Proud of the crazy family.
I notice that blogging has hit the swing dance community in a big way. People have been blogging for years and I love following some peoples blogs.
I don't really see this as a blog.. just my ramblings really and when I get the urge about something,, I write it down.
I am on the train from Bristol to London and has an amazing evening of dancing as part of the Bristol Swing Festival. Laura & I mainly wanted to support David & Stephan who have both been super people that I have enjoyed getting to know since I arrived in London. Both lived in London when I first moved here. David asked to meet up with me before he started his swing dance community in Bristol and we shared ideas. He is a natural leader and was great seeing him on stage last night. When I arrived in London Stephan asked me for lunch and the first thing he said was " I am so excited Swing Patrol are here.. what can I do to help." I will always be grateful for this endorsement and to have the support of " millionaire Stephan " as he is known behind his back was super. He is a great mate of Dax and the three of us always have a round of golf or hang out when we are all in town.
The Bristol Swing Festival so unique and has a complete circus flavour. The cabaret performance last night featured some amazing swing dancing combined with an array of amazing circus performers. The two are really connected in Bristol with the town a haven for artists and performers.
Three things happened that made me really proud of the Swing Patrol family - from Sydney, Melbourne to London. If you worry I am going to be biased with the following three stories.. I am and best you close me down. :)
1) Loz Because - Hula-hoopist ( about London & Melbourne )
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Loz is a cool swing dancer but a first class Hula-Hoopist who sent the crowd into a frenzy with a great routine to an electro swing tune. She had that performance x factor that is rare and already we have booked Loz to perform at our upcoming London Swing Festival. After cheering her on and asking our event manager to book her .. I then met Loz and found this out.
Loz started dancing because she was inspired by the swing dancing she witnessed at Secret Garden Party. Swing Patrol London had 12 free tickets for this amazing music Festival and we danced our hearts out at a variety of stages and late night parties. Loz then went and lived in Melbourne and became addicted to swing dancing with her favourite classes being those taught by Kieran & Georgia. She loved the whole Swing Patrol Melbourne vibe and all the great teachers and classes. Randomly the routine I just witnessed had been choreographed in Melbourne - Noni had assisted in the writing of it. Was fun chatting about the amazing Noni.
Loz came up and said " hey Scott, Just wanted to say thanks for starting Swing Patrol!" As we were dancing Loz even commented " I feel like I am dancing with history." Hmmm.. I did wind her up about making me feel like a fossil ( which I am in swing dancing terms ) but I know what she meant and it was a cool connection. At that stage I had no idea of the above .. I wish Claudia could have been there. Loz is now back in Bristol and soon off to travel again. Loz is excited about performing at the London Swing festival.. and excited about seeing Shob & Andy ( from Melbourne) who are part of our teaching line up.
Randomly.. on the same evening a dancer from Morocco registered for the London Swing Festival. I sent Shobbie a message as Shob & Andy will be teaching dancers from so many countries.
2) Random act of Nottingham kindness ( about Sydney )
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Laura & I left at about 2am and were one of the first to leave. Having never seen Bristol we weren't doing the after party but instead spending the next morning as tourists. We walked outside and were deciding whether to walk 25 minutes (was a great warm evening ) or catch a cab. A random dancer walked past and before we knew it.. this person was driving us home. Nicci was a Nottingham dancer and was great to chat to her. It was her first swing dancing experience outside her how town & all her fears and nerves had been washed away with an amazing experience in Bristol.
When I first arrived in London I received a lovely and random email from a Lisa in Nottingham ( who we are now good friend with) who was kind enough to let us know that her love for swing dancing was first created at Swing Patrol Sydney ( Paddo RSL. ) Lisa had been inspired in Sydney, went back to Nottingham and started a swing community. Nicci was a student of Lisa and they were staying with each other. Is it possible that this random good Samaritan was dancing because of a loose link to Swing Patrol Sydney? Swing is on the move in Europe with scenes popping up everywhere so maybe Nicci would have found swing anyway.. but it's a lovely thought that SP Sydney may have played a role in Nottingham!
3) The travelling Londoners ( about London )
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When you live in England you suddenly realise that there is London.. and everywhere else. Londoners are known as the group of people ( not just dancers ) that don't get out of London much as they feel they have everything at their finger tips. When I walked in last night the first people I saw were a big representation of our teaching team and troupe members. So many were in Bristol that someone asked me " who is looking after your ship back home." It was a good point as Fiona ( our admin manager), Pippa ( our event manager) Peta ( one of our troupe leaders ) etc etc.. were all dancing in Bristol last night. I thought it was really super that Bristol was so well supported by London. I should point out that it wasn't just SP dancers from London… many from the wider London community were present and was great to catch up with them.
So it was about good vibes and great energy last night. We certainly don't do everything perfectly but the three stories above made me reflect that I am indeed really blessed to lead such an amazing, talented, joyful and inclusive community. Sorry for the fluff! ( not really ) …
Scottie :)
