Green Sausages & Frog Obstacle Courses

When I have time there will be an up[date on what on earth the title is about!!

Suffice it to say the last 6 weeks have been fun, challenging, rewarding & enlightening.

Links for Dance Shoes / Clothes

SHOES

This site actually let you 'design' your own shoe - height of heel, colour & style.

www.julzdanceshoes.co.uk

Further Modern Jive Dance Steps Info

Below you will find further websites to look on for Modern Jive video clips (incl. in German). These will help to remind you of the various moves you can choose from to make into a routine.

As a Beginner it is sometimes easier to make a routine up of your favourite 4 or 5 moves and know them well for dancing freestyle (social dancing). Then in time bolt on other moves when you become more confident.

~ Have FUN & smile no matter what happens!

Remember that different organisations may use different names for a move.

Also there may be slight variations as to how the moves are done. Watch and decide which one suits your style of dancing the best.

www.danceyourselfdizzy.com

Free Beginners Moves video clips - each move is shown & then talked through in stages. This website has notes that can be printed out which gives you further information on each move. You can also become a member & watch further video clips of Improver, Intermediate & Advance moves.

www.jiveoholic.org.uk

Lots of information including free video clips & notes for each move. For a very small fee you can have access to all the moves & their variations - 600!!

www.smartdanceworks.com

The Beginner moves are all individually shown as an individual video - good short video clips with a brief description.

~ go to the 'moves' link which has a drop down menu for Left, Right & Double handed Moves shown individually. There is also a routine for Beginners and Intermediates

www.mjive.de (German) Available in English aswell.

** look for m-jive on Youtube Jol has some great clips & routines.

Twice a year there are weekenders in Munich.

** COMING SOON - Blog post of 'Tips for Followers' and 'Tips for Leads / Men'

This will also include information on dancing etiquette

Video Clips - lessons

Modern Jive lessons

** see also Blog post titled "Further Modern Jive Dance Steps Info' for listing of further video clips to watch

Thursday - 28th April
Shoulder Slide - Side to Side - Basket

May 4th - Arm Jive - Hatchback - Man Comb



Modern Jive - The Pretzel





June 1st - Modern Jive Lesson
Lady Step Across (Traveling Return) - Wurlitzer - Lady Spin

11th May lesson Armjive - Basket - Basic


18th May Lesson - Octopus - Shoulder Slide - Sway

Reviews from Dancing Guests & Helpx / Workaway Volunteers

Viv Sanderson (Modern Jive Demonstrator & Dancer and assistant teacher) Sheffield

(Viv and Harry) 11th - 18th April

• Portugal au Naturel!
• Sunshine
• Peace - Relax - Slow Down
• Countryside nature
• Stunning Views
• Beautiful architecture
• Clean, well maintained properties
• Lack of commercialism
• Few people - not 'touristy'

This was my first visit to Portugal and, although Yolande promised me that I'd find myself in unspoilt countryside, offering beautiful walks, I wasn't full prepared for what I actually found.

First of all, the location:

If we hadn't been following Yolande in her 'Dance Mobile' that dark Monday night, we would never have believed that we were on the correct road; bumpy, stoney single track!, edged on either side by enormous boulders. When a gate was eventually reached and we swung onto Yolande's land, parking on a grassy area under a starlit sky, I had absolutely no idea where I was. On waking to the sound of birds and bright daylight shining in through the windows, I was very keen to get outside to discover where it was that I had come to. I wasn't disappointed. What did I see? ~ olive trees, hills, boulders, vineyard, blue sky, grassy areas, and one solitary house other than Yolande's. For me, a little piece of heaven on earth. In the week we stayed in Portugal, we walked though beautiful, unspoilt countryside where you get the sense that things haven't changed for hundreds of years.

Companionship:

Having said that the location is very isolated the time spent here was never too quiet or lonely as Yolande has four delightfully, entertaining dogs, two cute cats, four rapidly growing goslings, two sheep and two brown lambs that wouldn't drink from the bottle when I got up at 7am to help feed them!, several chickens and some other birds that weren't as pretty with no feathers on their necks, and one very cuddly lop-eared rabbit. You can imagine the greeting new visitors get on arrival!!

Apart from her animal friends, Yolande has many human friends who were very good company, coming from all walks of life and from all corners of the world.

As I have already mentioned, there is a wealth of beautiful countryside to explore so it's time to slap the suncream on, pick up my big, floppy hat, and camera in hand, set off to explore some more !

Dancing:

Of course, the chance to actually be here came about because of Yolande's desire to dance in Portugal. I was in the first group of dancers to bering Modern Jive to San Antonio. We danced in a local bar 'Taberna Santo Amaro (Castelo de Vide), helped to teach the second only dance class and, in Castelo de Vide danced on the band stand in the park. I'm not sure what the local people made of it all but I had a thoroughly enjoyable time! - especially in the park as the setting was glorious.

The sun shone, we danced, we walked, we sat chatting and we relaxed! Thank you Yolande for allowing me the whole experience. I wish you bundles of luck for your dancing venture.

Viv x.

Harry Cartwright (Modern Jive Teacher & Dancer) Sheffield

(Harry & Viv) 11th - 18th April

We arrived on Monday evening and met Yolande at a bar just outside Portagem as arranged. We followed her van back to her house. I could not believe where she was taking us. It was no more that a grass (with bits of tarmac, chippings and stones every now and then) track which was very narrow in places. The stones from the dry stone wall on the left seemed to overhang when the rock face encroached from the right to make the opening very tight! It was also quite winding (and steep!) in places. Yolande's house is absolutely idyllic, set in 8 acres of beautiful land, with superb views all around. We were made very welcome by Yolande's 'helpers' Ben, Mona and Sophie who proved to be excellent company.

The week flew by as there is so much to do. Viv and I love walking and found so many excellent walks but not enough time to do them all. We did a couple of dance 'demos', first in the larger town of Castelo de Vide, one afternoon. Our 'dance floor' was the bandstand in the town centre and we atracted some curious looks from the passers-by. I'm sure they would not have seen 8 people jiving to Katie Perry's Hot n' Cold before. In the evening we descended on a very small bar in Castelo and danced the evening away, even managing to get some of the 'regulars' to join us.

Thursday evening was the first 'class night'. Yolande and I taught a 'beginnes lesson' to a group of about 16 English, Portuguese, Dutch, German, French, Spanish and Scottish in Santo Antonio a much smaller town. Yolande's Portuguese was certainly tested but, fortunately most the nationalities could understand my English!!!

Our most memorable walk was from Yolande's, up the 'track' and then following the Roman road, up and up and up to the walled town of Marvao where the views from the top of the castle were quite breathtaking. The narrow cobbled streets in the town reminded me of the old town of Malcesm on Lake Garda where we had visited previously.

Saturday night was 'party night' at the dance venue in Santo Antonio. We had no idea how many people would turn up as Yolande had publisised it far and wide. You could not go in a shop or bar within a 15 mile radius and not see of her posters! As well as to (belatedly) celebrate Yolande's birthday it was also to raise money for the Bombeiros, which is the local fire service, manned entirely by volunteers, with no public funding. On the night I estimated between 80 and 100 people of all nationalities turned up. The band were very good (and very loud!), playing a varied collection of ald favourites from the Stones to Van Morrison. As they say 'a good time was had by all' - so much so that the adjoining bar ran out of their regular beer. I'm sure Yolande will be under pressure to organise similar events on a regular basis.

A Journey into the Unknown!

Andy Dennis - Modern Jive Dancer Sheffield

Andy & Lynne (11th - 18th April)

First met the 'crazy' woman with the red hair at a dance weekender in Scarborough, and it was there that the first seeds of a dance holiday in Portugal were sown. I was particularly struck by how ambitious this lady was and is, in wanting to set up a dance school in Portugal within 5 years and was immediately attracted to the idea of going out to help, even if we could do so in only a small way.

Just over 2 months later, the flights were booked for me and Lynne to join 6 others, in April 2011, for what was to be Yolande’s first steps (after the initial promoting, red tape, bureaucracy etc) in achieving her ambition.

We knew from Yolande’s description that we would be based in quite a remote part of Portugal, so if the hustle and bustle of European ‘City Breaks’ or the popular coastal resort areas are more your ‘cup of tea’, then this may not be for you. However, if you have ever fancied winding down, almost totally, in a very peaceful, tranquil environment, then this is it. A hire car is recommended though for getting out and about.

We were very fortunate to be invited to stay in Yolande’s own house, with her 4 very dear friends, (Margot, Cherry, Wilma and Dazzle) the dogs, not to mention the sheep, the lambs, the chickens, the geese, the floppy eared rabbit Winston and at least 2 cats that I counted. Yolande is also assisted by Ben and Mona, and whilst we were there, by Sophie, who are all on an ‘exchange scheme’.

Everyone made us feel very welcome especially our hostess, despite a thousand and one things happening all at once for her.

There is much beautiful scenery in the vicinity which can be enjoyed on a number of walks from Yolande’s. However, the best way to take in the views is to visit the local towns of Marvao and Castelo de Vide. Marvao especially, is a beautiful place, with the whole town encapsulated within the castle walls. A walk round the castle walls is recommended for those with no fear of heights, as the views are spectacular.

On the odd occasion we did eat out (lunchtimes), the best places we found so far were the Cafe Bar near the Tourism Office in Marvao, and Doce & Campahnia Cafe in the main square in Castelo de la Vide. Both had English speaking staff, very useful for those with special dietary needs.

During our stay we promoted dance events already arranged by Yolande by handing out leaflets and doing a couple of ‘demos’ in Castelo de Vide. We attended the weekly class session in San Antonio which was only in its second week, and a further dance event, including a live band, at the same venue.

I can honestly say this has been one of the best travel/holiday experiences I’ve ever had and would have no hesitation about returning at some time in the future. Many thanks, Andy

Holiday in Portugal – Courtesy of Yolande

Lynne Buchanan (Modern Jive Dancer) Sheffield

Lynne & Andy (11th - 18th April)

I met Yolande whilst attending jive classes and a dance weekend last year, when she initially mentioned the dance holiday opportunity in Portugal. I was pleased to accept, because Yolande is a lovely, friendly and extrovert person and I haven’t been on holiday for over 12 years. One month prior to flying out, I endured a nasty fall in London and badly sprained and bruised both my ankles. I was advised to rest and not dance for at least 4 weeks to allow healing. Because I love dancing and was eager, I listened to the Doctor.

We arrived with some other people from the UK and 4 more arrived the next day. The weather is fantastic. Yolande lives on a gorgeous property with a vast amount of scenery. Yolande and her helpers, Ben, Mona and Sophie, made our stay very relaxed and comfortable. I wasn’t sure what to expect, because unfortunately the ‘detailed’ email Yolande had sent to me was lost in cyber space. Nevertheless, the house and grounds were lovely. You have to be aware that it is not a lively place, bustling with night life or people. But a very slow paced time, very tranquil and peaceful. The only noise is from the birds and Yolande has 4 lovely, very excitable and affectionate dogs, 2 cats, chickens, lambs etc, a gorgeous little rabbit, and it’s lovely. I felt at home immediately and it wasn’t long before I felt relaxed and de-stressed after the past stressful few weeks.

The scenery is breathtaking, I was expecting to do a lot of dancing, but we had leisurely walks and meals in and out, walk or drives up to Castelo de Vide and up to the top of the Castle. The scenery was vast and wide spread and the view was panoramic and spectacular and took my breath away. We explored some of the town. And to the castle at Marvao, again a nice effect but it didn’t have the same effect as Castelo. The group of us did a dance demo in a picturesque park on a bandstand in Castelo de Vide. A lovely setting and it was lovely to dance. Unfortunately there were not a lot of people about. However, the few that passed by observed and took a leaflet. Hopefully by word of mouth will recommend the dancing to their friends and family. One evening we had a dance get together at a quaint little bar called Taberna Amaro. Really enjoyable and the locals were having a lovely and enjoyable time participating in trying to learn some of the dance moves with us the ‘UK helpers’.

The locals are pretty friendly and receptive when we have been ordering meals or handing out leaflets to promote Yolande’s first dance social evening due to take place on the Saturday, with live music and dance music in between.

I have a dietary requirement due to wheat intolerance and have to have a gluten free diet. Yolande went out of her way to accommodate this and made sure I had plenty of gluten free products too. And even ascertained that a cafe/restaurant called Paladar and a couple of other places, cater for coeliacs (like me) or other food intolerances if prior warned.

Yolande and Harry, (UK dance teacher) taught a beginner class in Castelo at a venue Yolande will use regularly. I made my debut as it was my first time taking on the lead (man’s) role for the class, due to needing another ‘man’. I enjoyed helping the people there. I felt the class went very well and Yolande made the newbie’s/beginners feel relaxed and translated the moves in Portuguese and English. I really hope the new venture succeeds for Yolande. She is ambitious, motivated and determined, in pursuing the dance holidays venture, as it is a lovely gesture for all walks of life / nationalities to come together. She is a lovely person and one of my valued friends. I would definitely come again to help wherever I can. The hospitality of Yolande and her helpers was much appreciated and welcoming. We became a part of the everyday life during our weeks stay. I would gladly have done more dance demos, class and social nights. Yolande offers more than she expects in return which is sweet and endearing.

The final dance was held at the class venue in Castelo, a nice place with a stage, large dance floor and a balcony. There was a live band called The Outsiders playing a mixture of rock and some jive music. In between there sets some normal music was played, whereby the helpers could demonstrate some dance moves and routines for everyone to see what they could learn and achieve to do with practice and time. Plus some dancing for people that preferred to do instead. Overall I think everyone enjoyed interacting and coming together as a community. Everyone brought food to share and some people were selling their own products to promote their local business. For example I noticed a lady selling jewellery, I was so pleased that all Yolande’s hard work and dedication was paying off. Because I believe that it was a success and the first of many successful events hosted by Yolande. I enjoyed the social evenings that Yolande hosted with meals and invited everyone round for a social gathering with her friends and helpers and UK helpers.

The week has flown and due to return back home to England tomorrow back to the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I have happy memories of staying with Yolande and been welcomed with open arms into her home and dance world. The company was pleasant,the weather gorgeous, the food enjoyable and the dancing great (and I would have gladly done A LOT MORE). The surrounding areas, towns, castles, and more importantly the views were breathtaking. I am amazed at how calm and rejuvenated and revitalised the week away has made me feel. Thank you Yolande for making it possible, and for inviting me over and taking good care of me. It has been a pleasure and look forward to seeing you again. I can’t wait to see the photos and video clips taken. The memories though are firmly implanted on my brain. I have loved it. I wish you happiness and prolonged success in your new endeavour and I look forward to seeing all of your wonderful classes etc on facebook. I love all your dogs. They will probably soon forget me, but the welcome and fuss they give out is lovely. Margo and Cherry were sweet, Dazzle and Wilma were adorable and I will miss them and my favourite ‘Winston’ the baby rabbit. It’s been great Yoyo and a big hug and kiss.

Love Lynne

Below are reviews from Helpx volunteers. These are all people from an amazing world wide organisation. They arrive as strangers and invariably leave as friends.

**Several more reviews still need to be written up.

Below are the reviews from Helpx (www.helpx.net - I am host no.6376) & Workaway (www.workaway.info) Volunteers. These are all people who arrived as strangers & invariably left as friends.

Jason McGlynn (Helpx - August 2010) Ireland

Where can I start! My time at Yolande's has been very enjoyable & fun experience from the moment I arrived. I was made to feel very welcome. It was like a home away from home. Yolande is a very obliging, fun & easy person to get along with and cooking is great, second to none. I also enjoyed the 5 dogs Gypsy, Margo, Dazzle, Cherry & Wilma and the cats Elvis & Titch. All the animals have great characters. Yolande has a great passion for animals as I also do. Yolande is a very welcoming host who included me in socialising with her friends. I have made many friends here & I'm sure we will keep in touch.

Work was very easy going thanks to the relaxing atmosphere of Yolande's home. Working with the animals didn't seem like work as I love to work with animals.

I have been invited to return to look after the animals & homestead while she takes a well deserved break. I look forward to returning. I am sad to leave this place but will be happy to e here again. I recommend the helpxing folk out there who love animals, nature and enjoyable company to visit Yolande's. It is truly a wonderful place to stay and I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as I have.

** 8 more reviews still to come - I need a 48 hour day to find the time to type them up!

Dance & Music Party 16th April

Celebrating my birthday rather belatedly was the excuse for having a bit of a party and at the same time raising some money for the local Bombeiros. the evening raised 210.91 Euros - well worth the effort of trying to organise the whole thing in less than 2 weeks!! Yes, being a bit ambitious & crazy regards what I can achieve has been used to describe me!! But hey ho it paid off - we had a great time. The entrance fee was 2.50 Euros per head plus a plate of food to share (people also had to bring their own plate & cutlery so we didn't have to wash up!).

Believe it or not the firebrigade in Portugal is run by volunteers - considering the vital job they do here I find this quite extraordinary. They do an amazing job and I really wanted to do my 'bit' to raise some funds. They are crucial in keeping us all safe - everyone benefits from their work regardless of whether you are an a Portuguese local, foreign resident or a tourist.

Dancing Experiences - Castelo de Vide Park Bandstand

12th April 2011

I was delighted that these young lads came up to chat & ask what we were doing. Explained all about it in my best Portuguese of course!

Although it wasn't a particularly busy day in Castelo de Vide I'm sure that the usual chat circuit will have spread the word about the dancing we did.

I loved being in this setting - it was a magical place to dance.

Paladar Restaurant & Taberna Santo Amaro

** More photos to follow.

Suffice it to say for the moment that both these places are great. The biggest influence being the welcoming hosts who have created a friendly ambiance for their customers.

We have had such wonderful evenings - thanks to Ashley & Lie (Paladar) and Joaquim & Ana (Amaro).

Information for What is Happening Regularly Castelo, Santo Antonio, Etc.

** PLEASE check first with the organiser regards availability, the times & days.

If you know about more classes please email me - yolandebosman@btopenworld.com

Castelo de Vide

Yoga - Monday (6pm - 7.30 pm) Sociodade

ANAH - (00 34 927 584 006)

Santo Antonio Das Areias

Piscina Municipal (fabulous light & spacious mirrored room)

~ Av. Dr. Manuel Magro Machado

Aerobics - Tues & Thursday (7.30 - 8.30 pm) CARLA - 968 319988

Yoga - Thursday (9.30 - 11 am) ANAH - (0034) 927 584 006.

** also teaches at Portalegre & Castelo de Vide

Modern Jive - in the amazing old discoteque in the village centre

Wednesday - 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm (last class for the summer 15th June)

** will start again September

please email if you would like to be informed of when the classes start again.

contact YOLANDE

(00 351) 245 905 196 or mobile (00 351) 967 003 423

email - yolandebosman@btopenworld.com

Portalegre

Yoga - Wednesday (7.30pm - 8.45 pm) Escola de Silvina Candeias

ANAH - (00 34 927 584 006)

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More information soon regards about Horse Riding, Judo, Belly Dancing, and ...

Also check out a great new magazine for Central Portugal called Hey Portugal - www.heyportugal.com

They have lots of information on their website (What's On listing) & have a very informative & interesting free weekly newsletter.

Councils, Pingo, Firemen & Teaching in Portuguese!

My goodness - where DO I start?

From the moment I get up it is all go. These last 10 days has been amazing.

Local councils are not known the world over for being helpful are they? Well, here in my area of the Alentejo with regards to helping me they have surpassed themselves. I have got permission to do demos in the street, been offered venues for free (!), told I will be promoted (you can tell someone is taking notice of you when they are making notes of what you are saying AND also designing how your logo will look on the website / posters) .... and then I was asked if I would like to be involved when the camera crew come for Easter!! Actually I was asked if my Portuguese was ok for explaining about Modern Jive for TV!! Well, with the help of friends I will certainly be able to do it. Also, without me even asking all the information for the Music & Dance Evening was sent to the local newspapers!! Hence a BIG THANK YOU in particular to Daniel Carreiras of Castelo de Vide who also organised for me to go on the official Easter programme of events. Needless to say friends in England who are hearing about this are somewhat amazed.

Getting started with all this is quite challenging & to have had such a positive response is such a boost.

The assistant manager from the main local supermarket (who everyone knows) was incredibly helpful & introduced me to various local people. The wonderful owner of the B & B Casa Melanie (Castelo de Vide) really went out of her way to help & organised for me to meet her niece who was involved with the hiring of a great venue. The list goes on & in time I will acknowledge all these delightful people. Suffice it to say that I appreciate it. This current post as it is now is just written very quickly & in brief to ensure I keep this blog updated.

One of my many Portuguese friends here has been helping me enormously by coming round with me to talk to various local organisations - for example we went to the local Bomberios (Firebrigade) office and will have them at the 16th April event in uniform to give a certain authenticity to the evening! Other friends are helping with the translations of posters & info leaflets for the classes.

In brief we had the first Modern Jive class at the swimming pool dance room in Santo Antonio das Areias 7th April at 6 pm. Due to a hiccup my translator friend couldn't make it ...... I taught my first class mostly in Portguese!! I decided to make a start for the people who were keen to get going - a mix of Scottish, Spanish, English, Dutch, German, Portuguese & French came for the class!!

I will write more for this page & write some of the funny things that have happened but this will do for the moment. A BIG thanks to everyone who has been so key in helping make this happen - especially Mona who is here Helpxing & is my wonderful & very capable demonstrator.

Accommodation - Marvao / Castelo de Vide area / Lisbon

There is a wide variety of accommodation available from camping, Bed only (normal in Portugal & then you go to a local cafe for breakfast), B & B, villas to rent and hotels.

If a group of dancers want to book the B & B at Camping Asseiceira there is a good discount plus use of the self catering facilities. Gary is the friendly & welcoming owner who owns this wonderful site in San Antonio das Areias. I think it says it all that friends arrived in their caravan in November 2009 with the plan to travel around Portugal........ they didn't leave till May 2010!!!!

www.campingasseiceira.com

Casa Melanie, Castelo de Vide centre - (00 351) 245 901 632

This is where I stayed when I first came to the Castelo de Vide. Accommodation is room only & you can have breakfast at the Cafes nearby. Emilia is a welcoming & friendly host who has turned out to be one of my many Guardian Angels here - she has been so helpful & kind to me. Thanks to Emilia who gives me lots of her valuable time I have been able to sort out so many things!

LISBON

Despite it being the capital you can get incredibly cheap accommodation. I have stayed right in the centre in a good hotel for the reasonable sum of 50 Euros for the two of us (Feb 2010).

Depending on how fussy you are hostels are worth checking out. Only heard good reports about them from people who have used them. Many Hostels have twin rooms & I recently stayed in one which was 36 Euros for a twin. 15 Euros per head sharing a 4 bed room in an expensive area of Lisbon where the other alternatives were more like 80 Euros for a room.

I get the impression that Tourist Informations can get cheap deal last minute bookings when searches on the internet were not successful.

Travel Information

Hi, gradually over time I will improve this page. So for the time being please bear with me!

Travel Info - updated - 27th March 2011

For accommodation - please look for the 'Accommodation' post

I will also be putting together a 'Things to do locally' post

AIRPORT - the nearest one to me is Lisbon (Lisboa).

Then there are various options - car hire, coach or train (the latter is not great regards the timing).

** I have heard that there is another airport opened in Spain recently which is about the same sort of distance away but I have no idea yet of the links to my area.

Faro airport is something like a 5 hour drive (very easy drive particulary if done via the toll motorway) or 7 hour coach journey if you get the one daily direct coach.

Car Hire - easy & pleasant drive to where I live. Be aware though that it will take between 2 & 1/2 to 3 hours depending on how fast you drive. I will be putting together very clear directions directly from the airport. A car is a good idea if you are someone who likes to go off & explore. Although any guests staying with me I will organise trips out depending on my commitments at the time. Once you are in rural Alentejo, Portugal it is not so easy to then in hindsight try to hire a car!

Car hire has been cheap for the month of April 2011- it is possible to hire a reasonable car for less than £130 Euros. Infact when 4 people wanted to get a bigger car (because of luggage space) it actually worked out much cheaper to hire 2 smaller cars.

** Be aware that the there is a distinct lack of efficiency when hiring a car from Lisbon airport. Patience is not a virtue - it is a necessity when picking up your car. Be patient & polite, smile and just chill. Also, it is a good idea that you check you can drive into Spain - best to ensure your insurance covers you for going out of Portugal as I am close by the Spanish border.

Coach - There is a shuttle bus (about 3.5o Euros) from the airport to the main coach station called Sete Rios. The taxi ride is currently about 10 Euros so if there are a few of you it is easier & cheaper to hop in a taxi. Make sure you discuss price / that the meter is on - mostly honesty isn't a problem though. There is one daily coach at 3pm to San Antonio das Areias (on timetable it is S Antonio Areias) which is a lovely village near me (10 mins from my house). I enjoy the pleasant journey but does take about 4 & 1/2 hours. The other main town near by is Portalegre (30 min drive) which has several coaches going to it throughout the day. This trip can be as little as 2 & 3/4 hours. www.rede-expressos.pt If you google rede-expressos various information sites come up. I can email you a translation of a timetable between Lisbon & myself. Current cost to San Antonio is about 17 Euros.

Train - there is a train that goes from Lisbon through to Madrid. It stops at a station called Beira / Marvao which is about 20 mins from me. But it is at an ungodly hour - I will check it out.

TRAVELING AROUND LISBON

If you wish to spend a day or two in Lisbon there is lots to see & do. There is a metro which has been efficient & easy to use the few times I have done it. The GREEN ticket you get is reusable so don't throw it away like I did (on-0ne told me!). You present this each time you buy a ticket(I believe it is for the metro, train & bus). Also, it was a coincidence that at the train station I realised that I had to 'activate' the card before catching the train by waving it at a little upright machine. Again, no-one at the ticket desk told me. I read that there is a huge fine if you don't!!

There appears to be an all day ticket travel option for less than 4 Euros. You can visit some great places outside of Lisbon which are still in the special deal area of Zone 1.

There appears to be quite an efficient bus service around Lisbon but I have an aversion to buses which I still need to overcome.

Some of the free maps from the tourist info give good details of the bus, train & metro routes.

Events, Demonstrations & News

These photos are of various events & workshops held in England.

For more info on what is happening you can look on:-

www.modernjive.com

www.uk-jive.co.uk

** There is one Modern Jive 1 week holiday in September near Lisbon

LAST CLASS for Modern Jive Santo Antonio das Areias (Alentejo) - 15th June

** Classes due to start again in September 2011

WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU.

CONTACT:-

• Yolande - 245 905 196 (I speak English, Dutch, & some German, Portuguese & French)
• Joao - 966 459 529 / 245 102 561 (Portuguese, Spanish & English)

FORGET THE GYM - JOIN THE PARTY - HAVE FUN - GET FIT - MEET NEW FRIENDS

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EXAMPLES of FUTURE PLANS:-

Portuguese language workshops

Photography workshops

Guided walks

Dance workshops

The Van is Committed!

PHOTOS

Left - Titch makes herself at home whilst the work of unloading the jigsaw puzzle of things stuffed into every crevice of the van is carried out.

Right - Dogs posing by the van.

Below - last class with Sue Freeman. My left leg's ability of the Suzie Q move improved slightly!!

Where on earth did the last 6 weeks disappear to? As for this last week - it did a vanishing act!! The list of things to do before leaving seemed never ending & grew longer instead of getting shorter.

Discovered some key people who helped with my equipment challenges. My laptop threw at wobbler at all the music it had to cope with & lay on the ground with its legs in the air playing dead. Lee at Computer Direct worked his magic on my computers turning them into little race horses. His patience with my questions was endless. Then there was Bob at Kays Electronics in Chesterfield - 30 years of experience in the music / entertainments business providing lots of good information as to what I needed to help promote my dancing. I even touched a microphone used by royalty recently!!

There was also Lee at New Leaf sign makers who delivered as promised the design for my van's transformation into a moving advert. Oh, the agonies of "can I do this to my beloved van"? Once the work was done I was delighted - the colours are great, it is certainly noticeable & definitely not subtle! What is the point in that eh? It did dawn on me though that I now cannot do anything like park somewhere I shouldn't etc. as my info is all over the van. I'm surprised that I didn't get an irrate phone call from the shocked woman who witnessed me fling a banana skin out of the window into the bushes as I was driving along.

The trip back was fairly smooth & as usual the dogs took it all in their stride - even the 24 hour ferry crossing. Then there was the 8 hour drive with just a 20 minute coffee break during which they slept & I sang & plotted & planned all the way home intersperced with the odd moment or two of "Oh HECK - I've done it now. No turning back now. Especially with a van that has Gecko Dance plastered all over it!" Not forgetting of course all the wonderful people who have committed themselves to coming over to help.

Unknown Talents of Others ...... Unless You Chat!!

When you dance it is always so good if you can chat a bit. Turns out Elbie at Lindy Hop is a singer & does duos with his dad Irie White. Elbie sings an interesting range of music styles ranging from Reggae to pop, Rock to Classics AND he has a Maine Coon rescue cat - so has obviously got good taste!

Count Down - March 1st 2011

PHOTOS

Top Left - Nicolai & Rasa dancing Salsa Cubana (Sheffield). Top Right - photo by Kim Willis of Marvao Castle gardens.

A 'Wi' dance party - great fun on a wet winter day.

I think my memory cells have packed their bags & taken a holiday to the moon! I panic & have moments when it feels like I can't remember a thing. But the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Last Sunday I danced lots as a follower and then as a lead - switching from one role to another without any brain ache whatsoever. Admittedly I creaked a bit getting out of my van once I arrived home but that was protesting limbs & body!! It was a great evening at Tracey's as usual and the icing on the cake was being able to dance the lead AND chat all at the same time without any hiccups or anything grinding to a halt as co-ordination refused to kick in. YIPPEEEEEEEEEE! The other thing that put a big smile on my face was when Tracey (bless her cotton socks) asked me to help with teaching the class. Loved every minute of it.

Adam the ever patient social media guy came round for lesson no.3 in the joys of Twitter, Mailchimp, Blogs, Hootsuite and facebook - it sounds like a recipe for a joke doesn't it? My giddy ants - now doing THAT kind of stuff really does give me brain ache. But after much swearing, muttering, chuntering & coffee we finally finished my first ever Gecko Dance newsletter. Am I proud or what? Dancing in Portugal here I come.............. Just got to pack the van & do a thousand and one things before setting off on the 13th. Business cards, posters, van business signs, Marmite for Linda, Cadbury's Cream Eggs for Gary, a saw for Ben, and ..........

Expanding on the leading front - testing new territories ..... my first experiences of actually being in a class & leading - Salsa New York style. Also thanks to Nisha Lall's never ending patience Lesley & I eventually got our act together leading Cuban Salsa. We had such a laugh and gave Nisha good reason to chuckle at our antics. I'm sure leading in Modern Jive has paved the way to making this easier even though it is a very different dance.

Dance Related Video Clips

MODERN JIVE

A Typical Modern Jive Social Freestyle Evening. Lots of great dances from 8pm till 2am!



Workshop - Scarborough Weekend Oct - 2011
If memory serves me correctly the main part of the 1 hour workshop has finished. Jo & Mark are repeating the routine the dancers have just taught so that it can be practiced & put into the 'moves' memory bank!! There are a lot more moves than what you would learn in a typical weekly class. The group are mostly at an Intermediate level who know the basic beginner moves.


DANCE WORKSHOPS - GROUP

Grease (the film) dance routine 1 taught by Sheena. A fun workshop of 3 hours - we learnt 2 routines.

Modern Jive Intermediate Class - Smartdanceworks - 19th Feb 2011
Teacher Harry Cartwright with Viv showing some great variations that can be made to Beginner moves.

INFORMAL DEMO - March 20th 2011
This was a fun & informal demonstration of Modern Jive done to show how easy it is to put together a few moves. Modern Jive is very forgiving of 'mistakes' which can generally be made to look like you intended to do them. The secret for the 'lead' is never look surprised, go with what the follower does & for both of you ..... keep smiling & continue dancing!!




LINDY HOP
Below are a series of Lindy clips - don't be scared! Many of the wonderful clips below are of very high level dancers. I included them as they are just amazing to watch.
The clip directly below is one of my favourites - a competition showdown for who of the 5 couples is going to be 1st, 2nd & 3rd. They are all darned good as far as I'm concerned.


The Shim Sham demonstrated by Frankie Manning - a wonderful man I had the pleasure to meet many years ago. His enthusiasm for dance just shone out of him & is dancing was awesome - hope I'm still like that in my 80's!!


FUN STUFF
Here is a video clip of Tracey and the the girls doing their Thriller routine for the evening cabaret. Scarborough weekender Oct '10


SALSA
The gorgeous Rasa & Nicolai dancing some freestyle at The Cubana (Sheffield) - Saturday 26th Feb 2010.


Video clip of the 3 classes with some freestyle - The Cubana (Sheffield). Nicolai kindly did this demo specially for me & my reluctant memory cells!



WEST COAST SWING
When I saw this video clip i went a lovely shade of GREEN. Wonderful dancers - enjoy.


FUNNY STUFF

Evolution of Dance
Very clever, fun & seamlessly put together routine showing the evolution of dancing by comedian Judson Laipply.



This is an unbelievably cute clip of a toddler ballet dancer. In the words of Theresa McKeon "Oh for the love of God someone give this dancer a TAG point!" For info of an amazing teaching methodology called TAGteach visit www.tagteach.com

Things are Hotting Up - Feb 2011.

PHOTOS - Top left

- Caravan no.2 arrives!!! Top right - local goats off home for the night.

Bottom left - Elvis takes it easy whilst surveying his domain. Right - Portagem river pool. **

The river pool opens around June time & is just heaven on a hot day. Free, with views of Marvao castle, bar & cafe. An excellent recipe for a hot day.

** last 3 photos by Kim Willis

What a great start to the month - Mona (being the thoughtful, kind & considerate person that she is) sent me a series of photos showing the installation of my 'new' caravan. Despite a rather dramatic tyre blow out on the motorway bringing the caravan up from the Algarve Chris, Mick & friend successfully manouvered the caravan I'd bought off them into its new home in the olive orchard. So now there is space for 4 more dancers who'll have their own private comfy space.

Chatting with a teacher friend at a cafe about the joys of 'leading' & the challenges of dancing with someone who makes you feel like you are utterly redundant. ie they just do the moves irrespective of the fact that you exist - never mind the fact that you are the one who is 'leading'. He came up with a politer description of the one that came to my mind. His description cracked me up ..... "yes, you feel like you are about as much use as a one legged man in a butt kicking competition!" Just about sums it up I think. Luke another teacher friend came up with a more usable one for use in public teaching situations & more sensitive souls - "there can only be one driver". Very acceptable - thanks for that Luke.

Spring is in the air in Portugal. I asked how Elvis & Titch were doing (the two resident mousers at the farm). For a long time Titch was Elvis' adoring fan & besotted groupie. But I think with the effects of the warmer weather & all that .... the tables have turned and in Ben's words "Titch and Elvis: An oestrogen shock relationship. She was so a nice kitten and now she becomes a multiple personality. Every week a different cat. Elvis is in stress". You gotta laugh. Aaaaah. Poor Elvis bless him. I'm sure all will be ok soon when her hormones calm down again. Hormones have a lot to answer for don't they!

This month has been somewhat busy with lots of people being incredibly generous with their time & help.

Nicolai & Rasa spent the good part of a day with me doing Salsa in Leeds. It was great to spend some time with them & I sooooo hope they come to Portugal. Nicolai is just such a great teacher - I love his attitude to the people he is teaching & the way he teaches. He makes it sooo accessible & most important of all .... FUN. He takes all the stress out of learning. Rasa who is a gorgeous gal with buckets of enthusiasm & a pure delight has been shadowing Nicolai for a year & wants to teach - YEAH. With her attitude she is welcome to come over to Portugal for as long as she wants.

Sheena who runs Every Dance - what can I say? A star who has also been a huge help & incredibly generous with her time sharing her knowledge & experience. Not forgetting the fun Grease workshop when we learnt 2 routines (see the video on the videos post). I am really p**ed off that I wont be around in England when the Thriller workshop is on.

Nisha Lall - another star who is taking me through her teacher's course for Salsa (oh my goodness - have I got a lot of learning to do). Nisha is incredible & knows so much. I'm one lucky lady that she is teaching me. For the course another lady joined us - Lesley who is Roger Moore's wife!! Talk about coincidences. Some ladies I occassionally meet when walking the dogs told me about their friends Roger & Lesley Moore who teach dance. It is a small world.

This month we had the case of the unco-operative left foot at the Lindy Hop class when it came to doing Suzie Q's. That flippin move has always driven me batty. I was like a gone-wrong version of Rolf Harris doing his Jake The Peg song sketch. My left foot just wouldn't behave itself. Hannah said she could hear me laughing the whole way through the lesson.

Did 2 workshops (Beginner & Beginner Plus) - one on the Saturday & the other on the Sunday - both organised by Ceroc (Nottingham & Leeds). Thoroughly enjoyed them - excellent. BUT when I got to Sunday evenings class at Chesterfield I could barely remember any of it. Damn. The knowledge just packed its bags & went into ether space. So frustrating. I guess my brain cells are on strike again.

Taught my first group this month - they want me back & I don't think they were being polite bless 'em.

Things are really taking off like a rocket - it feels a bit unreal. I was expecting it to take 1 -2 years!! More people are booking their flights to come over & help which is great.

Teachers Tracey & Jatinder have booked their flights for 10th May. Roy Greenhalgh is doing his utmost to fit in a visit with his Stylz Jive staff. I heard that another recent lovely dancing friend is planning to come over 17th March for 6 days with another 2 to 3 dancing friends - that is 2 days after I arrive back in Portugal! YIKES. I Better get organised!