The Jazz Age Lawn Party is an event held on New York City’s Governor’s Island two weekends over the summer. The event features a live orchestra and centers around a dance floor where dancers spin the afternoon away. Period dress is strongly encouraged and the event attracts a surprisingly wide range of ages. Typically events like this attract a younger, primarily hipster crowd but there’s a vibrant social dance scene in NYC which draws a much more diverse crowd.
My interest in dance came through the avant-garde as I began to photograph butoh performances at the Cave Art Space in Williamsburg so social dance was a considerable change. I had attended a number of events organized by Dances Of Vice and had a passing familiarity with the period dances but found it extremely challenging to get good shots. Challenging but very enjoyable.
Personally I can’t dance because I can’t count beats properly. I’ve tried a number of times but if more than three steps are involved I invariably loose count and up tripping over my partner’s feet. Several seasoned dance instructors have tried to help but in the end have just shaken their heads and gently suggested I head over to the bar for a drink. Its frustrating as I always thought it looked like a great deal of fun but you have to recognize your limits. Finding myself unable to directly participate I’ve consoled myself with watching and taking photos. There’s no reason you can find your own measure of enjoyment in another’s pleasure.