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6 responses to "Lindy Hop and Argentine Tango Music from Dancing with the Stars 2009"

1. # Jasper commented on March 31st, 2009:

   I regularly find the media’s portrayal of Lindy Hop and Swing dancing to be unfortunately misinformed and therefor spreading ignorance to the masses.

   A quick comparison of last nights performances with a quick search of “Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown” clips on youtube will show even an untrained eye a world of difference between what the Lindy Hop scene (mimicking very well the original 30’s and 40’s Lindy Hoppers) does and how this is portrayed on television. Of course, the celebrities are not experienced dancers, but even then there is wide gulf between the television portrayal and basic step/form/and even airials performed by people dancing in the “living” Lindy Hop community.

   On a second note, the music is also misinformed. Most of what is played in the media as “swing” is really 50’s rock-n-roll or late 90’s neo-swing (which has more in common with rock-n-roll and blues than jazz). Go into most Lindy Hop events nationally and you’ll find them dancing to Jazz. “Swing” dancing had diminished considerably by the 50’s, and most of what was being dancing by then wouldn’t actually fall under “Lindy Hop.”

2. # John commented on March 31st, 2009:

   Jasper,
   I’ve seen much of the same. Although, I’m definitely liberal with my interpretation of what’s Lindy Hop. It’s the steps that define the dance more than the music in my book. So, I think it’s cool to Lindy Hop to all sort of music.

   At the end of the day, it’s about having fun and making something that entertains the dancer and those watching. So, whatever form it comes in doesn’t really matter.

   On that same note, I wish that Dancing with the Stars would allow even more flexibility to the choreographers rather than trying to enforce strict ballroom code.

3. # Jasper commented on April 1st, 2009:

   You’re right, it is all about making something entertaining – but I have to take issue with even the steps as they are often incorrect. In most instances the footwork doesn’t continue for more than a single pattern (one six or eight count for example) and then stops, if there is footwork it’s based on the six-count part of Lindy Hop, which by itself is just “Jitterbug” or “East Coast,” often Charleston steps are worked is (which is not a problem) but this is bastardized as well, AND I don’t think I can claim to have seen an actual “swing out,” the Lindy Hop’s signature move, in any performance yet.

   I know this is a bit technical, but I would expect something based on pro dancers and ballroom knowledge to be technical.

   I also agree that more flexibility would be nice – and I’d also like to see a more strict attempt to keep the footwork going. Like you said, it’s the steps the define the dance, but once they are replaced by flailing and kicking and acrobatics, is it really even the same thing?

   On music, yes, it can be fun to Lindy Hop to different types of music, and I don’t have a problem with that. What does bother me is a complete lack of at least one authentic representation – and this goes for music, footwork, aerials, everything really.

   So sure, it was fun and lots of people were entertained, but in all honesty it’s a fast food version of the artform.

4. # John commented on April 1st, 2009:

   Well, considering the popularity of fast food, maybe the show made a good choice.

   I’ve always wondered about some of the new dances from a technical standpoint since how can we expect even the pros to really know all that much about Lindy Hop. I wouldn’t be surprised if many of the pros were learning Lindy Hop at the same time as their partners. I’ve wondered if they’ve been given Lindy Hop experts to train the pros.

   I’m definitely not a traditionalist, so for me the entertainment was great and I hope they’ll do it again.

5. # Jasper commented on April 1st, 2009:

   That’s a good question. I don’t know what exactly is taught in ballroom Lindy Hop. In fact, I would guess Jitterbug and West Coast Swing would be more common.

   I know that on So You Think You Can Dance they’ve had Nick Williams train and choreograph on occasion, so I wouldn’t be surprised if other Lindy Hop experts were consulted. From Nick’s interview on LindyBloggers.com it sounds like he had to fight for every bit of authenticity he could. I have a feeling you’d find this interesting, along with the clips he links to in the second half of the article – talk about entertaining!

   http://www.lindybloggers.com/2008/09/29/interview-with-nick-williams/

   http://www.lindybloggers.com/2008/10/08/clip-tour-with-nick-williams/

   Again, notice the footwork…

6. # John commented on April 1st, 2009:

   I agree. I think West Coast Swing would be the most common for people from Ballroom.

   Nice links. I enjoyed learning more about Lindy Hop. Footwork really is key and why I suck at Lindy Hop.

   Actually, I owe a lot to Lindy Hop and swing dancing in general. My first real exposure to dancing was at a Swing Kids night at my college. I fell in love and went all the time. So, there’s a little background on my love for it.