This past Sunday at the LAAF Festival in downtown Asheville The Flaming Azaleas debuted their Solo Vintage Jazz piece to a song called Jungle Nights in Harlem. They also debuted themselves. The Flaming Azaleas, the fabulous dancer, Eva Millwood and myself, have been born out of a love for Solo Jazz movement and the Lindy Hop.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Lindy Hop it is often referred to as the Grandfather of swing dance. Other swing dances would include the common 6 count East Coast Swing, Jitterbug, West Coast Swing, etc. A lot of people recognize it as that social dance where the dancers throw each other up in the air, also known as an aerial, in really creative, surprising and amazing ways.

The Lindy was born in the late 1920's in Harlem, NY by African Americans. As one site on the subject puts it "the blending of African and European dance had been simmering for over 75 years. The natural freeform style of African dance adopted the European notion of partnered or coupled dancing. The Ragtime Jazz and other popular music of the day delivered rhythms and tempos tailor made for the fast footwork and kick outs of the Charleston, and the Jazz/Tap patterns of the Black Bottom." -kclindyhop.org  The famous Savoy Ballroom in Harlem was where most of the moves were inspired and created. Like many things, during World War ll the Lindy Hop fell away but was revived in the 80's. Yet another reason to loooove the 80's! I'm so glad the 80's brought you back Lindy Hop.

I go out swing dancing every Tuesday night. Let me know if you want to come! And stay tuned for more updates on The Flaming Azaleas!

Here are some pretty pictures of Nicole and Jason dancing on their big day. It sure does make me happy to see such huge smiles on people's faces while they're dancing. Looks like, and sounds like, they had a good time: "The dance was wonderful. We had a lot of fun!" -Nicole  Hooray for love!

I've held my tongue long enough! I can now share my excitement about Kaylan and her dad's Father-Daughter Dance. Kaylan got married last Saturday. As she was preparing for her wedding she knew she wanted to do something special for her First Dance. Her now husband on the other hand wasn't so much in to being the center of attention so who did she turn to? Her Dad!

They were such a delight to work with. Neither of them had had much of any dance experience, but you see, this created an even bigger element for excitement and surprise. No one was expecting it! They kept it a secret from everyone. They started out with a slow song, Trace Adkins 'Then They Do', casually swaying back and forth then the infamous scratch and a break in to, yes ladies and gentlemen. . . .                   EVERYBODY DANCE NOW! I had so much fun choreographing to this song. It then transitions in to Santana's 'Smooth' which they do a little Salsa number to ending with everyone following them in a train around the dance floor. I can't wait to hear how it went!!

I was so inspired by how eager they were to learn and how excited they were at the thought of being able to share this with their family. I also appreciated that they quickly realized that the whole process would be much more satisfying and fun if they left their inhibitions at the door. So they did! I sure hope someone was videotaping! Hopefully you'll see it on my site soon!

Here is a teaser video, a beautiful teaser I must add, of Laura and Greg's wedding day including them practicing their dance in front of the Biltmore. Two Ring Studios does such lovely lovely videography. Click here to watch it.

It's easy to see from the amazing pictures that Laura and Greg's wedding at the Biltmore was a huge success. Blend Photography must be held responsible for these beautiful pictures. Check out their blog for more pictures, stories and the people that helped make it all come together. I don't know about you but I would get married at the Biltmore and use Blend Photography! Congratulations to Laura and Greg!