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_outlineIn this episode, I am joined by singer, dancer, and event producer, Hilary Alexander. Hilary has been a vital part of the Los Angeles swing dance scene since she began dancing in the mid-90s - she founded and continues to run Camp Hollywood and the National Jitterbug Championships in LA, was inducted into The California Swing Dance Hall of Fame in 2008, and later served on its board for 5 years. She has also been the co-leader and vocalist for Jonathan Stout and His Campus Five and The Jonathan Stout Orchestra since 2002.
Hilary sat down with me at the 2019 California Balboa Classic to talk about taking up to swing dancing to fight loneliness when she moved cross-country after high school, what compelled her to start Camp Hollywood with absolutely no experience as an event organizer, and what it was like being part of a cultural moment at some of the most well-recognized venues of the LA swing revival.
We also discuss what it was like growing up with show business aspirations in New York City, her experience as a self-taught vocalist, and how her complicated relationship with her mother has shaped her own outlook on motherhood.