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Archive for December, 2009

Shebeen Chic

Website: http://www.shebeenchic.ie
Address: 4 South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2

Shebeen Chic Logo

Shebeen Chic is a restaurant, bar & music venue with live entertainment 7 nights a week.

Upstairs the restaurant serves simple, seasonal, locally sourced, tasty Irish food in a lively bohemian space. A private dining room off the ground floor has one large table and its own kitchen sink! making it the perfect spot for a private party. Upstairs the long bar serves perfect pints & smashing cocktails with live entertainment every night from Trad to Jazz……

The downstairs music venue is home to some of the best comedy, cabaret & live gigs on the Dublin scene.

Gigs

Gigs are subject to change without notice – Social Dance Network accepts no responsibility for cancelled gigs – always check with the organiser before attending a gig

Tue 22nd Dec: Garret Baker, 9pm, Admission: €5

Niall C Lawlor

Tue 22nd Dec: Niall C Lawlor, 9pm, Admission: Free

Niall C Lawlor

Wed 23rd Dec: Ukulele Xmas Party, Window 6pm

ukuele

Wed 23rd Dec: DJ Scott Mc Naughton, 9pm, Admission: Free

DJ Scott Mc Naughton

Sat 26th Dec: The Recession Club, 9pm, Resident Host DJ Kev

The Recession Club

Sun 27th Dec: The Jazz Globetrotters, 9pm, Admission: Free

Jazz Globetrotters

Mon 28th Dec: Trad Sesuin, 9pm, Admission: Free

Trad Sesuin

Tue 29th Dec: Niall C Lawlor, 9pm, Admission: Free

Niall C Lawlor

Wed 30th Dec: Scott Mc Naughton, 9pm, Put your dancing shoes on

DJ Scott Mc Naughton

Thu 31st Dec: Shindig New Years Party Tunes for Party People, 9pm, Admission: Free

Shindig Special New Years Eve Party

Band: Pressure Drop

by danceclu | December 22, 2009 | In Bands, Ska 5 Comments

Pressure Drop

Bebo: http://www.bebo.com/Profile.jsp?MemberId=9885160725

Pressure Drop an 8 Piece 2-Tone/Ska Band was established in the summer 2009, consisting of:

Kevin (lead vocals/ trumpet) – Kevin was lead swinger with Ska Express” from Wexford
Markie (bass) – Markie is an ex-member of the Dublin Ska Outfit “Gangsters”
Mark (lead guitar/ backing vocals)
Con (tenor sax/ guitar)
Neicy (alto sax)
Cyril (trumpet)
Derek (drums)
Steve (keys)

Having played in numerous popular and succesful Ska bands the lads (and woman!!!) decided to come together. With rehearsal’s currently going strong the group are looking forward to hitting the scene with a bang later in the year. Bringing you the best of the best in ska with an energy filled show not to be missed!!!

Genre: Ska, Reggae
Influences: Ska, Punk, Rocksteady

Gigs

Gigs are subject to change without notice – Social Dance Network accepts no responsibility for cancelled gigs – always check with the band before attending a gig.

Jan 23rd Halfwayhouse Ballycogley Co. wexford.
Jan 29th WhiteWater , Newbridge Co. Kildare.

Pressure Drop

Dublin Session Drummer

Website: www.djolledrummer.com – Dublin Session Drummer

Dublin based drummer with many years of experience in different styles and genres, can provide you proffessional drumming service, tailored to your needs.

Works with both originals and covers bands, currently available for recording and gigging sessions, tours, drum tution.

Closing the successful year highlited with multiple perfomances on Knockanstockan festival, Electric Picnic, Absolut Fringe Festival, residencies in Whelans and Tripod, you can check him out on 31.12.09. in The Village, preforming on New Years Show in 3D.

Each audience member will be given 3D glasses to experience the awesome power of the “3D Opti-Tron”, a newly developed form of 3D, using multiples screens at different angles. Be prepared to be taken to a new dimension!

Dublin Session Drummer

Website: http://www.the-memphisking.co.uk/

The Memphis King

Biography

Since the tender of age of 4 years old Craig Smith has been a dedicated and loyal fan to The King, Mr. Elvis Presley. His love for the music and mind-blowing performances that Elvis delivered naturally inspired Craig to enter the world of show business and take to the stage as The Memphis King. Having studied The King’s every move and vocal fluctuation, Craig Smith is able to impersonate Elvis to a tee and leaves audiences gasping for more in every show he plays.

Craig Memphis King has been to Graceland 8 times in the last 4 years most recently having been there for the 32nd anniversary of The Kings death.
He also appeared on Gmtv along with his good freind oggy the dog Hodgkinson(also MK soundman).
MK also had the privalige to get married on the grounds of Graceland on the 7th jan 2005(photos of his visits will be placed on the photo link soon)

Craig has served in the army for 12 years and has always dreamed of being a successful Eta, well he is fulfilling that dream.

Having just completed a very succesful theatre tour Cmk is looking forward to going back on the road so keep checking back for further theatre shows.

Setlist

Craig’s repetoir includes hundreds of Elvis classics such as:
- Can’t Help Falling In Love
- A Little Less Conversation
- Hound Dog
- American Trilogy
- Suspicious Minds,Hurt
- Rubberneckin
- viva las vegas
- Jonny B. Goode
- My Way
- Jailhouse Rock
- Daddy Don’t Cry Daddy
- and many more

Gigs

Gigs are subject to change without notice – Social Dance Network accepts no responsibility for cancelled gigs – always check with the organiser before attending a gig

- Mon 21st Dec – The Pale Pub ( http://www.thepalepub.com/map.html )

Admission: Free

What is East Coast Swing?

• East Coast Swing was derived from the Jitterbug, which grew out of the dance halls of Harlem during the 1920’s. Essentially, the terms East Coast Swing and Jitterbug are synonymous.
• East Coast Swing (6-Count) is intermixable with all forms of swing dancing, though primarily with Lindy Hop
• East Coast Swing is a circular, rotating swing dance that has many wraps, tunnels, and turns.
• The music is diverse and includes oldies (Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry), jump blues, country, big band, and top 40.
• East Coast Swing is a versatile dance suitable for both the ballroom and the bar room.
• With a wide range of music to choose from you can swing to almost anything.
• Swing music is written in 4/4 time with a tempo of 140-175 beats per minute. Since this is a quick dance, the steps should be small and light.
• You can’t go wrong with jukebox tunes from Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry.

What’s the difference between East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, and Lindy Hop Swing?

East Coast Swing, also known as triple step swing, triple timing swing, and jitterbug, has a basic count of 12, 3&4, 5&6. Some folks describe the basic as “rock step, triple step, triple step.” The dance uses 6 and 8 count patterns. It was the standard swing dance of 50′s-era “sock hops.” The music speed is 140-175 beats per minute. This dance has lilt (bounce) and energy. It is generally danced without strict regard to any particular orientation or geometry. It’s easy to learn.

West Coast Swing is danced in a slot (a linear pattern) to slower music (generally 110-130 beats per minute). It’s a smooth, often sexy dance, and it does not have lilt and bounce. West coast swing dancers consider their dance to be “cooler,” more chic, more sophisticated, and less barbaric than east coast swing. West coast swing can be more difficult to learn because several foot patterns are required and the patterns may contain 6, 8, and 10 or more counts. West coast swing requires a very good sense of timing and connection.

Lindy Hop Swing is the current rage with young people. Lindy hop swing can involve lots of kicks and aerials (lifts and flips). The dance uses 6 and 8 count patterns. Common figures include the “swing out,” and the Charleston step.

Where can I learn?

For Dance Classes in Dublin, Contact: alan@danceclub.ie for more information

Links

Glasgow, Edinburgh and Livingston (Lindy Hop, Blues & Wedding Dance)
http://www.zootswing.co.uk/

We teach 4 styles of East Coast Swing:

1) Melange

4-Beat Rhythm: Double, Double

What is Melange?

You may already recognise this dance as 4-Count Swing, 4-Count Hustle, 4-Count Jive or even 2-Hand Salsa of the 1970s. You may also recognise this dance similar to Modern Jive (LeRoc or Ceroc®).

Golden State Dance Teacher Association (GSDTA) Teachers taught this dance form from 1977 through 1980’s under the name 2-Hand Salsa. By 1995, with the return of the popularity of Salsa Music, 2-Hand Salsa no longer fit the Salsa picture. Skippy Blair changed the name to Melange, meaning a “Mixture of Things” in French.

The Rhythm Pattern is Double-Double and each new pattern starts with a “Rock Step” followed by a step to the “side” left, followed by a step to the “side” right (“rock step”, “side side”). All patterns should be counted through 8.

The simplicity of the dance allows students to concentrate on Centering, Movement, Position Changes, Count and Feeling the Music rather than concentrating on Foot Patterns.

This dance takes on the look of whatever music is being played. It’s great for Cruises, Weddings, School Classes, or any other social situation where you need or want easy, quick and FUN dancing.

Melange is the dance that can resemble Country Swing, Latin or even Hustle.
Melange is a dance that EVERY student wherever possible should know Melange before going on to other more complicated RHYTHM dances. It makes the dancer comfortable in any social situation and also teaches a variety of partner moves that support future learning.

This is one dance that could probably make you the “Life of the Party”. As a man, it is easy to lead non-dancers into this dance, simply be letting them march in place. Melange prepares you for various directions that are used in other dances. Most of all it is a FUN dance that is EASY to learn. It is also a wonderful way to get introduced to partner dancing.

Source: www.swingworld.com

Melange Clips

Melange aka 4-Count Hustle

Melange aka 4-Count Hustle

Melange (AKA 4-Count Hustle)

2) Single Swing (aka North American Jive aka Rock n Roll)

• 6-Beat Rhythm: Double, Single, Single
• 8-Beat Rhythm: Double, Single, Double, Single

Single Swing is danced with “Single Rhythm”

6-Count Basic can be danced again with the “Rock Step” but the dance now has the timing of “Rock Step”, “Side Hold”, “Side Hold”. The 6-Count Rhythm Pattern is: Double, Single, Single.

8-Count Basic can be danced again with “Rock Step” but the dance now has the timing of “Rock Step”, “Side Hold”, “Rock Step”, “Side Hold”. The 8-Count Rhythm Pattern is: Double, Single, Double, Single

This version is usually danced to very fast music and in this form it is sometimes called Jive, Single Swing, Jitterbug, or (in Europe mostly) Rock-n-Roll.

Single Swing Clip

3) Retro Swing

• 6-Beat Rhythm: Double, Delayed Single, Delayed Single
• 8-Beat Rhythm: Double, Delayed Single, Double, Delayed Single

Tap-Step Swing (aka Tap-Step Jive) is danced with “Delayed Single Rhythm”

6-Count Basic can be danced again with the “Rock Step” but the dance now has the timing of “Rock Step”, “Tap Step”, “Tap Step”. The 6-Count Rhythm Pattern is: Double, Delayed Single, Delayed Single.

8-Count Basic can be danced again with “Rock Step” but the dance now has the timing of “Rock Step”, “Tap Step”, “Rock Step”, “Tap Step”. The 8-Count Rhythm Pattern is: Double, Delayed Single, Double, Delayed Single

Jump Swing (aka Kick-Step Swing aka Kick-Step Jive) is also danced with “Delayed

Single Rhythm” with the heel outstretched on the kicks giving the look and feel of Lindy Hop but doing the patterns more similar to the East Coast Swing. This hybrid version is sometimes called Jump Swing.

6-Count Basic can be danced again with the “Rock Step” but the dance now has the timing of “Rock Step”, “Kick Step”, “Kick Step”. The 6-Count Rhythm Pattern is: Double, Delayed Single, Delayed Single.

8-Count Basic can be danced again with “Rock Step” but the dance now has the timing of “Rock Step”, “Kick Step”, “Rock Step”, “Kick Step”. The 8-Count Rhythm Pattern is: Double, Delayed Single, Double, Delayed Single

What is Jump Swing?

Jump Swing dates back to the late 1990′s swing revival in Southern California: Long Beach and Redondo. Originally termed Retro or Jump or Neo Swing, it followed the regional post-punk, post-rockabilly enthusiasm, as many punk bands and mosh pit dancers converted to swing. The original music featured an up-tempo amalgamation of rock, jump blues, and big band swing – a strong backbeat is characteristic.

Jump Swing has become popular because of the Movie “Swing Kids” and the Gap Commercial looks like a promo for our GSDTA Curriculum. This new variety of Swing has the flavour of the old jitterbug with an easier approach that is FAST, FUN and EASY to learn!

Necessary Background before we JUMP into Jump Swing

Lindy: Basic patterns are all 8 beats, advanced patterns are 6 beats
East Coast Swing: Basic patterns are all 6 beats, advanced patterns are 8 beats
Year 2 we are all doing the same patterns.

Jump Swing is simply taking the “Essence” of the look and feel of “SWING” and making it instantly available. By doing Jump Swing first, the student does not go through the “Beginner” look that plagues many dancers. After learning all the variations, it is easy to substitute other RHYTHMS in order to conform to whatever style you wish to portray.

Who Developed Jump Swing?

• Skippy Blair (mother of Jump Swing), saw young dancers jump around during the post rockabilly swing revival of the mid-late 90s. She noted the common practice jumpy 6-count kick pattern, made adaptations, and arranged a syllabus for her teacher workshops. Skippy adopted the name JUMP SWING for her classes, abandoning the original home grown name RETRO SWING. She has helped to spread the dance around the USA. She pioneered her own exceptional instructional approach, popular with many top teachers.
www.swingworld.com

• Sonny Watson compiled some of the Retro Swing with additions in his Retro Swing Video.
www.streetswing.com

What music is Jump Swing Danced To?

The jumpy kick 6 & 8-count patterns segues nicely into Charleston, and feels very satisfying to rockin’ music in any genre, especially tunes with a strong backbeat. A quick overview:
Up tempo Pop/Rock: Footloose, Part Time Lover, Heat Wave, Walking On Sunshine,
Jump Blues: Rock This Town, Shake Rattle & Roll,
Neo Swing: Jump Jive & Wail, If You Can’t Rock Me
Classic Swing: Sing Sing Sing, Shout And Feel It, Moten Swing, One O’Clock Jump

Jump Swing Clips

Jump Swing ITACHA NY

Swing Kids

Gap Commercial (1998)

Jump Swing

4) Triple Swing (Similar to International Jive)

6-Beat Rhythm: Double, Triple, Triple
8-Beat Rhythm: Double, Triple, Double, Triple

Triple Swing is danced with Triple Rhythm

6-Count Basic can be danced again with the “Rock Step” but the dance now has the timing of “Rock Step”, followed by a “triple” to the left for the man and then a “triple” to the right. The 6-Count Rhythm Pattern is: Double, Triple, Triple.

8-Count Basic can be danced again with “Rock Step” but the dance now has the timing of “Rock Step”, followed by a “triple” to the left for the man and then a “Rock Step”, followed by a “triple” to the right for the man. The 8-Count Rhythm Pattern is: Double, Triple, Double, Triple

It is in this form that the East Coast Swing most resembles the structure of the International Style Jive.

Addition of rotation, underarm turns and changing hand leads create a fun, fast moving and elaborate looking dance even without the addition of other rhythms.

Triple Swing Clip

The reasons to choose different footwork are as follows:

Learning: Beginning dancers can do simple steps easily, but they may struggle with more complex footwork. Advanced dancers may enjoy more complex footwork.
Tempo: Simpler footwork, such as steps and holds, are easier to do to fast music. Complex footwork makes slow music more interesting.
Musicality: If the music has very simple rhythm, then kick steps work well. If the music has a more complex rhythm, then triple steps work well. If the music pauses (breaks) then holds work well.
Variety: It is nice to vary the dance form, so if you use one kind of footwork for a while, you might want to try another form for a while.