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Here are some old videos that are a real time capsule of Lindy Hop in Toronto.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click here for some scanned items from 2009:

• Dance scans 2009

2009 was a transitional year. I was settling into a new job – the same job I’ve had ever since, and had a steady income for the first time in a long while. So the dancing picks up accordingly, after a few years of sporadic dancing I decided to try doing it more often. The year starts slowly at Reservoir Lounge, but after that Alleycatz and Dovercourt figure prominently.

As I start dancing more, I resume my caustic and quite nasty comments about things that bother me. I make no apologies, eight years later, for these thoughts.

Monday, January 12, 2009
8:36 P.M.
Subway South of Sheppard

Heading down to Reservoir to see Sophia – first time in weeks. Went to bed early last night and slept poorly – time to try going to bed late again. Work has picked up and looks to be busy for the next few weeks.

10:32 P.M.
King Station

Reservoir reasonably deserted but band is good. Sophia hugs me wishing me a happy New Year and says she has been teaching a lot. No dancing first set.

Monday, February 23, 2009
10:35 P.M.
Subway North from Union

I hoofed along Wellington to the Reservoir and caught the last three and a half songs of Sophia’s first set. She came over and hugged me. Another new server – the worst one I’ve had in a while, it took ages to get my Rye and Ginger and ages to pay for it.

Tuesday March 3, 2009
7:21 P.M.
Subway at Downsview.

I caught most of Sophia’s first set at the Reservoir. She played, of all things, a Roches song – “Mr. Shadrack”. I laughed out loud. She also said she was getting married in June or July.

Saturday March 7, 2009
11:01 P.M.
Ossington Station

Dovercourt was O.K. Lesson was very crowded but still fun. Fencing Julia was there, as an official Toronto Lindy Hop Dance Ambassador in a red shirt. We danced, and I also danced with Rachel. Charlie was there, and Misha and Joseph and Bonnie, who said I had been away for a year. Sure enough, everyone wanted to know where I’d been. Dance find of the night was Ariel – cute and a good dancer – taller than me. She would instinctively duck during turns. I danced a fair bit the first set, hardly at all in the break, and just before 11 P.M. I realized I hadn’t danced in half an hour and probably wouldn’t again, so I left. Apparently Jamz Bee and the Jazz Safari were due any minute.

Saturday March 14, 2009
11:23 P.M.
Subway North at Spadina

Dovercourt was O.K. Lesson was tough because instructor did not have voice that projected, and crowd was boisterous. Band tended to play too fast at beginning but calmed down. Danced with Julia, Moira, Carol from the old TSDS days, Rachel (not Charlie’s wife – although that Rachel was also there) and some new people too. I really stunk my last dance, which was too long, and called it a night. There was cake in honor of Frankie Manning’s upcoming birthday, and also a honorary shim-sham.

Tuesday March 17, 2009
9:32 P.M.
Alleycatz, Yonge Street.

Poor Arlene. Expand later.

10:08 P.M.
Subway, Eglinton Station

Yes, poor Arlene. In her red dress, come to learn the dance. But overweight. I dance with her. No-one else does. She leaves. The bastards in “the scene” who ignore the portly! She can dance. I also dance with Caroline, clearly Australian, and another woman whose name I do not get. I do not dance with the older Ukranian lady who tried to teach me at the same time Dan was – I nearly lost my cool but Dan moved her on and let Stephanie, his temporary partner, calm me down. Band was good as usual.

Tuesday March 24, 2009
7:32 P.M.
Sheppard Station

Brutal day at work. Must dance. Off to Alleycatz! If the train ever gets here.

10:06 P.M.
Pizza Pizza, Yonge North of Eglinton
Upstairs

Lesson was complicated and I didn’t get it all. Music fine, only danced twice, once with Arlene who came back and stayed longer – although still too few people dancing with her. Other dance with Caroline, the Australian – who it turns out had worked with the Archives on some qualitative surveying of customers on the planned digitization project. She knew all about the move, it was fascinating. I asked a third woman to dance. She was new. She said no, she would prefer to watch. Two dances later she was on the floor with someone else. Bitch. I hope I recognize her and never dance with her again.

Monday April 13, 2009
11:00 P.M.
Subway North of Union

Hope cajoles me down to Reservoir for Jamz Bee’s birthday party, and it’s a delightful zoo. I’m annoyed that I have to act responsibly and leave after the first set. We end up sitting with Michael Cook and Jacqui Chretien. Jacqui grills us on how we met, amusingly. As for the party, the Mayor, David Miller, was on hand. Terry Wilkins came by to shake my hand, Big Rude Jake is present, and Sophia Perlman’s vipers are joined on stage by June Garber, Richard Underhill and Julie Michaels – and this is just the first set! The band does “Jockey Full of Bourbon” and “Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes” the first set. It’s all great fun.

Sunday May 10, 2009
12:16 A.M.
Subway North at Spadina

The surrealism show at the AGO was deserted. The tribute/dance at Dovercourt was packed! Band played much too fast for me, so I only danced three times – with Hope (!), Ann Mayer (haven’t seen in years) and Carol. Still magical, though – many pretty women in dresses.

Tuesday May 19, 2009
10:00 P.M.
Eglinton Station

Alleycatz tonight. Except for one woman who tries to chew gum and dance at the same time, all are good followers in the balanced 10 person lesson. I dance with Marge the first dance until her steak salad comes, and one highly successful 6-count with Shari. Dan was teaching six-count tonight, as he often does.

Wednesday May 27, 2009
7:23 A.M.
196 Bus Leaving Downsview

Went to Alleycatz after all. Sparsely attended. Vigorous dance lesson, after which most of the women left. Danced one, with a clueless beginner. Left before 10 P.M. Band in fine form.

Wednesday June 10, 2009
10:44 P.M.
Sheppard near Bathurst
Back from Yonge Dundas Square, where I was at the “Light on your feet” swing night with Lenny Graf’s band and Debi Sander Walker. I was one of the many “plants” during the lesson. After that we gained strategic control of the floor, which was crowded still. Dancing with Fencing Julia, Jacqueline (who was interviewed with me by the Asian Television Network), Moira, Carol, and others. Kirsten and I were dancing to Route 66 when Vince, the host, invited us to dance on the stage. We declined. An epic evening, ended by a milk shake from the Baskin Robbins at Toronto Life Square.

June 20, 2009
8:12 P.M.
Alleycatz

Lesson in progress. It was even 7-7, so I decided to order the Manhattan early and leave the lesson (in 6-count) to the beginners. The Manhattan is good tonight.

10:01 P.M.
Eglinton Station

Ended up dragged to the lesson halfway through, danced with some nice women, all of whom disappeared when the band started. New trumpet/flugelhorn player with Whitney, but only a bass player. No drums, and no vocalist. Didn’t dance. Left during first set.

Wednesday July 29, 2009
7:21 A.M.
196 Bus at Downsview

Hot again. On walk to bus this morning, I was thinking about Israel and also musing about the politics of dancing. A new group led by Dan Amores called “the collective” is programming against TSDS, especially a TSDS Lindy Hop night on the 31st. And the fur is flying.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009
8:16 P.M.
Alleycatz

The swing lesson is being filmed as part of some webcast about the club, so I sit it out. It’s pretty basic, nine people. Dan needs a partner so it is balanced. The band is setting up. Finally live music returns toAlleycatz!

8:42 P.M.

No bitters! Again. So no Manhattan. I order scotch instead, and I get a triple for the price of a single – as if I need a triple scotch.

10:07 P.M.
Eglinton Station
Perhaps everything sounds better with a triple scotch, but Carlo Berardnucci and the Double A Swing Band (with Nathan Hilz on Guitar) was pretty good. Only about 20 people there, no-one I felt like dancing with.

Monday, September 20, 2009
8:54 P.M.
Reservoir Lounge

I’m early and its pretty dead here – a cold blustery night that marks the end of the High Holidays. I’ve ordered an Irish coffee that lacks a good Irish kick.

Wednesday September 30, 2009
7:20 A.M.
196 leaving Downsview.

Went to Alleycatz last night. The bartender proudly showed me his bottle of bitters, so I was obligated to have a Manhattan. Only four women in the lesson, most of them part of couples. So I declined, and ducked the cover again. Some more women showed up, but no-one I was inclined to dance with – they were the type who look so bored when they dance with me. The band was solid again. They played a completely different set than last week, including the complete lyrics of “but not for me”.

Saturday, October 10, 2009
11:44 P.M.
Subway North of St. George

Serious excess of men at Dovercourt. Only got four dances in – Moira, nursing a bad knee, Angela (who asked me!), someone I forget who I used to dance with a lot, and a beginner in red ankle boots, who was very fetching. Alex in good form. Got tired near end of second set.

Wednesday October 13, 2009
7:17 A.M.
196 Bus at Downsview.

Alleycatz last night. Band was good. Dance was sporadically attended, but two women came unaccompanied and I danced with them both. Laura, in blue with braces, had obviously danced before and smiled a lot. Alexandra, in red, nearly turned me down but Laura encouraged her. She was a little awkward and giggled nervously. But it was still fun. Later they were both hit on by the same moderately creepy old guy. I hope they come back.

Saturday December 12, 2009
11:42 P.M.
Subway North of St. Clair West

Hope and I took in the very powerful Japanese film “The Milk Woman” and then I headed to Dovercourt for their “holiday” dance. GTA Swing Band, 18 pieces. A Martiko and a Jillian asked me to dance, fencing Julia was there and we danced once. All in all, perhaps eight dances in two hours. But the band was really fun to listen to. They were selling “cheesecake” calendars fo twenty dollars. An extravagant memento, but why not?

Tuesday, December 15, 2009
11:18 P.M.
Sheppard Station

Alleycatz a strange affair. Dozens of cute, unattached women – but none there for the dance lesson, or even seemingly to listen to the band. Only three people clapping. Sad.

Monday December 21, 2009
9:10 P.M.
Reservoir Lounge

Almost no-one here, but Sophia was at the doorway with a friend and a cellphone. I opt for the sidecar tonight – suitably nasty. The Reservoir is festooned with red Christmas lights.

10:52 P.M.
Subway North from Union

The crowd started to arrive by the end of the first set. No dancers, though. Sophia in fine form, a great rendition of “The Look of You” and “Black Coffee” and all of the words to “But not for me”. Jamz Bee in attendance, also Peter Hill and Ori Dagan. It might have been an interesting second set! But I have work tomorrow. It took me so long to get the check that I actually put on my coat and walked to the bar – my waitress having been underworked for the first hour, was overwhelmed.

Saturday December 26, 2009
11:01 P.M.
Ossington Subway.

Dovercourt. The 8:00 lesson started out imbalanced, but ends up at 9 and 9 (or 10 and 10). Badly taught. Followers were either backleading or guessing most of the time. Drew Jurecka Band, with Terra Hazleton and, as an unexpected special guest, Sophia Perlman! That was out of context. The good thing was that Sophia didn’t have to be on stage all night, which meant we could dance – the first time since the Constance Margaret Ball several years ago. She had forgotten we had danced, indeed she seemed to think I didn’t dance. She doesn’t dance on Mondays at the Reservoir – it only encourages men to get the wrong impression. I didn’t count the dances, but I danced a fair bit. One nice one with June, in a twirly skirt, and one awkward one with Heather, a drunken realtor involved in the Austin Terrace matter. I could have stayed later, but I suddenly lost the desire, so I left.

Click the following links to view visual archives from 2007 and 2008!

• Dance scans 2007
• Dance scans 2008

Into 2007 and 2008, now, I was deep in graduate school (again) and fighting the onset of gout (which I later learned how to control). But there was still dancing, although not as much as in 2006 it seems. Reservoir and Alleycatz are most prominent. For months at a time, I was barely a dancer at all. And, in case you are following along, I am still at war with a local dance teacher.

Monday, January 8, 2007
9:20 P.M.
Reservoir Lounge

Class ended early. Then I walked by way of Beverley, Dundas, McCaul, Queen, University, King etc. to here. Sophia gave me a new year’s hug – nice. My plan is to make this a regular post-class Monday experience.

10:37 P.M.
Subway North of St. Patrick

Reservoir set was good. Robbie Botos on piano to start the new year, Sophie closed with “Jockey Full of Bourbon”. If it hadn’t been for the lightning at the adjacent table, it would have been perfect.

Thursday January 18, 2007
8:01 A.M.
Subway South of Downsview

Gladstone concert/tea dance was a success except for the lack of sandwiches. Tuesday night’s concert at Lula was less good. Sophia Perlman sang with the Feruggia Quartet, but it was too much noodling – ten-minute songs in which Sophia’s singing talent was essentially wasted.

Monday February 5, 2007
9:24 P.M.
Reservoir Lounge

Sophie Perlman just gave me a hug and a peck on the cheek and said she would be off for three weeks as she is heading off to Mexico until the twenty-eighth. Julie Michaels is to sub in during that time. I am glad I showed up tonight so she could tell me.

Friday February 9, 2007
5:31 P.M.

I plan to get to TSDS this evening.

10:31 P.M.
Subway at St. George

Got to Lithuanian House for the intermediate lesson. I took both lessons, ran by Mandi Gould, but after the lessons danced only once with a young, apologetic beginner. Then, true to TSDS fashion, the music got bad and I left. My heart just wasn’t in it and there was no-one I really wanted to dance with.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007
12:10 A.M.
Subway North of Union Station

Sophie Perlman was in Mexico, so Julie Michaels was sitting in with the Vipers at the Reservoir Lounge. Sadly, a table of three stunning young ladies turned into a hive of digital-camera vanity between the first and second set.

Monday, March 19, 2007
10:33 P.M.
Subway North at Union.

Another A paper, another Sophia Perlman set at the Reservoir. Young things wiggling to “Jockey Full of Bourbon”, but no real dancing.

Wednesday April 25, 2007
11:43 P.M. Subway North at Union

Lousy evening at the Reservoir Lounge. Some out of towner from Vancouver named Allison shows up and by the time I ask her to dance she says no because her drink has arrived. Michael Cook crosses the line from friendly to odiously smug, and I tune him out at last. The only way I can enjoy the Reservoir is to go alone and hide in the corner away from everyone – that is the only reliable method.

Wednesday May 2, 2007
11:11 A.M.
On 196 Bus to York

Last night I went to Alleycatz. Whitney Smith is playing there now, without his Big Steam Band from years back. The music was good, and the place was packed. In the first set I could not find a seat. Five dances first set – two with Fencing Julia, who was fresh off a successful second date at Dutch Dreams, one with her friend Sue who I met at Constance Margaret, and one with Jennifer, who had just switched from East Coast Swing to Lindy, and was audibly 8-counting. We switch to East Coast Swing mid dance, I forget the name of the fourth girl. Left in middle second set, 11 P.M.

Tuesday May 8, 2007
11:04 P.M
Eglinton Station

Went to Alleycatz after class at FIS. Arrived mid-set, danced one with Charlie’s Rachel. Danced in second set with Fencing Julia. Julia was there to meet another Julia, who had a friend in tow. I was asked to teach her Charleston. Lesson was a failure. Last night I was at Reservoir for two sets. Sophie hugged me again. Oh, one more thing about Alleycatz. Ori, who Hope and I met at Ten Feet Tall, was there – to see his teacher sing with the band. The singer was introduced as Rita Di Ghent, but she didn’t look like the Rita Di Ghent that I had heard years ago at Hart House.

Monday June 4 2007
9:05 P.M.
Reservoir Lounge

I don’t know what the bartender did tonight, but the Manhattan in front of me is outstanding!

9:14 P.M.

But – It’s Bradley tonight. Sophie is camping with her boyfriend in Algonquin Park!

Wednesday July 4, 2007
8:34 P.M.
Downsview Station

Last night I skipped class to see “Cleo from 5 to 7″ at Cinematheque with Hope. She liked it, thank goodness. Then I went to Alleycatz for about half an hour. Couldn’t bring myself to ask anyone to dance. As I was leaving, I saw Charlie and said hi.

Saturday, July 21 2007
3:22 P.M.
Subway South of King

Toronto All-Star Big Band at Distillery. Moira, Jacqui, Michael, etc all there. I danced twice with Jacqui, who also shared with me her hot chocolate from SOMA. Nice.

Monday, August 27, 2007
10:38 P.M.
Subway South at Union

Sophie, dressed in red, in fine form at Reservoir tonight. I get another hug. Manhattan not up to snuff, and the price keeps going up. No dancing at all, no real point in staying for second set. Enjoyable hour, though.

Saturday, October 6, 2007
7:40 P.M.
Dovercourt House

I’m here to assist with an 8 P.M. Lindy Lesson that is supposed to be follower heavy.
9:28 P.M.
Subway North from St. George

A beautiful hour. Many lovely young beginner dancers along with a few mature ladies. All a pleasure to dance with. Several complement me on my leading. I hardly stumble at all. It’s all so much fun, even with my right big toe in pain. Perhaps I should have stayed for the dance, but I am already a sweaty mess just from the lesson – and I need my sleep.

Monday October 22, 2007
12:14 A.M.
Near Sheppard and Bathurst

Skipping class tomorrow, so I went to Reservoir for Sophie. Two sets, one to drink and one to sober up (car was at Wilson). Dancers present, actually danced one with a women named Deborah. Nice.

Sunday December 9, 2007
2:27 P.M.
Subway South of Downsview

Constance Margaret Ball at Palais Royale tonight – I am running early, I think – plan is for early dinner at Amico’s on Queen Street West, then arrival at Palais c: 5:30, to make sure to get a table for once – let’s hope it works.

12:06 A.M.
501 Streetcar Eastbound

Things went O.K. Got to Amico’s, just after 4 P.M., had excellent pizza (Spinach, Pepperoni, Sun Dried – waitress called it “very festive”), was at Palais Royale at 5:05, walked outside to 5:45, when the father of the organizer insisted I come inside. So I sat around watching final preparations, finagled my ticket before they were officially open and set up my table place cards. It all worked. I was suffering from toe pain, so I only danced about a dozen times, with MK, Moira, Ann Mayer, Rachel, and Charlie’s Rachel, and one with Fencing Julia, who came late and left early. I also took the lesson, met some interesting women at that time. But by midnight I was spent and worried about subways, so I left.

Tuesday December 11, 2007
11:31 A.M.
Downsview Station

Last night after class I walked to Reservoir Lounge by way of HBC at Queen – no line-up for windows on a Monday night. Sophie Perlman in fine form, and I had a bourbon Manhattan which had a satisfying kick to it.

Monday March 10, 2008
10:54 P.M.
Subway North from Union.

The Vipers were in fine form. No Jessie Barksdale, instead Adrian Feruggia was on piano- he was pretty playful during his solos. Sophie apologized for the cancelled gig way back when, I assured her all was forgiven. Terry Wilkins came by on the set break to say hi, I left shortly after. Still needed to get up in the A.M.

Saturday March 15, 2008
2:58 P.M.
Downsview Station

One more paper has been written, so I can take the afternoon off and see movie at the Bloor for free. Might even dance at Dovercourt tonight.

11:57 P.M.
Downsview Station

Did end up at Dovercourt, stayed nearly until end of second set. Only danced four times – twice with Julia, once with Charlie’s Rachel and once with Kirsten. Didn’t feel like much more, pretty tired. Band was in fine form. Ended up on the subway with Julia, 29, looking for someone to have kids with. I learned she was a home care speech pathologist – I never knew. She also like herbal tea but can’t do spicy food. Two hugs at Dovercourt – Julia and Sophia – didn’t dance with Sophia, although others did.

Thursday May 22, 2008
9:02 P.M.
Reservoir Lounge

I haven’t been here on a Thursday for some time – Janice Hagen, still , apparently. Bradley at door. $5. New waitress. No recognizable dancers yet. Manhattan on the way.

Friday June 6, 2008
7:30 P.M.
Yonge Dundas Square

East Coast New World Orchestra here for Luminato. Beastly hot in the square and no real seats.

10:25 P.M.
Queen Station

Quite a night! The swing lesson started at 8:00, and involved getting everyone who was sitting on the floor to move. Then Mandi Gould tried to give a lesson to the 300 people who crowded her. I couldn’t get on the floor then, as there wasn’t much room to move. But Mandi, to her credit, managed the crowd control and taught those people to dance – it was quite astounding to watch from the side. When the lesson ended, I was determined to get on the floor, and I did – but then was flummoxed to find to partner for a while – I asked random women to dance, and one said yes – then I fought my way to Moira, who was in a pocket of dancers. Got two in with Moira, then was too hot to proceed, left the floor to walk around. I then found that getting back on the floor was much more difficult than getting off. Ran into Charlie and old William and his partner on the way back. Took some time, but I found the floor and MK, who was in another pocket of dancers. Two with MK, and I was done dancing. Space was very limited. Stayed for the second set, when they trotted out Nikki Yanovsky, the 14-year old phenom. She can sing, she has the moves. I heard her sing four songs and then decided to leave before the crowds got too packed. Cool lights effects, hot jazz band. Fun! Sweaty.

Monday July 14, 2008
10:49 P.M.
King Station

One set at the Reservoir. New waitress. No followers. Two hugs from Sophia, who lets me know that Terry Wilkins has quit the band. Apparently he and the band had creative differences over tempos and repertoire and such. Oh well, bass players come and go and Terry will find a new project. A group of three older people from out of town were present, including a hooting good old boy who tried to grab Sophia as she went by, tried to give the band instructions, and, at one point kicked off his shoes to dance in his bare feet. Apparently he didn’t believe in socks. It takes all kinds. Was that my tenth anniversary at the Reservoir? I’m not sure.

Tuesday July 15, 2008
9:00 P.M.
Alleycatz, Yonge Street

Decided to stop by for at least a set after returning some books to Robarts (one of which someone put a hold on). Tried to order a Manhattan but they were out of bitters(!). So I settled for brandy (which is cheaper and still tasty)

11:25 P.M.

Actually danced twice the first set, one dance with an absolute beginner, Marie, who was suitably nervous, and kept looking at her feet. The band took nearly an hour break because Whitney Smith had to get his dinner somewhere else, the kitchen was closed because some power failure had ruined all their food. So I only stayed 1 ½ songs in second set, shame because the singer was really good.

Thursday August 7, 2008
7:00 P.M.
Subway North of St. George

So much for good intentions. I planned to help Mandi out by helping as a leader in her beginner lesson at Trinity-St. Paul’s tonight, but couldn’t stay.
Friday September 12, 2008
7:27 A.M.
Subway South of Downsview

I attended Mandi’s beginner lesson at Trinity St. Paul’s. She put out an emergency call for men, and a dozen men responded – and many women did not return. So until one man dropped out in frustration, I was on the sidelines. I cam in halfway, cold, and had trouble adjusting to six-count. But it was still fun.

Monday September 15, 2008
9:38 P.M.
Subway North of St. George

Another Bees Knees class. 8-count. Mandi not teaching. I was in and out and then back in the class as the numbers shifted. Quite a workout and I learned two new moves – in a beginner class. Phenomenal. One of the dancers whose name began with M said she recognized me from the movie scene – she was a projectionist at Cinematheque, what fun. Nice women, some of whom could dance.

Tuesday September 23, 2008
9:51 P.M.
Subway North of Eglinton.

Alleycatz. Was very early for lesson, but it was worth the wait. Only two men and about a dozen women, many of them young and perky. I recall Harley and Jessie and Georgia. Only danced twice to the band, once with Georgia and once with Dan’s lesson partner whose name I forget. Two rogue men wandered off the street near the end of the lesson under the pretense of being interested in watching – they sat in the area where the dancers sat. They were gone quickly, along with one woman’s wallet. Stinking thieves. I hope they end up badly in the midst of some similar petty crime.

Monday November 10, 2008
11:52 P.M.
Reservoir Lounge

Ever see Jamz Bee dance? It’s really weird. Got here after one bad Oshima movie and one good David Lean move, plus a jaunt to City Hall to see the projected names for November 11 and a change encounter with the Bay Christmas windows. Place is hopping tonight. Sophie played “Baby Get Lost” and “Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes” then took a break – so I will see the third set after all.
12:41 A.M.
Northbound from Union

Stayed for two long songs in third set – “It don’t mean a thing” and “Blackbird”, the latter preceded by a huge scat routine. Laura, a guest singer, then came on and it was time to go.

Tuesday December 16, 2008
7:24 P.M.
Alleycatz, Yonge Street

They’ve booked some dating thing here again, but the bartender swears there will be a lesson and a band – we will see. So far as I have spent is time – which would have passed in any case.

10:13 P.M.
Subway North of Eglinton

Lesson went well despite lack of music and in defiance of the noise of the speed daters. A little over my head at the end. Danced four times in the first set – wit Jo, Shelley, and Natalie (just back from Adelaide, Australia) and one woman whose name I didn’t get. Not bad for five dollars. Even survived without alcohol.

Click the following links to view visual archives from 2005 to 2006!

Dance 2005-2006 – 1

Dance 2005-2006 – 2

Dance 2005-2006 – 3

Dance 2005-2006 – 4

Click to see visuals from the Tip Tap Toe (2006) exchange:

• tiptaptoe2006

I spent most of 2004 and 2005 in Sudbury, Ontario, teaching and researching at Laurentian University. I have a lot of notes on the Sudbury dance scene, but they are embedded into a larger Sudbury diary that I have earmarked for publication once everyone else involved who might litigate is dead (should be another 20 years or so). So the notes are very sparse – according to the Sudbury diary I only dance at Dovercourt once, in February of 2004. My limited notes pick up in August of 2004 and this set continues to the end of 2006. Reservoir, Dovercourt and Alleycatz take up most of my time. 2006 was also the year of the Tip Tap TOE exchange.

Sunday August 8, 2004
10:13 A.M.
Subway South of Downsview

Last night I went to the Reservoir. No women I knew, no dancing for me, but the staff all recognized me and said hi, and Tori Cassis was in fine form.

Monday November 15, 2004
12:13 P.M.
Yorkdale Bus Terminal

I’m a little miffed about missing the Constance Margaret on December 12, but I don’t think I can leave Sudbury earlier.

Saturday, February 26, 2005
9:18 P.M.
King Station

Bad news – Reservoir is booked solid, no seats. For the first time ever, I get my cover charge back and leave. Apparently they open at 7:30 on Saturdays for dinner. In theory I save $20 on cover, drinks, etc at Reservoir. Of course, I also miss out on Tori Cassis, but there will be other chances at that. Now I am pretty sure I have to go see Swing Rosie at the Rex on Sunday. Such a hardship.

August 15, 2005
6:53 P.M.
501 Queen Car East from Yonge

Eventually ended up at Mel Lastman Square for the Top Brass Orchestra. Hadn’t been for two years but most of the old couples were still there. Jacqueline showed up and beckoned to me from across the square to dance one with her. I was a real menace, and got scolded by at least one older couple. Jacqueline said it was “youngism”, and she didn’t care. Also one dance with Hope, whose ankles have been acting up. Most of the music was not very danceable.

Thursday September 1, 2005
8:17 P.M.
Subway South of Eglinton West
Went to Reservoir for Bradley last night, didn’t dance. Jacqueline came over to talk to me, but by the time I was ready to dance she was gone. It happens. Might go again tonight for Janice Hagan.

10:53 P.M.
Near St. Clair West

I go to Reservoir but there are no tables free so I don’t stay.

Friday September 9, 2005
4:13 P.M.
Subway South of Downsview

Last night went to Reservoir early to get a seat for Janice Hagan. Too early this time, but I had one of their expensive pizzas to kill time. The Ukranian, whose name I forget, arrived and ordered a bottle of Evian water, a shot of Stoli, and slice of cake, no coulis. He said he was meeting Jacqueline at 9:30. She showed up. I danced twice with Jacqueline, the Ukranian danced the rest. We had the dance floor to ourselves the first set. That was when Jacqueline and the Ukranian left. I stayed into the second set. A lot of Lindy Hoppers, at one point ten couples on the floor. Too crowded and I didn’t recognize anyone, so I left near midnight.

Thursday, September 15, 2005
11:03 P.M.
Subway, St. Andrew

Went to Reservoir for first set, didn’t dance.

Tuesday September 20, 2005
10:30 P.M.
Amato, Yonge near Eglinton

I went to Alleycatz. Lots of women but I didn’t dance. Some of the men said hi. Had a fairly long chat with someone who I think is named Peter. He remarked with some amazement that I wasn’t dancing. When I told him things were weird, he declared I was making it weird, that nothing was externally weird but that weirdness only existed in the mind. He may be right, but I’m thinking these days that the cosmos is just attacking me directly – that, in fact, I have been singled out for special treatment by an otherwise benign externity (?). Or, in fact, it is simply an end of desire. I did like the music – If I am truly “post-dance”, if I have no hunting instincts that demand satisfaction, then that’s O.K., right? There is no law compelling me to dance just because I know how!

Saturday, October 15, 2005
11:05 P.M.
Ossington Station

Ahh. Dovercourt House. Strange lesson, but lots of new women. Great band. Great vibe. Lost count of the dances, might have only been a dozen, but most of them with women I never danced with although I did get two in with Donna and one with Jacqueline. Even the watching was amazing. Bonnie was in fine leading form. I should have stayed, but I was dancing less and sweating like crazy.

October 31, 2005
8:13 P.M.
Reservoir Lounge.

Tombsville, Daddy-O – Just me and the staff. My usual waiter is dressed like “the thing” from the Fantastic Four. Just another night in the city. Black Russian, Devil’s Toast on order.

8:34 P.M.

Sophie Perlman is dressed as a pirate – crowd still is just me. I wish I was a legion, but I’m not.

10:30 P.M.
Subway North from Union

By the time I leave, there is a somewhat larger crowd, but the place is far from packed. Leads outnumber follows by a 3-1 margin. Not good odds. Not worth staying.

Saturday, November 26, 2005
10:40 P.M.
Ossington Station

I went to Dovercourt to dance. Alana teaching. A 20s Charleston class. Not my favourite, but suitably energetic. I only get three dances in, with a charming Australian named Karen, with Moira, and with Donna. That third one is too fast, and winds me, and hurts, so I call it a night.

Sunday December 11, 2005
12:10 P.M.
Subway South of Yorkdale.

Busy day. Brunch at Gallery Grill, followed by Hart House Sunday Concert with Eybler Quartet, then to Capitol for Constance Margaret Ball.

Monday December 12, 2005
1:15 A.M.
Subway North of Davisville

Constance Margaret a blast. Lots of dancing. M.K. looked amazing in a white dress and pinned-up hairdo. And she was dancing well despite the ankle braces. I sweated myself silly. There were oranges, too!

Thursday January 12, 2006
6:25 P.M.
Subway South of Downsview

Off today to Dovercourt House for first of eight intermediate Lindy Hop lessons with Dan Amores. My first real set of lessons since 2003. A sincere risk, but I feel the call.

8:46 P.M.
Ossington Station

Good class. I have a problem, still with the 5 in my swing out – but no follower notices and Dan as well said things were good. My knee, however, is clearly not 100%.

Thursday January 26, 2006
8:58 P.M.
Subway north near Spadina

Lesson at Dovercourt. Everything was great for the first 40 minutes, then Dan started upping the tempo and challenging us conceptually and I started to panic. Then Dan started riding me on that beastly 5 of the swingout and I was finished. I sat the last 15 minutes out – my head still hurts. I have one modest goal, to make it through 8 lessons without having a complete melt-down or freak-out. I’m only through 3.

Sunday March 12, 2006
5:14 P.M., Il Fornello, King Street

Off to a benefit concert for Howard Moore at the Reservoir Lounge.

8:11 P.M. Reservoir Lounge

Doors were supposed to open at 7 P.M., entertainment beginning at 8 P.M. Doors barely opened at 7 P.M., but no entertainment yet. And I am starting to fall asleep from the sheer boredom of it all.

10:41 P.M.
King Subway

Tyler Yarema started with his trio at 8:30, I left two hours later. I never did really wake up. The great surprise of the evening was Jake Chisholm, formerly of Jake and the Blue Midnights, who used to sing at Lava Lounge so many years ago.

Wednesday March 22, 2006
9:33 P.M.
Subway north of St. Andrew

After dinner I walked to Grace O’Malleys on Duncan – they have a swing night on Wednesday. I had a brandy and listened to the band, but I was not inclined to dance – and for the first time ever I was publically berated by the band-leader, who knows I can dance and noticed I was not. I do not think I will be back.

Monday March 27, 2006
11:40 P.M.
King Station

Much better. Polanski’s “Cul De Sac” at Cinematheque, starring Dorleac, then walk to Reservoir for end of Sophie Perlman’s second set. My bar, no attitude. Lovely.

Sunday April 30,. 2006
9:47 A.M.
Sheppard and Goddard

Seriously tired. Up until 2:00 A.M. because of Charlie Foster’s wedding to Rachel. Franciscan ceremony followed by good buffet, lesson with Alana and dance to Terra Hazleton and the Easy Answers. Many of the dancers in attendance, danced with Jacqui and the remarkable Julia, who is rapidly jumping to the top of my list.

Sunday June 4, 2006
12:37 A.M.
Subway North of Union

M.K. celebrates her birthday at the Reservoir Lounge. Only 5 present. MK and I dance three times. Reservoir impossibly crowded and noisy around 11:30, too many people standing on the dance floor.

Tuesday July 5, 2006
2:37 P.M.
Subway South of Downsview

Last night Hope and I went to the Reservoir Lounge for Sophie Perlman’s twenty-first birthday. I don’t think I enjoyed it.

Saturday July 8, 2006
3:31 P.M.
512 Bus at St. Clair Station

Interesting afternoon – went to see Kira Callahan at Yonge and St. Clair branch of street festival, Jacqueline was there, dancing with anyone who cared. We had one dance, very hot. After Kira was over, she invited me and others to her home on Balmoral – Jacqueline and six men – like six puppies following her home. We had drinks [gin and tonic for me] and Ritz crackers, talked of music and clubs, listened to the new Bradley and the Bouncers CD. Very pleasant. Then I walked back to see “Babes in Jazzland” with Sophie Perlman – pretty up-tempo jazz, not very swingy. Many nice dogs on the street, as well as a few pretty women.

Saturday July 15, 2006
11:39 P.M.
Ossington Station

Went to the dance at Dovercourt. I was already a sweaty mess when I got there but I found time to dance with Moira, New York Laura, Kirsten and Julia. Not bad under the circumstances. Moira curious about group tickets for Palais Royale next week, Julia inquisitive about Mel Lastman Square series. It would be nice to dance regularly again. Left during band’s second set about 11:30. Avoided dancing with that very tall guy.

Wednesday July 19, 2006
11:02 A.M.
Subway South of Dundas

Off to Nathan Phillips Square for farmer’s market and then Swing Rosie at Yonge Dundas Square

12:07 P.M.
Dundas Square

No dancers visible yet.

Wednesday July 28, 2006
12:34 P.M.
Yonge Dundas Square

Yes, back in the square again – fiercely hot today except when the breeze is blowing. Stopped here in between apricots and peaches at Nathan Phillips Square and Spamalot at Canon Theatre. The Hot Five Jazzmakers are playing. No dancers in sight as of yet.

Tuesday August 1, 2006
7:46 P.M.
Subway South of Osgoode

A viewing of Mizoguchi’s “Sisters of Gin” at Cinematheque. And now, in the oppressive heat, around the loop to Alleycatz, to dance with whoever is foolish enough to venture out in this heat.

10:46 P.M.
Pizza Pizza, Yonge and Eglinton
Alleycatz was sparse for the first set, but absolutely packed for the second set. They had the air conditioning on full, and at least one person said it was cooler than their apartment. I danced about five times, twice with Rachel, who insisted on the second. I don’t recall the names of the other women. Fencing Julia came with someone and I couldn’t pry her away for a dance. Well, she was looking for someone.

Tuesday August 15, 2006
7:47 P.M.
Subway South of Osgoode

I went to Cinematheque for “Women of the Night’, a heavy-handed Japanese melodrama about prostitution. Off now to Alleycatz, to dance, perhaps.

Tuesday, September 5, 2006
12:35 A.M.
Sheppard Station

Reservoir Lounge went O.K. until just before the end. Sophia Perlman dedicated “Jockey Full of Bourbon” to Hope and I in recognition of our loyal, if sporadic, attendance. Her theme for the evening was “songs you can’t sing at weddings”. The evening was marred by a raucous, rude, and flash-happy birthday party.

Wednesday September 6, 2006
11:50 A.M.
Yonge/Dundas Square

I am here by way of Nathan Phillips Square for peaches, and back bacon. Nicole Stoffman plays at 12:30, and it will be interesting to see how her cabaret act plays in this expansive square. There is a small rally taking place on the Yonge Street side for “Peace in Chechnya” – it has always seemed weird to me that people think they can achieve peace in Asia by standing on Yonge Street.

5:07 P.M.
Lettieri, Bathurst and Bloor

I’m exhausted. The Stoffman concert was fine, although I kept nodding off.

Friday September 8, 2006
11:41 P.M.
Broadview Station

Tip, Tap, TOE Lindy Exchange at Estonian House. I danced nearly a dozen times with Moira, Ann, New York Laura, Fencing Julia, Rachel Foster (Charlie’s wife) and others, including two out of town dancers, one of whom asked me to dance. A rarity. I danced less in the second set than in the first. Moira and Laura asked about Hope.
Saturday September 9, 2006
11:50 A.M.
Downsview Station

Today’s plan is clearly over-reaching. I am heading to Dunn’s on King Street West and then to the CN Tower for continued Lindy Exchange madness. Then I am to meet Hope at 3:50 or before at Market Square to see “Little Miss Sunshine”. Then it is off to Amico’s on Queen Street West for dinner and then to the Palais Royale to dance the night away. Will I still be functioning for brunch on Sunday? Who knows?

5:54 P.M.
501 Streetcar West at Yonge

So far the plan is working. I had an efficient sandwich at Dunn’s, walked to the CN Tower, found that no-one was dancing outside, so I went in. No music yet, so I went to the top. Nice view, but no dancing on the glass floor (I learned from Mandi later that this was a security issue). When I got back down, Kevin Clark Trio was in full swing. I didn’t dance much, but I did dance with Rachel Foster and Jacqui. Left tower just before 3:00 P.M., walked to Market, found Hope at Starbucks near there and had coffee. We got to the movie just in time and “Little Miss Sunshine” was an amazing and subversive triumph. Now proceeding Westbound at a reasonable rate to Amico’s. If I get there by 6:30 that will do.

6:37 P.M.
Domani Wine Bar.

Everything worked to plan, except that Amico’s was closed – they are on vacation until September 14 – just the week I need them to be open. Oh, well. I had always wondered about Domani’s

7:21 P.M.

Potato and Leek soup, Pizza with spinach and red pepper and goat cheese and a Delaforce Ruby Port to finish. My first Delaforce, I think. And it’s good. Can one imagine a future without Port? Life would be empty without it.

10:24 P.M.
Palais Royale

GTA Swing Band has just started their second set. Birthday jam in process, b-day people wearing glow-in-the-dark armbands. The Palais has opened up the outside deck, and I danced with Moira in the moonlight. I tracked down a neophyte named Karen, who I met in the lesson, and coaxed her onto the floor. It was good.

12:05 A.M.
501 Streetcar East
Band ended just before midnight, and I said goodbye to a few people and lucked into a streetcar. The night was pretty perfect, except for the fact it ended. I didn’t dance the last 20 minutes – just took up the ambience and the band. I was danced out – I lost track of the number of women by the end, and some of them asked me!

Sunday September 10, 2006
11:10 A.M.
Subway South of Downsview

Brunch at Revival today. All you can eat.

Saturday, November 11, 2006
11:16 P.M.
Ossington Station

Went to Dovercourt House for dance with GTA Swing Band. Band was in fine form, they played “American Patrol”. I danced a fair bit, mostly with people whose names I have forgotten. Rachel asked after Hope, she had hurt her shoulder and was taking it easy. Donna, Moira, also there. The highlight of the evening was dancing with a young thing in a red dress, in from Trent University with a group for the evening. They dance East Coast out there, so I danced East Coast with her. It was fun. She was impressed. She smelled nice.

Monday December 11, 2006
1:22 A.M.
Subway North from St. Andrew

Constance Margaret Ball. A blast. Lots of dancing, mostly with MK, but also with Fencing Julia and her friend, Moira, Ann Mayer, Jacqueline, Charlie’s wife Rachel, and others, including Nicole Stoffman and Sophia Perlman! Sophia can dance. It was raining when MK and I left, she spent the streetcar ride as far as Spadina outlining her current man trouble. Sigh. But a good dance.

Tuesday December 12, 2006
11:11 P.M.
Dufferin bus north of Dundas

Lula Lounge tonight. Alex Pangman launches her holiday CD. Nick, the architect, finagles us a table with the promise of a large drink bill. Ann Mayer joins us briefly before being called off to steam some wrinkles out a Alex’s dress – she never returns. We are joined by Gina and Lisa, and I get a dance in with each of them – Gina, especially, is an amazing follower. I have some really odd coffee, cognac and cointreau thing called a Pancho Café, and I also have the “Jump-Fried” brie, which is awesome. Chris Plock opens with a 40-minute set, then after a half an hour Alex does a long set, with great vocals from Terra Hazleton and Tori Cassis. Solid stuff, but over at 11 P.M. Lula gets the money that the Rex and the Palais didn’t get. Michael Cook expected but he doesn’t show.