~ Shimmy Shimmy Shake: Magical Memories of Dance Joy ~ My chest was un-hitched, arms in open hug position. Breasts jiggled, nipples polished the inside of bras. Across from me, Ali had her chest thrust out, arms open, with a slight pelvic inward lean, she was “shakin like a polaroid picture.” Lizzy popped up and joined […more…]
~ Brightness: Swinging Blind ~ Mom had been blind for several years. The darkness came upon her in stages as the brain was dying from necrosis. The radiation that killed the tumor killed her sight. She had a new friend. Sure she’d had friends BEFORE she went blind, but this was different. Her new friend was […more…]
~ Swingin at the Savoy: Book Review ~ by Tam Francis Lindy Circles If you’ve heard the name Norma Miller, you’re probably a Lindy Hopper. The mention of her name in Lindy Hop circles always spark discussion. Even if you’re not a swing dancer, read her book, Swingin at the Savoy. You’ll be invited on […more…]
A Vintage Visit Home-Adventures in Dance Longing for Lindy My navy 30’s lace-ups clicked on the sidewalk as I walked myself to the dance for my visit home. The school auditorium perched between two rows of classes, creating a U-shaped courtyard. A vendor displayed t-shirts, shoes, stickers, and Lindy paraphernalia. I stopped and fondled the Remix […more…]
~ Sole Entertainment: Vintage Shoes ~ Women love to buy shoes and nothing compliments an outfit better than the right shoes. Many shoes styles grace our stores and closets but my focus is on the popular styles of the 1930s and 1940s. One of the most popular basics for noon or moon fashion is the […more…]
~ Rock the Casbah: Lindy Hop Mosh ~ The night started out good. I fit into a vintage creation I hadn’t worn in years, a spicy little pant jumper sewn from a late 1930s pattern done in red and white gabardine with blue striped trim, very WWII. We arrived at the infamous Casbah Club early, […more…]
~ Lindy Hop at the Historical Chisholm Trail Ballroom ~ Remembering the Night Smelling of mango and mandarin, I arise from a steamy bath pink, glowing and inspired. The Belgium White Ale softens the edges of a long week, permitting my recall of the weekend’s frivolity: the grand opening of the Chisholm Trail Ballroom in […more…]
~ Vintage Patterns ~ My vintage patterns are organized by era and style, mixing the Hollywood and Butterick, McCalls with Vogue, and strange envelopes with New York returns: Ann Adams and Marian Martin. On rainy afternoons or cool winter mornings I peruse and dream of all the lovely dresses and outfits I will make. I […more…]
