My First CSC Experience: KABOOM!

Courtesy of Philippe Huot
CSC 2010

I anticipated as well as dreaded my first experience at the Canadian Swing Championships. Why did I have mixed feelings regarding such a highly regarded swing event? Simply put: I was excited to see what CSC was all about but I was also terrified to discover where I would situate myself in the dance pecking order.

Needless to say, the show was amazing. My tagline was: "Ok, I think my brain just exploded. NOW my mind was blown... no wait, NOW." Dancers from all walks of swing and from Canada, the U.S. and even France traveled to Lachute, QC to show what they were made of. What was that, you might ask? Dynamite, fireworks and a whole lot of yummy awesomeness. The best part is, most of these people are actually NICE. If they had egos, they were great at concealing them. The competition was fierce yet friendly. Competitors would only upstage each other for the benefit of the crowd and the love of dance.

I have to admit that the Ottawa crowd was very loud and proud. I suppose that some teams may have been irritated by our "dynamic" participation as spectators as well as competitors and performers. We kept yelling "KABOOM" - which is Swing Dynamite's slogan - "Ottawa in the house!", "YEAH! 300 BPMs... Is this BLUES or is this FAST LINDY?"... If it was not implode, we are definitely troopers. I suppose it is in corrolation with the fact that the Ottawa scene is smaller and offers less social dancing opportunities that we manifest an even greater appreciation for this sort of event.

Even though I only competed in the Lindy Newcomer Jack & Jill (and took 5th), I have to say the trip and exhaustion were justified by the spectacular dances and the high energy buzzing at all hour of the day. I must have been one of the biggest fans there; I cheered for my teams (Ottawa's very own Swing Dynamite) but also, bowed to the talent, spirit and dedication of Quebec, Montreal and Montpellier (France) lindy hoppers and westies. I am incredibly grateful for their generosity in sharing their passion and through their movement, a part of themselves. I have been flirting with Balboa, Jive and Boogie Woogie but now, I think I'm in love. My perspective on Lindy has also been broadened and I have a new appreciation for Blues and West Coast dancing. Why can't I do it all?!? I suppose I have to look at dance as relationships; I can be friends with many, but I can only be one style's lover at a time. What?!? That's only weird if you don't consider dance as a passion. And I do. So there! That said, I am still focusing on Lindy, but have definitely spotted future projects through this eye opening experience.

I am humbled and motivated by the wide variety of dancers, styles and personalities I have come into contact with through the CSC. Next year, I am coming back prepared!

One more time, for the heck of it... KABOOM!