Johan

How did you start dancing?

I had watched the Hellzapoppin clip on YouTube and thought it looked awesome. I also danced bugg (Swedish dance) with a girl that was amazingly good. It turned out she was a lindy hopper. She introduced me and I took some classes in the Stockholm Chicago dance studio before going to Herrang. Then I was forever hooked. 

What do you love most about teaching?

To share the ideas and knowledge that I have gotten from many years of dancing, training, developing as a dancer and taking classes with others. To see my students try something out, fail a few times but then get it and later make those movements their own. 

What does swing dancing mean to you?

It is a place to meet people. You get to share a dance and a moment to that particular music arrangement and interpret the music, your partner, yourself and the partnership. I LOVE the magic that can appear. 

What’s your favourite jazz song or artist?

This is an ever changing answer. One O’clock jump with Count Basie (Live at Newport 1957) has been the top one for quite some time (9:27 minutes long). I also have to mention Flying Home with the Lionel Hampton Quintet (17:07 minutes long). Honorable mention goes out to Gordon Webster. All his songs are so danceable, Bei Mir Bist Du Schön to name one (from album Live in Philadelphia). Then there are lots of songs that fit different moods. Jazz is wonderful. 

Fun fact or secret talent?

I am Danish amateur champion in discgolf three years in a row.