Name, Rank, Serial Number
Karis Hill-Milnes aka. Jaffa. 27 yo
Karis literally arrived to us like a gentle breeze the precedes that intense and exciting impending cyclone… You could not ignore her in any capacity through her tininess, her mane of red hair or her cool style but that’s just all judging a book by it’s cover, within one rotation around the beginner dance circle she had won the hearts of all, shocked more than a few with her colourful language and cemented herself forevermore into the Swing On In Dance Community and Culture. Rising through the ranks on pure hard work, practice and passion, Miss Karis stepped up and in 100% when I got cancer, Karis (and a few other key people) totally stepped up and helped Ray teach and grow Swing On In in my absence. Karis is now one of our permanent dance teachers and performers and how blessed we are to have her! ..Read On and learn some things you didn’t know about this pocket rocket…
How did you find us and get into Swing Dancing?
Many moons ago, I was slingin’ bean juice (coffee) in a cafe in Broadbeach, working alongside none other than the amazing Miss Georgia Harvey. My partner and I had been entertaining the idea of joining a swing class for a while, when Georgia invited us along to a class with her. BAM! One lesson with Miss Chrissy and Swingabilly Ray and we were hooked. You will often find my main dance man and I telling people how we “struck it lucky” with such amazing dance teachers!
Tell us a bit about yourself, what do you do/ business/ hobbies etc?
I am first and foremost, a proud Gamilaroi and Dhungutti woman.
I work at a local high school where I have 2 roles. I am an English/ History Teacher, but I am also the school’s Indigenous Education Worker. I have worked with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in many formats and forums over the past 10 years, and it is truly my passion. My job is primarily designed to support and monitor the attendance, behaviour and academic achievement of our Indigenous cohort. But for me, the work goes far beyond walls of data. My work is emotional, intense, stressful, and arduous but it’s more rewarding than I could ever hope to articulate. Historically speaking, society has held fairly low expectations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, but I get to witness these deadly young Murri’s grow, thrive, flourish and succeed!
Tell us something random about you!
I have a crippling phobia of spiders.
I have a Led Zeppelin tattoo
If you were a swing move what would it be?
Any aerial move. Light, a little freaky and usually unexpected!
How would you describe your style of swing?
My style of swing I believe, is a marriage of sassy and enthusiastic Miss Chrissy has always strived to teach me and nurture swing styling that accentuates my sassiness and attitude!
What’s your favourite movie?
Ponyo. If you don’t know who Ponyo is, you should be ashamed of yourself.
What’s your favourite swing tune?
Anything that exceeds 200bpm!
What is/ are your fashion influences/ eras/ icons?
At the risk of sounding like more of a weirdo than I actually am, my greatest fashion influence would (however indirectly) be my dad. My dad is a legend, and one of the most valuable lessons he’s taught me is the value of good music. I grew up on a very steady diet of Led Zeppelin, The Clash, The Dead Kennedys, Deep Purple, Jimi Hendrix and Warumpi Band. So I have always idolised people who dressed in that amazing quintessential 70’s silhouette. My style is an eclectic mix of ripped denim short-shorts with band shirts, 70’s wide leg pants with hoop earrings, school prep (aka. Work drag). And slowly yet surely, with the influence and support of our illustrious style guru Miss Chrissy, I am now loving any chance to dress like a 1920’s flapper, dirty 30’s Charleston dancer or a 40’s lindy hopper.
Who would you nominate to be profiled next?
Georgia Harvey and/ or James Harvey!
What’s your favourite quote on life?
The answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything is 42. – Douglas Adams.
Our Happy Customers
Swing On In's Chrissy Keepence and Ray are two cool cats. Their vivacious personalities and enthusiasm really motivate students at all levels. From beginner to advanced, they treat each dancer...
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The Swing on In Dancers have been involved in multiple Bleach Festival’s events including the larg-escale production, The Inaugural Annual Dance Affair. They were an absolute hit. We love their...
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Working with Ray is a dream come true for organisers booking DJs or looking for entertainment 20’s – 80’s. He’s professional, reliable, fun to work with and delivers a brilliant,...
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We have had the greatest time learning to dance with you two. It's such a fun thing to do together, kind of our special time together each week which has...
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So much fun and filled with amazing friendly people!
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I have been dancing for 16 years both modern jive.rock n roll and swing and in my opinion Swing is the most social and energised of them all just one...
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The most friendly and welcoming dance group on the Gold Coast
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Just dropped in to Tuesday night Swing On In class and absolutely loved it! Fantastic teachers, fantastic dancers! See you next week.
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Fantastic ppl fantastic teachers and a whole lotta fun
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How lucky are we to have Chrissy & Ray Keepence teach us Swing Dancing right here in Bangalow.... Taught directly by Frankie Manning himself the grandfather of Swing Dancing, this...
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Ray and Chrissy are both truly gifted in their abilities to teach swing to any age group. There love of this genre is infectious and they keep classes exciting and...
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I can't thank the teachers Ray, Chrissy enough for bringing Swing Dancing into my life. They are wonderful teachers and it has become "my happy place" every week. I've also...
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Loads of fun, Ray and Chrissie are awesome teachers who always take the time to make sure everyone learns at their own pace. I never would have thought I'd enjoy...
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Swing dancing has opened my eyes to a whole new love that I didn't know existed! Ray and Chrissy's expert feedback and patient teaching style makes every class rewarding, exciting...
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I started going to swing on in 9 months ago and I plan to keep going it's lots of fun
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I never learnt to dance before I joined Swing on in. I totally enjoy the experience, great teachers, Ray and Chrissy, great atmosphere, very friendly, lots of fun
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We always have a great time at Swing On In dance classes. There's always lots of great dance moves to learn and heaps of friendly people to dance with.
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This time round we'll be taking our lindy hop to the dance floor replacing the comfortably familiar RnR
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I have always wanted to Swing Dance & Ray was such an awesome teacher. Everyone at the classes are so friendly & welcoming!
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Swing On In is awesome! Chrissy and Ray are excellent teachers and superb dancers, no matter what dance level you are at they are very welcoming. Highly recommended!
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As soon as I get to Queensland I will be there for sure! Chrissy and Ray are not only incredible people with hearts of hold they are also incredibly talented...
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Ray & Chrissy are both as amazing dancers and people. They are so passionate about everything they do. I'm absolutely mesmerised every time I watch them dance. They at an...
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Wonderful, talented teachers and both with a beautiful personality to match!
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Started Lindy Hop with Chrissy and Ray many years ago and they gave me the foundation on which to build my Swing dancing. Lindy Hop has taken me all over...
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Awesome peeps and great Lindy hop dancing for all ages!!!
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Ray and Chrissy are excellent teachers and make it a fun experience. Lindy Hop is in my opinion a life skill. Improvised social dancing is where it's at for me...
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With out a doubt the best dance group in Australia!!
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Do yourself a favour and learn about this stylish and spirited style of partner dancing with the best teachers I could imagine. I love Chrissy and Ray's energy and humour...
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Love going to class each week with Chrissy and Ray. Such fun, great exercise and you get to meet some wonderful people.
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Fabulous dancers, amazing (and most patient) teachers ;-p, incredible people! Wish they were able to get to Perth more often
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Great teachers and great fun. Highly recommended!
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Excellent classes, it's amazing what you can learn in one or two lessons, even with two left feet! Very welcoming and warm and as fun as you make it.
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Ray & Chrissy are both amazing dancers and absolutely delightful people. They are so passionate about everything they do, and open their hearts to assisting others in so many ways.....
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Expert helpful instruction, loads of fun, beautiful people, great exercise - what's not to love! And thanks for the inspiring clips from the original swing era.
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Fantastic........Chrissie and Roy are the Best! Always happy, always patient, a lovely friendly atmosphere and a pleasure to look forward to every week........Betty
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On Wednesday night at Bangalow Swing on In, I have a great time, smile all night, laugh at Ray's jokes and learn to dance at the same time. Our teachers...
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I was hooked after my first lesson! Amazing people and an amazing atmosphere! Ray and Chrissy are fantastic teachers. Something about swing really invigorates the soul. I guarantee that if...
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“We had the pleasure of working with Ray Keepence last year when he did a gig for our Surf Life Saving Club. Ray acted as a DJ and provided Music,...
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QT Gold Coast have been working with Swing-A- Billy Ray Dj Entertainer Services for over 3 years. Ray and his team consistently provide slick, professional entertainment for both our corporate clients...
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Ray Keepance has been my go to music man for 15years. He has provided music for all different occasions for us from birthdays, weddings, funerals, yes funerals. He has the...
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While he may go by the name Swing-a- billy Ray, he is no one trick pony. We have known ray for the past 17 years. Ray began working for us...
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