O Boy, O Balboa!

Remember when I posted a day or so ago and told you that I haven't been that inspired by Lindy Hop? Well, in the past day I've come across a few balboa videos, with the help of my friend Becca, that have got me ITCHING to dance.

This one makes me weak in the knees. I love how both Kelly and Bobby play with the music, especially around 1:00. Noises shot forth form my lips at that moment to express my awe.

I also really love this little ditty of Nelle Cherry and Nick Williams from Lindy Focus this year. Can I just say that I really love Nelle's enthusiasm for the dance? Watching her dance is like watching joy in motion, as her smile says it all. Somebody once made the criticism of saying she gives away her flaws in competitions because she laughs so easily at them. Well, maybe so, but dancing isn't always meant to be perfect, and when you can laugh at and enjoy even your flaws in a dance, even more so in a competition, that speaks of only good things. Anyways, check out the video:

I really want to dance now.

Balboa Joy

There are so many videos from ILHC this past year that I have yet to watch. Only today did I really even begin watching the balboa jack and jill videos, and I'm sad that I didn't know about these gems sooner.

Adam Speen and Mia Goldsmith (1st)

Bobby White and Heather Ballew (2nd)

Patrick Szmidt and Nelle Cherry (3rd)

They made me joyfully happy. Maybe they won't create that kind of response from you, but I hope that you least enjoy them!

Balboa/Top Drawer/TC Bal Fest

I really love lindy hop and charleston, but I also really love balboa. I wish there were more people out there (especially leads) who knew how to dance it. The feeling of dancing balboa is different, but oh-so-good. Sure, it isn't as flashy as lindy-hop/charleston, but you must admit by watching Top Drawer's routine (Nick Williams & Marie Mattsson, Jeremy Otth & Laura Keat, Bobby White & Kate Hedin) that it looks classy.

Watching this makes me really excited to go to Twin Cities Balboa Festival this summer (July 8-10th). I went last summer and had a great time! I met so many great people and had so many great dances. The instructors were so helpful, encouraging, sweet, and fun. I can't wait to take more classes with Bobby and Kate again.

P.S. Thanks to all of the great leads who joyfully danced with me that weekend even though I was in the beginner stage of balboa. Marty Visconti, Reed Miller, and Jeff: I'm talking to you. Ya'll made that event one of my favorites thus far in my dance life. Plus, I got to enjoy the company of one of the best bowling teams around that weekend! Thanks Jeff and Patti, Annie, and Lori for letting to good times roll. :)
Hopefully, I'll see you all again in July!

And for the rest of you: you should come too!