Blues Video Round-Up

There is always controversy over the notion “blues” in the dance scene; whether it pertains to the music itself, to a type of dance and what constitutes either controversy is sure to follow.

On forums discussions over what is blues surge back to the front at least once a year if not more often. So here are some videos rounded up from YouTube to demonstrate my thoughts on the matter.  Unfortunately embedding is disabled on the first two clips so you’ll have to click through until I figure out a workaround.

Grit Grinder Girlies – This clip is from ALHC 1999 and is one of the best early examples (since the revival) of solo blues dance that I could find.  Unfortunately I do not know who any of these dancers are.  The movement of the dancers captures the audience with its dynamic, musicality and simplicity.

Shaheed and Brenda – A spectacularly choreographed and executed piece to Wynton Marsalis’ “New Orleans Bump” at bluesSHOUT 2007.  Their movement is honest and their connection to the music, each other and the audience comes through even in the video; not to mention the wonderful musicality and partnering.

Blues @ RAF 2006/2007 -  This is a great clip for the variety in the interpretation of the music from the many dancers.  Some of the dancers maintain a slow drag style for the majority of their spotlights while others break away or incorporate more open position material.

If you enjoyed this video round up, check out the others: Raw Video Round-Up, Solo Jazz Video Round-Up.

What did you think about the videos?  Have other videos you want to share?  Comment.

Solo Jazz Video Round-Up

Lots of random dance videos circulate the web these days and picking out some quality from the mass can be a bit difficult.  Here are three videos posted on YouTube that stand out.

Stomp Stomp – A very solid routine performed at the 9:20 Special in California.  The dancers are Manu Smith, Michael Terkowski, and Nathan Dias.  It’s musical, innovative and yet very classic with elements similar to the routines performed by Al Minns and Leon James throughout their career together.

Hot Pockets – This video is a routine choreographed and performed by Giselle Anguizola and Jojo Jackson in 2005.  The routine is minimalistic, fast and concise in its footwork and movement which works very well with the song selection.

Zhenya – While not the best angle, the routine is distinct and works well with the dynamics of the song.  Movements are smooth and the ease with which he creates shapes and musicality with his arms is one of the highlights.  The dancer is Evgeny Demchenko and it is performed at the 2007 Beijing Swing Contest.