Who doesn’t want to dance? I’m pretty sure everybody loves dancing, even those (including myself) who aren’t gifted with the talent to do it.
There’s just really something in us that makes us groove to any beat, and we can’t help it- the pull of a good jive is just too strong.
Dance has evolved and even the traditional ones have improved as they are passed from generation to generation.
In fact, back in 2011, a couple took to the dance floor with a burning passion that amazed everyone who was watching, even their competitors!
Meet this powerhouse West Coast Swing dance duo!
Jason Colacino and Katie Boyle were not only regulars in West Coast Swing dance competitions, they were famous!
In fact, a video showing their dancing prowess surfaced on the internet and got uploaded on YouTube back in January 2011.
The fiery duo danced to the Rolling Stones’ classic “Honky Tonk Women” which was a fan favorite back in 1969. Only, for this routine, they chose to dance to an instant country hit cover of the classic song by Travis Tritt, which sped up the beat and helped the couple lay fire to the floor.
According to Wikipedia, West Coast Swing is,
“a partner dance with roots in the Lindy Hop. It is characterized by an elastic look that results from its extension-compression technique of partner connection and is danced primarily in a slotted area on the dance floor. The dance allows for both partners to improvise steps while dancing together, putting West Coast Swing in a short list of dances that emphasize improvisation.”
How good were Colacino and Boyle?
Their performance simply drove the crowd and even their competitors wild and on their feet! Their routine was beyond amazing!
Although we all know that West Coast Swing is more of an improvisation style of dance, the two still didn’t miss a beat! They were simply one with the music!
Colacino and Boyle’s routine started with some mild hip movements and then seconds after, they took off with their jaw-dropping stunts!
They twisted, turned, swung, and swayed along with the music! They did all these with precision and perfect timing.
They both moved as smoothly skin against silk. So smoothly that it almost looked like they were gliding like a hot knife through butter!
There was even a move where Boyle spun around Colacino’s body like a hula-hoop and ended sitting on his shoulder.
But how can a powerful performance be smooth? Well, who can guess how they did it? What we know is that they are incredibly awesome!
Their fancy footwork and slick exhibitions were stunning!
Calling them awesome is even an understatement. Another stunning part of their performance was when Boyle spun and dropped her head three times, while Colacino was clinching on her nape.
At the latter part of their performance, Colacino even did the splits while they were dancing and rose back up again in one fluid movement, never missing a beat.
Then they both spun almost endlessly. How can a duo be so unbelievably good?
Who exactly are Colacino and Boyle?
Boyle began her varied dance training at the age of 2! Imagine the immeasurable amount of time and energy that this lady has spent just to cultivate her talent. Well, it seems like all the hard work has finally paid off.
On the other hand, Colacino got his start in line dancing and mastered salsa, Argentine tango, jazz, ballet, and ballroom dancing before his performances as a West Coast Swing dancer.
Little did we know, the video hides a shocking revelation.
Sadly, back in 2009, Colacino passed away at the young age of 31 due to pneumonia and an enlarged heart.
Many were devastated and shocked to learn what had happened to him.
“After having watched dancing videos of all types for over 50+ years, in my humble opinion THIS IS THE ABSOLUTE BEST I HAVE EVER SEEN!! Jason and Katie, the moves of both, and the music are all just stellar. I’m so sorry and saddened that Jason and Katie didn’t get to spend 100 years together! God bless them both!”
Though this video showing one of his greatest performances showed up 2 years after his passing, many people were still amazed by Colacino and Boyle’s breathtaking routine.
Colacino’s legacy will still be passed on to the next generations of dancers, and whoever gets to witness his greatness will certainly be amazed.
As of this writing, the video has already reached a whopping 12.9 million views! It only shows that these two were truly legends in the world of West Coast Swing and their moves are ageless!
Groove with Colacino and Boyle as they bring the house down in the video below!
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