Jun 19, 2022
Ryan Swift | AWA
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Ryan Swift | AWA
The Swift Siblings
As cunning as they are attractive, the Swift siblings have been conning their way through life. Their relationship is unnervingly close yet thoroughly dysfunctional. Rumor has it they’re not actually siblings. Other rumors say they’re twins. No one knows for sure.
Ryan Swift is as clever as he is charming. He can sell a car to the one he stole it from. He knows just how to pull at other mammals’ heart strings and he will exploit all weaknesses he can find.
Roxanne Swift is a true vixen and will use her looks to seduce others in order to get what she wants. There are no limits to who she’ll victimize; anyone with something she wants is fair game.
Host Ryan Swift sits down with Tena Morales-Armstrong, an organizer, instructor, and guiding figure of the modern Lindy Hop scene.
Episode 36 is out today! I am thrilled to be joined by one of my most requested guests, Tena Morales-Armstrong. Tena is a renowned dancer, instructor, judge, choreographer, and organizer. She has been a guiding figure for the global swing scene for over twenty years - from winning the inaugural American Lindy Hop Championships with her partner Carnell Pipkin in 1998, to her roles as co-founder of the International Lindy Hop Championships, co-organizer of Lindyfest and Lone Star Championships, and architect of the International Swing Dance Championships and Houston Jazz Dance Festival.
Tena and I sat down in Rochester, NY during Stompology 2018 and talked about teaching hip-hop as a single mom, how a glimpse of tandem Charleston at the Glen Echo Ballroom inspired her to instantly dive headlong into the world of Lindy Hop, and how her eye for talent helped develop of some of today’s most recognized dancers.
We also discussed what it means to her to work with kids on and off the dance floor, her role in the Frankie Manning Foundation, the importance of black history and culture in Lindy Hop, and building a bridge between African-American partner dances like DFW Swingout and Chicago Stepping and the modern Lindy Hop scene.
Host Ryan Swift sits down with instructor and musician Todd Yanancone
Episode 23 is out today! This 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. He 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 Millennium 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.
Our goal: To transcribe the music of legendary Savoy Ballroom bandleader Chick Webb so it can be performed live once again.
Interested in the Big Band Revival: Chick Webb project that’s kicking off tonight? Hear project organizer Michael Gamble talk about his vision for transcribing swing-era classics for modern bands on Episode 15 of The Track Podcast!
During these conversations there are often references to events, people and music that get tossed around that may be unfamiliar, so I’ve compiled links to nearly everything discussed in each episode as a handy companion.
While we’re on the subject of show notes, in case you missed them, the show notes for Episode 15, my conversation with Michael Gamble, are also available on the site! Links to events, songs, clips, and everything else mentioned during our talk, all on one handy reference page.
Jerry Almonte at DCLX 2016 by Ryan Swift via Flickr
Episode 13 of The Track is out today! This month, I am joined by one of the most prolific and respected Lindy Hop bloggers in the world - Jerry Almonte. Jerry (@newoldschoolswing) is a fixture behind the scenes of the swing community — he is one of the founders of DCLX, the Washington, DC Lindy Exchange (which just celebrated its fifteenth year), and DJs regularly at The Jam Cellar in Washington, DC. He has also served as Event Manager for landmark events including Frankie 95, the Big Big Event, and every year of ILHC since its inception.
However, Jerry may be best known for Wandering and Pondering — a Facebook page in its current incarnation — where he shares videos, news, photography and observations from the world of swing dance and beyond. Through the highly curated content he shares daily, he’s become the de facto archivist for Lindy Hoppers worldwide.
We sat down at Lindy Focus 2015 to talk about the impact that early internet discussion boards had on him and the burgeoning swing dance subculture, the origins of DCLX & Jam Cellar, and what it takes to put on an event like ILHC.
We also examine his process for finding and sharing content for his blog, how his experience as the son of immigrants influences his affinity for behind the scenes roles, and when he realized what really matters to him as the growing swing dance scene continues to evolve.
In case you missed them - above are the show notes for Episode 012 of The Track, my conversation with Sylvia Sykes.
The extensive show notes for this (and every) episode provide links to all of the performances, events, people and topics discussed and are hopefully a helpful companion that provide a reference for listeners who don’t always have the context of our conversation.
Don’t miss an episode! Follow & subscribe to The Track podcast:
Blog, show notes, episode archive & more are at www.thetrackpodcast.com
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