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The Hepcats is a community-focused organization dedicated to the
furtherance of the original swing dances of the
1930’s and 40’s, and the original swing music of that
great era! These dances include the Lindy Hop,
Balboa, Charleston and Collegiate Shag.
For music, we like to dance (and listen) to a
variety of musical genres, but especially the music
of the great Big Bands, such as Duke Ellington,
Jimmie Lunceford, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Chick
Webb, Artie Shaw; and the jump blues music of
artists such as
Louis Jordan,
Big Joe Turner and Wynonie Harris; just to mention a few!
If you
want to learn the original swing dances, Lindy Hop and Balboa,
the Hepcats is the place for you! |
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How did you get started dancing? |
Mike & Mary began dancing in 1999 and quickly
discovered their true love was the original
swing dances of the 1930’s and 40’s: Lindy Hop and Balboa. Unable
to find any instruction in Lindy Hop or Balboa in the Lexington area, they
began to teach themselves, view vintage films and movies, and attend
regional and national level workshops and competitions.
By attending Lindy Hop and Balboa workshops, competitions and events all over the
U.S., they have taken lessons and learned from many of the best
instructors (and some of the original swing dancers!) in the swing dance
community.
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Why should someone
take lessons/learn to swing dance from Mike &
Mary? |
 Mike
& Mary Richardson have been teaching swing dancing for over 8 years.
They are the most experienced swing dance
instructors in the Lexington/central Kentucky area and are passionate about
sharing all the great things about swing dancing and swing music!
Not only have they taught hundreds of
people to dance via Hepcats classes and dances, they have also taught at
numerous local and regional swing dance workshops and events.
Mike & Mary believe that learning to
swing dance is a journey, not a destination. They often travel to out
of town swing dance workshops and dances to improve and hone their skills.
They also regularly compete in Couples, Jack & Jill and Performance Group
competitions. Mike & Mary have won and placed in the finals at
numerous local and regional Lindy Hop and Balboa competitions. They
also compete at the national level.
Mary's musical theatre background and
love of swing-era music, movies, fashion and clothes (especially shoes!) is
the catalyst for her creativity, not only on the social dance floor, but as
the choreographer for the
Rhythm Cats performance group, and the "Razz Ma Tazz"
(a
1920's Charleston "Flapper Girls" performance group).
Mary willingly shares her knowledge of swing-era fashions with local swing
dancers. In addition,
 she
has also provided her expertise on swing-era clothes, hairstyles, make-up,
and dancing to area musical theater groups. Mary is a good source of
information on where to obtain swing-era clothes, shoes and accessories.
Mike is also a well known
DJ, respected for his
thorough knowledge of swing-era music, genres and styles.
His
love of swing dancing naturally meshed with his love for the great music of
the swing era.
As a
youngster much of
the popular music of
Mike's day was
the sound of Motown and Stax records, and he sometimes spins tunes from that
great era of soul music. But more often than not, Mike was listening to the
“oldies” music played on the radio, which at that time was the 1930’s and
40’s big band
and jump blues music, his true loves in swing music!
Mike is the primary DJ for Hepcats
events in Lexington,
and has also DJ’d at numerous regional and local events in Louisville, KY,
Cincinnati, OH and Columbus, OH. For
Hepcats dances, Mike likes to play great music that's really fun for swing
dancing, to include Big Band, Jump Blues, R&B, 50's, Rockabilly, etc..., at
a variety of tempos from his collection of over 10,000 songs! The
Hepcats play the best music in town!
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How would you
describe your teaching style? |
Mike & Mary's love of swing dancing has
created a teaching style that is based on learning, laughter and fun!
They believe that solid fundamentals in movement, connection and technique
are key in partnered swing dancing. They break down individual steps
and patterns in an easy, step-by-step manner that allows each student to not
only learn the move, but also understand how it works.
If you're a beginner, Mike & Mary's
teaching style will provide you that initial solid foundation and
self-confidence so you can shine on the dance floor! You'll
also develop the skills necessary to continue to learn more intermediate and
advanced steps and patterns.
For swing dancers with more experience, Mike & Mary can help you take your
dancing to the next level, to include learning more complicated material,
developing musicality in your dancing, and even preparing for competitions.
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What about the
swing dance scene in Lexington/central Kentucky? |
Mike & Mary have
been instrumental in establishing and developing the swing dance scene in
Lexington and central Kentucky. They strongly believe awareness of and appreciation for the swing-era as a historical and cultural asset is
important for the Lindy Hop and Balboa dancer. Through their dedication,
vision and leadership, the
Hepcats offer regular monthly/twice a month
swing dances (some with live music!); sponsor weekend and one day workshops; and
sponsor
performance groups, such as the
Rhythm Cats and the
Razz Ma Tazz.
They established a collaboration for semi-annual
Big Band Swing Dances with the Kentucky Jazz Repertory Orchestra (KJRO),
a 17 piece big band co-directed by University of Kentucky School of Music
faculty that consists of the most talented faculty, alumni and musicians
from Kentucky area colleges and universities. KJRO authentically re-creates
the original swing-era arrangements of artists such as Duke Ellington,
Jimmie Lunceford, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Harlan Leonard,
and others. As a result of this collaboration, KJRO was inspired to record
and release a CD especially for swing dancers,
Flying Home.
Don't wait! Join Mike &
Mary at a future Hepcats event
for great dancing, great music and great fun!
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