#jo hoffberg

Performed by: Jo Hoffberg and Kevin St. Laurent

Number: “That Old Black Magic”

Style: Lindy Hop

I am one of the organizers for The Process in Richmond, VA, (coming up in July, so come dance with me!), and we have been chatting with the instructors about their processes for improvement as well as what’s on their minds leading up to the event. 

I’m sure that I’m not alone in this, but Jo Hoffberg has been an idol of mine in the Lindy Hop world practically since I started learning to swing out! She has taught at some of my favorite events and I have watched so many of her performances or competitions or social videos on YouTube and my confidence as a dancer has been uplifted and inspired by every class I have taken from her and every interaction we have had. All of that to say that I’m super pumped that she is joining our team at The Process this year and that she had some interesting things to say in her interview, regardless of whether or not you will be attending the event!

On her biggest failure and what it taught her: “My biggest failure was not standing up for myself and my needs earlier because I didn’t think I was worth it. Early on in my career, I was afraid to ask for what I wanted, needed, and believed in. Now I know that taking care of myself first is a duty—it improves my relationships and allows me to bring the highest quality version of myself to the table. We don’t need more mediocre people who limp along without being centered and focused on their passion; we need high quality people living life to it’s fullest potential.”

Jo also says, “I also think about the bigger picture: Lindy hop is bigger than me. The world is bigger than me. I ask myself: How can I be a productive, inspiring member of this community I so believe in?”

Whether you are a social dancer, or a teacher, or DJ, or musician, or organizer, our community and our events are best when we taking care of ourselves and investing the time to make sure that our needs are met. 

Eat!

Get the sleep that you need. 

Stretch!

Know how much of your time and yourself you are willing and able to invest in an event and know which events are important to you.  

If you are staff, ask for the payment that you need to feel valued and to cover your needs. 

I think it’s too easy to throw yourself in and get lost in helping, or getting exposure/experience, or whatever the case may be and we forget to take care of ourselves. Taking care of ourselves leaves us with more to invest back into the community, but failing to meet our own needs drains us faster and ultimately doesn’t do anybody any good!

I have worked with a lot of different events and, this one is no exception, I always have staff members apologizing to me when they ask for things. “I’m sorry but I can’t eat XYZ” or “I’m really sorry but I am coming in a day early and need somewhere to sleep” or “I’m really sorry but I’d prefer to room with whoever.” They are always apologizing for being difficult or making things harder on me or whatever, but the thing I always say is that what will make it easiest for me is if they tell me what they need so I can make it happen. Having staff who are happy and whose needs are met and who are in a good frame of mind during your event makes the whole thing better, and BONUS, they will probably want to come back next time. 

Megan Taylor Morrison also asked Jo about improving. 

The question that people should be asking, according to Jo, is: “How much training does it really take to get good? The answer is five times longer than you actually think.” 

She also recommends using choreography as a tool: “Learning other people’s choreographies have helped me learn how to train my eye: where do my arms go, what are my hips doing, what are the angles, etc. Creating choreographies for a partner and myself have helped me with musicality, flow, personal body movement, lines, endurance, and most importantly, patience”

And a tip for getting the most out of a workshop event: “Show up with an open mind, willing to try everything and question everything. Oh yes, and do show up on time :)”

Jo Hoffberg & Peter Strom at ILHC 2015 by Ryan Swift via Flickr

Episode 11 of the The Track is out today!  I am joined by international instructor and award-winning Lindy Hopper, Jo Hoffberg. Jo has been a traveling instructor since 2007 and has won titles at virtually every event around the world:  ALHC, the Canadian Swing Championships, ILHC, the European Swing Dance Championships, the National Jitterbug Championships, Lindy Showdown, and the U.S. Open. Jo has taught and performed in 25 countries across 5 continents and in 2012 was inducted into the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame.

We sat down at ILHC 2015 to talk about growing up as a competitive diver, the value she placed on winning, and how her drive to compete has evolved over the years. We also touch upon the wonder that is her hair & how that has become a defining part of her brand, her first time traveling with long-time partner Kevin St Laurent, and the practical & financial challenges of living as an international swing dance instructor.

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