After dancing with Mannesson, Dax came up to me and asked me to dance. Let me repeat that: D A X A S K E D M E T O D A N C E !!

Pretty awesome day folks!!

Swingout!!!!!!!!!!!!

This routine has really made me love this dance even more. I've learned it in class this year, and I'm totally in love with it. Peter Strom and Ramona are both teaching here this week. Made sure I got a private with Peter today. He was absolutely awesome. Will try to apply some of the stuff we talked about to my dancing. It's of course really basic stuff, but it felt really good and different when I got it, with him. Standing in front of the Frankie memorial in Herräng doing swingouts with this guy was pretty hot. Marry me! Was funny when it made him smile when I had a "weeeee-moment". I love those.

Now, Savoy bacon, Savoy - where your feet start jumpin'...

SWINGOUT!!!!

The Dax

"You have to match the Dax!", he exclaimed, as I tried my best to relax. I had a private today, despite a very bad case of the Herräng Flu, (also known as the HDC09 Virus) with Dax Hock. He looks great when he dances. I have sat in on 3 or 4 classes and watched him and partner Alice Mei teach. Their teaching style is different and is all about body awareness when you lead and follow. I find it hard to get the hang of it, and to feel it. During the private we did some excercises together, did some walking and even some dancing. I was told I was too tense in my body all the time and that I should try to match the person I'm dancing with more, or else the dance and connection will cease to exist. I feel confused as ever afterwards, but I've taken notes and I will try to apply some of it when I dance without overdoing it and thinking too much.

Herräng week 1 day 5-6

Somehow, entering Folkets Hus on Wednesday was more exciting. I think it was the music. Something made me want to stay until the doors closed. I had a really good night dancing, so I stayed up all night, took a shower with warmish water by myself in the wee hours of the morning before taking a quick nap on the lawn. Yesterday was Cabaret night so I did the curtains for that, working with the acts and Shane McCarthy - who appeared in Lennart's orange seventies outfit. Lennart threw a fit before last night's meeting. He gets upset when things aren't working as planned. He wants flow and perfection.

My body was too tired yesterday for dancing. But tonight - tonight will be a different story.

Herräng 2009 - week 1

Ali and I departed on Friday, spending the night in Uppsala at his friend Sus's house. Well-rested, we headed off for Herräng in the morning. Being 3,5 hours early, we thought we'd be able to snatch good beds, but no! We were among the first in the line to take photos for passes (new for this year) though, and got good beds. Again, my roommates are Charlie and Jessica from Stockholm. We've had drinks before the dance every night so far - best thing in the world is when they open a few bottles of beer from their own brewery, Monk's, in Stockholm.

This week I'm taking classes. I had to audition and got into IA3 and it was a bit of a blow to the ego that everyone else from Lund that started dancing after me got into the middle level. I must say though, that I was unlucky to dance with two guys who couldn't do a swingout. One of them started the rockstep on the two. But yeah, it's probably my dancing too.

I've worked with Lennart doing the meetings this week. Fun as usual. Some social dancing too. Yesterday was bluesnight so I didn't dance much then. More dancing tonight,

Herräng Countdown

Before I knew it, it's now time to head off for Herräng again. This time I'll stay for three weeks. I'll take courses week 1, work as Stage Manager week 1 and 2, then just dance socially week 3. I'll go with Ali tomorrow via Uppsala, where we'll sleep at his friend's house overnight before heading up to Land of Chaos.

Right now I'm so tired I don't even know my own name. I wish for nothing but a warm bed, hours, days of sleeping. I feel like this BEFORE I go to dance camp. Holy shit. I wonder how I'll survive. Adrenalin I expect.

This is me signing off for now. See you in Herräng with updates as to how I'm decaying physically and mentally while learning to become a better dancer.

Love,
L

Progress

Here is a short clip I filmed in Herräng last year, when I'd been dancing for 4 months. Disgusting. I hope I have improved since. The second clip is from... I don't know, but I think a few months ago, so about 12 months worth of dancing? Johan has helped me a great deal, and I'm happy about that. THANK YOU!

Drinking with style

I never was a big drinker. I have a few glasses of wine, that's it. Of course, sometimes, shit happens. In Stockamöllan, however, I couldn't resist when Anton made this amazing offer. Once in a lifetime, kids!

A bit of this and a bit of that

I've been crap at updating the blog. I know. Very exhausting few months, but things are looking very bright. Herräng is approaching, and I'll go up there on Friday staying for three weeks with everybody. I hope that many of us will put up tents in the same area so we can hang out.

We had a great Midsummer's in Föreberg (like last year). Dancing loads, singing a bit during the early hours of the morning. Someone recommended I read "The Game", by Neil Strauss. It's about pick-up artists and how love-shy men can improve at the art of seduction. After a long discussion about this, I came to a very simple conclusion: So, when it's all said and done, you end up with this person you're attracted to, and you have to be YOURSELF all of a sudden - then what happens? Whether you used the "push-pull" effect with your person of interest or not, you're now left standing there in the nude, forcing yourself to be....well, just you. You know?

Had sandwiches from Subway in the park next to Mejeriet where we dance, yesterday. Thanks O for buying. I had a few glasses of wine. As always, I thought my dancing was brilliant afterwards :).

Stockamöllan

This year's Stockamöllan jazz Festival took place this weekend. I went in the car with Anders Malmberg (who took the photos you can see here). Had some fun dances, and really liked the shows Gunhild Carling put on. Saturday's dancing was disappointing due to the fact that the music was overwhelmingly fast and similar all the way through. I didn't feel like dancing so much. We had some classes, my favourite being one where we did kicks in the swingout, and also one called rhythm variations. We ended the weekend by dancing like crazy in a dirty room in the machine hall. When I took a shower I noticed my ankles had gone black from dust getting inside my jeans. It was a dirty job, but someone had to do it.


Monday's dancing was fantastic in mejeriet. I and Mannesson danced alot because we picked 1/3 of the songs each, kind of. Anton danced alot with me too. I totally loved the music and the dancing. Tomorrow, last session with Big Apple. Gotta practise now.

5 days and counting

Last week was the most hectic since I started working as a teacher. The police was there two days in a row, and I had eggs thrown on my car too. It was crazy. I was exhausted on Friday. Ali threw an excellent birthday party at his house in Blentarp. I tried an expensive wine, which was absolutely fantastic. Slept there, and came home today. Just been doing chores all day - washing, tidying.

One more week to go. Tomorrow we'll take the kids to Ribban, if the weather is nice. Tuesday we allow them to throw water balloons at us - (should be the other way around, this year...) and other activities. Wendnesday is cleaning day, thursday they all finish. Friday I have to work for awhile to finish the last stuff. Then it's time for Stockamöllan, a week off, then Midsummer's in Föreberg, and then Herräng for 3 weeks. I really can't wait.

After work this week I'll go to the gym, and also try to practise Big Apple. Johan let me come and learn it, and I'm always so grateful that he brings me along to things. It's great!

Vårfest vårfest hela dan!

Årets vårfest med Cats' Corner gick av stapeln igår. Nytillskott i form av eldkonstnärer gav festen ytterligare en dimension. Roliga grabbar det där! Dom dansar ju naturligtvis också. Kvällen var mycket angenäm och jag skrattade mer än jag gjort på länge. Underbart sällskap och mycket roliga samtal - skulle man sammanfatta det vi pratade om så fick det nog bli med den gamla devisen "Det var bättre förr!"

Grillfest grillfest hela dan!

Svenska idag. Orkar inte tänka på engelska just nu. Jaha, ännu en trevlig kväll med dansgänget. Ca 40 pers inledde sommaren hos Ingrid, med grillning enl. tradition. Mycket trevligt! Alla var där. Ikväll är det vårfest här i Malmö, som jag är med och fixar, så det blir väl att bege sig ditåt snart. Ali sover nog på soffan, som vanligt. Gårdagens höjdare inträffade när en tjej sa: "bästa myggmedlet är öronproppar, så man inte hör ljudet, resten kan man bekymra sig om senare". Vi fortsatte prata, och jag berättade om när jag campade i Yosemite och hur det var att se alla varningstexter om björnar där, och skåpen man var tvungen att låsa in allt i, inklusive sin solkräm som björnarna annars åt upp. Varvid Olle snabbt kläckte den ytterst vältajmade kommentaren:

"Hade du öronproppar mot dom också då?"

Perfekt tajming. Väldigt roligt.

The Great Wind-down

Activites, activities, activities, and an immense work-load during the last few weeks before we go on holiday for the summer, is really taking its toll on me. I'm not slowing down, because I like having alot to do. In the past 30 min, I fell asleep on the computer keyboard 3 times. :) Anyway, today saw the light of a reunion at the school I work at. I stayed after work, but couldn't bring myself to do any more grading. My brain couldn't take anymore. Overheated!? So I drew a picture, something I never do anymore, but used to before Internet came along. It was really relaxing. I should do it more often.

Progress

Yesterday, Mårten and Emma had a birthday party. Alot of people showed up, around 30 I would say. Quite a large number. Another large number is the attendance of the somewhat 700 that showed up at Tom's dance at Glen Echo last night for Tom Cunningham orchestra. I would have loved to be there. Today I'm buying a tent for Stockamöllan and Herräng, which I think will come in handy. I was also invited to learn (or re-learn?) the Big Apple routine in Lund. I was excited to fill my day with more dancing. Will try to work on a few things in my dancing and see where it takes me. Keeping my body together is one, second thing is to try to dance with a bit more attitude. I have a problem with that, in general, and my body language is nowhere near where I want it to be, not even when I teach. But when I'm on stage - you'll see a different person. I wish I could transfer that feeling to the dance floor, but I will, I'm sure, as I grow more confident, it's all about self conciousness. Third, I've been told to do bigger swivels so I'll work on that too.

I think I've improved when it comes to dancing to fast songs, but I can feel I'm not up to scratch. I think Stockamöllan will help. The music there is insane. It's fast. Three days of that, and you improve. For sure.

Healthwise, I'm going to bed earlier and lost 2,5 kg, by cutting out the junk food.

DJ Battle

Last night's dancing was great! (But sweaty!). I danced alot, and we had a DJ battle between Anton, Finn and Mårten. Anton won. All of them did a great job, and I think people enjoyed almost every song last night.

Tonight we're all going to Tuppen again so we can swinout amongst the civilians. Can't wait!

Dance disaster!

Yuck bloody yuck. Today was crap. I sucked. Period. Thursday, on the other hand, was probably the best night I've had, dancing. Weird.

In the country

Finally got to see Ali's place yesterday. It's funny - we talk every day in one way or another and have done for well, at least six months. Yet, I've never seen his place. A bunch of us went out there yesterday, some walked for hours, I didn't. I had recordings instead. We had a barbecue and lots of fun. Stayed up till 3 in the morning talking. This morning, I woke up, went outside sat in the sun and watched the horses and the beautiful fields.

Another Friday Night

Yesterday was practically my last day of teaching. I have a few more weeks to go but there will be mostly field trips and fun stuff. I baked Ali's famous rhubarb cake, but replaced the main ingredient with apples since rhubarb was nowhere to be found.

Today I have two recordings in the studio. After that I'm taking the car out to Ali's where I'll be meeting up with my friends who will have walked for miles and miles.

Herräng / Beach 2009

Who cares about the bikini-season? I've never cared, and I never will. What I do care about, however, is to learn how to incorporate routines into my daily life. I've never had them, even when I was a kid. Going to bed a certain time, or having dinner at a certain time never existed. Anyway, I want to get in shape. My body has told me it's unhappy, and that, in return, makes me less happy too. Herräng 2009 - something some of us dance nerds focus on, in order to become a bit more fit.

Here's my deal. I'm going to start to have routines in my life, bit by bit. This past week, I've worked on mainly one thing (everything else was a bonus): to go to bed at 11 and try to sleep 8 hours instead of my normal 6. I think I did pretty well! Maybe twice I slept less than 8 hours. I also managed to skip kebab, McDonald's candy and potato chips. Instead, I ate pea soup alot, and some other easy-to-make stuff. Started doing exercises, very basic.

week 2: This week I'll add a few long walks, and taking the bike to and from work.

Let your body decide

Well, the other day I had to face the facts about alot of things. I was exhausted from things that have occupied my mind for quite awhile, but also I have really abused my body by not getting enough sleep, and living off McDonald's, kebab and crisps and such. Now I've decided to sleep a bit more, and eat proper food. Just taken an evening walk with a friend of mine. Been two great days. We'll see if it changes the way I feel and perform.. Hope so.

Lovely

This comes pretty close to showing what I love about this dance. The song, the coreography, the bodies and faces - all merged in perfect harmony.

Frankie Manning - Ambassador of Lindyhop

Frankie died a few days ago. Sad as it is, I must say it's not bad to live and still dance in your 90s! I never got to meet him but I heard alot of stories from everybody, most of them from Tom who knew him very well. The thing that inspires me about Frankie is his personality. I want to be like that when I dance - love it, love every moment, or pass. Don't dance if your heart is not in it.


Here is Frankie talking to Tom, my best buddy in the whole world:


There must be alot of cats swingin' up in Heaven now!

Crazy busy

Thursday we had a barbecue at Håkan's in Lund. Most of the dancers I hang out with were all there. Then, hungover struck, and I spent most of Friday lying on the sofa. Ended the day by going to Johan's in Lund for whiskey sampling. I drove the Malmö people there, which meant I couldn't drink. I didn't really feel like it either yesterday. Anton, Åkers and Birgitta went. Today I've recorded 15 girls at their hen party. Went swell, but after that I had to stress like crazy to get my printer working so I could meet the 5 pm deadline, when someone I recorded last week was supposed to turn up to pick her CDs up. The pic shows the result. Tomorrow, I will grade papers, do my taxes with a friend and meet someone for a bit of wine. Then work the next day.

Deep breath.