One of the best things about Tucson is seeing Kit dancing at various live music events. He always has a smile on his face, he radiates kindness, and he helps connect our community through friendship. When he starts dancing, the energy of the entire venue becomes happier and his love for life shines bright. The audience and the band immediately start smiling when Kit arrives.
Kit encourages everyone to be themselves, to embrace the life they have been given, and to live life to the best of their ability. He connects to people through his dance, through his gentle personality, and through his joyful outfits. His contagious energy has helped me keep an open mind about the world we live in and to remember to appreciate the small things life has to offer.
When I asked him if I could interview him for my website, he smiled and instantly said yes. Below is the interview along with some thoughts from friends who have become acquainted with Kit.
Full Name: Kit Estes
Occupation: Creative Problem Solver, Joyful Dancer
Born: Springfield, Missouri
Kit, The Dancing Man, of Tucson has added so much joy to our lives by being fully who he is, and sharing his love of dancing and live music with our City. In doing so he actively encourages others to come out of bubbles of isolation and join in the feast of life. He might even inspire great musicians to be even better. What a great service he’s been providing our community!
Manon Philine Getsi
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Kit is my friend first and foremost. Me being on the dance floor alone wouldn’t be possible if Kit hadn’t blazed the trail. We share a pure joy of being out there close to the music. And we know how to laugh and show others what fun looks like!
Tom Pearson
When I see Kit I know we’re gonna have a GREAT gig. The love and energy he brings lights up the whole room. He’s family. I love Kit!
Bryan Dean
He’s just like what his hand-painted clothing says, “Joy”, “Love.” He’s like a cheerleader of the Tucson live music scene, every musician knows him and he motivates the audience to get up and dance. He inspires us so much that Bryan changes the lyrics when he’s there. I’ve seen him eating while dancing…. or dancing while eating.
Koko Matsumoto
What is your first memory of seeing live music?
Probably the first live music was singing church music and making music at friends in junior high. Though probably the very first experience of live music was the first time I sang, and singing thrilled me and I found that singing to me seemed to be more important/powerful and exhilarating than just speaking.
What is your favorite part about live music?
Feeling it flow through my whole body, till I feel like I am the music
Do you play any instruments? If so, how long have you been playing?
Yes, I play the greatest instrument of all time, my human body, as long as I can remember
Who is one of your favorite local musicians or bands?
What is your favorite local venue?
El Casino Ballroom is the best
Some people call you “The dancing man of Tucson” and “an inspiration to our community”. Do you think you are an inspiration to our community through dancing?
Many people who over the years have told me that when they see me dance they become happy and are inspired to show their joy.
If you could attend any live musical performance, past or present, who would it be?
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Maybe a concert with Mozart and the Beatles together on the Stage
What advice do you have for aspiring local musicians?
Let your music set you free, create the music that wants to speak through you, and allow it to come out. The rest of the answer to this question is what does this musician want to do with their music, and my answer would be longer and more directed about choreographing, designing set-lists that will take their audience on a joyful journey that allows them to express themselves freely. Discover what your audience’s needs are and feel genuine about what you do.
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