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

On Sunday night, Los Angeles saw a long-awaited re-launch of its Dr. Sketchy’s division at Billy Shire Fine Arts in Culver City. The model: flame-haired fetish darling, Scar. The wardrobe:  deadly  platform stilettos and three changes of sleek latex by Fierce Couture. In attendance: Michael Hussar, Shag, Miss Mindy, Tim Biskup and many talented artists who came to support, drink and draw. Arsenals were mighty and diverse – charcoal,  pastels, graphic pens and watercolors are just some of the trade’s tools I saw brandished in Scar’s direction. Surprises and giveaways helped celebrate the occasion, with a Spencer Davis Booty Babe figurine as the grand prize and Robert of Baby Tattoo modeling for a Michael Hussar-judged contest. Outside, a burlesque cutie tended bar in full costume and impressed guests with her take on the margarita.

I’m left with a reinforced hope for community in the Los Angeles art arena and excited for the rest of the summer: future Dr. Sketchy’s nights are already in the works. On June 21st LA residents can join the excitement  at Medusa Lounge from 7 to 10 PM. Hone your skills and mingle at subsequent Sketchy’s sessions on the first Sunday of every month at Billy Shire Fine Arts, and the third Sunday of every month at Medusa Lounge.

Words and photos by Zoetica Ebb