CANCELED Workshop: Dean Collins Shim Sham
With: Peter & Lauren
7:00-9:00pm Mar 27, 2024
(rescheduled)
CANCELED, sorry!
All Ages
$40
Learn this fun and innovative variation of the Shim Sham routine made famous by Swing era Lindy Hopper Dean Collins! Dean’s version of the Shim Sham is exciting and creative, and includes many movements and steps not found in the “standard” version of the Shim Sham. This version of the Shim Sham is not taught often, so don’t miss this chance!
Prerequisites: Completion of Intro to Swing, comfortable with social dancing basic Lindy Hop. Appropriate for Swing or Tap dancers with at least two class sessions of experience.
WHAT IS THE DEAN COLLINS SHIM SHAM??
The Dean Collins Shim Sham is a solo jazz dance routine (and line dance) that begins with the familiar patterns of the original Shim Sham (a standard footwork from the tap dance world,) but then diverges into material that captures the innovative styles developed by Dean Collins himself. This routine was originally created as a three-man performance that included Jack Arkin and Johnny Mattox.
Born Sol Ruddosky, May 29, 1917, Dean Collins was an American dancer and choreographer, credited with bringing the Lindy Hop from New York to Southern California. He is also undeniably linked to the history of “West Coast Swing”. In his heyday, Dean Collins appeared in over 30 Hollywood films showcasing his innovative style of Lindy Hop. His dance partner of 11 years, Jewel McGowan, also recognized as one of the great Lindy Hoppers of all time, appeared with Dean in Buck Privates (1941) and Ride ‘Em Cowboy (1942) and can be seen demonstrating patterns from this Shim Sham in a film called “The Hep and Happy” by Glen Grey Orchestra.
