Thursday, August 19th, 2010
We were dancing in some pretty wierd costumes at the Secret Garden Party but nothing as strange as this 1942 Soundie….Jewel McGowan and Dean Collins swinging out in wierd white wigs to a nonsense song by the Kingsmen. You got to love it.
Monday, August 2nd, 2010
It’s fair to say that the Andrew’s Sisters can do no wrong in my eyes, which is probably why this clip from the 1941 movie Buck Privates is one of my favourites. The Andrews Sisters perform four songs in this film: You’re a Lucky Fellow, Mr. Smith, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, [I'll Be With You When It's] Apple Blossom Time and this one – Bounce Me Brother with a Solid Four. The Lindy hop sequence features Dean Collins, Jewel McGowan, Ray Hirsch and Patty Lacey – which is amazing in itself…but not as amazing as the super daggy Shim Sham by the Andrew Sisters in the middle, I just love those flippy legs and the wierd sideways shuffles! My Shim Sham suddenly feels less comic…. next Swing Pit anyone? See you in the middle 
Wednesday, April 21st, 2010
Swing dancing in a haunted mansion? But of course? What more do you need for a great vintage movie clip? Maybe except the beautiful voice of Ella Mae Morse. Enjoy this vintage clip from 1944 film Ghost Catchers featuring none other than Dean Collins himself. Among the more hillarious moves I’d like to draw you attention to the numerous ‘bed bounces’….coming soon to a Swing Patrol class near you! Well, maybe not eh?
Thursday, February 11th, 2010
I know it’s very British to talk about the weather but hasn’t it been funny lately? 
On the weather theme take a look at this brilliant clip from the 1942 film “The Powers Girl” featuring Benny Goodman. If you watch closely through the rain and the ‘old movie’ haze there’s some lovely dancing from Dean Collins and Jewel McGowan. Not to mention a whole load of sliding around. Enjoy