Swing dancing at the Rose City Swing 2023 witnessed a special glow, thanks to the dazzling duo of KP Rutland and Alyssa Glanville. As the familiar notes of Marvin Gaye’s iconic 1970s mega-hit, “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” started playing, the room became electric with anticipation.
Straight from the first beat, we were transported to a different era, an era where swing held its dominant place in the world of dance. When the young pair of dancers took center stage, it was evident that we were about to witness something extraordinary. As if harmonizing with the soulful notes of the classic, KP and Alyssa made sure their dance was equally memorable.
We have all heard of the legendary track penned by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong for Motown Records in 1966. But experiencing it with KP and Alyssa’s unique touch felt like a discovery of its own. There was a stark height difference between the two dancers, but this only added to the charm. Our eyes followed them, lured by their fluid movements, and hearts captivated by their seamless jive.
The roots of swing trace back to the jazz-loving 1920s in America. Famously called the “jitterbug,” this dance form came into the limelight, thanks to pioneers like Cab Calloway, who observed the jittery, energetic nature of the dancers. Fast forward to Rose City Swing 2023, and the essence remains unchanged. Alyssa and KP not only upheld this tradition but added their flair, making it relatable to our generation.
Dance lovers like us can appreciate the evolution that swing has seen over the decades. From its inception as a reflection of the jazzy blues communities to its current global appeal, swing is here to stay. What makes it special, as dancers like KP and Alyssa show us, is its spontaneity. Once you get the basics, swing encourages you to let intuition guide. Every move seems new, every twirl unplanned, but all coming together in a harmonious choreography.
Alyssa’s history with dancing started early. Our sources tell us that her energy was unmatched even as a toddler. She plunged into Lindy Hop at the tender age of eight, and by the time she turned fifteen, the West Coast swing had captured her heart. Watching her dance today, you can sense the years of passion, practice, and pure love for the art.
KP Rutland, with his towering presence, moves with an elegance that contrasts his size. And when Alyssa joins him, the result is nothing short of magnetic. One of the fans, Az Nana, aptly said about their performance, “This is the best team!!! Love their style. Rockin hot.” Their blend of energy, precision, and grace makes swing dancing seem both complex and effortless.
Yet, we know it’s not just the movements. It’s the soul of swing dancing. It’s the freedom to weave your story, just like Rutland and Glanville did with their rendition. While many dances can overwhelm with their flurry, swing stands distinguished by its grace. If you’ve been underestimating it, KP and Alyssa’s performance would have changed your mind.
So why should you watch this video? Because it’s a beautiful amalgamation of history, art, and pure passion.