Seattle's In The House:Catalina
Vol 1, Issue 3: Summer 1996
The energy embodied in this phrase pulsed repeatedly through the tiny little island of Catalina a scant couple of weekends ago. Between the outrageous excitement created by the SSC Performance Troupe and the high quality technique displayed by the nearly thirty SSC members in attendance at the "Swing Dance Catalina" workshops, Seattle is now firmly entrenched in the Lindy Hop "House." Dancers and instructors from all parts of the U.S., Sweden, Great Britain and the Netherlands are now acutely aware that Seattle is a happenin' place for Lindy.
Beginning at the Thursday night dance, Keith Hughes tickled the crowd's fancy with his varied selections of dance tunes in his role as the official DJ for the event. "Who's choosing the music?" I overheard someone ask. "Oh, that's Keith. He's from Seattle" came the prompt reply. He continued these duties for the closing BBQ and dance on Sunday evening. “Seattle's in the House.”
At the Friday night dance, the Seattle SSC showcase continued with the initial drum riffs from "Sing, Sing, Sing". The crowd, seated and standing around 2/3 of the circular hardwood floor of the stunningly beautiful Casino, began bopping and clapping to the rhythms, joining the Troupe in their opening whoops, yelps and hollers. The performers were pumped with the adrenaline flowing from the crowd as we raced through the Benny Goodman masterpiece. By the tune's end, the arched enclosure of the Deco period ballroom was consumed with the squeals of audience approval and the thunderous applause resulting from a couple hundred pummeling palms. “Seattle's in the House.”
Through the remaining classes and dances on Saturday and Sunday, nearly everyone I danced with, talked with and met spread compliments about the performance and about the high quality of the dancers in general from Seattle. One of the Bay area's top leads told one of our follows that the best follows at the camp were from Seattle. “Seattle’s in the House.”
Perhaps the biggest and most consistent Seattle presence throughout the camp was Guy Caridi. As the official videographer for the event (tapes will be available in the near future through the folks in Pasadena), he was ever-present with camera and tripod. We all know and appreciate his skills as a dancer and choreographer. Did you know he is also a song writer, too? Campers were treated to, not one, but two swinging compositions. “Catalina Dancin’ Shoes” was the official camp song and Guy also wrote “Little Jimmy Key” which commemorates Erin Steven's son, Jimmy Key. (I believe that both are available on cassette from Pasadena.) It makes one wonder about the talent reservoir residing in our midst. “Seattle’s in the House.”
There were in the neighborhood of 30 people from Seattle and the Great Northwest in the House of Swing Dance Catalina. Our grassroots Savoy Swing Club is producing high quality Lindy Hoppers, now more than ever recognized by teachers and dancers throughout the world. Be Proud! Let's keep the energy growing! Seattle is in the Lindy Hop House!!
-- Winfield Hobbs, President