Swing in San Sebastian 2017/10/15

One of the things I love about swing is the way it brings a room or a town square to life. It's ephemeral yet timeless, summoning up a visual feast of vintage style and conviviality. Grand ballrooms magically recall their heyday with big bands and swirling dancers. Sweet music and dancers animate the sun-dappled town squares, to the delight of the locals. At Donosti Belle, we danced in the Miramar summer palace and the Town Hall, both overlooking the sea. The spectacle of our Boulevard dance was enjoyed by a large crowd of all ages.

This swing festival in Basque Spain offered many more beautiful moments that I don't want to forget: walking up Mount Guell with Manuel from Zurich, a swim in gorgeous la Concha bay. Pinxtos (tapas) and txacoli (local white wine) with Celia, Donghoon and other dancers. Cheap pizza and Aperols with Diego. Stories of the very charming and worldly Camino pilgrim, Lisa, 300km into her journey. The warm hospitality of our gracious American-Spanish hosts, Elizabeth and her sister. Four visiting dancers were welcomed into their beautiful, old world apartment: Lisa from Germany, Donghoon from South Korea, Celia from Zaragoza and myself. The dance venues were breathtaking, the weather a total blessing and city is a gem. Thank you Donosti Belle!

Photography: Oscar Larzabal / Donosti Belle Swing Festival
There's also a video in the Media Gallery section, captured by Gabriella.

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