In 1943, MGM studios filmed a short called Groovie Movie that showcased a style of Lindy Hop made popular in Southern California by Dean Collins. Our heroine, Jean Veloz (nee Phelps) starred in that film. It has since become a favorite of and inspiration for Lindy Hoppers all over the world.
See the original Groovie Movie at JeanVeloz.com>
Since first introducing Washington, DC to this style of Lindy in 1998, Tom and Debra have celebrated the original dancers and their delicious style with an annual event. This year we proudly feature 2007 World Swing Dance champions BENJAMIN RICARD AND GENEVIEVE KEROUAC, better known as BEN AND GEN. And of course, no weekend would be complete without our darling JEAN VELOZ. We're delighted to have Jean's brother RAY PHELPS back with us too.
Your nights will be filled with great dancing: we begin on Friday night at the sparking new Art Deco nightclub, the Carlyle Club, featuring the music of Philadelphia's CITY RHYTHM ORCHESTRA. You'll be introduced to our stars for the weekend, be treated to a special dance performance by Ben and Gen, and we'll show the film short that started it all, Groovie Movie. Saturday night will be a kick-out-the-jams dance at the beautiful Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park with the famous ERIC FELTEN JAZZ ORCHESTRA, with more memorable dance performances.
On Saturday and Sunday, we feature don't-miss workshops with Ben and Gen. Saturday concentrates on fun things to add to your dancing—dips and tricks, aerials, jazz footwork. On Sunday, three classes take you from the fundamentals of Jean's smooth Hollywood-style up to more advanced-level styling. These three classes are perfect to take in a series to allow you to more fully explore the shadings of this style of Lindy. Whether you're new to the delights of Lindy or an experienced dancer, you'll learn something new in each of these classes.
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