Roaring Twenties Events

For years we thought about how in 2020 it would be 100 years since the 1920s and that we would need to plan a big party. Well now the return of the ’20s is imminent and I’m doing just that! I’m the organizer of Roaring Twenties Events in Toronto and I couldn’t be more excited!

You can learn all about what I’m doing at roaringtwentiesevents.com

Get ready to party like the 1920s in the 2020s!

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2020 – JOIN THE FACEBOOK EVENT:

The first event will be Saturday, January 18th, 2020 with the celebratory theme: Welcome to the ’20s! Think of it as a second new year’s eve bash; a jubilant spree to kick off the new decade. Click here for tickets!

And for any dancers in other cities who might like to do a similar event, I’ve already invested a lot in all the branding and would be happy to duplicate it for other cities if anyone would like a running start to throw their own 1920’s event.

 

 

 

Saint Savoy Shoes

My shoes have arrived!

I actually ordered a pair of Saint Savoy RIVIERA shoes that came in when I received my bag but I had ordered the wrong size. I was so nervous about them being small that I wore socks when I did my measurements and they ended up a size too big.

When I exchanged the shoes, I added another pair along too: WEST in black.

I’ve been waiting to invest it really great shoes in neutral black and white for a long time. For years I’ve been wearing character shoes, which were great when I had my studio, but I wanted something I could wear both on and off the dance floor.

I’m thrilled with the choices I made!

Unboxing my WEST & RIVIERA shoes from Saint Savoy

I did find that the Rivieras were a tiny bit tight/pinchy around the ball of the foot. Not to fear! My husband has cobbler tools and he helped me to very gently stretch them out a bit overnight.

A little pinchy

The WEST fit perfectly as is.

I’m really excited to take these shoes with me for my workshop in Japan next week!

View this post on Instagram

Happy feet. #saintsavoy #saintsavoyshoes #shoelove

A post shared by Mandi Gould (@mandigould) on

Guest Workshop: August 29

I’ll be teaching a guest workshop for Bees’ Knees Dance in Toronto on Wednesday, August 29th with my pal Aleks.

  • Wednesday, August 29, 2018
  • Stretch & Compression Workshop
  • with Mandi & Aleks
  • 7:30-9pm
  • Dovercourt House

Click here for the Facebook event

Stretch is one of the most important principles of the Lindy Hop connection but that doesn’t mean that compression isn’t just as important. The way that you use stretch, compression, and the “neutral” space in between can really transform the way that you interact with your partner. We’ll get into the nitty gritty really enlightening ideas behind connection in this workshop.

Please direct any questions about registration to the folks at Bees’ Knees Dance.

Frankie Month in Niagara & Toronto 2018

It’s still very wintery out there but Frankie Month (May) is just around the corner! I’m pleased to announce two workshops, one in Toronto and one in St. Catharines. Happy to have my old pal, Kevin Miller, join me for these! All proceeds will be donated to the Frankie Manning Foundation.

As a board member for the Frankie Manning Foundation (FMF) and someone who had the privilege of assisting Frankie Manning for three workshops in 2002, 2006, and 2008, these workshops are very near and dear to my heart. The workshops are Pay-What-You-Can with a suggested donation of $40 if you do a full afternoon. Please join us.

Frankie Manning Workshops 2018

  • Toronto: Saturday, May 5th, 3pm-6pm – Dovercourt House, 1st floor – CLICK HERE
  • St. Catharines: Saturday, May 26th, 1pm-5pm – Beacon School – CLICK HERE

Instructors: Mandi Gould & Kevin Miller


Who is Frankie Manning?

Legendary Lindy Hopper Frankie Manning passed away in 2009, but his spirit lives on in the hearts and feet of swing dancers around the world. Frankie is remembered and revered for his vital role in the history and revival of swing dancing, as well as for his radiant and charismatic personality. His legacy is hugely important and widely influential, and #FrankieMonth is celebrated around the world each May. Learn more about Frankie Manning.

 

Workshop for Chazz in Toronto

Charitable Workshop in Toronto

Workshop with Chachi & Mandi

On Thursday, August 3rd, 2017 there will be a charitable workshop in Toronto to support Chazz Young.

Who is Chazz Young?

Chazz Young is a tap, jazz, and Lindy Hop dancer, was one of Norma Miller’s Jazzmen in the 1950’s, and is Frankie Manning’s son. He is a longtime friend of the Toronto Lindy Hop community and over the years has taught several workshops here.

Why Fundraise?

A little over a year ago, Chazz Young experienced a life-altering medical event. While Chazz is doing much better, the financial burden of medical expenses and his inability to teach have made things very challenging for him.

Mandi and Chachi will be teaching this workshop to help raise money to help him with some of his basic expenses. There is no fixed price for the workshop but your donations will be gladly received and sent to help him, via Frankie Manning Foundation.

Where/When/How Much?

Thursday, August 3rd, 2017
6:30pm to 8:30pm
Dovercourt House (1st Floor)
Suggested Donation: $25

Level: The workshop will be Intermediate+. The Frankie Phrase (Swing Out from Closed, Swing Out, Swing Out, Circle) is a prerequisite to participate.

To register and make your donation in advance, click here, or send your intention to participate here and make a cash donation onsite.

Event Follow Up

Thanks to everyone who participated in the fundraiser for Chazz. Not everyone was able to stay for the photo but it was a great little group and, along with some extra donations from people who couldn’t attend, we were able to raise $542.06 USD. The money is on its way to Chazz now. 

Important Information for this Sunday’s Workshop

IMPORTANT

The workshops will run from 1pm to 4ish followed by some social dancing. The first hour at 1pm will be extremely important for anyone who hasn’t learned the Frankie Phrase from Mandi. If you haven’t been doing swingouts for years, aren’t familiar with “straight swingouts”, and can’t do swingouts in your sleep, definitely please don’t miss the first hour. Continue reading “Important Information for this Sunday’s Workshop”

#FrankieMonth 2017 Workshop in St. Catharines

Frankie Manning Workshop in St. Catharines

Date: Sunday, May 21st, 2017

Time: 1pm – 5pm

Location: Bethany Community Church, 1388 Third St, Saint Catharines, Ontario L2R 6P9

Cost: ***There is no fixed cost, but we will gladly collect donations for the Frankie Manning Foundation. We suggest donations between $5 to $40, as is affordable to you.

Instructors: Mandi Gould & Lisa Jacobs, along with Geoffrey Holmes Continue reading “#FrankieMonth 2017 Workshop in St. Catharines”