On the HSDY blog, we’ll be sharing HSDY partygoer's stories.
To kick it off, we’ve chatted to Laura Kinnunen. We love Laura’s amazing energy and you’ll usually find her right at the front during Oops Upside Your Head and in the midst of the dancing during Cameo’s Candy. If you fancy being featured here, please don’t be shy, email us at info@haventstoppeddancingyet.co.uk
Laura Kinnunen
Nordic Walking Instructor & Yoga Teacher, Brockley.
What's your HSDY story?
HSDY came to Brockley back in June 2014 as part of the Brockley Max Festival and it was love at first visit! I have been a HSDY regular ever since.
Apart from the dancing, the amazing tunes you can sing along to, and the fact that I can still get home early enough to get a good night’s sleep - what I love about HSDY is its inclusivity. It’s a club night where everyone is welcome. It is unpretentious, non-judgemental & friendly. I can come along on my own or in a group. I recently celebrated my 40th birthday with about 20 of us, which was wonderful.
I love to dress up, so finding an outfit to wear is all part of the enjoyment for me. I shop at flea markets as well as online - my birthday party outfit - a sequinned halter neck jumpsuit - was a last minute panic purchase from boohoo.com - but the motto always is, the more sparkle the better :-)
When you're not dancing at HSDY what else do you do?
I teach Nordic Walking at Hilly Fields and Ladywell Fields in Lewisham brockleynordicwalking.com and help people slow down and unwind through Yin Yoga in Brockley, Forest Hill and West Norwood lauraelinayoga.com.
I started Brockley Nordic Walking (the one with poles!) in 2012 as it’s a great way for people of all ages to exercise outdoors, and since then have I’ve taught nearly 1000 local people to Nordic Walk. It has really taken off. There is a whole thriving community of us, and it is still growing. As well as walking, we socialise (and regularly party at HSDY together too) and this March 18 of us went to Finnish Lapland on a winter walking retreat
In 2015, Brockley Nordic Walking featured in a This Girl Can video campaign to encourage more London London women into sport which was great to be part of
and I recently got a special recognition from the Mayor of London as one of London’s ‘Hidden Credits’ to celebrate the hundreds of women who, like me, deserve recognition for the contributions we make to London which was pretty amazing!
I was born in Finland, lived in Japan for five years, and moved to Brockley eight years ago. I absolutely love it here, as it is such a friendly part of London. Most often you will find me at Hilly Fields either walking or enjoying coffee and cake at the Pistachios in the Park cafe.
Favourite HSDY venue?
It has to be the main hall at Blackheath Halls - the more room to dance the better!
Favourite HSDY track?
Oh there are so many, but it’s got to be Candy. I love it when it comes on towards the end of the night and people all start doing the moves. The energy of that moment makes me feel so happy and so alive.
Look out for the next partygoer feature.
Don't forget to get in touch if you'd like it to be you.
See you on the dancefloor!
Nikki