Michael and Evita discuss their efforts to catch each other between teaching gigs and different cities in order to create new content for Syncopated City online. Tune in to hear about what goes into filming each lesson, what the current content will focus on, and how they developed the website and continue to make changes for Members. The discussion moves further into questioning what is actually considered “Advanced material” and how teaching online differs from teaching in person. Finally, reflecting on video education Michael and Evita agree that “now a days, dancers get better faster . . . but what’s missing is a dedication to the craft.”

The post M&E 029: What It’s Like to Teach Online appeared first on Michael and Evita.

Photo credit: © 2018 Voon Chew.

This episode of The Michael & Evita Show features an interview with jazz vocalist Laura Windley. Laura sings with the Mint Tulep Jazz Band (find out more about Laura and Mint Tulep Jazz Band here). Laura also hosts a blog called “Lindy Shopper” where she helps connect swing dancers with swing dance clothing and accessories. She and Evita talk about jazz music and arrangements, singing with jazz bands, period clothing and accessories,  and even get into some of the intricacies of copyright law. This is a great conversation so be sure to tune in!

The post M&E 028 : Laura Windley appeared first on Michael and Evita.

In this episode of The Michael & Evita Show, M&E interview dance legend Margaret Batiuchok. This is a great conversation about Margaret’s history in the Lindy Hop community and she shares some amazing stories you won’t want to miss!

Originally from Queens, New York, Margaret was inducted into the National Living Legends of Dance in 2012. Find out more about her at her website.

The post M&E 027 : Margaret Batiuchok appeared first on Michael and Evita.

In this episode of The Michael & Evita Show, Michael and Evita discuss their experience teaching and how they prepare for classes. Listen to their stories of mistakes, how they survived, and how to fix random scenarios in the moment. Ultimately Michael and Evita apply the same principles to the dance for when they teach a class.

The post M&E 026 : Prepping a Class appeared first on Michael and Evita.

This episode of The Michael & Evita Show, Evita interviews Lindy Hopper and massage therapist Bennie Vo to talk about the body, injury, and how to take better care of ourselves as dancers.

Bennie Vo, LMT is a graduate of HCC Massage Therapy Program in 2006 with certified modalities in Medical Massage, Sports Massage, Acupressure. Neuromuscular Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy and Hydrotherapy. With 12 years practice, his main focus and specialty areas are in sports injuries, acute and chronic issues. Every session is customized and addresses the clients’ needs and focuses on their goals. Bennie’s mission is to support and educate individuals and communities in achieving life balance through personal and group wellness.

You can contact Bennie through his Facebook profile page and catch him at Lindy Hop events through out the US.

The post M&E 025 : Body Therapy with Bennie Vo appeared first on Michael and Evita.

In this episode of The Michael and Evita Show, Michael and Evita give you the conclusion on how they got into So You Think You Can Dance with all the juicy details! Don’t miss this episode!

The post M&E 024 : So You Think You Can Dance — Part 2 appeared first on Michael and Evita.

In this episode of The Michael and Evita Show, Michael and Evita give you the low-down on how they got into So You Think You Can Dance with all the juicy details! Don’t miss this episode! This is only part 1, so make sure you sign up to the newsletter and subscribe to this podcast to hear part 2, coming up very soon.

The post M&E 023 : So You Think You Can Dance — Part 1 appeared first on Michael and Evita.

Enjoy this conversation with Felix, Michael and Evita about how to prepare for performing, what goes into creating choreographies and how much can we push the edges of a specific style and genre of dance.  You will also hear about Felix’s background in Swedish Bugg, Hip Hop, his love for musical theatre and years of competing as a kid, all of which has helped make him a well rounded dancer capable of learning routines quickly and dedicating his passion to being fully present, in the moment, when he performs.

Below is also a youtube link to Felix and Michael performing their piece “Sandstorm” by Ray McKinley.

Another clip that was discussed in the podcast is the Solo Jazz contest from “Harlem”, an event in Lithuania where Felix seems to go crazy in his improvisation.

You can get in touch with Felix through facebook.

Felix also works at Herrang Dance Camp.

Music for the Michael & Evita show is provided by Glenn Crytzer.

You can order his music here  http://www.glenncrytzer.com

The post M&E 022 : Performing with Felix Berghäll appeared first on Michael and Evita.

We are excited to announce several big additions to our online Swing school and michaelandevita.com. We are constantly striving to make our online education program better for our Members, and this is our most ambitious undertaking yet. New changes include:

• A Certificate Program for testing your level and ability
• Office Hours every week
• an up-to-date Calendar
• Priority for and discounts on private lessons at events
• A new home at syncopatedcity.com

So please check out all these great new features, along with over 200 lessons in Lindy Hop, Charleston and Solo movement, monthly Live Online Sessions, and our Member’s Forum.

Start Your Syncopated City Membership here!

The post Special Announcement! : Syncopated City appeared first on Michael and Evita.

Enjoy this engaging conversation between Michael, Evita and special guest, classical musician, Simon Powis.  We discuss the question: what is musicality and how can we as dancers be more musical.

The post M&E : 021 What is Musicality appeared first on Michael and Evita.

- Glenn Crytzer, specializes in composing new, original material for Big Bands in the style of the 1930’s and 40’s. www.glenncrytzer.com Glenn passionately maintains a regular weekly gig in NYC at the Kola House every Monday night. Big Band Mondays at Kola House Listen as Glenn tells stories about his composing, shares details for

The post M&E : 020 Glenn Crytzer, Listening to Music appeared first on Michael and Evita.