Name
Laura Manning
Location:
London, GLONDON, United Kingdom
Hometown:
Storrs, CT, United States |
|
My Story:
I spent the summer of 2001 living in New York City. While messing around in Central Park one day, I came upon a group of lindy hoppers dancing at the band shell there - and knew instantly I wanted to learn how to do what they were up to, to do something that seemed so happy and so cool, and all to that old music. As soon as I was back in London the first thing I did was look up swing dance classes on the internet and found weekly lessons held just down the road from me. Absolutely petrified the whole time - and for weeks - I went alone, did what I was told to do, and left, totally overwhelmed by how difficult the dance was - but for some reason always returning, wanting more.
I managed to refrain from social dancing for six months out of fear of I have no idea what now - I was just a wimp. I think I was scared I was just too bad for anyone to dance with and that people would be cruel. When I finally ventured out, I realised how lame my fears had been - Lindy dancers are collectively the nicest people I've ever have come across.
Since venturing out onto the social dance floor, I've not really stopped. I've traveled all over Europe and the States for camps, workshops and exchanges. I go out as frequently as able (for example, although I wouldn't say it's entirely typical for me, I've only had three days off from dancing in the past twenty seven days). I started organising workshops in London with various international teachers and co-ran the London Lindy exchange in 2008. And this past Autumn, I moved to Los Angeles where I'm having the time of my life.
Every phase I go through is as exciting as the previous one. I started just wanting to learn the dance's basics. Then I wished to improve my technique. Then I got into the music. Now I'm on a wicked cool team exploring the performance aspect of Lindy. It's all good, no matter what.
So yeah. The people I've met, the places I've gone, the experiences I've had - all because of Lindy? It's almost ridiculously exclusively positive. Sure, there are all sorts of little things that piss me off here and there, and opinions that I throw around just because I like to analyse things related to the dance, but that's all just for fun really, extra bonuses for a closet curmudgeon like myself. At the end of the day, it's all friggin awesome and I'm exceptionally grateful for the time I've had being a Lindy dancer.
Grateful.
Additional Questions
When/where did you first start doing Lindy Hop?
Dance Attic, London with Martin Ellis
Why did you first start doing Lindy Hop?
I loved the music and loved how happy it looked
What is the size of your local Lindy community?
quite large
How often do you go out dancing or take lessons?
as much as humanly possible
What is your favorite thing about Lindy Hop (both as an activity and as a community)?
joy
What do you do for a living?
jack of all trades
Male/Female:
Female
Year you were born?
1971
What bit of non-swing info about you would the Lindy community find interesting?
How has Lindy Hop changed your life?
completely, and all for the better.
User Feedback
 Thumbs Up: Comments:
|
|
