American Lindy Hop Championships 2007

This years ALHC was held in the Westin hotel in Stamford, CT this past weekend. Unlike ULHS, ALHC prohibits the use of outside cameras to record footage of competitions and performances so there will unfortunately not be any video footage available until the DVD comes out. Alain has posted up a few bits which showcase some of the performances from ALHC though, including a video of myself with Joanna Lucero in the Strictly Lindy.

It was the 10th year of ALHC and so it was billed as a special event with Frankie Manning attending, a special performance by Minnie’s Moochers in honor of their groundbreaking routine to “Love Me or Leave Me”, and a bit of hype. Unfortunately it didn’t seem to live up to its full potential. There were no ceremonies honoring Frankie Manning, Norma Miller or Dawn Hampton (who were all in attendance) or a talk which I would have found fascinating (unless I missed it somehow). Additionally I heard a slew of complaints regarding the hotel service, which was unfortunate since the hotel seemed quite nice.

Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown 2007 – The End pt. 1

A minor addendum to the last post, Henric and Joanna are not members of the Harlem Hot Shots and I apologize for the accidental labeling.

Most events have a number of divisions for choreographed pieces, ULHS has two: Lindy Hop Performance and Team. The floor was rearranged so that the competitors could present from the center of the ballroom facing the balcony. With chairs, spectators and judges set up the competitions began.

Congratulations to everyone who showcased a piece at ULHS. There were nine choreographies in the Lindy Hop Performance category, unfortunately I did not manage to get together with Caro the week of to polish our routine otherwise it would have been ten. It will debut at ALHC in two weeks.

I had the intention of reviewing these more closely but it will have to wait till I have a bit more time.

Thirdly, Dax and Alice with some exceptionally tight charleston.

Secondly, Kevin and Emily with hot jazz steps.

Firstly, Skye and Frida making it look so easy, clean and wonderfully musical.