Last Monday I had the pleasure of dancing for Dandy Wellington and his Band at the Museum of Arts and Design's Young Patrons Gala. It was the first time I had performed a choreographed number with a live band, and I have to say, it's pretty exhilarating. Brass man Michael R. Davis charted "Aunt Jemima's Stomp" especially for the occasion and the band killed it. It was amazing.
This was, far and away, the fanciest party I have ever attended, working or otherwise. I didn't really realize it until about 30 minutes in and the room began to fill up. Everyone was so lovely and lovely. Beautiful and kind. There were so many vintage beaded gowns, furs, headdresses and the like. One woman had an authentic MGM costume from the golden age of the silver screen. Having never been to a black-tie event, I had no idea how to behave, so I was very quiet and smiley and everyone was very nice about it.
The party was to honor David McDermott and Peter McGough, also known as the "Dandies of Avenue C". These cats are super cool. They are artists who work in all sorts of mediums but are known best for their archaic photography techniques, including cyanotype and salt prints, and for spending a good chunk of the late 20th century living in the early 20th century. Like I said, super cool.
We (swing dancers) are near the top of the Jazz Era-obsession totem pole. We have the vintage duds, the vintage vinyl, and the vintage moves. But if there were an authenticity contest, these two fine gentlemen would have us beat. McDermott and McGough spent 15 years living in a fully-restored, 19th century townhouse, without electricity. See that photograph to the right? They dressed like that every day for 15 years. McDermott continues to live the lifestyle, in Ireland, to this day. That is dedication, my friend.
And so, it is no surprise that said dedication would be honored in such a way, with a fantastic pre-Depression-era do.
I performed my number with the band, did a little social dancing, snapped a picture of the ice sculpture (yes, ice sculpture), then changed and went to Shake Shack before picking my friend up from the airport.
You know. . .
life as usual. . .
minding my own business. . .
. . . and then this happens:
We (swing dancers) are near the top of the Jazz Era-obsession totem pole. We have the vintage duds, the vintage vinyl, and the vintage moves. But if there were an authenticity contest, these two fine gentlemen would have us beat. McDermott and McGough spent 15 years living in a fully-restored, 19th century townhouse, without electricity. See that photograph to the right? They dressed like that every day for 15 years. McDermott continues to live the lifestyle, in Ireland, to this day. That is dedication, my friend.
And so, it is no surprise that said dedication would be honored in such a way, with a fantastic pre-Depression-era do.
I performed my number with the band, did a little social dancing, snapped a picture of the ice sculpture (yes, ice sculpture), then changed and went to Shake Shack before picking my friend up from the airport.
You know. . .
life as usual. . .
minding my own business. . .
. . . and then this happens:
How cool is that? Pretty darn cool in my book. To say that this is the most press I've ever received is an understatement, because that would imply that I have ever received press. It certainly has been exciting and I am very grateful to Dandy for providing the opportunity.
Keep your eyes peeled, as I am sure to work with him again in the future!
To check out all the links, visit my spankin' new press page.
To see where to catch Dandy Wellington and his Band click here.
To view the artwork of David McDermott & Peter McGough click here.