For fans of Seinfeld and baseball, the annual Seinfeld Night hosted by the Brooklyn Cyclones at Maimonides Park has become a must-attend event since 2014. This year, the beloved tradition reached new heights with the highly anticipated Elaine Benes Dance contest, a hilarious homage to Elaine’s famously awkward and unforgettable dance moves. Attendees gathered to celebrate the show about nothing and witness who could best embody Elaine’s signature “full body dry heave set to music.” While the Cyclones provided the baseball action, the true stars of the evening were undoubtedly the contestants vying for the title of ultimate Elaine dancer.
Among the enthusiastic crowd was a Greenpoint resident, who, fresh from her Greenpointers engagements, found herself swept up in the Seinfeld spirit. Sporting an Oberlin College hat, a playful nod to Elaine’s infamous Orioles cap and last year’s winner who also hailed from the same alma mater, she jokingly anticipated another Oberlin victory. Little did she know, she would become part of the legacy herself. This year’s Elaine Benes dance champion turned out to be none other than Greenpoint’s own Shannon Kintner! We caught up with Shannon to uncover the secrets behind her triumphant Seinfeld night performance.
Image of Shannon Kintner, the Greenpoint resident and winner of the Elaine Benes Dance Contest at Seinfeld Night, striking a pose reminiscent of Elaine’s iconic dance, showcasing her curly hair and enthusiastic spirit.
Embracing the Joy of Elaine: Inspiration Behind the Dance
When asked about her decision to enter the Elaine Benes dance contest, Shannon revealed a long-held desire to participate in Seinfeld Night. “I’ve wanted to go to the game for a few years now,” she explained. Driven by the infectious energy of past events and the allure of a fun summer outing, she gathered a group of friends and headed to Maimonides Park. However, it wasn’t just about attending the game; Shannon was specifically drawn to the dance-off. “I was inspired by joy and play mainly to enter the dance off! The Elaines always look like they’re having so much fun on the field.”
Shannon’s motivation went beyond mere entertainment. She articulated a deeper philosophy about incorporating lightheartedness into everyday life. “I’ve for a long time been an advocate for incorporating more wholesome, joyful play into our lives—we really don’t have it built into our routines enough so you have to capture it when you have the chance.” For Shannon, the Elaine Benes dance contest represented an opportunity for “low stakes, high reward, uninhibited, child-like fun—it’s not for content, it’s not a side hustle, it’s not for any goal. It’s just pure joy.” This pursuit of pure, unadulterated fun perfectly embodies the spirit of Elaine’s dance and the comedic essence of Seinfeld itself.
Perfecting the “Herky-Jerkiness”: Mastering the Elaine Benes Dance
To truly capture the essence of Elaine’s distinctive moves, preparation was key. Shannon admitted to practicing her routine beforehand. “Ha—I did practice a few times! A couple friends gave me notes.” This dedication to mastering the “herky-jerkiness” of the Elaine Benes dance, as she aptly described it, clearly paid off. Combined with a spot-on costume, complete with perfectly “diffused” curly hair, Shannon was fully transformed and ready to channel her inner Elaine. “Once I was in costume with my curls diffused I was ready to go,” she noted, highlighting the importance of both the physical and performative aspects of embodying the character.
An Ecstatic Performance for Devoted Seinfeld Fans
Stepping onto the field and performing in front of a crowd of eager Seinfeld enthusiasts was an exhilarating experience for Shannon. “Wow! That crowd was amazing. I was ecstatic! Love the energy of a minor league crowd—everyone there is in service of a good time and the stadium organizers do such a great job to ensure that as well.” She emphasized the infectious enthusiasm of the minor league crowd, creating an atmosphere perfectly conducive to the lighthearted fun of the Elaine Benes dance contest. “It was pure joy sharing the field with the other Elaines and feeding off the enthusiasm of the fans,” she added, underscoring the communal joy and shared appreciation for Seinfeld that permeated the event.
Favorite Seinfeld Moments and Greenpoint Gratitude
When asked about her favorite Seinfeld episode, Shannon, like many fans, found it challenging to pick just one. “Hard to name a favorite! I loved the Festivus and Chinese Restaurant episodes growing up, and I do have a fond memory of watching the final episode live with my mom and aunt.” These classic episodes resonate with many Seinfeld viewers, showcasing the show’s timeless humor and relatable situations. Shannon’s personal connection to the show, including watching the finale with family, adds another layer of appreciation for her Elaine Benes dance victory. “Might be time for a rewatch now that I’ve paid homage to Julia Louis-Dreyfus in front of 7,000 fans!” she exclaimed, playfully acknowledging her successful tribute to the iconic comedic actress.
As a proud Greenpoint resident since 2018, Shannon also shared her love for her neighborhood. She highlighted the strong community vibe and local charm that Greenpoint offers. “I loving walking or biking down the street and waving to everyone I know at all the shops and markets as I pass by, love going to the McCarren & McGolrick Farmers’ Market chatting with the farmers, loving knowing my bartenders and baristas names and lives, love having my tailor and cobbler and nail salon and hardware store and diner and library all within a 15 minute walk.” This appreciation for local connections and neighborhood feel mirrors the down-to-earth and relatable humor of Seinfeld, making Shannon’s Greenpoint roots a fitting backdrop to her Elaine Benes dance triumph. Her experience of community extends to her building as well, describing a rare New York City apartment building camaraderie. “The building I live in is also a rarity in NYC—the other tenants and I have a group chat to see who has extra sugar or lemons, we’ll have a drink on the stoop, we walk each other’s dogs. I’m friendly with the neighbors on my block as well, some who have grown up here and some who are transient. It’s a real special pocket in the city, and I’m grateful to call it home!” Shannon’s victory at the Elaine Benes dance contest is not just a personal achievement but also a fun and quirky point of pride for her beloved Greenpoint community.
