Barcelona is definately a wonderful city - broad streets, clean and cheap tube which also works, lots of sunshine and amazing architecture. Yes, I do recommend it!

The venue for classes was the local dance school Ballibal's studios. The holiday group was divided into beginners and intermediates. Simon & I taught about 4 hours per day, and the local teachers Luis & Carmen took on the other half of the classes. So, we'd start the morning with a huge breakfast at the hotel, get ourselves to the studio and work till 2 pm. Afterwards we'd have lunch together, go sightseeing or to the beach, and then we'd be ready for a siesta before heading for the evening parties which were in different venues every night. We had also the chance to visit a ballroom club, where I saw for the very first time Paso Doble done in freestyle - I was impressed!

Barcelona Swing Festival started on Friday - all the holiday people had the festival included in the holiday price. There were three levels with a surprisingly high standard for the advanced class - and you'll have to remember that Spain isn't the first thing that comes into mind when you think of Lindy Hoppin' countries.
Janice Wilson joined the ranks of the teachers and the lessons lasted from 10am till 5pm or so.
On Satuday evening Ballibal organized a party, where their performance group danced a high quality number with aerials and fast music. The teachers performed also, and the live band kept people on the dance floor till 3am.

On Sunday we had a picnic with outdoor dancing after the classes - local non-dancers were interested and sat down to watch, so hopefully the swing scene will grow from these small numbers to something much bigger.

In November there will be an international dance camp coming up in connection with the Lindy Hop Dance Holiday (29.10.- 5.11.2001), so maybe you'll go and check out the scenery in Barcelona then...

by Taina Kortelainen