courtesy Brent Keane

Those who know me know that I have this hobby, Lindy Hop (swing dancing), that I’m quite passionate about. I’ve done it longer than any other hobby I’ve had, which is standing at almost four years today. While I thank a lot of people for helping me along the way, Carla Heiney has been one of my biggest influences and supporters.

When I started dancing, I remembered endlessly watching clips of other popular dancers, such as Nick Williams, or Minn and Corinna. But, there was one dancer that I watched more than others; I remember hoping that I’d get to dance with her at least once someday. At a dance event in Los Angeles, after daring myself and a friend to draw up the courage to ask her to, I finally did. Much of what I remember was a relentless focus on trying not to eat the floor, but despite that, everything she did was beautifully effortless. That dance sticks with me today, even when we dance now.

After moving up to the Bay Area, as I became more at home in this scene, I got to know her, got to dance with her, and most importantly of all, got to be friends with her. To my good fortune and amazement, I get the privilege to teach with and learn from Carla today. A part of me still looks at her the same way that young dancer did all those years ago.

So happy birthday Carla. You still inspire me today.