Sometimes when I teach dancing I get quite dressed up. Sometimes I just want floral leggings. /// 有時候教 swing 的時候我會精心打扮... 有時候只想穿花花的緊身褲。
媽媽還有媽媽的朋友們都各自有幾件年輕的時候穿的旗袍,最近有些陸續淘汰到了我手上。從前去上海出差的時候我也會去布市買。不管身材如何旗袍穿起來都很優雅 - 開衩高的話又帶一點點挑逗(我喜歡騎腳踏車時會有人吹口哨的那種高杈)。週末的時候穿去跳 swing 再適合不過。
My mother and my mother's friends each have a few qipao's from their younger days. I inherited a few from them and had them altered to fit me, and bought a few on business trips to Shanghai. They're extremely curve-hugging garments which can be either demure or, ah, not so demure. I like mine short enough to attract wolf-whistles while I'm cycling down the street. I also love wearing them to swing. 兩週前開始在 Stuttgart 的 Swingstep 教 Tranky Doo 的課程,為了學生們整理了一下相關的資源,順便跟各位分享。根據 Wiki:Tranky Doo 為四零年代由 Pepsi Bethel 編舞,最早出現在哈林的 Savoy Ballroom。當年,Tranky Doo 搭配的樂曲是 Tuxedo Junction,但是後來因為出現在 1987 年 The Spirit Moves 這個紀錄片的時候被配上了 Ella Fitzgerald 的 Dipsy Doodle 這首歌,所以現在也常常搭配 Dipsy Doodle。其實 Tranky Doo 本身的架構適用於多數 32-bar chorus 歌曲,所以學會了之後可以隨處發揮。 Two weeks ago I started teaching a Tranky Doo class for Swingstep in Stuttgart, so I thought I'd share some related resources. Tranky Doo was choreographed by Pepsi Bethel in the 1940s and first appeared at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, to the song Tuxedo Junction. However, a video of the routine was dubbed to Ella Fitzgerald's Dipsy Doodle in the 1987 film The Spirit Moves, so now it's often danced to this song too. In fact the structure of Tranky Doo is suitable for most 32-bar chorus songs, so once you learn it, you can dance it to many tunes ^^ 音樂 Music不管技術如何,節奏感欠佳的話就難為「舞」T^T 以下是我上課時用的音樂,平常可以一面聽一面做一些簡單的節奏練習。/// Regardless of technique, without rhythm, it's hardly "dance" T^T Here's the music I'm using this time in class. Feel free to use them to do your rhythm exercises.
節奏練習題 Rhythm Exercises這是我自己在常用的一些簡單練習,因為覺得對我有幫助所以上課的時候都會教學生。/// Here's some exercises I do. I find them really helpful so I always teach them to my students:
影片 VideoTranky Doo 的版本很多。因為這次課程中多數是完完全全沒跳過舞的菜鳥所以我特別挑了個我覺得比較簡單的版本(其實差別沒很大啦)。這個影片的 Tranky Doo 就是我教的版本,可惜不是從背面攝影所以要看著練比較累。音樂是 Slim & Slam 的 Jump Session. /// This is the version of Tranky Doo I'm teaching. Unfortunately it's not filmed from the back so it's a bit more tiring to use it for practice. The music is Slim & Slam - Jump Session. 我跟朋友們看影片學 Tranky Doo 的時候是用這個影片,但是這隻編舞到了尾端跟上方的稍有不同(差別不大)。因為是從背面所以看著練習很方便,但是速度比較快。音樂是 Ella Fitzgerald 的 Dipsy Doodle。/// When I learned Tranky Doo with my friends, this is the video we used. This choreography is a little different toward the end but the difference is small. It's filmed from the back so easier for practice. But it's also faster. Music is Ella Fitzgerald's Dipsy Doodle. 編舞 Choreography我學編舞的時候通常會隨手記錄一下,免得日久忘了。另外,寫過看過之後記憶更加深。這是 Tranky Doo 配兩個版本的 Tuxedo Junction,但是要先聲明一下我不是樂手,所以上面跟樂理相關的關鍵字不正確,但是對於我自己跳舞的需求來說應該滿清楚的 ^^ /// Normally when I learn a routine I will make notes. Otherwise I tend to forget quite easily. Writing it down and reading it once through really deepens my recall. Here's Tranky Doo to two versions of Tuxedo Junction. But please remember that I'm not a musician so the terminology in there is incorrect - it's just my personal notes so I write what works for me :) Tranky Doo 不是最困難的編舞,但是也不是最簡單的 :) 不過只要多多練習一定可以學得起來~ 加油囉!/// Finally, while Tranky Doo isn't most difficult routine, it certainly isn't the easiest either. So congrats to everyone in the class for doing such a good job :) See you next week! 我的 Pinkoi 設計館 / My Pinkoi Shop:Kiss & Tell Vintage 我的 Facebook 粉絲頁 / My Facebook Page:Kiss & Tell Vintage 上週末去參加了慕尼黑著名的 Rock that Swing,藉機報告一下歐洲的 swing dance camp 大概是什麼樣。可惜 Rock that Swing 總共五天五夜,我只參加週六日,而且忙著跳舞所以照片少 XD 將就看吧~ Last week I went to Rock that Swing in Munich. It's a 5 day/night festival but I only signed up for Sat + Sun. I was also too busy to take many photos, but here's my experience of the camp anyway :) 1. 報名 / Registration以普通的 swing camp 來說,在活動前好幾個月,線上報名就開放了。一對舞者一起報名可以馬上確認註冊成功,但是因為主辦單位會儘量讓 lead 跟 follow 人數相等, 所以單一 follow 報名如果動作慢一點就會被掛在 waiting list,苦苦的等待有另一個單一 lead 也報名才能完成註冊。需要買機票的話這樣很不便,所以建議 followers:A. 在報名一開放就馬上註冊,B. 拉一個 leader 一起跟你註冊。通常你的 leader 不需要跟你報同樣的等級或是課程,但是這要看每個活動的規定。Rock that Swing 的報名滿複雜的:在網上註冊帳號之後才能選課以及選晚上想參加的活動(選項很多),確認註冊成功之後就匯款過去。雖然有很多需要注意的細節,但是整個程序很順利,我寫信去詢問相關事宜也有立刻得到回覆 ^^ 值得一提的是,很多 camp 都有團體折扣,只要能夠湊得到一定的人數就可以團購! Registration started months ahead of the camp itself. As a single follow I registered way ahead of time to avoid the dreaded waiting list (always a bother if flight bookings are required). The registration for Rock that Swing was fairly complicated and classes/parties were sold separately (with many choices of seats for the parties). However, the entire process was smooth and my queries received swift replies. It's worth mentioning that as with many other camps, there's a group discount that might be of interest. 2. 選課 / Class Selection選課有兩個層面:你想學哪種舞,還有你大概是哪種等級。 哪種舞 / What Kind of Dance 每個 camp 所提供的課程都不一樣,通常 lindy hop 或 balboa 是最常見的(有許多 camp 只提供一種舞,比方純 bal 的 Berlin Balboa Weekend)。Rock that Swing 有提供:Boogie Woogie, Balboa, Lindy Hop, 還有 Solo Jazz。除此之外,Rock that Swing 每天都有一拖拉庫的 "Taster" 課程,提供學生在最後一節課自由嘗試其他的 style,比方 Shag 或是 Blues。Rock that Swing 每天有四堂課,從 11 點到下午 5 點。聽起來以能不多 - 但是每天搞下來真的大腦要塞爆了。 哪個等級 / What Kind of Level 每個 swing camp 所定義的等級都不同,所以選課之前最好去網站查看一下自己比較適合哪種 level。在多數的 camp, 超過某個 level 就需要先通過甄選 (audition),所以最好注意 audition 的時間是什麼時候以確保你已經抵達並起可以參加~ Rock that Swing 比較特殊的地方是不限定你只能參加你所註冊的課程。比方我註冊的是初學者 Lindy Hop, 我也可以臨時決定去參加中級 Balboa。除了需要甄選的課程以及需要固定舞伴的課程(所以拋接的課都需要固定舞伴),都開放學生自由挑選,所以彈性很大!壞處則是人數不一定會湊 lead 跟 follow 完全平衡,而且你上一堂課暗戀的帥哥下一堂課可能就不知道上那去了(哭哭)。 There were many types of classes on offer: boogie woogie, balboa, lindy hop, solo jazz, and tasters including shag and blues and what have yous. Classes ran from 11 to 5 pm which may not sound like a lot but was enough to almost kill me. As with other camps, you join the level which you think you are fit for, except for the topmost level which requires an advance audition. What's special about Rock that Swing though is that you don't NEED to stay in the track/level you have preselected. Other than audition/partner-required classes, students can move freely between tracks and levels. This is great for flexibility but takes away a little from bonding with your fellow classmates. A few handsome young men from one of my first classes were nowhere to be found on my second day... 3. Parties上完課之後晚上的 party 永遠是重頭戲!Rock that Swing 的 party 非常的壯觀,最盛大的兩個晚上是在慕尼黑的大戲院舉辦(容納量 1,600 個人,雖然我們沒有塞進那麼多,但是還是滿擠的)。在小一點的 camp,晚上的 party 通常是一個舞池,可能頂多 2 個樂團,但是 Rock that Swing 有兩個大舞池,一個中型舞池,兩個小舞池,而且每個晚上都有 2-3 個樂團以及 3-4 個不同的 DJ。因為場地大,所以買跳舞票需要選座位,而座位離舞池越近,價格就越高。我建議可以買最便宜的,因為坐位可以只拿來放外套包包就好,整晚就在舞池上度過吧 ~ 另外,因為活動規模大所以舞者的程度幾乎是破錶的高。值得一提的是:主辦單位有特別請求舞者們以正式穿著出場,所以整晚上我光是看俊男美女的行頭就快要忙死了 XD 哎,有穿的美美的時候整個活動的氣氛真的有差! Parties at Rock that Swing were quite impressive. The main events were held on Saturday and Sunday nights at the Deutsches Theater, a gigantic venue with a capacity of 1,600 (I don't think we filled it - people dancing take up more room than people sitting). Because of the size of the event, tickets came with assigned seating which got more expensive as one nears the dance floor. I don't think it matters where you choose to sit if the seat is only for stacking coats and bags. I sat on the top most floor in the nosebleed section but only went to my seat at the beginning and end of the event. The best part by far about Rock that Swing was the variety: 2 main ballrooms with constant live music (I think 11 bands in total for the whole camp), a medium sized dance floor with 3-4 DJs, the foyer for blues, and also another small room for just boogie woogie which I failed to even locate. If anything, I would consider just coming for the socials because they are such wonderful productions. The level of social dancing was also quite high (I think), which is always a plus. Also, the organizers specifically request that dancers dress up for these balls and it really was a parade of drop-dead gorgeous vintage fashion on both guys and girls... 通常 swing camp 晚上的 party 也是老師們大顯身手的表演時間,Rock that Swing 邀請了 50 多位國際水準的 swing 老師所以場面很壯觀... 但是不想看表演只想跳舞的話,所以次要的 ballroom 都還是有舞伴有音樂,所以不一定要去擠破頭的看現場演出 ^^ Of course evening parties are where instructors strut their stuff. At Rock that Swing there were over 50 international swing instructors so the performances were something to behold. But if watching performances is not your thing, music and dancing continues in all but the main ballroom so you can easily just carry on dancing. 4. 其他零星 / Others以一個這麼大規模的活動來說 Rock that Swing 真的規劃得很一板一眼,每個小小的細節都進行得很順暢~ 我因為睡晚了所以第一天參加活動去報名的時候看到了大排長龍以為一定會等很久,但是工作人員很多而且很熟練,所以一下下就搞定了 ^^ 另外,在活動辦公室附近整天都有各種 vintage 攤位,買衣服,舞鞋,飾品等等,真是太體貼舞者了 XDDD For such a large festival, Rock that Swing was run like a well oiled machine. I was late to check-in on my first day at the camp and worried that the long line would make me late for class. But there were many volunteers working alongside each other and everything was extremely efficient and friendly. Also the extensive vintage market with clothing, shoes, accessories and such provided enough of a distraction to make me late for much better reasons. I wish I had gotten more photos but I was too shy to keep taking photos of people's merchandise! 總結 / Finally如果想來歐洲參加 swing camp 的話,Rock that Swing 是個不錯的選擇。但是需要注意的是因為規模大而且慕尼黑本身消費不低,所以價格也不便宜~ 另外,每個人所喜歡的氣氛不同,在 Rock that Swing 這種大雜燴比較難像在小規模的 dance camp 一樣更深度的跟少數投機的舞者互動(因為共舞一次之後你可能就再也找不到他/她了),所以挑選 camp 真的要考慮自己的需求與偏好是什麼 ^^
I enjoyed my time at Rock that Swing and would definitely attend again, circumstances permitting. But the scale of the event as well as the fact that Munich is not the cheapest city in the world means that the cost is also quite substantial. Also, everyone prefers different environments. Rock that Swing is a little less personal than small weekend events where I had more of a chance to get to know a few like-minded dancers more in-depth. At Rock that Swing I found it much harder to FIND anyone specific - so that kind of bonding didn't happen. However, I also danced with a much larger number of different people - so it just depends on what one is looking for in an event! 自從大學時代開始跳 swing 就常常需要解釋 swing 是什麼玩意,而 swing 好玩的地方真的不是個三言兩語就可以交代清楚的事。以下借用了 Toe Tappin' Swing 所做的圖解翻譯成中文跟大家推銷我個人最投入的嗜好~ 希望你也會來參加! Lindy Hop - 從古至今 看完了懶人包的介紹應該參考一下古今的 swing 影片,以下是一些我自己喜歡的 ^^ 請注意: 1944 年 Swing Fever 中的年輕美女 Jean Veloz 今年 90 歲,還是在跳舞喔!最後一個影片是 Jean 在 2012 年的演出(當年 88 歲)。 1. Hellzapoppin, 1941 2. Swing Fever, 1944 3. Don't Knock the Rock, 1956 4. 國際 Lindy Hop 錦標賽, 2011 5. 奧爾良街頭,The Smoking Time Jazz Club 樂團, 2010 6. Herräng Dance Camp, 瑞典,2012 來加入 swing dance 的大家庭吧 ^^ 我們等著跟你共舞!
這個週末從 Tübingen 到 München 參加 Rock that Swing,順便跟大家分享我有點龜毛的收拾行李三部曲。不是什麼前所未有的大發明啦,只是幫助我都能井井有條的整理而已 :) I'm in Munich this weekend for Rock that Swing and thought I'd share my three-step program for organized packing. Nothing revolutionary, but it works for me :) 1. 清單:我都用同一份清單來檢查必需品都有帶,而且這個清單存在 google 月曆的 To Do List 上面,所以哪裡都能存取,而且可以用過再重用,也可以隨時修改 ^^ 公開一下給大家參考裡面的內容: 1. The list: I use the same packing list to check-off essential items every time. The list is saved on the to do list function of google calendar so it's reusable and printable and accessible from anywhere. Here's the contents.
其中:不怕一萬只怕萬一!帶著止痛藥真的很方便,不用在語言不通的藥房裡面摸索。至於毛巾、吹風機、衣架等就要看下榻的地方是不是有提供!如果是國外的 hostel, 這些東西最好是自己準備,因為大概不會有免費借用的噢。最後,如果有帶任何貴重物品的話,順手帶一個鎖頭比較安全,因為有些 hostel 一間房睡 6 個人,自己的貴重物品可以鎖起來。 Of these: it's really a lot easier to bring painkillers JUST IN CASE, rather than fumble around in a pharmacy in a country where you don't speak the language. As for towels, hair dryers, hangers etc. - it all depends on where I'm staying. I find most hostels do not provide these amenities (at least, not free of charge). Lastly, I like to bring a padlock so I can lock up my valuables in a 6-person dorm room. 2. 裝袋:我收拾行李的方法是把所有需要的東西都先攤出來點清,都齊全後就用布袋一個個裝起來(一袋是長褲,一袋是襯衫等等,最後再多帶一個空布袋用來裝髒衣服)。都裝好之後看起來好整齊 :D 與其去買現成的收納袋,我都是用免費贈送的購物袋裝... 比較省! 2. Bag it: My packing method is to spread out everything I need and check them off on the list. Then I put them all into separate cloth bags (one for trousers, one for shirts, and always one extra for laundry). Everything looks very neat and tidy once they're all bagged. Rather than bags specifically for packing luggage, I just use any old cloth bags from grocery shopping. 3. 裝箱:所有的東西都已經裝在布袋裡之後要放到行李箱或背包就很簡單了。常需要用的東西(手機錢包等)放在小小的斜肩包,social dance 的鞋子與必備放在手提包(去 social 就帶這個),剩下的都是背包(順便塞點餅乾)~ done! 3. Pack it: It's easy to fit everything into my suitcase or rucksack once they're all individually bagged. Frequently used items like phone and wallet I keep in a small shoulder bag for easy access. My dancing shoes and other social dancing essentials I put into a small leather tote. Everything else is in the rucksack (extra packet of biscuits for the road). 這樣就結束啦~ 揹起包包就可以走了。不一定要戴帽子。
That's me all ready to go. The hat is optional. 自從搬回歐洲之後比較多機會參加 swing dance camp,想跟大家分享一下我去跳舞的時候一定會帶的 10 個配件。有些是為了保護自己,有些是為了體貼舞伴,有些則是經驗之談~ 希望對你有幫助 ^^ Since I moved back to Europe I've had more opportunities to attend swing camps. These are just 10 items that I always bring to socials - sometimes for my own sake, sometimes for my partners', and some are just good things to have. Hope you find the suggestions helpful :) ~前十名~ Top 10 ~1. 參加 swing camp 的時候會跟各地來的舞者跳舞,因此會接觸到很。多。的。細。菌。不管是上 workshop 也好還是 social dance 也好,我都會帶著酒精清潔液,隔一陣子就消毒一下手,不然跳舞跳到半夜,第二天早上又起來上課一整天,再加上開車坐飛機等等,抵抗力本來就下降,很可能一從 camp 回到家就感冒了(更慘的是在 camp 的時候感冒,沒人要跟你跳舞,嗚嗚嗚)。 A a swing camp attendees dance with other attendees from absolutely everywhere. This means a ton of germs. Whether during workshops or social dances I bring hand sanitizer and sanitize every once in a little while. Otherwise dancing all night and workshops all day, combined with travel fatigue from driving or flying - all this adds up to compromised immune system and a cold as soon as you get home. Or worse, a cold AT THE CAMP, so no one will dance with you (sob). 2. 薄荷糖也可以,口香糖也可以,只要能夠讓你口氣芬芳就好,至於為什麼就不用多說了吧??? Mints or gum - anything that freshens your breath. Surely this is self-explanatory? 3. 跳舞跳得香汗淋漓的時候掏出手帕或是毛巾,體貼自己,體貼舞伴,體貼環境。不要用紙巾擦擦後揉成一團,又不環保又難看。Vintage 手帕設計多,有秀氣的刺繡的也有挺 man 的男性化設計,可以放口袋也可以放胸前裝飾,妙用無窮。如果是汗量很大的話不用客氣,直接帶幾條小毛巾吧。 Handkerchiefs or a towel to wipe away your dancing sweat - good for you, your partner, and the environment. I sometimes see people using paper towels and then scrunch it up and throw it out. It's ugly and not environmentally friendly. Vintage hankies come in so many designs - pretty embroidered ones as well as masculine ones. You can put it your back pocket or put it in your breast pocket - it's decorative, stylish, and pragmatic. If you sweat a lot, nothing wrong with just using face towels. 4. 好的舞鞋就要好好照顧。皮革吸汗穿熱了之後不用鞋撐去撐開散熱的話很容易變形發霉。最好的鞋撐是原木做的,有天然除臭的功能,但是旅遊的時候可以用金屬的或是塑膠的,帶在行李不會那麼重。 If you have nice dancing shoes it's worth taking good care of them. Sweaty and warm leather shoes can warp and get mouldy if you don't let them air out. Shoe trees allow shoes to ventilate and keep their shape. The best are made of wood (naturally deodorizing), but when I travel I like to use metal or plastic ones as they are more light weight. 5. 鞋子每次都硬踏進去的話,穿不了多久後邊就要報銷了。一個鞋拔巴掌大而已,完全解決這個問題。(我的舞鞋已經穿七年了,有照顧有差。) If you shove your feet into your shoes without a shoe horn every time, the back of your shoes won't last very long. A shoe horn fits in your palm and easily takes care of that problem. I've had my dancing shoes for 7 years and they are still serviceable, so I think it makes a difference. 6. 多帶一雙襪子,就算跳舞的時候不需要換,跳完了舞脫下舞鞋後換上乾淨的襪子再回家比較舒服。 Even if you don't need to change socks during a social, I find it nice to change into some non-sweaty socks after I take my dance shoes off. Nicer to go home in. 7. 跳累了休息一下,一把扇子扇扇風,除了清涼以外可以用來搭訕,喜歡哪個男生就過去替他扇幾把。 A little fan to fan yourself and your favourite leads/follows while you take a break. A good conversation starter and flirtation device too. 8. 肢體活動的時候難保衣服會不會有什麼三長兩短。帶著一把別針,哪裡扯裂了都可以先別起來,不用因為裙擺裂開了哭哭。 Anything can happen to pretty dresses on the dance floor. A handful of safety pins is the difference between a quick trip to the bathroom for a fixer-upper and spending the rest of the night sitting down because dancing means exposing yourself to everyone else due to the tear in the hem of your skirt (don't laugh, it's happened to me!). 9. 晚餐七點吃,跳舞跳到凌晨三點。國外很多地方沒有便利商店,帶一些黑巧克力隨時補充一下熱量。也可以跟朋友們分享。 Dinner at 7 and dancing till 3. Venue possibly out in the middle of nowhere with not a shop in sight. A bar of dark chocolate to treat yourself and your friends is always a win. 10. 跳舞的 venue 通常有 bar 但是不一定會有茶有咖啡。我自己喜歡帶熱茶,中場休息或是收攤回家的時候喝,非常幸福的感覺。 Venues probably have a bar, but they don't always have tea or coffee. I like to bring a thermos of tea for a pick me up half way through or at the end of a dance. 最後兩個給男生的 BONUS - Two Bonuses for the Guys知道自己跳起舞來就不停的流汗的話,就多帶幾件上衣吧!不一定要是襯衫,t-shirt 也 ok。重點是 follower 不用因為你滿身臭汗怕把手搭在你肩上。有些 leader 每次去跳舞都是 4-6 件上衣,寧願多換幾次也不要讓 followers 反感。 If you sweat a lot, bring a few extra shirts or t-shirts. Followers would be much less hesitant to put their arms on your shoulder. Some leads take 4-6 tops to a dance. It's better to change more often rather than put people off. 同上。容易體臭的話袋子裡多裝個 deodorant,舞伴們感謝你。
As above. Self-explanatory. 你也有一定會帶去跳舞的配件嗎?歡迎分享一下法寶喔! Feel free to share if you have your own must-bring items for social dancing :) |