While popular TV shows like Dancing With The Stars and So You Think You Can Dance have taken over the airwaves, a small but vital community of retro dance enthusiasts gather for an annual tribute to the bygone era of Swing with Camp Hollywood and the National Jitterbug Championships. Armed with my Cuban heels and stockings with seams up the back, I left the Converse at home and delved into the netherworld of Lindy Hoppers.

Highlights of the weekend included a Miss Camp Hollywood bathing beauty contest, and plethora of heated dance competitions for titles in swing styles like Balboa and Shag. But easily the wildest competition was the “anything goes” underground jitterbug challenge which erupted at 2am on the Saturday night!

For the non-competitive dancer, Camp Hollywood has workshops to learn the moves, and each night is a themed dance with live big band music. This year’s theme nights were Vampire Night, Circus Night and Blues Brothers Night. Costumes are encouraged!

When the camp began 13 years ago, the core group of enthusiasts putting it on were inspired by the smooth style of street swing as seen in short clips from the 1940s like “The Groovie Movie” and “Maharaja.” The camp was a way for them to impart their wisdom and enthusiasm on the retro dance community. This year, swing dance stars from those clips, Jean Veloz and Hal Takier both attended the camp, as did other notable “old-timers” Freda Angela and Mary Collins, widow of the infamous dancer Dean Collins. While no spring chickens, they were seen on the dance floor cutting a rug throughout the weekend! Takier turned 93 earlier this year!  A fact that goes to show that dancing keeps you young.

For those interested, next year’s Camp Hollywood XIV takes place on July 21-24.  If you can’t wait that long, check out the Tribute to The Groovie Movie on October 17, 2010.

Dick Clark would be proud.

Words and Photos by Lisa Johnson