Stine

How did you start dancing?

When I was 22, an old friend reached out and asked if I wanted to start taking a dance class with him like we said we would back when we were 16. I said yes and we started in SwingShoes January 2013. I couldn’t stop laughing during and after class, so I stuck around.

What do you love most about teaching?

To share the joy of dancing, especially when I can see something clicks for the students in class. 

What does swing dancing mean to you?

Playfulness, freedom of expression and community. I’m very grateful to have found this community. How lucky are we to be adults and have a space for play and improvisation? 

What’s your favourite jazz song or artist?

Ooh, That changes a lot. A classic favorite of mine is Ella Fitzgerald live at Zardi’s with “Can’t Give You Anything but Love”. I love Ella’s live versions - she sounds like a comedian with jazz, improvising lyrics and entertaining the audience with inside jokes and impressions of other artists of her time. And her scatting skills are so impressive! Of current artists I’m really enjoying the energy and work of Eyal Vilner and how he’s collaborating with dancers in co-creation.

Fun fact or secret talent?

As a teenager, I played the trumpet and played in a local youth big band. I think this has made learning rhythms-with-my-body easier.