The Track - 054 - Helena Martins
The Track with Ryan Swift
Lindy Hop dancer and DJ Helena Martins sits down with host Ryan Swift to talk dance and music.
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The Track - E053 - Julia Loving
The Track with Ryan Swift
In this episode, I am joined by dancer, organizer, and educator Julia Loving. Julia has been a Teacher of Africana History and School Media Specialist in the New York City public schools for the past 27 years, and began Lindy Hopping in 2013. In addition to being a mainstay at social dances in her native New York City, she organizes dance events in Harlem as co-founder of , and is the creator of undergarments for dancers. Julia currently serves on the Boards of the and the . Julia joined me by video from her Bronx home to talk about growing up in the Bronx during the , memories of watching...
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The Track - E052 - Giselle Anguizola
The Track with Ryan Swift
In this episode, I am joined by dancer, instructor, and musician, . Giselle has been swing dancing for over 20 years, and is founder of , an organization honoring women in swing music and dance through weekend festivals around the globe. Widely renowned for her as a performer and instructor, Giselle spends most of her days singing and dancing with in New Orleans and San Diego. Giselle joined me by video chat from her home in San Diego to talk about finding swing dancing thanks to a middle school music teacher, the importance of recognizing followers in their own right, and what it means when...
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The Track - E051 - Gordon Au
The Track with Ryan Swift
Trumpeter and bandleader Gordon Au joins host Ryan Swift
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The Track - E050 - For Frankie
The Track with Ryan Swift
We celebrate this milestone 50th episode of The Track with a collection of stories from past episodes about the Ambassador of Lindy Hop, Frankie Manning.
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The Track - E049 - Evita Arce
The Track with Ryan Swift
Dancer and instructor Evita Arce joins host Ryan Swift.
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The Track - E048 - Caleb Teicher
The Track with Ryan Swift
Tap Dancer, Lindy Hopper, and choreographer Caleb Teicher joins host Ryan Swift
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The Track - E047 - Dr. Christi Jay Wells
The Track with Ryan Swift
Swing dancer and musicologist Dr. Christi Jay Wells joins host Ryan Swift
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The Track - E046 - Marie N'diaye
The Track with Ryan Swift
Instructor, performer, and choreographer Marie N'diaye joins host Ryan Swift
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The Track - E045 - Felix Berghäll
The Track with Ryan Swift
Swedish instructor, performer, and choreographer Felix Berghäll joins host Ryan Swift
info_outlineThis month, I am joined by international instructor and award-winning swing dancer, Todd Yannacone. Todd has been a traveling instructor since the age of 16 and has won numerous titles at major national and international events. Todd is a member of the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame and has taught, performed, or judged in 30 countries around the world. When at home in New Orleans, Todd can be found performing on guitar or piano with a number of different bands, including his own, Hot Toddy & His Fully Dressed Po' Boys.
Todd and I sat down at Lindyfest 2017 to talk about being dragged to swing dance classes as a teen by his mom, how Hop the Millenium completely changed his perspective on swing dance, finding inspiration in drastically different dancers (and dances), and why he still considers himself a social dancer above all else.
We also discussed what drew him to New Orleans, his custom guitar and clothing, and even though it sometimes gets lost among all of the posture, counterbalance, and footwork, at the end of the day it's the simple act of holding hands and connecting with a partner that really matters when dancing.