Zoot Suits…they’re a bit like Marmite – either you love them or (like me) you don’t. But ever wondered where they came from? Well this post doesn’t tell you. But if you’re interested in finding out more about the mob, Mexicans and this strange Swing fashion then this amazing post on Queens Of Vintage is well worth a read…

“During the Forties, American teens were at odds with the adults. They went to clubs that served over sized menus and soda and would listen to music by Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, and Louis Armstrong. They would go dancing in ballrooms, for walks with their sweethearts and took advantage of their time as youths. They danced the jitterbug, wore saddle shoes, over sized skirts, and Zoot Suits along with wide brimmed hats. Our LA correspondent and Zoot Suit lover Vanessa Sandoval takes a look back in time.” Read more…

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We’ll be here…get involved

BUST, Summer Craftacular – Shop. Craft. Dance! Sat July 10 | 12pm – 7pm
An indie shopping mall in York Hall! With DJs, drinks, DIY and an alternative food court of sweet and savoury treats… and dancing with Swing Patrol.

SHOP at over 60 stalls of the hippest in handmade.

CRAFT a fascinator headpiece with The Make Lounge; screen-print a tote bag with Mr Wingate; colour-in jewellery with Tatty Devine.

DANCE to DJs The A-Maisonettes, The Vinyl Vendettas, She Runs With Wolves (Ladyfest Ten); learn to Lindy Hop and Jitterbug with a special beginner’s class by Swing Patrol from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Goodie bags for the first 100 through the door, raffle and more. Admission: £2. *Sign up for the fascinator-making workshops (1pm-2.30pm and 4pm-5.30pm) on the day, places limited.

York Hall, 5-15 Old Ford Road London E2 9PJ
1 minute from Bethnal Green Tube Station

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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

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Now I don’t know about you, but where I come from bugger is a rude word….this weekend we have a great workshop showing you how easy and fun it can be to compete. The London Swing Festival is just around the corner but if you’re new to competing this workshop could be just the thing to get you warmed up. Remember, this is supposed to be fun! No one expects you to be as good as the dancers in this clip! But, as usual, here’s some Jitterbug inspiration from way back in the day. Watch it close and see if you can’t pick up some tips…

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