We're back with another edition of our A dancer is born! series, this time with "Razz" Razzle.
Razz is a staple in Cambridge's Lindy Hop, Balboa, and Shag scenes. You'll always spot Razz with a spring in her step and a smile on her face. Really, she's always smiling.
We caught up with Razz to learn about her journey into swing dance, what gets her out of bed, and her favourite swing memories.
Q. Hi Razz, for those who don’t know you please introduce yourself
Razz: Hello, I’m Razz! I've loved to dance for as long as I can remember, whether it's grooving around my kitchen, dancing till dawn at a rave, or jamming with my hula hoops at a festival.
I've recently started teaching with CSD and it's such a joy to share my enthusiasm with others and support them on their dance journey.
Outside of dancing, I'm a book nerd, gym goer, festival fiend and nature lover; happiest swimming in a lake, climbing trees, or getting my feet muddy! (Editor's comment: Wow Razz, we need photos!)
Q. What styles of swing dance do you dance?
Razz: Lindy Hop, Balboa and a little Collegiate Shag...but Balboa is my new obsession ❤️
Q. When and where did you start to swing dance?
Razz: I started dancing in Cambridge, learning solo jazz in the park in the midst of the lockdown with the wonderful CSD. I started to learn LindyHop in September 2021 and Balboa and Shag followed in 2022/23(ish)….
Q. Who is your favourite swing dancer to watch and why?
Razz: Oooh, this is tricky! I recently took a workshop in London with a wonderful Bal couple from Tenerife Maria Acunas Gelabe and Luis Arredondo (find them on Instagram); they have a wonderful style, but are also just such lovely people! It was a joy to watch them dancing :) Andreas Olsson and Olga Marina are also Balboa legends and SO fun to watch.
For Lindy Hop, Pamela and Tadas or Skye and Frida are both a fave watch for me.
Q. What do you enjoy most about swing dancing?
Razz: I love the music, community and the people. I feel very grateful to have found a passion that lets me travel to so many places and know that I'll find like-minded souls and interesting conversations.
…But more specifically related to the dance itself; finding those moments of connection and magical dances where things just “click”, maybe with someone you’ve never met or spoken to before; where you understand each other so perfectly that it’s like you can read each other’s minds, or banter back and forth through your dance. THAT is pure magic ✨
Q. How has swing dancing influenced or impacted your life outside of dancing?
Razz: Swing dancing has changed my life in the best way possible. It's helped me build confidence, find new friends, and a new community, and travel to new places.
It has also changed my perspective on connecting to others on and off the dance floor, and I've found I'm more open to meeting new people and embracing new connections with curiosity.
Q. What advice would you give to someone interested in starting their own Lindy Hop journey?
Razz: Go to class, go to socials, make friends, and enjoy! Starting out is daunting and it'll take a little time to build up your skills and confidence, but remember that dance is about expression, connecting with others, and connecting to the music. Be playful, be curious, have fun!
Q. What do you like most about the dance community in Cambridge?
Razz: I feel so lucky to be part of a scene that has a variety of styles of swing classes, regular socials, bands and festivals. We're also a fun, kind, welcoming and active community that not only organises dance events, but other social events too - we’re a community that likes to play and party! CSD is the best 🙌
[Editor’s note: You can learn about our classes, workshops and more on the Cambridge Swing Dance’s website.]
That's it for our interview with Razz! Use these facts to impress her the next time you see her on the social dance floor.
Swing dance is fun and easy to get started with Cambridge Swing Dance.