Movers and Shakers - Nicole Zonnenberg, Tallahassee

Movers and Shakers is a new series highlighting some of the people behind the growing Lindy Hop scenes throughout Florida.

This week we interview Nicole Zonnenberg from Tallahassee.

Tell us a short story about your dance history. When did you start swing dancing, Lindy Hopping, other styles? What initially drew you to Lindy Hop?

I officially started dancing at the beginning of 2010, when a friend of mine (who had frequented Zendah’s) found the Tallahassee scene, known then as the Coalition for a Tallahassee Swing Scene. 

It was a gathering of a handful of (mostly) FSU students working out the swing out and other facets of the Lindy Hop. Not the top echelon of dancers, but a group of friendly people who met up at least once a week to try and learn the finer points of this really awesome dance. Basically, it was perfect for a new freshman just trying to find her niche. What basically drew me to swing dancing, and ultimately inspired me for the scene at Florida State University, was the community. People from different backgrounds, different jobs, different places in their lives could get together and, if nothing else, enjoy each other’s company for a few hours with awesome music.

How are you currently active in your scene and what have you done over the last year to grow Lindy Hop in your area? What have you learned from your work?

As you might have guessed from the new name (which was applied at the start of the 2010-2011 school year), the Swing Dance Club at FSU is a university run scene. I have recently graduated with my bachelors from FSU and have plans to move out of state to pursue a career of some sort (basically just to make sure I can pay rent, eat and Lindy Hop). So I am no longer a regularly contributing member to the scene. And while I am sad to leave a scene that has become so much more than a group of dancers that met every Friday night (to me, many of the dancers there have become as close as family), I know that those taking over will do an amazing job and I hope to return every once in a while, if only to dance and hang out around old stomping grounds. 

As for what I have learned: so much. I’m pretty sure I could write pages about what I learned of myself, being a leader, other people, running a dance scene. But mostly just how rewarding it is to give to community, because what you get back is priceless and nothing can take that away.

What do you love about this dance? What keeps you dancing?

One time I was asked to describe swing dancing in three words or less. The three words I chose were: fun, energetic and people. 

The Lindy Hop is first and foremost a social dance, so there cannot even be swing dance without the community that drives it. The people are what consistently made me come back, even if I felt dangerously close to being burnt out (which happens to the best of us). 

There is just this intangible joy that seems to occupy a dance floor, even the most rudimentary ones, that makes this dance and therefore the people that share it so wonderful. 

I have made friends all over the world because of this dance. Friends I would not have met if not for Lindy Hop. Some of whom I have become incredibly close to and will continue to stay in contact even half way around the world.

What are you currently working on in your dancing right now?

Over the past year I concentrated on teaching, because it’s harder than it looks. Now, however, I’m getting the chance to really analyze myself as a dancer. I guess if I had to specify, just bringing everything together cohesively. By that I mean being able to follow effectively but still being able to retain my identity as a dancer in my individual styling while still making it a fun dance for whoever I happen to be dancing with at the time. 

Also, my reoccurring weakness since day one: anticipation. I don’t think I’ll ever be truly rid of this habit, but I keep constant vigilance so that it at least may stay in check.

Who is a major inspiration to your dancing? Can you link us to a favorite video of this person? If you can’t pick just one, then post a few!

This was such a perfect opportunity to go back and watch all of my favorite videos. I was tempted to just list all of them (I mean, you more or less gave me permission), but this is one that I could watch over and over again. It’s not the flashiest, but still very well-choreographed while showing off some amazing technique in each individual and partners. I am a fan of all the dancers that are showcased and have had the pleasure of taking classes from each.

Also, I love watching Skye and Frida social dance. She’s definitely someone I try and emulate in my dancing.

Another dancer that inspires me, which I do not have a clip of dancing I’m afraid, is Rebecca Strickland, who has more or less become my mentor over the years. She and her husband, Michael, are a huge reason for the club’s success and have been invaluable to the club as advisors and teachers. And friends to me.

What was the catalyst that pushed you to become personally invested in building your scene?

I’ve always been someone who jumps feet first into something. In one club, I found an extracurricular activity that would quickly evolve into a passion and (more importantly) a circle of friends. I would have done anything to make sure this club succeeded. It just happened that due to lack of interest at the time, I quickly became a senior member and leader in the club.

But the catalyst? It’s addicting. Giving something of yourself. The return might not be immediate, but eventually you’ll have something more precious than anything. Even after officially leaving Tallahassee, I still get messages from people who are excited about an event they just attended, or a lesson that went really well, or a new scene that they’ve just discovered in another city. Seeing people’s faces light up when things finally click or eager to help out in any way they can.

In my short twenty-two years of life, I am the most proud of how far this club has grown over the course of four years (from roughly in the lower teens to 60-80 people a week) and the part I was able to play in making that happen.

If you could request only one song to be played at a dance, what would it be?

Maybe not the most exciting song, but I absolutely love it and you will find me on the dance floor somewhere when this plays.

What events do you always attend? Which ones inspire you the most?

This is probably going to change drastically in the next year as I am planning on moving to the northeast. Since 2010 I have been to an average of six to ten events per year. And I have been lucky enough to attend events outside of the country as well.

Probably my favorite in the past year has been the Amsterdam Lindy Exchange (this year called Lindy Swop). They were able to create such a unique experience to their city, including a boat ride with a live band through the canals!

But something closer to home: Orlando Lindy Exchange always manages to make me dance until I can’t feel my feet any more. They always have the best music and the best dancers in the southeast, several of whom I am lucky to call friends.

And of course, my own events: A Floor Divided and Seminole Stomp! Which you should all go to this year. I heard Steven Mitchell is on the roster this year. ;)

What do you envision for your scene in the next years? Next 3 years?

Those who have assumed the leadership roles in the club, I cannot have more faith in. They are all very strong and capable leaders as well as dancers and they want nothing but the best for the club. I know they’re planning on reaching out to the more permanent members of the community, outside the college. And I know for a fact they’re gearing up for another A Floor Divided and Seminole Stomp.

It would be amazing for these to be long standing events for Florida and the southeast to enjoy. And I would definitely love to come back and attend these events, this time as a regular dancer instead of an organizer.

If you could share one bit of wisdom that you’d like everyone to know, what would it be?

Don’t stress over the small details, usually those fall into place. Or if they don’t, then they probably weren’t that important to begin with. Concentrate on the bigger picture, which for a scene leader is:

- a welcoming environment where new and experienced dancers can enjoy themselves

- consistency in when and where you meet (so people can find you more easily)

- communicate effectively (simple lists are a boon in organizing ANYthing)

- dance with as many people as possible (ESPECIALLY the new dancers)

- HAVE FUN! (otherwise it becomes just another responsibility, and you already have those)

Movers and Shakers - Tim Korkuc, Orlando

Movers and Shakers is a new series highlighting some of the people behind the growing Lindy Hop scenes throughout Florida.

This week we interviewed Tim Korkuc from Orlando.

How are you currently active in your scene and what have you done over the last year to grow Lindy Hop in your area? What have you learned from your work?

Currently I run lesson series' through my organization Dancers Hideout on Tuesday nights (this month’s series’ are the Tranky Do, and Balboa 202), I DJ pretty regularly at the local dances (Swing Knights Friday night dance, and Orlando Swing dance’s Bi-monthly Saturday night dances, and of course the famous Dancers Hideout modern nights).

I’m the Faculty Advisor to the Swing Knights (which is the Student run organization at UCF). I teach private lessons, and have in the past filled in for instructors when they’re out of town. Oh and I guess I almost forgot, I also am on the committee for ORLX, and City Girl Swing Out (which happens this August 9-11th. ;D )

I’ve learned that it’s impossible to grow a scene by yourself, unless maybe if that was your only job. You need teachers, DJ’s, organizers, promotion, and volunteers. And while I guess it’s possible to do all of the things, you’ll stay sane much longer if you have the support and help of a bunch of other people who also want “what’s best for the scene.” I put that in quotes because everyone has a slightly different idea, and having other people with other ideas also helps keep some balance to the scene so that it’s not dominated by one person or another.

I’ve learned that traveling can be great for your individual dancing and your scene, but your home scene can really miss you if you start spending a lot of time out of state. Traveling is vital for bringing back the new ideas that people are bringing to the dance that we so love. It’s also great for letting others know about your home scene, because if they don’t know there is one, and that there are awesome people there to dance with, how would they know to come visit?

Tell us a short story about your dance history. When did you start swing dancing, Lindy Hopping, other styles? What initially drew you to Lindy Hop?

Girls. 

I know it’s Cliché but that’s exactly what brought 14yr old Tim to Swing Dancing (yes I’ve been swing dancing since I was 14). I was sitting bored in world history, and a friend of mine asked me what I was doing on Saturday night. The town I lived in was quite small so my response was “nothing”. He invited me swing dancing, and I initially scoffed at the idea. “Dancing?!” I said back to him. To which he responded with something along the lines of “there will be tons of girls there, you should really check it out”, and so I did.

Before I could even sit down, I was asked to dance. I wish I could say it was my devilish good looks, but that’s definitely not the case. There were probably 6 girls to every guy in the room, my friend had been dancing for some time at that point and had a reputation for being pretty good, so it was likely assumed that because I walked in with him (after my mom dropped us off, because we couldn’t drive yet) that I might be good too.

I couldn’t dance at all! Despite being a drummer and having a decent sense of rhythm, and being a wrestler with a decent awareness of how to move my body, I couldn’t seem to put them together. The first time I “lead” an underarm turn, I asked the girl I was dancing with to help me by lifting my arm when I was supposed to! But I was hooked, the music was fun, the girls were cute, and there was this new movement that I really wanted to be good at.

Years later I can definitely say that I dance because I truly love it and the music, but at first it was definitely all of the cute (and very patient) girls that I got to dance with every Saturday night.

What do you love about this dance? What keeps you dancing?

I love the music; I love the physical aspects of getting out and interacting with the music with my body; and I love learning and challenging myself to do new things within the dance. And even though it’s not one of main reasons I go dancing anymore, follows are still one of my favorite things about this dance. And, let’s be clear, there are plenty of places to go meet and hang out with girls, but you’ll never find a place with so many that are as awesome as swing dancers. You get to interact with another person without talking (of course you can do that too) dancing to the music and finding out how the person you’re dancing with interprets the song while you make your own way through.

What are you currently working on in your dancing right now?

Lots! I’ve been learning a lot of Balboa, I’ve been practicing and teaching Aerials, and I’m always tinkering with my Swingout in one way or another.

I’ve really been trying to embrace the concept of less leading my partner and more dancing with them. Oh and I’m really fighting hard to stop looking at the floor when I think I’m doing a cool solo move. :D

Who is a major inspiration to your dancing? Can you link us to a favorite video of this person? If you can’t pick just one, then post a few!

Peter Strom!

Nick Williams!

Mike and Laura!

What was the catalyst that pushed you to become personally invested in building your scene?

Simply put: more dancing, more people to dance with, more people to learn from.

If you could request only one song to be played at a dance, what would it be?

Seriously? Only one song? I’ve re written this answer a dozen times now… and I might have settled on Boilermaker’s… no Gordon’s… no Basie’s…. AHHHH!!!

Can I skip this one? It’s killin’ me… there are just so many songs I love it’s really hard to pick one.

Shiny Stockings! I’ve settled. This song is basically always awesome, but for a specific version the one be Ella Live at Juan-Les-Pins, the one where she goes “awwww, count basie!” :D that makes me so happy, also the “play pretty for the people roy!"

That video has the right song, also some awesome dancing by Thomas and Alice!

What events do you always attend? Which ones inspire you the most?

ORLX, Lindy Focus, and Swing into Spring. These are the ones I always attend. I feel like it’s super easy to be inspired by focus, but it’s still awesome, and inspiring!

ORLX is a favorite because I don’t have to leave my bed, and so many of my awesome friends come into town.

Swing Into Spring is just an amazing event, if you haven’t been, you should fix that ASAP (which will be February 2014 in Colombia SC).

And probably the most inspiring event for me is ILHC, I’m pretty competitive by nature so this comp weekend really gets me worked up to go and work on my dancing! I can’t say I always go cause I’ve only been once, I just know the effect it had on me was extremely strong!

What do you envision for your scene in the next year? Next 3 years?

Bigger scene, better dancing. That’s the goal.

If you could share one bit of wisdom that you’d like everyone to know, what would it be?

Doing things that are easy will only make you good at doing easy things.


Thanks, Tim!

Movers and Shakers - Leah Herman, South Florida

Movers and Shakers is a new series highlighting some of the people behind the growing Lindy Hop scenes throughout Florida.

This week we interviewed Leah Herman from Swing Out South Florida.  Check out their website and facebook page for more info.

How are you currently active in your scene and what have you done over the last year to grow Lindy Hop in your area? What have you learned from your work?

I’m super active! I’m currently an organizer for Swing Out South Florida, a swing organization I co-founded in January 2011. Since founding SOSF, we’ve grown from 15 dancers a week to 30-40 dancers a week, with a solid group of amazing intermediate dancers who are starting to travel outside of South Florida. And, of course, we’re still trying to grow. 

Most of the things I’ve learned from this are life skills rather than dance skills, however – I’ve learned a lot about leadership, about creating and marketing events, and about how incredibly important it is to reach out to people and connect with them in a meaningful way.

Tell us a short story about your dance history. When did you start swing dancing, Lindy Hopping, other styles? What initially drew you to Lindy Hop?

A friend of mine just happened to have an extra ticket to “Burn the Floor,” a variety dance show that featured all kinds of partner dancing. After the show, I was so excited about dancing in general that I would have tried anything – but my friend was a Lindy Hopper, and she invited me out to swing. (I also remember very clearly that she was not impressed with the lindy hop portion of the partner dancing show – they weren’t doing any triples.)

She only came to one or two dances with me since she was graduating, but I immediately fell in love with the energy. I was completely unafraid – I still remember going to Southern Belle after only 3 months of dancing and running up to anyone, no matter how good they were, to ask them to dance with me. Total lindy junkie from the get-go.

What do you love about this dance? What keeps you dancing?

What I love most is the complete exhilaration you feel when having a great dance with someone. When I feel truly connected with my partner, when we’re perfectly matched, perfectly goofy or soulful or crazy (whatever the music calls for), and when we’re smiling together – that’s when I feel the deepest love for lindy.

What are you currently working on in your dancing right now?

Although I have good musicality, I sometimes sacrifice connection for it and allow too much noise into my movement. I’m working on learning new ways to express myself so I can style more effectively. I’m also working on my stretch at the end of a swingout and learning to dance faster.

Who is a major inspiration to your dancing? Can you link us to a favorite video of this person? If you can’t pick just one, then post a few!

There are so many dancers I admire! One of the current dancers I admire most is Laura Glaess – she has a silliness to her sometimes that I totally get, and she has beautiful connection. Frida I admire for her fearlessness to contribute to the dance and alter leads she’s given (but who doesn’t admire her?). As for historical dancers, I think Jean Veloz is amazing. There’s a great video of her still dancing at 88 – I can only hope to be as active a dancer when I’m old.

What was the catalyst that pushed you to become personally invested in building your scene?

Actually, the responsibility dropped right into my lap. When the person who started Monday Night Swing, Tamar, left for Orlando, it was up to a couple of us to continue the dance. At the time, there was no Wednesday or Friday night swing – it was to lindy or not to lindy. If we hadn’t decided to continue, there would have been no swing dancing in South Florida.

If you could request only one song to be played at a dance, what would it be?

Oh, this is a tough one too… Breezing Along with the Breeze by Johnny Marvin, even though the recording quality is terrible. I have a faster version on my computer with a stronger beat, but the below link was all I could find.

What events do you always attend? Which ones inspire you the most?

I was out for a year and a half with an injury, so I’d say that there isn’t any event I’ve attended regularly in a while. However, I have very fond memories of Lindy Focus and I’m really looking forward to going this year. The Hop Shop is also one of my very favorite events – they have had a really unique workshop format and great teachers every year.

What do you envision for your scene in the next year? Next 3 years?

I really want to grow our scene more – I’d love to grow it to 60 dancers and find a big, beautiful venue to fit them all in. I’d also like to expand the scope of our teaching. Right now, we’re just at the point where we’re starting to get people very interested in progressive lessons, but we don’t have a lot of dancers above intermediate level. Over the next few years, it would be nice to develop some more advanced dancers who would be able and willing to spread their knowledge to the rest of the scene.

If you could share one bit of wisdom that you’d like everyone to know, what would it be?

Be kind to yourself and to the beginners. A lot of dancers get really frustrated with the level they’re at, or with who will or won’t dance with them in their scenes. The truth is that you need to put yourself out there if you want to be part of things. Be brave and ask people to dance. And don’t take it personally when someone doesn’t enjoy their dance with you – just like in life, in dancing, people don’t always mix.

As for the beginners, I’ve heard some dancers complain about them, and seen plenty of advanced dancers who just don’t dance with them. If you’re part of a big scene, maybe you have that luxury. I think it’s a terrible attitude – the beginners are what keep your scene going. People come into the scene and people leave. It’s a world of constant flux. Not only that, but those beginners may be great in few years. Or maybe they’re great people that you would end up wanting to be friends with, or to date. You’ll never know if you don’t even bother to give them the time of day. Never judge people based on their dancing ability alone.

Thanks, Leah! If you're down in the Ft. Lauderdale area on a Monday night, swing by their dance to say hi.

Featured Lindy Hopper - Youngwoo Joh

This week we highlight a musician, DJ, and dancer from Orlando who frequently travels to our scene in Tampa to guest DJ at The Lindy Connection or to just join in the dancing fun.  He also enjoys video games, late night "family dinners" at the Taco Bus after the dance, and long walks on the beach.  (I believe he's single too, ladies.)  

You've probably noticed by now that one of the key similarities between all of the featured Lindy Hoppers is their enthusiastic love of Lindy Hop, and that's something Woo has in spades.  Whether it's selecting just the right jazz tunes to play, or the way he moves on the dance floor, you can tell that the Lindy Hop is in his bones.

1) What types of dancing did you do before Lindy Hop? 

I didn't really do any other type of dancing (if you don't count the bit of hula I did for elementary school in Hawaii), though I did take two dance classes (ballroom and latin/salsa) at UCF before I started Lindy Hop.

2) How and when did you start Lindy Hopping? 

It was actually the UCF dance classes that finally got me motivated to check out the Swing Knights at UCF. This was back around the fall of 2008. However, technically speaking, I wouldn't say that I truly started Lindy Hopping until I went to Lindy Focus VII (2008), due to my fear of swingouts prior to that point. 

3) Have you traveled much for dancing? What is your favorite event you've attended? 

I've traveled a lot, but not as much as I'd like. The farthest I've gone for dancing thus far is Austin, Texas for Lone Star Championships. I'm not very good at playing favorites, though, but the fondest memory I have at the moment is of the latest Lindy 500 in Baltimore. 

4) If you could pick a song that makes you want to just get on the floor and cut-a-rug, what would you pick? 

Like I said, I'm not very good at playing favorites. I do, however, love pointing out songs that I feel are under-appreciated. One such song is Everything is Jumpin' performed by Artie Shaw and his orchestra. I also love songs that have subtle (and not-so-subtle) innuendo.

5) What drives you to keep dancing? 

This is a hard question. I'm not particularly competitive, but I do enjoy participating in competitions. I just enjoy Lindy Hop and finding new and exciting ways to express myself through the dance with and without a partner. 

6) Do you have a favorite dance memory? What is it? 

Again with the favorites! I don't really like this question, because I feel like my dance-related memories keep getting better as time goes on. So, instead, I'll be difficult and recall a memory that has stuck in my head. One time at a Southern Belle Swing Bash (a currently retired event), I ended up getting the bal-- *ahem* courage to ask Sharon Davis to dance. However, I was so concerned with the worry of her not thinking I was a very good dancer that I ended up dancing extremely vanilla. To this day, I use this memory to either scare me out of asking superstars, or to make sure I dance with them like I would anyone else I just met. 

7) What advice would you give to new Lindy Hoppers? 

Realize that you're not the greatest dancer in the world, but don't let that discourage you from continuing to dance. There's always something to work on, but you won't get very far if you don't let yourself enjoy it on your way up. Also, don't be afraid to ask the more experienced dancers to dance! 

8) Please share one video you find inspirational and explain why. 

Remember what I said about favorites? This time I have one! At least for now. Peter Strom and Jo Hoffberg's J&J performance at ILHC 2012 exemplifies some of my favorite things about Lindy Hop. There aren't a lot of flashy steps, but everything they do is deliberate and musical. Also, they adjust their styles to match each other in both synchronized and call-and-response situations.



Great video.  Peter and Jo are two of my favorites and this dance was amazing.

Thanks, Woo.

Featured Lindy Hopper - Heather Warner-Dubin

Our next featured Lindy Hopper has submerged herself in the scene since 2008 and seems to barely come up for air.  In other words, is there a dance in Tampa or Orlando tonight worth attending?  Yes?  Ok, you'll see her there.

She's also an avid traveler for Lindy Hop events, a Lindy Hop video guru, and has an never-ending drive to push her dancing further and further.  Oh, and she's pretty awesome too if you didn't gather that yet.


1) What types of dancing did you do before Lindy Hop? 

None. I danced around the house as a small child, but learned to hide in my room when I did it so no one would laugh at my clumsiness or my grand attempts at glory! Wait, does shakin' my tail in clubs during college count? No, I didn't think so... 

 2) How and when did you start Lindy Hopping? 

In September of 2008, I was a bit lost after unexpectedly returning to the U.S.A. after mission work. I went on a blind date to Zendah Grotto, and fell in love--with dancing; not the dude! East Coast Swing bored me after a few months, and I tried to learn Lindy. It didn't work...at first. I persevered, attended a workshop at USF with Forrest and Sarah, Brendan and Andrea, and Hurley, and a month or so later I was at SoFLeX! 

3) Have you traveled much for dancing? What is your favorite event you've attended? 

I have traveled perhaps too much. I went to SoFLeX, ORLX, and CHEX my first year dancing, and then in 2010 I made myself the challenge to go to 12 out-of-town events, which I met. I've been to Lindy Focus in NC (fourth year this year!), Beantown in MA (my present favorite), Swing into Spring in SC, Satchmo Fest in NOLA, and about 10 non-workshop-based exchanges. I've danced with many instructors from around the globe, and I'll never regret any of the thousands of dollars poured into Lindy each year... 

4) If you could pick a song that makes you want to just get on the floor and cut-a-rug, what would you pick? 

Melissa stole mine! Haha... Go check out her interview! Dat's my JAM! 

5) What drives you to keep dancing? 

Perfectionism. Ha! But seriously, to paraphrase M.C. Escher, I do it because I want so very badly to do it well. Dance is like a language; in order to fully communicate what you wish, you must know tons of vocabulary and proper grammar, so constant practice and education is necessary. Dance is also improv art in an impassioned moment, and without easily-accessible skills, there is no way to create art fit for that moment of passion! 

6) Do you have a favorite dance memory? What is it? 

I have too many to recall on a whim, but my recent fave was a workshop with William and Maeva (French pros) where I finally understood the stretch in Lindy hop. I squealed and spun in circles in the middle of class! Or was it dancing with Bobby White...? Or...? Hm, too many... 

7) What advice would you give to new Lindy Hoppers? 

Go to ALL the free lessons you can, at AS MANY weekly dances as possible. When that stops producing results, get a private lesson from a local pro or go to a local workshop. Then TRAVEL TRAVEL TRAVEL to as many workshop weekends or exchanges as your job and finances allow.

8) Please share with us a Lindy Hop video that you find inspiring to you.

I think I'm going to go with this video as I can't find any other where so much happens, and I gasped so often!

Thanks, Heather!