CLARIDGE'S OF LONDON OFFERS CHARLESTON DANCE CLASSES TO CELEBRATE THE SENSATIONAL NEW MOVIE 'GREAT GATSBY' TO BE RELEASED TENTATIVELY IN MAY 2013 OR JUNE!

KEE@FSWMAG.COM

GET READY YOUR LONG STRINGS OF PEARLS, CUT YOUR HAIR INTO A PAGEBOY BOB, DON A DRESS WITH A MILLION TINY TASSELS THAT MOVE LIKE WAVES WITH EVERY SHIMMY AND GET READY TO DANCE THE CHARLESTON AND BLACK BOTTOM!

Er, dunno how to Charleston, Black Bottom and Shimmy? Most don't unless you were born around 1900 and were aged 20 or so when these dances were the craze. If so, you will be 113 and probably in no mood to dance.

For the terminably ignorant, the HOT NEW MOVIE of 2013 will be 'The Great Gatsby', slotted for 10 May 2013 for USA release or sometime in summer where the world and his wife will be so fascinated by the goings-on of Jay Gatsby and the life of the rich and famous of the Roaring Twenties!

So I predict everyone will soon be dressed as 'flappers' as in dance, attitude and costume all summer and autumn and winter! 

If you are in London, take your dance classes now at Claridge's, one of the best hotels in London and all Europe! 

It costs RM 625 per class and you might as well stay in the hotel too which was the hot spot at the height of the Roaring Twenties. 

Claridge's opened in 1812 but its Ballroom where your dance classes are held, opened in 1929 at the height of the decadent era. 
Originally called Mivart's Hotel, it was sold to a Mr and Mrs Claridge in 1854 who owned an adjoining hotel. it became 'Mivart's at Claridge's' but it was not long before this mouthful of a name shrank to be 'Claridge's'! 

Claridge's reputation was sealed in 1860 when Empress Eugenie entertained Queen Victoria at the hotel. Claridge's is so stacked and stocked with royals at any one time it is nicknamed 'Annex of Buckingham Palace'! 


The world and his wife will soon be flapping away instead of doing Gangnam Style! Just perfect timing as Gangnam Style will be a year old and quite passe by the time 'Great Gatsby' movie opens in summer!

Dressing up for your dance class at Claridge's London is half the fun!

This is how to pose!

Every dance student gets this restorative cocktail called 'Flapper' which was created in 1929 to celebrate the opening of Claridge's Ballroom!

The Claridge's is one of London's best and most famous hotels and certainly reassuringly expensive! 

CLARIDGE’S  OF LONDON CELEBRATES THE GREAT GATSBY

AND THE HOTEL’S ART DECO HERITAGE

WITH THE LAUNCH OF CHARLESTON MASTER CLASSES

 Learn to shimmy with style in the incomparably elegant surroundings of Claridge’s Ballroom. The legendary hotel is partnering with London’s finest flappers, ‘The Bee’s Knees’ to offer monthly lessons in the dances of the Roaring Twenties including the Charleston and the Black Bottom to help celebrate the jazz age and the launch of new Great Gatsby film later in 2013.

Under the expert tuition of The Bee’s Knees, guests will learn to dance authentic Charleston steps, including the scare crow, bees knees, bunny hop, fish tail and Josephine Baker. Those who envisage themselves as true Gatsby girls, will be able to adorn themselves with accessories such as sequined headbands, strings of pearls and satin elbow-length gloves. Useful styling tips will also be offered to all aspiring bright young things. The lessons will last for 90 minutes, after which guests will be able enjoy the restorative ‘Flapper’ cocktail which was originally created in honour of the opening of Claridge’s Ballroom in 1929.

“It will be such a treat to be both dancing and teaching in what must be London’s most glamorous and iconic art deco setting.  The lessons will be immense fun and will transport you back to the decadent days of the twenties!” commented Aila Floyd, founder of The Bee’s Knees.

Claridge’s General Manager Thomas Kochs adds, “Claridge’s is synonymous with the glamour and luxury of the Jazz Age.  The Charleston lessons are a perfect opportunity for us to recognise our heritage and to offer our guests a little fun escapism!”

The Charleston master classes are both high energy and fun, offering guests a glamorous way to shake the winter blues away, keep fit and get in shape. Dancing is known to release stress and improve flexibility and co-ordination. The lesson will begin with performances from the Bee Knee’s girls, after which guests will be invited to join them on the dance floor. By the end of the class, the group will be able to execute a full dance routine.

The Claridge’s Charleston Classes in partnership with The Bee’s Knees are available once a month on the following dates: 25^th February, 18^th March, 15^th April and 13^th May 2013.   Each class is priced at £125 per person and lasts 120 minutes. The classes will take place between 6.30-8:30pm and attendees will be able to enjoy a cocktail at the end of the session.

To book please call +44 (0)20 7201 1618 or emailCharleston@claridges.co.uk

Recipe for “The Flapper” cocktail

The Flapper

15 ml Crème de Cassis

3 x Strawberries

Small scoop of crushed ice

Champagne

Glass: Flute

Method: Combine ingredients in blender - blend - pour

Garnish: Half strawberry on rim of glass

History of the Charleston

The Charleston became internationally popular when the musical ‘Runnin’ Wild’ debuted in 1923.  The dance was featured during the performance of the song ‘The Charleston’ by composer James P. Johnson, and both the musical and the dance became a big hit. The Charleston dance was particularly popular with ‘flappers’, rebellious young women who wore short dresses, bobbed their hair and listened to jazz music; all considered scandalous at the time. The Charleston was also a precursor to another popular social dance craze developed in the 1930s called the Lindy Hop. Variations of both dances are still popular today.

About The Bee’s Knees

Founded in 2004, the Bee’s Knees was formed when dancers Aila Floyd and Jo Pickering met socially through dancing Lindy Hop at London’s many swing dance nights. Inspired by their mutual love of 1920’s style, music and dance they began as a flapper duo and have grown into a troupe. Travelling all over the UK and Europe with their uplifting Charleston performances and classes, they bring the jazz age into the thoroughly modern day.

www.londonsfinestflappers.com

About Claridge’s

Since opening its doors in 1898, Claridge’s has been the destination of choice for discerning travellers. This Mayfair landmark is synonymous with impeccable heritage, inherent glamour and contemporary thinking. Claridge’s design legacy celebrates the glorious days of the Art Deco era. Home to the legendary Claridge’s Bar and Fumoir, Claridge’s has played host to royalty, celebrities and heads of state who desire timeless elegance at London’s best address.

www.claridges.co.uk

Claridge’s is partnering with London’s finest flappers, ‘The Bee’s Knees’ to offer monthly lessons in the dances of the Roaring Twenties

including the Charleston and the Black Bottom to help celebrate the jazz age and the launch of new Great Gatsby film later in 2013