The International Lindy Hop Championships in New York City have just ended and I was fortunate enough to attend. As I come off my dance exchange high, I'd like to share some of the experience. This was my first big dance exchange so I was super excited!
Thursday night kicked off the weekend with a World Lindy Hop Day/ Frankie Manning birthday celebration hosted by the Frankie Manning Foundation in the historic Harlem Alhambra Ballroom. There was a panel discussion, beginner lesson, performances, and social dancing with live music from Charles Turner and Uptown Swing Band. It was a great way to kick of the weekend in the neighbourhood where Lindy Hop was born.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday were the official event days - The ILHC venue this year was the Edison Ballroom just off Times Square in NYC. What a location! I was staying at the adjacent Edison Hotel which turned out to be a fabulous idea after the late night finishes. After a sleep in (then covid testing and temperature check) there were 2 or 3 lessons during the day, video and in person competitions, and social dancing and final comps to live bands at night. The bands were fabulous - Eyal Vilner Big Band and Danny Jonokuchi & the Revisionists.
The teachers were some of my swing idols (!) Bianca & Nils, Laura & Remy, Peter & Naomi, LaTasha & Tyedric, Ramona & Todd, and Irina & Anthony. There were additional big names in the competitions and judging panel e.g. Sylvia Sykes, Jo, Felix, Natalia, Ari & Simon - make sure you check out the videos as I don't have space to name them all! Lessons included learning moves, techniques, working on grooving and taking time, and musicality. Watching the competitions made me so excited for what this dance can be and re-sparked the fire to get practicing and learning. The All Star and Invitational comps were an absolute highlight, as was dancing with some of my swing idols - these are heroes that you won't regret meeting!
Another highlight was competing in the open luck-of-the-draw prelims where I was randomly matched with three people to dance three songs of varying tempo. I was so excited to learn I had made it to the finals! For the final I picked a name from a 'hat' and had a warm up dance, spotlight, and then all skate to finish. Unfortunately I didn't place, but I can be proud that I made it to the finals in my first ever Lindy competition! And at ILHC of all places which draws in dancers from around the world.
The event is put together by a group of dancers that do their absolute best to make the event what it is. A big thank you Tena, Sylvia, Scott, Brett, LaTasha and the whole ILHC team. The vibe created by having so many swing dancers come together to celebrate was like a big hug. Everyone was so happy to be there and so encouraging, even if in direct competition with someone. I made some great friends and met so many lovely people. If you've never attended a dance exchange...do it. You will have the BEST time! It was an unforgettable weekend and I am already keen to get back there and any other event as soon as I can!
—Sarah V
Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us Sarah. We are just so gosh darn proud of you!
—Rob & Emma
