About John Joven:
John discovered dance during the neo-swing revival of the late 90s and has been hooked ever since. Over the years, he has expanded his interests to teaching, DJing, and competing. Before moving to New York, he regularly spun at many Chicago blues and swing events, and has brought his DJing talent to numerous events throughout the Midwest and East Coast most recently at Snowbound Blues and Lindy Focus. Dancing competitively since 2009, he has won and placed in many Jack & Jill and Strictly Blues competitions. His dancing and teaching are grounded in the blues aesthetic and an appreciation for the emotions of the music. He teaches his students to find their own style and ways of moving within the context of the fundamentals and encourages them to add their voice in the conversation of the dance.
Videos Referenced in Interview
Song: Tail Dragger by Howlin Wolf
Competition: BluesSHOUT! 2011 Expert J&J with Elizabeth Tuazon
Competition: BluesSHOUT! 2011 Strictly Slow with Ruby Red
Competition: BluesSHOUT! 2010 Strictly Juke Joint with Ruby Red