What a Jazz podcast

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. 

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. -- 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.