Volume 123 | February, 2020
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  • Closed this week
  • Guest instructor: Ramona Staffeld
  • Swingin at the Savoy weekend extravaganza
  • Newbie-Pro competition
We are closed this week, Feb 20th, because of the annual Russian Festival but we'll be back on the 27th, for our final February classes and dancing to the swingin' tunes played by DJs Allen Kerr & Dhruv Bhargava. Remember to utilize our YouTube channel to practice your dancing!
Guest Instructor: Ramona Staffeld | Feb 27th
When we return on the 27th, we'll be greeted by the ever-so-talented and incredible teacher, dancer, and human being, Ramona Staffeld.

She will be teaching Level 3 and the Advanced Level. Her classes will allow for drop-ins. The Level Profile Description for Level 3 is the same as usual. And the Advanced Level class is for those who have previously passed the audition.

Advanced Level folks - you may not take Level 3 for free like usual - instead, it will be the regular amount of $10 to add-on a second class (a steal for Ramona!!)

Ramona will be here from Melbourne because she's teaching that weekend at Swingin at the Savoy in Oakland which hopefully you're also attending!

Ramona is one of the highest profile Lindy Hop and Authentic Jazz dance teachers in the world, performing and teaching at all major events, including Herräng (Sweden), Swing Out New Hampshire (USA), Swingtime Ball (Beijing), Paris Jazz Roots (France), Sugarloaf Stomp (Brazil), to name a few.

She is known for her energy, presence, rhythm, and playful spirit on the dance floor. She is a champion dancer, holding first place titles from the Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown, American Lindy Hop Championships, The International Lindy Hop Championships, and the World Lindy Hop Championships. Ramona is at the forefront of Lindy Hop, telling her story, while preserving and passing on the legacy of the dance to the next generation.

Ramona was 14 when spotted by one of the founding fathers of Lindy Hop, Frankie Manning. Still in her early teens, Manning asked Ramona to open with him at the Midsummer Night Swing series at Lincoln Center in New York City. What Ramona values and prioritizes in class, on the social dance floor, on stage, and in life, came very much from working with and being around Frankie. Ramona began studying swing dancing at the age of 11. She has been dancing Lindy Hop, Charleston, and jazz era social dances for the past 24 years.

Photo: Ramona Staffeld and Remy Kouakou Kouame performing at Lindyfest in Seoul, South Korea.
Swingin' at the Savoy | Feb 28-March 1
It's almost here! Swingin' at the Savoy is happening in Oakland Feb 28 - March 1 and it's an amazing weekend of Lindy Hop, history, and community. Not many people would argue with this statement: some of the BEST Lindy Hop instructors in the world will be teaching there. For real. And, this event is one of the best ways to learn about the important history of this dance with visiting legends who are there to tell their stories.

The event has intermediate and advanced classes and they also have a Newcomers Track - this is perfect for those of you in Level 1 who are loving this dance and want to experience something super special over the course of a weekend. Or, you can just attend the dances at night! Either way, we hope to see you there for at least a portion of this inspiring event.

Photo credit: Clever Plum Photography
Newbie-Pro Competition | March 26
Our 9th annual Newbie-Pro Competition is next month. Start finding your partners!

MISSION
To provide folks who are new to competing a comfortable environment to get their feet wet while partnering with a supportive mentor.

RSVP if you plan to compete OR to be there to cheer on the competitors. Both groups are extremely important to meet the goal of this event. We need supporters cheering on the competitors just as much as we need competitors dancing!

SCHEDULE
10:15pm - Competitors meeting backstage - all dancers (Newbies and Pros) must be present and on time!
10:30pm - Competition!

FAQ - please read carefully

1) Newbie definition
"I have competed in zero or one Lindy Hop/Swing competitions at any venue/event (or, I have not competed in any _advanced_ comps and in either role!)."

If you're unsure, just ask us! We're happy to help you figure it out. ♥

*to clarify RE roles...if you do not fit the "Newbie" definition in your primary role then you're not able to compete in your non-primary role either. This is because the mission of this comp is to be welcoming and comfortable for _new_ competitors.

*if you have placed in the Newbie-Pro comp in the past, you may not compete in it again.

2) Pro Definition
A dancer who would like to be a mentor to a Newbie and help support them through the competition experience. This means that perhaps you have taught classes before or it may mean you have experience competing, or maybe both. Only the Amateur gets judged during the competition so we're not as strict about the Pro definition; however, the point of this competition is for an experienced dancer to help and guide the Newbie during the comp. Use your best judgement.

3) No aerials

4) Each Pro and Newbie can only compete with one partner

5) Newbies can ask a Pro to join with them or vice versa.

"STRICTLY" COMPETITION
The competition is considered a Strictly Lindy competition which means competitors determine their partner ahead of time and dance Lindy Hop with that same partner the entire competition (rather than changing partners like in a Mix & Match contest). The competition is based on your social dancing skills. You will be able to show this off by dancing to snip-its of a number of different songs at a range of tempos with your partner. Tempos will not exceed 170

REGISTRATION
You will register for the contest at the door the night of.
It is FREE to enter!!

PRIZES
We will award 1st, 2nd, 3rd for a Follow and a Lead separately.
Winners will receive a trophy/medal and a free month of classes at The 9:20 Special.

Find your partner asap and get ready for some fun!
Black History Month on Instagram
For Black History Month, we are sharing interesting and important historical details as it relates to Lindy Hop and Black history via our Instagram feed. Follow along here: https://www.instagram.com/920special/
Calendar of Events 2020
more events to be added as they're scheduled
February 20th: CLOSED for Russian Festival

February 27th: Guest Instructor for Level 3 & Advanced: Ramona Staffeld

March 5th: New class series begin

March 26th: Newbie-Pro Competition - details and RSVP here !

April-May: Open House Student Performance class

April 9th: CLOSED for Easter

May 28th: 12th Annual Open House (FREE!)