Sonnie Spoon hails from London originally, and now spends their time travelling in pursuit of that joy that comes from lindy hop. Brought up with eclectic tastes, their passion for music is clear; bringing energy and fun to every dance floor they play for. Spoon started DJing at university, and rhythm and melody has been an obsession ever since- and is someone who will bring the party!
When emceeing for events, Sonnie has been described as a force to be reckoned with, and that's not just because of the quick wit and excellent accent. (Although it certainly helps). Sonnie is also an experienced switch dancer so you are all encouraged to ask for a dance.
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Seriously now, talking as myself and not in the quotable third person- I really love to play music for my fellow dancers. Have someone rush up after a song and enthuse about it is one of the best things ever.
In 2014 I started DJing for lindy hoppers because it was something that appealed to me- I'd DJed a lot while I was at university and I missed it. As with my dancing, I’m always learning to get a feel for my voice and tastes as a DJ, and that will never stop.
I’ve DJed in various locations around the world, covering 3 continents- Europe, North America, and South America. Just don’t ask me about Brexit!
I’ve now been DJing for dancers for over 10 years, and each time I offer a beginner DJ workshop it sells out. Moral of the story? Give your local dancers a chance to DJ as lots of them are keen!
I also love to emcee, and each time I get folks coming up to me and thanking me not just for the bad jokes, but for someone who can clearly roll with the punches, no matter what can happen with the planned schedule! Whether it’s running comps, making sure the band starts on time, or stalling while that final teacher makes their way to the stage for their demo… I’m unflappable.
I’ve had a go at stand up comedy, and in my day job I present to rooms full of people as well as run training sessions. This means that talking into a mic in a room full of people holds absolutely no fear for me. An added bonus is that in many parts of the world my accent is considered charming. I am also charming, of course.
My two main emceeing gigs are for Beantown Dance Camp, MA, USA, (where I also teach), and Blues Fever, Vienna, Austria. I’ve been doing both for several years now, and I’m ready to add more. Hint, hint.
Lindy hop, solo jazz and blues are a family of dances created by African Americans during segregation, in the 1930s in Harlem. Since then they have slowly evolved into what we see today, and though I don’t look like the originators I am honoured and privileged to be part of something so joyful. I have a natural enthusiasm for teaching, and love to watch my students develop. Using humour, kind honesty and relatable metaphors are key elements of my teaching style. When my class is laughing I know I’m doing something right!
I welcome private lesson bookings, and regularly teach lessons at various dance socials from month to month, depending on where I am in the world (pandemic not withstanding), and I teach as both a follow and a lead.
I enjoy teaching day and weekend workshops, and really relish the opportunity to dive deeper into a particular facet of this thing we call swing dancing. I adore teaching beginners as it’s such an honour to start them on their journey into lindy hop addiction, but taking the time to really unpick a concept with higher level dancers is also a treat!
I’m big on non-gendered roles so switch dancing is the thing I’m always excited to introduce into any class at any level. It might not be for everyone, all the time and forever, but I believe having that insight into the opposite role helps you develop your primary role. Plus social dancing with some switching is lots of fun!
With more experienced dancers I like to work a lot with the mechanics of connection and communication within the partnership, and really finesse the skills already present. With less experienced dancers I enjoy being able to break something complex into manageable pieces, and see the mystery unlock for them, be it tandem charleston or their first super-awesome swing out.
Full disclosure: In teaching partner dancing (and MCing, as it happens), I am staunchly pro-follow. This means leads are asked to go and invite a follow to dance, leads rotate around in class, and follows are generally spoken to first.
I frequently teach on my own, (I certainly have enough energy, opinions and hilarious puns for it!) but I also have a few partners I work with for longer workshops. I welcome invitations to collaborate on classes, I am happy to work with a local teacher to help save budgets, and I would be glad to work with you if you want some teaching experience.
Please do pop me a note if you have any questions on any of this.
TL;DR - Opinionated, energetic, teaches on own but happy to buddy up. Will focus on communication, connection, and musicality.
All my combined (teaching/DJing/MCing) listings can also be found HERE
Competing is terrifying but I do it because I love the dance and the thrill of pushing myself. I’ve competed internationally because apparently I feel the fear and do it anyway?
Similarly, the rush of performing choreography really is something else, but it’s next level joy because you have a deeper opportunity to share how you hear and feel the music.
I have created choreography for couples for their weddings as well as classes and private students. All who have performed, in any context, have thoroughly enjoyed it and I relish such opportunities when they arise.
Please use my contact page if you'd like to discuss choreography with me.
Sonnie Spoon hails from London originally, but now spends their time travelling in pursuit of the joy that comes from lindy hop. Having grown up dabbling in ballroom dancing, salsa, and northern soul, when they accidentally discovered swing dancing in 2012 it really was addiction at first triple step. Sonnie is big on connection, communication and equality in partner dancing, and is found teaching, performing and competing internationally in both roles. The love of the music is a huge influence on their movement, so it is no surprise that they are known for musicality and humour in their dancing. Spoon believes in the power of laughter, and their classes are fun, memorable and insightful whatever your level.
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I have long been a fan of dancing, having dabbled in ballroom, salsa and northern soul over the years. I discovered Lindy Hop almost by accident whilst living in New York in 2012. Within a week of my first lesson, I had signed up for regular classes AND attended my first social dance! I soon added Blues and Balboa to my repertoire and have no intention of stopping.
I dance, teach and compete as both a follow and a lead. Dancing is dancing is dancing. I am an advocate for the de-gendering of dance roles, I regularly teach switch dance workshops and I always add elements of opposite-role learning in my classes.
