"In Buddhist practice we say congratulations because now is the time we have been practicing for. No more just practicing the dance. We must now dance. And this is not a dress rehearsal."

Big Band Dance at Willamette Heritage Center (Mission Mill) Sunday, December 23 Dance Lesson with Mz Jitterbug at 7:30 p.m. Dance: 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. Members - $5 Non-members - $10 Dance to the sounds of the Salem Big Band Tickets may be purchased at Willamette Heritage Center or by calling 503-585-7012

              

Anti-Gravity Yoga at Mz Jitterbug's Studio

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Gwen is doing the monkey, an anti-gravity pose that allows the back to stretch and relax.  Anti-gravity positions may look difficult, but they are not.  Debra will walk you into the pose, step by step and allow you the opportunity to experience weightless stretching.

Leslie is doing the Chandelier pose.  Anti-gravity yoga combines core strength with yoga and pilates poses...and some acrobatics; all at a level fit for each person.










Anti-gravity yoga provides a workout that allows you to stretch and strengthen without over stressing your joints and compressing your vertebrae. 



Curley Taylor at Cubanisimo Vineyards

Thursday, June 30, 2011
Join the fun at Cubanisimo Vineyards for a Hot Louisiana Night.
Beginner Zydeco Lesson with Mz Jitterbug at 7:00 p.m.
Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.
$10.00 for non-members.  $5.00 for members.  Food and drinks available for purchase.

 

Debra's Garage

How much fun can one have in their garage. Check this out.

Many thanks to Krina Lemons, Executive Director of the Salem Keizer Education Foundation, for hosting Mz Jitterbug and all the swing dancers on Wednesday, August 5. Couples were dancing on the street in front of Where the Sidewalk Begins, 233 Commercial Street NE. It followed suit for the Downtown Salem's 1st Wednesday theme, "Dancing in the Streets." Fun was had by those watching and those participating.

Krina Lemons has been instrumental in connecting Mz Jitterbug with high schools in the Salem area; encouraging social dance as a after-school program or a segment of the Physical Education program. Her energy and intentions are unsurmountable and so appreciated.

The word "culture" says it all. Webster defines it as, "A particular society at a particular time and place." It is also defined as, "The taste in art and manners that are favored by a special group."

Well, you should have been to my parents' 75th birthday party at the Keystone Turner Hall on Saturday, April 11, 2009. Culture was profound...and so much fun!

Me and My Dad

My siblings and I hired my Mom and Dad's favorite Polka band, Barefoot Becky and the Ivanhoe Dutchment, to play for their 75th Birthday dance. Becky is well respected and loved in the Midwest for her Polkas, Waltzes, Schottish and Foxtrot music...all played on the accordion, of course. The dance was free to the public and Becky's fans showed up in full force. What was even more appealing to me was the fact that so many of my aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousin, third cousins and even fourth cousins, made their way to Keystone, Iowa, for the celebration.

So, why am I writing this blog about my parents' 75th Birthday dance? People....if you don't dance you won't "get it." Dancing is a way of life back home in Keystone, Iowa. Dancing is something that was; well, almost expected, in my parents' generation. Everybody danced...and they did Saturday night. Did they dance like "Dancing with the Stars?" No! And that is so okay with me. They danced socially, gracefully, and happily all night long.

I have never seen my Dad happier and more energetic than when we did The Butterfly. This dance is a German dance where three people, and in our case it was me, my Dad and my sister, Linda, dance together. It's a traveling dance that starts out with simple kicks in unison. Then the tempo picks up and the person in the middle (my Dad) starts a do-si-do with both partners. The longer the song is played, the faster the tempo goes. My Dad was just a big kid! He was smiling so big and was bounding through the do-si-do with me and then Linda. It was just fantastic to watch...and even better to be a part of.

I thank my parents every day for giving me the gift of social dancing. I feel sorry for those who don't dance or haven't expereinced the joy, unity, and energy of social dancing. It is a cultural phenomenon. It is a cultural treasure and it is something one can do for the rest of their life.

In the words of Frankie Manning, the creator of the Lindy Hop, "Dancing keeps me young and for anyone out there who's not dancing, you better start."

I so agree!