Beantown Camp Latest News

Latest News

The Love Dogs coming to Uptown Swing; New September Class Session

Hope everyone has been enjoying these wonderful summer months. We have one more dance coming up and hope to see you there!

The Love Dogs Coming To Uptown Swing

Our next Uptown Swing dance is on Saturday, August 20 at our awesome venue, Brookline Tai Chi. This month features The Love Dogs, an Uptown Swing favorite!

BTC is conveniently located directly across from the Washington Square T stop on Beacon Street, has AC and one of Boston’s best floors for dancing, plus free street parking after 8:00pm. Beginners are very welcome and there is a lesson included at the beginning of the evening to get everyone started. You do not need to have a partner to attend. The music will be excellent for Lindy Hop, Swing, Balboa and even some Blues. Bring your friends and introduce them to a fun night of dancing!

Uptown Swing Dance information.

New September Class Session

Lindy Hop Swing Dance Class Information is now up for our new classes starting in September! Sunday nights resume on September 11 in Newton Lower Falls and Monday night classes continue on September 12 at Ruggles Church (near Fenway Park).

Here’s what’s up for the next 6 week session:

Beginner Swing/Intro to Lindy Hop Level 1: For those who are brand new to Swing dancing, this is the place to start! Also ideal for those with some experience who would like to brush up on skills and build a repertoire of fun moves. Six count basics will be covered along with a different selection of steps each session. There are 7 different sessions at this level designed to provide a good base for social dancing. Level 1 classes may be taken in any order. It is recommended that students stay at this level long enough to feel very comfortable with the material taught before moving to Level 2. Discount after 2 full sessions. No experience or partner required. This class meets in both Newton and Boston.
Lindy Hop Level 2: Level 2 focuses on the core moves of Lindy Hop, including a mix of 8 and 6 count basics. Emphasis is on technique, partner connection, musicality and building skills. No previous Lindy Hop experience required, although must competently social dance any style of triple-step Swing. There are 8 different sessions at this level which continually change over time and can be taken in any order. Each session includes classic Charleston and newer variations, all with a touch of flash! Discount after 2 sessions. No partner required. This class meets in both Newton and Boston.
Breaking Out of Your Basics: We’ll take traditional Lindy Hop basics and alter them in structure and movement. This will help to develop your sense of connecting with your partner, add variety to your Lindy Hop and help you to learn to think in terms of improvising in your dancing. The class will be for intermediate to higher level Lindy Hoppers. No partner required. This class meets on Sundays in Newton.

Class information and registration.

Happy dancing,
Aurelie & Tony

Beantown Camp 2011: Beantown Bounce - Finale

The Finale number from Beantown Bounce, the instructor show at Beantown Camp 2011.

Beantown Camp 2011: Mike Roberts & Laura Glaess

Mike Roberts and Laura Glaess performing on Saturday evening at Beantown Camp 2011.

Thoughts & Thanks, Beantown Camp 2011

Wow - Beantown this year! A wide range of levels and ages coming together for an awesome mix of Lindy Hoppers from 33 states and 8 countries. The energy on campus was full of happiness and joy and lots of Lindy Love. Frankie would be proud:-)

This was an emotion-filled time for us. Overriding everything has been losing my Dad in May. Preparing for Beantown sure kept us busy, but thoughts of my Dad have always been with me.

As for the week of Beantown - just incredible! Too much to mention, but it’s always fun to think of some highlights, so here’s a top ten in approximate order of occurrence:

Chillin’ outside at the Saturday Happy Hour as the sun finally came out in full force.
Gordon Webster followed by two nights of the Campus Five. It really doesn’t get any better.
Dave Lasagna’s happy dance in the middle of the circle during the finale of Beantown Bounce, the instructors’ show.
The surprise cake and ovation from everyone at the BBQ. It had been tough going for me up to that point and it really turned everything around. Thanks!
Spending time with Norma Miller, talking about all the things she is doing and her future plans. Like Frankie, Norma really shows us how to live your life!
Fun at the photo booth!
#039;s Got Talent: Synchronized Swimming" src="/sites/default/files/resize/remote/a513359f8606180cffb915086d823bc3-200x150.jpg" align="right" border="0" height="150" width="200" /> Michael Jagger’s expressions as he listened to the judges’ commentary after the synchronized swimming skit at Beantown’s Got Talent.
Late night Karaoke in the pub on Tuesday.
The Wednesday night track performances and feeling overwhelmed with the looks of joy and accomplishment as another week of camp winds down.
Catching up with old friends and getting to know some new ones:-)

Every year we find ourselves wondering how we can possibly top the last Beantown, but it has happened once again! It would not be possible without the help of so many. Our thanks go out to all the wonderful instructors, staff, bands, DJs and of course campers who all contributed to making Beantown an amazing week of dancing, classes, socializing, laughing and having an incredibly awesome time. Plus we must also thank Endicott College for providing such a beautiful venue and setting, feeding us excellent meals, and especially Patrick for going out of his way to help us make everything work. We feel so fortunate to have so many wonderful people in our lives.

Plans have already started for the next one. Beantown #16 will run from June 28 to July 5, 2012. The format will be similar, although minds are already churning and ideas are formulating. Please mark your calendar and plan to join us for what is sure to be another amazing week of good times and good friends!

Just after camp is a great time for reflection and we are always looking for ways to make Beantown the best experience possible. We welcome feedback and appreciate hearing your thoughts and ideas. Thanks!

Sincerely,
Aurelie & Tony

P.S. Thanks to Beth Diener, Tom Hagar, Rich Moffitt, Brad Kellogg, Bruno Avard, Renata Shraybman, John Russo and everyone else who has posted so many awesome pictures!