Charles Augins and the labyrinth

Have known dancer/choreographer Charles Augins for 16 years.... and he’s kept this secret from me, until today, when I was delighted with his stories from working as choreographer on the Labyrinth. Not only was he choreographer, he also took his hand at voice work and puppeteering, all mentioned  in this new documentary book about the film. And what a book it is! Can’t wait to find a copy. ❤️

On our latest trip to NYC

 Our most recent trip to New York City involved the usual routine. We took the train from Union station in DC to Penn station New York.  As our train pulled up in Penn station, what was normal routine  suddenly changed, the train pulled up to a newly renovated track. The train  let us out in the post office across the street.  I have been following the Penn station renovations in the news for sometime now, but I didn’t realize that this is already a reality.  Here’s a photo of the newly renovated track that we arrived on in September.

 We exited the new entry point to the train station from the post office. I don’t think these new renovations will match the former glory of old Penn station, but it’s nice to see some progress .

 Upon arrival we headed over to the new Manhattan ballroom for coaching with Eddie Simon.

 It was my first time to the studio, New York dance studios are always intimidating.

 Going to New York for training is one of my favorite parts of dance life. After coaching that day we went to Macy’s for lunch at Stella 34,  which is our normal  tradition during these trips.  The hardest part is finding the restaurant, which is accessed by the little known express elevator that goes only to the sixth  floor :  We had a beautiful table overlooking Herald Square.  After lunch we went shopping on the Christmas floor.

2019 Pennsylvania Ballroom Scrimmage

 The Pennsylvania ballroom scrimmage was held on Sunday, October 6, 2019

 The event was moved to Harrisburg Pennsylvania this year .  The competition was beginner friendly. It is the perfect event for new  competitors. The event is hosted by Barbara Synder.  Peter Collins was the music coordinator, the judging panel was staffed by local studio owners.

Wedding at the Studio, Don and Jennifer get married

 On Saturday, October 5, 2019 I attended the wedding  reception  of my coworkers, Don Beedie and Jennifer Christophel Beedie,  who just returned from their trip to Italy to get married.

https://youtu.be/SIxZE2baby4

Avant Garde Anniversary Ball

 Last night I attended the 7th anniversary celebration for Avant Garde Dance studio.  I have been working for the studio for over a year now, but I was also there at the beginning when they first opened.  I had been involved with the studio for several years as an independent dance instructor, before finally joining the permanent residency staff in 2018.

 The Washington area is a saturated market for dance studios,  it is a struggle for many of them to stay open. Avant Garde has been able to excel in this market, by operating as a boutique style studio, accommodating a diversity of ages and styles, and giving everything a personalized touch. Twice a year the studio hosts a formal dinner dance, with many professionals attending from the area with their students, friends and family. This year‘s theme dance was “black and white “.

Phyllis McGuire’s Las Vegas home

 I have been reading that Phyllis McGuire’s Las Vegas home was for sale.  I wonder if anyone  has bought it yet. It was listed in 2017, at 6.5 million.  I remember watching her Barbara Walters interview back in the 80s, I watched that interview with my grandmother, and she explained to me who the Mcguire Sisters were . I remember watching that interview, thinking that her house was so bizarre. Her home had a replica base of the Eiffel Tower, a soda shop, and collection of swans.  I remember reading somewhere that  the windows were bulletproof.  It’s kind of sad that her home is for sale,  it signifies the passing of her generation.  I guess she needed to downsize.

West Newton Cinema

After participating in the New England Open Dancesport competition, I got to have a fun day in Boston, exploring Quincy Market during the daytime, and sorely missing Durgan Park, which I had hoped to visit during my stay. My grandparents had their honeymoon dinner at Durgan Park and I was saddened to hear that they closed in January.

As a great way to end my trip to the New England Open this year, I visited the West Newton Cinema to see the new Downton Abbey Movie. The Cinema was built in 1937. Although it was in a sad state of adapted use as a multiplex, the theater was still had some cool Art Deco details showing, along with a silent movie vending projector in the lobby.

2019 New England Dancesport

Group photo from the 2019 New England Open.

For this event we took the train in from Washington, DC, and arrived in Boston South Station 

Our first stop was South Street Diner in Boston

At the South Street Diner, I enjoyed hearing The Andrews Sisters on the juke box

The event was held at Needham Town Hall and was organized by Kalin Mitov. The event was inclusive of all different types of leaders and followers, and allowed for mixed and same gender partnerships. After the event, we went for a celebration meal at the Knotty Pine Diner, which happened to be filled with Massachusetts themed sports memorabilia.

Al Jolson’s home in DC

Photos of a recent visit. To the location of Al Jolson’s home in DC.

Dardanella Gatsby Picnic

 I am so disappointed that there wasn’t a Dardanella Gatsby picnic this year .  Here are some photos from past  picnics held on the National Cathedral lawn.