#174 Staying open to what comes next - with Johan Ohlanders | Oslo Swing Jazz Festival

Have you ever felt music before you even had time to think about it?In this episode, I am talking with David Skinner, jazz pianist, educator, festival organizer, and a musician who has been playing for dancers in Oslo for more than a decade.We recorded this conversation during the Oslo Swing Jazz Festival, surrounded by live music, social dancing, and the feeling that something special happens when musicians and dancers truly listen to each other.David shares how music became his own creative world from a very young age, why playing for dancers feels different from playing for a seated audience, and how building a strong relationship between musicians and dancers can change the experience for everyone in the room.We talk about:• Growing up improvising at the piano and finding freedom through music• The difference between playing for dancers and concert audiences• Why swing music is more than an intellectual exercise• Building a bridge between dancers and live musicians in Oslo• Creativity, playfulness, and staying curious after many years of practice• What it feels like to be fully present while performingA gentle conversation for dancers, musicians, and anyone who wants to stay playful while getting better at what they love.A reminder that curiosity might be more important than perfection.A shout-out to #OsloSwingJazzFestival:This episode has been recorded in August 2026 during Oslo Swing Jazz Festival in Norway, as a collaboration with the event. Thank you for the space, the music, and the people who make conversations like this possible.______________________________________________​Subscribe & review the podcast to help me grow 🌟​Connect with me on Instagram @Sia.Dancing ✅#SiaDancing #OsloSwingJazzFestival #SwingJazz #LiveMusicAndDance #JazzCommunity

Have you ever closed your eyes and imagined you were somewhere else?In this episode, I talk to Johan Ohlanders, also known as Simple Johnny from Simple Johnny's Jazz Band.We recorded this conversation during the Oslo Swing Jazz Festival, shortly after his band had played for a room full of dancers and listeners. With a beer in hand and plenty of stories to share, Johan takes us through a life shaped by music, chance, and curiosity.We talk about:​ ​The difference between performing for dancers and seated audiences​Growing up with Swedish folk music and becoming a double bass player in Norway​Creating thunder sounds in a Mozart opera production​ Busking as a way to practice and earn money at the same time​Imagining yourself somewhere else while performingThis episode is a gentle reminder that not every musician's (person's) journey is carefully planned. Sometimes it is built from small choices, unexpected jobs, and simply following what feels interesting.A shout-out to #OsloSwingJazzFestival:This episode has been recorded in August 2026 during Oslo Swing Jazz Festival in Norway, as a collaboration with the event. Thank you for the space, the music, and the people who make conversations like this possible.______________________________________________​Subscribe & review the podcast to help me grow 🌟​Connect with me on Instagram @Sia.Dancing ✅#SwedishFolk #DoubleBass #SwingMusic #DanceCommunity #SiaDancing

What if dancing is really a way of getting to know yourself?In this episode, I talk to Jo Hoffberg, an international Lindy Hop teacher, coach, and community member whose voice has shaped the swing dance world for many years.We recorded this conversation during Oslo Swing Jazz Festival, right after one of Jo's energetic and inspiring workshops.We talk about:​Why Jo dances today, and how dancing helps her understand herself better​The connection between solo dancing and partner dancing​Recovering from perfectionism and bringing more joy to the dance floor​What experienced dancers can pass on to newer generations​Why culture and tradition matter in swing dancing​How curiosity, chaos, and playfulness can create more meaningful social dancesThis episode is for anyone who has ever wondered if they are "doing it right" on the dance floor.Jo offers a gentle reminder that dancing is not just about technique. It can also be a way to learn who you are, connect with others, and find your place in a community.A shout-out to #OsloSwingJazzFestival:This episode has been recorded in August 2026 during Oslo Swing Jazz Festival in Norway, as a collaboration with the event. Thank you for the space, the music, and the people who make conversations like this possible.______________________________________________​Subscribe & review the podcast to help me grow 🌟​Connect with me on Instagram @Sia.Dancing ✅#LindyHop #SoloJazz #SwingDance #DanceCommunity #SiaDancing

What changes when jazz musicians play for dancers for the very first time?In this episode, I have talked with Åsmund Waage (vibraphone) and Henrik Haugen (guitar) during the Oslo Swing Jazz Festival.Both musicians have played together for years, but the concert the night before was their first experience playing swing jazz for a dancing audience.We talk about:​ Playing for dancers for the first time​ Why repetition feels different when people are moving to the music​The connection between musicians and dancers​Jazz traditions, community, and belonging​Why music is about more than sound aloneIf you have ever wondered what the music feels like from the other side of the stage, this episode offers a rare and honest glimpse into that world.A shout-out to #OsloSwingJazzFestival:This episode has been recorded in August 2026 during Oslo Swing Jazz Festival in Norway, as a collaboration with the event. Thank you for the space, the music, and the people who make conversations like this possible.______________________________________________​Subscribe & review the podcast to help me grow 🌟​Connect with me on Instagram @Sia.Dancing ✅#SiaDancing #SwingJazzInOslo #SwingDance #SwingDanceInOslo #Vibraphone #JazzGuitar

Have you ever felt like dancing helps you find yourself and lose yourself at the same time?In this episode, I sit down with Ceren, a Lindy Hop teacher, community builder, and the person behind Lindy Hop Company and So We Danced. Also, it is Ceren who is behind Herräng's Instagram page ;)We recorded this conversation during Herräng Dance Camp after a relaxed volunteer gathering. Surrounded by the unique energy of camp life, we talked about dance, creativity, music, and the small moments that shape who we become on and off the dance floorWe talk about:Why dancing helps us express every emotion, not only joyThe story behind Lindy Hop Company and So We DancedFinding yourself and losing yourself through danceHow childhood experiences shape creativity and movementConnecting to music through the piano and visual imaginationWhy goofiness, playfulness, and freedom matter on the dance floorThis episode may resonate with anyone who has ever wondered why they still dance after many years, or who has felt caught between technique and self-expression. Ceren offers a gentle reminder that dance can be a place where all parts of ourselves are welcome.A shout-out to Herräng Dance Camp:This episode has been recorded in the third week of Herräng Dance Camp 2026, Sweden. Thank you for the space, the music, and the people who make conversations like this possible.______________________________________________​Subscribe & review the podcast to help me grow 🌟​Connect with me on Instagram @Sia.Dancing ✅ #SiaDancing #HerrängDanceCamp #SwingDance #SwingDanceInTurkey #SocialMediaVibes

What happens when one dance trip changes the direction of your life?In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Copard in his giant hammock during Herräng Dance Camp in Sweden.Jonathan grew up in New Zealand and discovered social dancing through a cèilidh, a Scottish social dance event, right at the beginning of the COVID pandemic. Not long after, he found swing dancing, and what started as curiosity eventually led him across Europe and into a new life in London.We talk about:• Jonathan's first social dance experience at a cèilidh in New Zealand• Learning swing dancing during the COVID years• Moving from New Zealand to London for dance• Movement on the dance floor and how space shapes a dance• Why swing dance can be seen as a dance of constraints• Dancing until sunrise and making friends at Herräng• Connecting with live musicians while dancing• Why everyone should feel welcome to ask someone to danceThis episode might resonate with you if you've ever felt nervous asking someone to dance or found yourself chasing those rare moments when everything clicks and you stop thinking.Jonathan's story is a reminder that dancing is not only about what happens on the dance floor. Sometimes the most meaningful moments happen in between. Over a swim after an all-night social. A shout-out to Herräng Dance Camp:This episode has been recorded in the third week of Herräng Dance Camp 2026, Sweden. Thank you for the space, the music, and the people who make conversations like this possible.______________________________________________​Subscribe & review the podcast to help me grow 🌟​Connect with me on Instagram @Sia.Dancing ✅ #SiaDancing #HerrängDanceCamp #SwingDance #SwingDanceInNewZealand #SwingDanceInLondon

How do you know when a room is truly swinging?In this episode, I sit down with jazz guitarist Alexander Brott, a Stockholm-based musician whose journey has taken him from Sweden to New York and back again. He started playing at Chicago Swing Dance Studio at 19 y.o. - and that was just the beginning.We talk about:• Why Alexander started playing music and why he still wakes up wanting to play every day• How New York shaped his musical identity• What playing for dancers taught him about rhythm, groove, and presence• The unique relationship between dancers and musicians• Reading the energy of a room and adapting in the moment• Jazz as a collective art form and the idea of serving something bigger than yourself together.Alexander speaks openly about learning, humility, and how some of the most important musical lessons came from watching dancers respond in real time.If you have ever felt curious about what musicians experience from the bandstand, this episode offers a gentle look behind the music stand. It is a reminder that social dancing is not only about individual expression, but also about creating something together.______________________________________________​Subscribe & review the podcast to help me grow 🌟​Connect with me on Instagram @Sia.Dancing ✅#SiaDancing #ChicagoSwingDance #LindyHop #SwingDance #JazzMusic

What makes a dance feel good when we willingly let go of control?In this episode, I sit down with David Kaminsky, dancer, musician, researcher, and professor, based in California.We talk about: ​How David first entered dance through Swedish folk music and Polska​The connection between Aikido and leading in a partner dance​Playing live music for dancers and the unique conversations that happen through music​A magical memory of dancing in a forest surrounded by light at Recess​What it means to lead, follow, and take care of a partnerDavid shares ideas that come from years of research, but always connects them back to real experiences on the dance floor.If you have ever wondered why certain dances feel so comfortable, why connection matters, or why dancing can change how we move through the world, this conversation offers plenty to reflect on.A link to David’s faculty page, which has links to free versions of almost everything he has written: https://gasp.ucmerced.edu/content/david-kaminsky______________________________________________​Subscribe & review the podcast to help me grow 🌟​Connect with me on Instagram @Sia.Dancing ✅#HerrängDanceCamp #PartnerDance #DanceCommunity #DancingTango #RecessBlues

What keeps you coming back to dance, year after year?Recorded in the quiet late evening magic of Herräng Dance Camp, this conversation is with Alexej Schmidt, a social dancer whose journey has taken him from Russia to the Dominican Republic, Sweden, Germany and France.We sit outside a red Swedish cottage, surrounded by trees, summer light, and the calm atmosphere that makes Herräng feel so special. We even had a dear passing py at some point - you will hear it ;)We talk about:• Growing up between cultures and finding connection through dance• How a year in the Dominican Republic changed Alexej's relationship with music and movement• Discovering Lindy Hop in Stockholm and falling in love with social dancing• Why Balboa continues to fascinate him after many years of dancing• The role of musicality in creating memorable dance experiencesThere is a strong sense of gratitude throughout this episode. Gratitude for teachers who generously shared their knowledge, for communities that made learning accessible, and for dance partners who brought unexpected moments of joy and creativity.This episode is for anyone who dances because they love the music. And for anyone who keeps coming back because of the people.A shout-out to Herräng Dance Camp:This episode has been recorded in the beginning of July 2026 during Herräng Dance Camp, Sweden. Thank you for the space, the music, and the people who make conversations like this possible.______________________________________________​Subscribe & review the podcast to help me grow 🌟​Connect with me on Instagram @Sia.Dancing ✅#HerrängDanceCamp #SocialDance #DanceCommunity #SalsaBachata #DanceBalboa

What keeps someone coming back to the dance floor for more than two decades?In this episode, I sit down with Sean Cedric Bischofberger lig during Herräng Dance Camp in Sweden.We talk in a quiet moment between classes, social dancing, and waving at Sean's friends passing by.Sean grew up around dancers, spent every summer at Herräng, and eventually found his own way into dancing thanks to a very persistent Chester Whitmore. What keeps him here today is not competition or achievement. It's friendship, joy, and feeling connected to people.We talk about:• Growing up at Herräng Dance Camp• How Chester Whitmore got Sean into dancing• Why friendships are the biggest reason he still dances• Dancing while travelling and discovering scenes through Swing Calendar• How lighting shapes the feeling of a dance space• Dance floor etiquette, hygiene, and helping partners feel comfortableThis episode might resonate with you if you have ever wondered why you keep coming back to social dancing year after year. Not because of the steps but because of the people.A shout-out to Herräng Dance Camp:This episode has been recorded in the beginning of July 2026 during Herräng Dance Camp, Sweden. Thank you for the space, the music, and the people who make conversations like this possible.______________________________________________​Subscribe & review the podcast to help me grow 🌟​Connect with me on Instagram @Sia.Dancing ✅#HerrängDanceCamp #SocialDance #DanceCommunity #IsThereHop #SwingCalendar