Kategori: INTERVIEWS

He is a familiar face at camps around the world–among vernacular nerds as well as party buffs. To students he has become known as a nice guy–because of the way he introduces himself in class, but also for his effortless manner in witch he manage to embrace a wide range of genres, from hip hop to vernacular jazz, always presented with an intimate personal style. Not many people would think of him as an introvert. Well, think again! In this interview the truth is revealed, but, keep in mind: Remy Kouakou Kouame is like the Swedish summer weather, incessantly changing and full...

Most regular Herräng visitors recognize Marie N’diaye as the artistic director of the Daily Meeting Chorus Line. She and her group of talented jazz dancers entertain the audience with sophisticated rhythms in sparkly costumes. Fewer people know that Marie is also a researcher with a Ph.D. in neuroimmunology. She applies this nerdy side to swing dancing too and loves to dig deep into the history of the dance. By: Sara Arvidsson Editor: Odella Schattin Cover photo: Lindsey Appolis Eight women enter the stage dressed in sequin shorts with feathers around their wrists. High kicks, fast feet and flowing arms.  They...

She is one of the most sought after followers on the dance scene and the quality of her work is reflected in her physical appearance and style—always crowned by a perfect hairdo. But make no mistake—she will not lose color at nightfall. Katja’s tale begins with an earthy penchant for animals, and contains hidden struggles and a lot of work. Along the way, she reveals the key to happiness—and to her coiffure. By: Annika Munter Editor: Odella Schattin Coverphoto: Nejc Balantic Many are the followers that have tried to dissect the myth around Katja Završnik–her subtlety and finesse, her footwork...

The story of Hanna and Mattias Lundmark is a Herräng fairy tale come true—how they had their first dance at Folkets hus in 1997, became partners and turned their passion for Lindy hop into a business and a mutual love—and produced hundreds of Swing Kids. Have you seen the youngsters swirling around camp? Ask for an autograph—they’re expected to be the next generation of Lindy hop stars! By: Annika Munter Editor: Odella Schattin  Hanna and Mattias’s mutual story began with a dance at Dansbanan in Herräng, 28 years ago. She was the young Herräng village girl, working in the...

The audience is shouting, the music is beyond fast and four feet move triple-quickly, as if animated, over the floor. The rhythms are tight and themovement raw, facial mimics amusing and joy endearing. I´m watching the show with the face of a birds cave, with my mouth wide open, thinking,: ““Who are these two?” They are Bianca Locatelli and Nils Andrén, Swedish Champions in Boogie Woogie and Lindy hop. They won the coveted titles in mid-May this year and they’ve just placed the trophy where everyone can see it in their home—it is big, shiny and well deserved. “It was...