Tell us a little bit about yourself, how did you get into music and DJ’ing?
I am an events manager and producer from Suffolk. I got into music through my family and from going to festivals at a young age. We used to perform at arts festivals, such as Glastonbury and Dance Camp East and being surrounded by artistic people was very inspiring to me, as well as being immersed in the world of performance and dance.
When at festivals, we were encouraged to try out movement-based activities, such as dance and I realised that it was something I wanted to be part of. I took up learning musical instruments and then later on got involved with events production and helping to run festivals and events.
You love music and dance, how has dancing from a young age yourself inspired and influenced you as a creative?
Every time I immerse myself in music and the arts, I take something away from the experience that’s completely unexpected. When you go to a performing arts festival, there’s such a sense of community and camaraderie. I feel so inspired by the incredibly wide range of creative people I’ve met. Music and dance interlink greatly, music has this incredible power to compel you to move your body and uplift your mood any day!
Do you think there is a bond between dancing as a child with your parents and seeing them dance, to helping shape the creative person you are today?
Yeah, I would agree with that, there’s a lot of expression that goes into it. Watching my dad dance, (he is a big dad dancer!) he wasn’t bothered about what people were thinking, and that is why he enjoyed it and that is why I enjoyed it, seeing him be that freely expressive. There is no formular, you can express your impulse to move freely in your own way.
Baby Loves to Boogie is a great opportunity for parents to do this too! I think seeing the collective joy of crowds dancing from an early age made me want to be part of that and create music to make people move with that energy. Bringing a room of people together to dance and become immersed in that, it’s an incredible feeling.
You run a festival called Dance Camp, how does making music and dancing interlink here?
It’s very organic, so you’ll have lots of people with a wide range of skills coming in and out throughout the week. When we are hanging out, there’s a wide range of dance in these art spaces, whether it be around bonfires or in arts spaces. Our musicians and dancers are constantly collaborating, to share knowledge and work together to create together. Dancing can be so impromptu; someone might grab a guitar and then suddenly half a dozen people are dancing. Everyone’s getting involved in the music.
Do you have advice for parents who may feel a bit hesitant about coming to Baby Loves to Boogie?
When you go into that room, don’t compare yourself to anyone in that room. Your child is like a mirror, if you’re enjoying yourself and having a dance, children see that expression and feel at ease to move freely too! They will find it so much more memorable. I DJ’d at the DanceEast Youth Takeover in the summer, it’s a lovely, and non-judgemental space for you to meet people and have a boogie with your children.
What made you want to be involved with Baby Loves to Boogie?
I really enjoyed DJ’ing at DanceEast’s Youth Takeover in the summer, it was such a good atmosphere and energy. The Jerwood DanceHouse is such an inclusive, wonderful space.
What sort of music can we expect to hear at Baby Loves to Boogie?
An eclectic mix – some Disney classics in there of course! Including the Jungle Book’s “I wanna be like you” (King of the Swingers). I’ve always loved it – my dad plays a great version of this on his accordion.
Do you have any final words?
When we dance, we all tune into that childlike state of joy! Embrace it.
Don’t miss Victor’s DJ set at Baby Loves to Boogie on Sunday 6th November, 10.30am – 1.30pm. Book your tickets here.
Listen to Victor’s music here and find out more about Dance Camp East here.
