Ida

How did you start dancing Lindy Hop?

I was first introduced to Lindy Hop in gym class at school and thought it seemed fun, but I didn’t pursure it further since I was playing handball at the time. Then I got injured and needed to find something fun and active to do instead. I randomly stumbled upon Tuesday Swing at Studenterhuset with a friend from university, and it quickly became a weekly thing. Since then the amazing community has introduced me to Balboa as well as Boogie Woogie.

What does swing dance mean to you?

To me swing dance equals community. That’s the part I fell in love with first. The social dances and the open-minded people who attended. No one was ever too busy to explain a move or take an extra dance. It is such a special place where people have total freedom and can express themselves and be themselves. Its a place for me to connect with people – both long time friends but also a place to make new acquaintances.

What do you love most about teaching?

I love seeing people have fun and enjoy themselves. When they finally manage to do that one move they’ve been struggling with the whole round and it “clicks”, then you get to share in the happiness. Its amazing to be part of those moments. I also go into every single class with the intention to make people smile and laugh – preferably already during the warm up.

What’s your favourite jazz song or artist?

For me that really depends on what I am dancing. Currently my favorite band is Cats & Dinosaurs. They are absolutely amazing. Their song Heteronormative is one of my favorite songs in general and also for dancing Boogie. For Balboa my current love is Champagne by Swing’it as well as Sabotage by Cats & Dinosaurs (yes they keep coming back to the top picks). For Lindy, A Trout, No Doubt by The Bean Tones is one of my favorites.

Fun fact or secret talent?