What a Jazz podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Sabou, a dancer, educator, and organizer, to discuss our shared experiences in Ghana learning Afro dances. We explore Sabou’s vision and mission behind organizing the training and the key insights we hope to bring back to our dance communities. We also dive into the contrast between dance in studios versus everyday life, stepping out of our comfort zones during improvisation, overcoming the fear of self-expression, and the importance of not taking ourselves too seriously as dancers. Lastly, we touch on topics like comparison, social media, and mental health.

Dancer, musician, performer and educator from Sweden Fredrik Dahlberg shares his journey into jazz, the inspirations and the challenges that defined his path. We discuss the topics of improvisation, mindsets for practicing and improving, and the qualities of a good performer. Fredrik reflects on his time with the Hot Shots and what jazz has taught him about life on and off the stage.

Tap dancer, choreographer, and teacher Clara Martínez talks about her journey to becoming a professional tap dancer, learning from the masters and developing her style. We dive into finding your path, creating opportunities as an artist and seeking support from others. We also discuss the connection between jazz dance and tap, dealing with insecurities and the five elements of improvisation.

We sit down to chat about the concept of home and belonging, lessons from life on the road, and the quest for community. Mako shares her experience of exploring Jazz music and learning to dance from a “music first” approach, her relationship to practicing and developing her authentic movement. We also talk about her journey of learning traditional Guinean dance and how that shaped her approach to sharing the dance. Finally, we reflect on the importance of patience and embracing frustration in the learning process.

Join us as we delve into Ursula's dance journey, exploring the distinction between copying and drawing inspiration, the importance of infusing personal elements into dance, and the process of embracing your unique body and movement. Ursula shares her teaching philosophy, her strategies for overcoming insecurities, and her efforts to cultivate a caring community. We also discuss the emotional spectrum within the dance space and reflect on how dance can guide us toward self-discovery.

We chat with Sep about his ongoing journey with dance and continuous learning. We discuss the vibrant jazz culture in Gent, Belgium, and how the live music scene influenced Sep’s dancing and improvisational skills. We also delve into Sep's preference for identifying as a facilitator rather than a teacher, explore the distinction between holding and creating space, and working on one's confidence.

Photo by: Juls Sobrón

In this episode we explore the early days of Lindy Hop in Lithuania, the beginning of the Harlem festival, and the journey of the Rhythm Junkies band. Mindaugas offers insights into leading a band, fostering a local community, and the valuable lessons gained throughout. We dive into the nuances of musicality, the emotional connection to dance and music, and accessing it both on stage and the social dance floor. Lastly, we reflect on discovering your voice and the significance of having role models along the way.

Photo: Ugne Henriko Photography

In this episode Edwige shares her dance journey, finding herself through movement and developing self-acceptance. She shares her experience growing up in a community where dance was part of a way of being, something you do rather than something you have to learn in class. We discuss learning to do steps versus learning to connect to music, finding one's individuality but not looking for it too hard, and how to facilitate that learning process for others.

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Photo: by Stephanie O'Connor

This episode features a conversation with Erol Akinci, a dancer and performer hailing from Turkey. With a foundation in music, Erol delves into his exploration of jazz, particularly the bop era and UK Jazz, alongside his approach to teaching. From shedding light on Turkey's dance scene to debunking misconceptions about bebop, we explore the significance of actively listening to and discovering new music, all while emphasizing the value of improvisation.

<Photo by Stephanie O'Connor>

In this episode we delve into Andreas’ journey through various Swing dance styles. We explore the nuances of risk-taking and improvisation, approaches to teaching, and the skills to become a good leader. We discuss the interplay between listening and expression in both Balboa and Lindy Hop, and how it shapes the dance experience. Andreas shares his ideas about competitions, and advocates for experimentation with different formats and judging criteria. Lastly, we explore the profound impact of coaching and supportive networks on one’s growth. 

This week’s guest is a dancer, educator, and counselor Damian Cade. We talk about Damian’s journey into jazz and dance therapy, blending partner dancing skills with life coaching skills. We get into the pillars of good communication, the healing framework of partner dancing, and the embodiment of emotions and experiences, whether it’s fear, joy, or play. We discuss the challenges of looking inward, confronting discomfort, and embracing acceptance. Damian also opens up about his multi-racial upbringing and the evolution of his self-identity.

This week we sit down to chat with international instructor, competitor, and performer Laura Glaess. She shares her approach to teaching, learning, keeping a beginner's mindset, and finding a way for joyful exploration. We delve into the intricacies of self-expression and growth on the dance floor and talk about developing your voice as a follower, connecting to your own body and movement while embracing the change and what it takes to be a confident dancer. Finally, Laura shares how she balances her personal life, motherhood, and dance career.

This week we’re chatting with blues dancer, educator, and event organizer Vicci Moore. Vicci shares insights into the post-COVID blues community landscape and her personal journey of discovering and teaching blues dance. We delve into Vicci’s essay on cultural appropriation covering a range of topics from African-American dance aesthetics to the nuanced role of sexuality and its expression in dance. Vicci shares how her approach to partner dancing has evolved, the inequalities between leaders and followers in the community, and tackling the imposter syndrome. 

This week we sit down with dancer, educator, bandleader Naomi Uyama to talk about embracing change, redefining one’s identity, working on your strengths and weaknesses, and the journey toward self-acceptance. We also discuss how the US swing dance scene is on a slower recovery post-pandemic, approaches and mindsets when competing, and why you should not look at the score sheets after a competition.

This week’s guest is a great dancer, drummer, MC, and now the organizer of Lindy Focus - Jon Tigert. Jon talks about wearing many hats - balancing between teaching, organizing, and playing music. We cover topics of teaching locally versus internationally, dealing with the feelings of loneliness and social anxiety, being a better partner, and differences between events in the US and Europe. Jon also shares how playing music changed the way he judges competitions and his view on teaching musicality.  

Dancers, teachers, choreographers, and all-around artistic human beings from Barcelona, María & Aurélien. We chat about their partnership, navigating through differences, and finding balance in everyday life. We cover topics of competitions, putting dance on the stage, and choreographing shows. Finally, we try to tackle the not-so-easy “what is art” question.

After taking classes at the Swim Out festival, we sit down with a dancer and educator from Barcelona Clàudia Fonte. We talk about the joy of being a student, personal expression, finding versus connecting to yourself in dance and in life. Claudia shares her way of artistic explorations and practices, her feelings about competitions, and her love for improvisation. She also talks about embracing her queer identity and the importance of representation in the dance community.

Dancers, teachers, competitors, one the founders of El Taller, a dance school in Barcelona, and organizers of  Lindy Hopper’s Delight and Stomp Your Feet festivals. We sit down to chat about organizing events in a more sustainable way, inspirations from the tap community, and developing ways of teaching. They share their experience in competing, building partnerships, and the joys and challenges of the creative process.

This week's guest is musician, bandleader, MC, and dancer from London, Steven Coombe. We discuss the interactions between dancers and musicians, common misconceptions, the topic of musicality and competitions, and how to create the best party vibe. Steve shares his experience leading swing bands, daily practicing, and being an entertainer on stage.

In this conversation Alexia, dancer, teacher, and the founder of Shake That Swing dance studio in Paris, shares her experiences, values and new approaches to leading a dance school and an all-women team. We discuss the evolution of the follower's role in the dance, connecting to playfulness and expressing yourself in a partnership. Alexia talks about combining family life and a dance career, finding balance, and the importance of alignment. 

Austėja is a professional dancer, performer, teacher and event manager. We sit down to talk about performing, finding the flow, feeling confident in the spotlight and how can one get better at it. She shares her story of starting burlesque and being one of the first performers in Lithuania. We also touch upon the topic of sensuality and finding that connection through dance. Finally, we talk about our experiences with burnout and what we’ve learned from it. 

We sit down with a dancer, musician, and band leader from Toulouse, France, Maka. We talk about the relationship between music and dance, the recreation and evolution of the art form, and expressing ourselves within it. We discuss what it means to connect to the music at a dance party, or in competition, and how we can value and appreciate musicians more.

We sit down to talk with Sonia, a dancer and organizer from Barcelona. We chat about her early days of dancing, performing with Frankie Manning and working on a long-lasting partnership. Sonia shares her approach to teaching and competing, the (un)importance of levels in the dance, and placing your worth on the opinion of others.

Dancer, scene leader, and organizer from a vibrant swing scene in Seoul, South Korea. We discuss building a community, running festivals, and choosing what talent to bring. We dive into the topic of judging, giving, and receiving feedback, and we both share bits of advice that influenced our approach to competing. We also talk about finding balance and why Nalla keeps the dance career a secret from his daytime job co-workers.

Dancer and actor, Jean-Charles Zambo joins us to discuss his artistic path, creating performances that are true to you, and prioritizing your own values and interests. We compare Swing dance and Hip-Hop communities, the role of expression, innovation, and inclusion. We tackle the questions of building self-confidence and teaching others to move in their own ways rather than following trends. 

Today's guest is Pamela Gaizutyte: dancer, choreographer, educator, and the face behind the creative project of P.mela Swingin’ Shoes. We discuss her projects, confidence and identity, forming partnerships, and finding the balance with social media. We reflect on the evolution of the dance scene over the years and the reasons behind the popularity of Swing dance in Lithuania. 

From Taiwan, we sit down to talk with Jason: a dancer, educator, and the creator of Switch Taipei. We talk about his studies in Dance Anthropology, his approach to teaching dance while empowering students from the beginning, and the freedom to choose the dance role outside of gender stereotypes. He also shares his experience with the representation of LGBTQ+ in the dance community and his dating situation. 

Tap dancer, performer, choreographer, and teacher Thomas Marek joins the podcast to discuss his artistic path and the discovery of new forms of expression and storytelling that tie in with tap's origins. We talk about the fundamentals and joy of improvising, how not to let your mind hold you back, and to make your dancing "your own".  Thomas explains his approach to coaching, the transition to teaching more empoweringly, and tools for practicing. 

Thomas website: https://www.thomasmarek.com/

This week's guest is the saxophonist and leader of the swing band "Swing Shouters" - Sylvain Roudier. We chat about his creative process, his way of developing a unique sound, and the symbiotic relationship between dancers and musicians. We also discuss what makes a band (or a dancer) swing and how to work on that.

Check out Swing Shouters music: https://swingshouters.bandcamp.com/

A special episode from the International Lindy Hop Championships Europe 2022 where the artists and judges sat down to discuss their thoughts and vision on competitions: "Competition & Culture: How do they relate?". You will hear Marie N’Diaye, Moncell Durden, Remy Kouakou Kouame, Tena Morales-Armstrong, LaTasha Barnes, Moe Sakan, Alice Mei, Felix Berghäll, Vincenzo Fesi, and a Special Guest Ms. Mickey Davidson.

The International Lindy Hop Championships Europe takes place, in person, each year in Sofia, Bulgaria. 

Visit http://www.ilhc.com for more information.  

Powered by: ILHC, Lindy Hop Bulgaria, Remy Kouakou Kouame.  

This event is part of the project Swinging Europe Network. Co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Commission.

We sit with dancer, teacher, and performer from the UK, Cat Foley, to talk about her life and work after covid and how her theatre and clowning practice influenced her dancing and teaching. We discuss her new show, “Swing sister swing,” which uses partnered swing dance as a storytelling tool to address social exclusion and what inspired it. We also talk about finding your voice and individuality in dance and performing.

In this episode with an instructor, dancer, choreographer, educator, and Frankie Manning Ambassador Tyedric Hill, we talk about his approach to teaching dance, empowering others with tools to create and connect to the roots of the dance. We also dive into the topic of expression, how and when we access the raw emotions and let them come through the movement. 

We reconnect with Vassia from Athens, Greece. She is the organiser of Athens Rhythm Hop festival and a co-founder of Rhythm Hoppers dance school. We talk about the goals and challenges of running a dance festival, learning from the original dancers, the difference between drawing inspiration and copying, and finding your language of expression. 

We sit down to chat with Ari & Simon: teachers, performers, and choreographers currently based in Madrid. We talk about the persistence to keep going during the lockdowns, finding new ways of approaching the dance and the teaching process, we discuss practice routines, daily habits and the key pillars for a good partnership (spoiler alert: communication is crucial). 

In this episode with Daniel Larsson, dancer, choreographer, performer, and teacher from Sweden, we talk about his dance journey, his experience of working on a theatre stage, about the joy of dancing and love for rhythm, the uncertain life of a dancer and the importance of showing support and appreciation to other artists.

Welcome to season 2 of the podcast! While things are looking brighter, it is still a very uncertain time for the dance community. In this episode with Alice Mei we talk about the ups and downs of the last year, how to keep the motivation going and push forward, how to deal with being too self-critical and how to know and trust who you are when your identity as a dancer gets stripped away.

Dancer, performer, educator Felipe Braga. Originally from Brazil, Felipe is currently living in Berlin. We talk about what it means to be a guest in a culture, what responsibility do we carry as dance teachers, event organizers, and community leaders. Felipe shares his way of teaching and learning, the effort to feel more comfortable in your own body, and how his values in the dance changed over the years.

Andrew Hsi is a dancer, performer, musician. In this episode, he shares his story of starting to dance in Beijing and later moving around different continents. We talk about the process of honing a craft, copying versus getting inspired, and what really goes on inside of us when we’re performing. Andrew shares his biggest sources of inspiration and a sneak peek at his experience of meditating in silence retreats.

Dancer, performer, comedian, and an overall inspiring artist Egle Stasiulyte joins us to talk about the career as a comedian and performer, the healing power of humor, laughing, and connecting with people in various environments - from refugee camps to hospitals. We discuss the role of dance and creativity in our lives, the book that made a huge impact on our creative selves, and the choice between being judgmental or supportive.

This episode's guest is Jenna Applegarth. She is a professional dancer, performer, instructor, event organiser and the creator of Applejacks shoes. We talk about self-identity, the work-life balance and being a freelancer, body image, organising Lindy Focus and what it takes to have a strong dance partnership.

In this episode we talk with Ron Dobrovinsky. He is a dancer, teacher, the owner of Swing it dance studio in Israel and a fitness trainer. We talk about hobbies becoming passions becoming full time jobs, what it takes to run a local dance studio before and during the pandemic, taking care of your body and finding your voice as a dancer and artist.

In this episode we talk with Pavlina Grombiri Korcova. She is a scene leader, community builder and dancer from Brno, Czech Republic. We talk about the challenges of running a dance school during the pandemic, traveling internationally and teaching locally, the values behind a community and what it means to become a leader and a mother.

In this episode we talk with Martynas Stonys. We discuss the process of changing career paths, building a community and being an authentic dancer and teacher. We ponder on how a dance studio should be run and who we are versus how we are seen.

In this episode we talk with Peter Kertz. We share our pandemic consolations and realisations, hopes and uncertainties, and a few good laughs. Peter talks about his homes in Los Angeles and Montpellier, what role dancing plays in his life and embracing changes.

The first What a Jazz podcast episode is here! We sat down to talk with Gabrielė Mickutė, she is a dancer and a doctor, currently working with Covid-19 patients. We discuss challenges, fears and what it takes to go through these uncertain times.