The United States is home to country music and honky-tonk, but Katie and Jason take it to a whole new level!
Jason Calacino and Katie Boyle were long-time swing dancing partners who took the world by storm.
Although Jason was most known for his West Coast-style of swing dancing, he actually started his career in line dancing when he was only a teen. Later, Jason went on to master swing, salsa, Argentine tango, jazz, ballet and ballroom dancing — never stopping for a breath!
Katie was a natural dancer, having started dancing at only 2-years-old! In her teaching biography, the dancer explains:
“Along with education, I have an extreme passion for the arts; specifically dance. I have been dancing since I was 2-years-old and danced my way through college.”
Between the two of them, Jason and Katie manage to create eye-popping routines by incorporating numerous styles, often bringing home first prize in national dance competitions.
In this memorable video, Jason and Katie decide to test their skills by performing a routine set to the Rolling Stones’ “Honky Tonk Woman”— and, I don’t want to ruin it for you, but the results are out of this world!
When the word “Honky Tonk” first originated, it was defined as a place that served alcohol to the good, ol’ working class folk. These places often incorporated some type of live musical performance, like a piano player or live band, and the patrons would consume beverages and dance the night away. Although a bit of time has passed, Honky Tonk hasn’t changed too much. Today, as Grizzly Rose explains, the words have simply become “synonymous with a country western bar that offers live music.”
Throughout their routine, Jason and Katie blend the fast-paced steps of East Coast Swing with the carefree fun of classic Honky Tonk, making for an incredible performance.
For Jason and Katie, choreographing likely wasn’t as difficult as it appeared though! East Coast Swing, in particular, is defined by Ballroom Dance Academy as “an energetic fast dance, done usually with triple steps and rock steps to Big Band or contemporary music that ‘swings.'” It originates from the Lindy Hop dances performed at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem during the time of the Roaring 20s and 1930s. Realistically, a fast-paced song like this is the perfect selection to display their skills!
In this classic video, viewed nearly 2 million times, you see Jason and Karen moving fast-paced yet fluidly to the music with an aura of fun that is tangible through the screen.
Jason swings and dips his partner, even lifting her above his head. As the performance grows increasingly energetic, the crowd starts to holler and cheer!
It was obvious they impressed the audience, but would the judges agree?
According to Faith Tap, Karen and Jason impressed everybody and were later awarded the first prize.
Now, we may not all have dancing skills like Jason and Katie, but that passion for music and movement lives within us all. Next time you’re feeling a bit self-conscious, use this video as a reminder to let loose and relax!
See the mesmerizing performance below!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
