I just returned from Camp Hollywood, one of the largest and longest-running swing dance camps in the world. It was an awesome weekend, held at the conveniently located and not-horribly-expensive LAX Marriott Hotel.
There was lots of amazing dancing on display during the competitions, including balboa, shag, lindy hop, and the grab-bag that is the "showcase" division. During showcase along, I saw tap, the twist, and ballet being performed, along with more traditional swing dancing.
But the clear highlight of the weekend for me was Soo Chan Lee and Hyun Jung Choi of Korea performing to the quirkly Caravan Palace electro-swing song "Bambous." So much to like here: the clever choreography, the shameless mugging, the cool tricks, and the fusion of swing and hip-hop movement. The only problem with this clip is that the crowd is cheering so loudly you can barely hear the music!
Soo Chan and Hyun Jung won the Camp Hollywood "Golden Budgie" award for dancers who exemplify the "spirit of jitterbug." These two definitely have that in spades.
If this is the new wave of lindy hop coming to us from Korea, I welcome it!
FYI electro-swing has been used for other notable swing performances, including:
