HDC - day 3, Swingin in the Rain

Classes today were great, especially the last class with Hasse & Marie, which was all about feeling and connection, not so much about fancy moves. It pissed down with rain all day, however. I've become addicted to this thing they have here called banana bread (it's like a really juicy sponge cake with lots of banana and walnuts in it). Yummy... Speaking of which, I'd better go out dancing now as well as eat something. It's past midnight. Some people are resting. I've just been to Folkets Hus, where Lennart interviewed the old timers, like Dawn Hampton. She was amazing to listen to.

Swing dogs chose winning flavour at the Ice Cream Parlour

At tonight's meeting, Lennart introduced 3 dogs on stage and their owners. (participants at the camp who brought dogs). He then proceeded to say that the dogs were to be let loose on stage and run up to the bowl containing the yummiest ice cream. It was the funniest thing I've seen! The dogs of course, had no idea they were so funny. The winning flavour was..........
Pistacio!

Dawn Hampton

I went straight up to Dawn Hampton yesterday. She was sitting on the side watching the dancing. I kissed her cheek and said "You are wonderful, it's my first time here!" "ooooooh, you're in for a treat", she replied. I said: "EVERY word you say go straight to the heart! She was very moved by it, and I told her I'd seen her on DVD etc. I said she ought to write a book. I think I made her happy and it was great. I love the lady, she's all heart.

Yesterday, at the meeting, she said:
"Go home and tell your friends alllll about Herräng. And if you don't have any friends, tell your enemies!"

HDC, day 2 - First 3 classes

A photo from last night's meeting. Here are all the teachers for this week, dancing to the Muppet Show Theme song. Lennart has an eye for fashion, don't you think?

Well, today was first day of classes. We had 3 lessons with some free time in between, where I could have coffee and just hang out. The first class was taught by a Swedish couple, the second by Shane & Ruth from Australia (difficult...) and the last was taught by a French couple who were great, the best today in my opinon. After dinner (I had fish again), I filmed a short video with someone from the course so we would remember today's class.

Not much rest today unfortunately. Will go to the meeting again in 10 minutes. Then a crash course, or taster in something interesting. After that, social dancing until some ridiculous hour.

I feel I'm getting a little irritated when I don't learn quickly enough. I also hate people who say "do you have a problem with balance?". I've also now figured out when to shower, when to get up, and what to bring to different places. It's tricky here, since it's sometimes dark and people are asleep in here.

HDC, day 1 - Going Underground

Yesterday we drove from Malmö to Åkerholm. Karin, Maria and I were all pretty tired by the time we left at 6 pm. We then had many great philosophical discussions and sang Hasse å Tage songs on the way to my parents' house. When we arrived, we ate lasagna and had some red wine. Went to bed around 1 am. Set the alarm for 8 am today. Last night of proper sleep in awhile.

I woke up earlyish, a bit restless. Thinking about Herräng and what it will be like there. I think it's virtually impossible to imagine how it will be before you get there and see it for yourself. I just have this feeling it will be like going underground for three weeks: different people, different bed, different surroundings, different food, but most of all a different lifestyle - virtually no sleep, adrenaline rushing through your veins 24/7. Yes, "Going Underground" is what we're all about to do. See you guys back in the real world later.


Arrived at 3.30, checked in, paid for course. Everything is crazy but cool mayhem around here. There's 10 beds in our room, quite good. Spoke to a guy in my adjoining bed, Charles from Stockholm. He's been here for seven years in a row. Waiting for the first meeting tonight and first social dance. Food was great - fish. You get so much though...

My Happy Ending?

I was out in town with Sara yesterday. We watched Sex and the City at the movies, and since we're both huge fans, we loved it! Afterwards, we went to a bar and had a drink and talked for a long time - a really good, long heartfelt conversation, mostly about relationships. I have feelings for someone at the moment, but who knows. I need to focus on the dance.

Tom in America called. Right now, I feel like he's the closest friend I've ever had, although we've only known each other for six months. He says things like "If you ever need anything..", which was so nice. I'm really touched that people who aren't even in my family can be so nice and unselfish and giving, a safety net of sorts or a sturdy wall to lean on. I can't wait to go over there to dance and learn more.

1 day before take-off

I keep waking up very early, (like today at 4 am) or sleeping for ten hours. It varies. My body is kind of excited for many reasons and I'm probably a bit nervous about the Herräng experience. I'm not nervous for the dancing or anything. Probably just a bit worried that I will forget something important. I know now that my cats are taken care of and doing fine, which is very nice. My car is all set, I can relax there too. I've written the packing list. Can relax there too. I bought stuff in town. Phew.

Still need to wash today, do the physical packing, post some stuff, meet up with Sara, get instructions on Herräng.com, take out money, get a haircut, take rubbish out and water plants. I have everything written down carefully so not to forget anything, so it probably won't be a problem, but it will still be nice once we're actually in the car, on our way.