Why does hype matter in Blues dancing?
Because Blues isn’t just something you watch... it’s something you participate in.
In a lot of Black cultural traditions, sound - clapping, cheering, call-and-response, shouting - has always been a way of communicating. It’s how people respond, support, and build energy together in the moment.
So when we’re in spaces like jam circles or performances, that noise? That hype? That’s not extra - it’s part of the dance. It’s part of the history.
When we stay silent, especially in those moments, we’re not being “respectful” - we’re actually removing a layer of what makes Blues… Blues.
Hype is how we say: I see you.
I hear you.
Keep going.
It creates conversation between the dancer, the music, and the community.
So if you’re not sure what to do, start small. Clap. React. Let yourself respond.
Because Blues was never meant to happen in silence.
Lila Faria Dance
Blues dance lessons taught by Lila Faria.
Wow, it's already been a little over a month since I started working at Reverie Ballroom! Here is a little peek into a typical Wednesday in my life:
I spent the morning polishing our Blues 1B Ballroomin’ series class and checking in on the brand new Seattle Blues Dance Collective Discord. If you are looking for a place to connect with other dancers, ask questions, share events, or just be part of the Seattle Blues community, the Discord is already becoming a really fun space to be.
After a few afternoon meetings, I headed to Reverie to meet Robin and teach Ballroomin’ Blues. This series has been an absolute highlight of the season. Our dancers are showing up with so much curiosity, and it has been exciting to see everyone grow into the style.
Then comes my favorite part of the night: Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday we host our Blues Social Dance, and the energy is consistently wonderful. I spent the evening dancing, meeting new folks, catching up with regulars, and gathering clips from the dance floor. These socials are such an easy way to get involved - whether you are brand new or have been dancing for years!
If you have been thinking about exploring Blues dancing in Seattle, now is the perfect time. Follow me and for more - I would love to see you on the dance floor!
07/24/2025
The best part of the show? The laughter we share backstage (and on stage).
Can’t imagine this journey without .yamamoto and . 💜
📸 Thanks for the photos,
05/13/2025
Between all the blues dance events happening this week .blues.dance.collective, I almost forgot to announce your next opportunity to learn from Dillon and I!
Join us TONIGHT, May 13th 2025, as we step in as guest facilitators for What the Blues!
We'll be bringing insights from this year's Blues Experiment, along with a structured format that will help us capture your ideas and transform them into actionable learning opportunities.
📆 Tuesday, May 13th
🕜 6:30-8:30pm (Practice starts at 6:45)
📍 Lowdown Ballroom
628 11th Ave E, Seattle, WA
💰 Optional payment: Sliding Scale ~$10-15 OBO - We will never turn someone away for lack of funds!
04/28/2025
How I'm feeling after studying dance and co-teaching a new lesson every week for a month straight.
I'm back, y'all!
. .
Despite undergoing a sudden job transition in February, I'm proud to say that I am finding my footing again - and traveling up a storm!
My Spring 2025 Schedule:
- March 25-30: Blues Dance Teacher Training in Atlanta, GA
- March 30-April 6: Blues Experiment
- April 13: Co-Teach at NW Dance
- April 17: Co-Teach at Hillman City Sway
- April 25: Co-Teach at Barefoot Fusion in Portland
I turn 30 next month, and I can't imagine building my life any other way. ⭐
. .
Over the coming months, I'm scheduled to visit:
- Denver, CO
- Philadelphia, PA
- Washington D.C.
- Maplewood, NJ
- Miami, FL
- Dublin, Ireland
Interested in having Dillon and I teach during one of our upcoming trips? Shoot me a message!
04/08/2025
Dillon and I will be teaching for the NW Dance Network this Sunday, April 13th. Join us for two 90-minute workshops exploring two main categories of blues dancing: Jukin' and Ballroomin' Blues.
📆 Sunday, April 13th
🕜 4:30-6pm: Jukin'
6-7:30pm: Ballroomin'
📍 Sunset Community Hall
3003 NW 66th Street, Seattle 98117
💰 $45 per workshop if you pre-register | $50 if you pay at the door
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or the NW Dance team if you have any questions! You can register via the link in my highlights "Calendar" page.
10/22/2024
I am so grateful to everyone who made Blues Muse 2024 happen this year.
Between dancing to incredible live music and learning from top-tier international instructors, Blues Muse is always one of my favorite dance events to attend each year. This time, however, I was especially honored to have been invited to join the Novice-Invitational Competition as an Advanced "Muse."
Collaborating with finalists Xinqi Chen, Morgan Elizabeth Doyle, Jay Jones Jr. () and Aronne Clarke was such a privilege. These dancers not only showcased their deep understanding of blues aesthetic, partnership, musicality and creativity; they also took full advantage of their "finalist" status by inquiring for feedback during the preparatory meeting and applying that feedback on the dance floor.
These dancers share a deep love of this art form, which shone through in the final performance. However my favorite part of the event was that, despite it being a competition, our finalists always worked to be on the same team. We cheered one another on, riffed off each other, and lifted each other up.
In addition to the competitors themselves, I of course also have fellow "Follow" Muses Miryam Coppersmith and Erin Boeke Burke, "Lead" Muses Matthew Rapp, Chris Carey and Ace Jones-Taylor (), and of course organizers Kyle Patterson and Genevieve () to thank for cultivating such a collaborative space. In a world where competition culture can sometimes be challenging, you led with love.
Finally, thank you to Devon Rowland for capturing the competition so beautifully. The photos below are all from Devon's website, which you can find through their Instagram account here:
I look forward to seeing you all again next year at Blues Muse 2025! .philly
05/02/2024
An important message from our monthly blues-and-balboa crossover event: Balboa, Blues and Booze.
Make sure you support local live music all summer long! Check out The Hot Rhythm Club for more info.
Hey friends!
The truth is, as the weather gets nicer here in the PNW ☀️, attendance for our local indoor venues drops ⬇️, which in turn means less money coming in the door for the artists.
As a local organizer for BB&B, we have a door share payment with the venue, meaning I give almost all of the door money directly to the musicians.
For many of these artists, this is their FULL TIME income.
👉 If you don’t want to be dancing indoors or can't make it for some reason, regular support of the event is still necessary to keep it afloat.
👉 If you want to support our local jazz music & dance scene and see it not just surviving, but THRIVING, I can’t stress enough how awesome it is for you to “donate” a ticket.
The more people are able to support the event by buying a ticket, the more money goes in the pockets of the musicians at the end of the night.
👉 Ours start at just $10 online for early bird, $15 after that. If you have it to spare, for just $15 you can support 3-4 (or more) musicians on stage workin’ their butts off to keep our jazz scene legacy alive here in Seattle. 💪
Thanks for being awesome and loving our community artists.
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