In addition to Gaby’s teaching requirements, she also asks that event organizers review the following three topics. If you have any questions, please reach out by email at gabriellacook@gmail.com.
Respect Towards African American Culture
Lindy hop is dance that comes from African American culture and requires respect towards its cultural origins and individual originators. If your event features a name/brand, band, or public-facing prominent individual (such as a emcee or teacher) who demonstrates disrespect or disregard towards African-American culture/history or African-American people as a group — Gaby retains the right to voice concerns until the matter is resolved. In all efforts, she seeks to be respectful to all parties.
Conclusion: If any publicly visible aspect of your event expresses racially insensitive behavior, Gaby would like to open a discussion about the implications of such actions.
Single-Use Plastic
While Gaby understands that events require a bounty of disposable products (water bottles, plastic cups, plastic utensils and disposable dishware/cookware, etc), she travels with a water bottle and reusable flatware. No additional plastic-wear needs to be purchased on her behalf – including event-branded water bottles.
Conclusion: You don’t need to buy water bottles or other single-use plastic items on Gaby’s behalf. She does appreciate the kindness and respect those actions represent.
PHYSICAL AND Emotional Energy
Lindy hop is a dance, a culture, a community and an expressive art form. Bringing Gaby to your event means she will be active as a teacher, social dancer and an all-round friendly person. Because each of these acts require some physical and emotional effort — Gaby requests that any non-work/non-public time (transportation time, time at home, time at meals), is respected as down time. While she may be happy to share conversations with students and staff, trust that her choice to be either social (or reserved) is based on what’s best for your event and its attendees.
Note: All people have unique and valid preferences on guest-host dynamics, hospitality and socializing at Lindy Hop events. This clause is here to simply contextualize Gaby’s actions within the overall framework of the weekend activities and events occurring before or after the weekend.
Conclusion: When we’re not at a dance or class, please respect Gaby’s quiet time as she may need to save her energy.