Sunday 7 April 2013

Hep Cats' Holiday - a weekend of dancing, music and boat-themed breakfasts!


I first met Robert and Clair (London Swing Cats, the people behind the Hep Cat's Holiday) when they were casting for dance extras for an ITV drama with scenes set in a wartime dance.  The experience of filming that was great fun (maybe I should write a blog on it...) but more importantly it introduced me to Robert and Clair.  Fast forward to last December, and we went and filmed one of their monthly events called The Cat's Meow.
Hep Cats' Holiday Lindy Hop Dancing
 
When they asked us to attend the Hep Cats' Holiday in March, of course we jumped at the chance - a whole weekend of dancing and vintage? Yes please!  After a 4ish hour drive up to Suffolk, we pulled in at Pontin's just in time for dinner in the ocean liner-themed dining room (I was much too excited about eating my meals in a pretend boat).  
 
Hep Cats' Holiday Breakfast Nautical Boat

I had been aware of Miss Bamboo for quite a while, drooling over the beautiful pan-Pacific dresses and accessories online.  So when I found out she (well, Emma, the lady behind Miss Bamboo) would be having a stall at Hep Cats', I made sure we were able to interview her.

Hep Cats' Holiday Sadie Doherty Miss Bamboo Hawaiian Pin Up Interview Pacific
 

There were some amazing dances teachers including Markus and Lizette from Sweden, Valerie and Adam from the US and Bill and Shannon also from America (the last of whom I interviewed at the final dance).
Hep Cats' Holiday Interview Markus and Lizette Lindy Hop Teachers
 
Hep Cats' Holiday Interview Bill and Shannon Lindy Hop Teachers Sadie Doherty

I did so much dancing over the course of the weekend, which really made me realise quite how much I'd missed it.  I even decided to treat myself to a lovely new pair of Aris Allens to, you know, improve my dancing...  There were some fantastically dressed people at Hep Cats', especially for the evening dances.
 
Hep Cats' Holiday Vintage 1930s Hollywood Glamour Suit Best Dressed Monochrome

Hep Cats' Holiday Vintage 1930s Hollywood Glamour Suit Best Dressed
 
Hep Cats' Holiday Vintage 1930s Hollywood Glamour Suit Best Dressed Satin
 
Hep Cats' Holiday Vintage 1930s Hollywood Glamour Suit Best Dressed Louise Brooks Bob
 
Hep Cats' Holiday Vintage 1930s Hollywood Glamour The Vintage News Interview

Apart from the dancing and the clothes and the fantastically dressed people, I can't fail to mention the brilliant bands.  Coming from all across the globe, we were lucky enough to see Emanuele Urso & his Swing Orchestra (Italy), Ray Collins Hot Club (Germany), The Speakeasies Swing band (Greece), the Bill Elliot swing Orchestra (USA), Laura B & the Moonlighters (UK) and many more!
 

Hep Cats' Holiday Vintage Emanuele Urso The Vintage News Interview
Emanuele Urso
Hep Cats' Holiday Vintage The Speakeasies Swing Band The Vintage News
The Speakeasies Swing band
 
Hep Cats' Holiday Vintage The Lucky Stars Bill Eliot Orchestra The Vintage News
The Lucky Stars, singers with the Bill Elliot Orchestra
 
Hep Cats' Holiday Vintage Laura B and the Moonlighters The Vintage News
Laura B & the Moonlighters
 
On the Sunday morning, bleary eyed with only 3 hours sleep as I was, I made sure I was ready with my camera at the Male Pin-up contest - all for work purposes you understand.
Hep Cats' Holiday The Vintage News Pin Up Contest
 
Hep Cats' Holiday The Vintage News Pin Up Contest
Hep Cats' Holiday The Vintage News Pin Up Contest
 

Sunday was also St Patrick's Day, and it was the first year that I'd not done something Irish related (last year was a brilliant ceili with my Irish dancing girls).  One tradition I was able to continue however was the wearing of the green.

 Hep Cats' Holiday Pin Up St Patricks Day Sadie Doherty The Vintage News Guinness Beehive ootd

Here are a few other pictures of my outfits from the weekend (I really should learn to smile when I'm getting my photo taken):


Hep Cats' Holiday Sadie Doherty The Vintage News ootd Aris Allen Lace Dress
Dress - vintage, it was a present so I'm not sure where from
Shoes - my brand new Aris Allens
 

Hep Cats' Holiday Sadie Doherty The Vintage News ootd Pin Up Sweetheart Neckline
Dress - bespoke
Shoes - New Look


I'd love to go back to another Hep Cats' Holiday, perhaps in June so the weather will slightly more clement.

Hep Cats' Holiday Sadie Doherty The Vintage News Pin Up Contest

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