Since 2014, Brooklyn’s own minor league baseball team, the Cyclones, have celebrated the iconic sitcom Seinfeld with an annual “Seinfeld Night” at Maimonides Park. This beloved event transforms the ballpark into a tribute to the show about nothing, complete with themed games, trivia, and contests. The highlight of the night? The uproarious Elaine Benes Dance Contest, a spectacle where fans channel their inner Elaine, competing to see who best embodies her infamous, shall we say, “unique” dance moves. While the Cyclones bring the baseball action, it’s undeniable that the Elaine dance hopefuls are the true stars of this special evening.
This past Saturday, the tradition continued, and among the enthusiastic crowd was a Greenpoint local who unexpectedly stole the show. Serendipitously present at the game, this Greenpointers correspondent witnessed firsthand the emergence of this year’s Elaine dance champion – none other than a Greenpoint resident, Shannon Kintner! We caught up with Shannon to delve into the secrets behind her victorious performance and what it takes to win the coveted title of best Elaine dancer at Seinfeld Night.
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What sparked your decision to enter the Elaine dance contest, and what inspired your performance?
I’ve been wanting to experience Seinfeld Night for a few years now. Knowing how popular it is, I actually started planning with friends back in the spring to make sure we got tickets. A summer ball game with a big group of friends? Perfect. As for the dance contest, it was purely inspired by joy! The Elaines on stage always look like they are having an absolute blast. I’m a big believer in incorporating more lighthearted, joyful play into our lives. We don’t get enough of that built into our daily routines, so you have to seize those moments when they come. I’m talking about low-pressure, high-reward, uninhibited, childlike fun – not for social media content, not as a side hustle, not for any specific goal other than pure, unadulterated joy. That’s what Elaine’s dance embodies, and that’s what I wanted to bring to the contest.
Tell us about your preparation for both the Elaine costume and, of course, the iconic dance. You truly captured Elaine’s jerky, uncoordinated style. Did you study her moves beforehand?
(Laughs) Yes, I did practice a little! A couple of friends even gave me some pointers. Once I had the costume together and my hair styled to get that Elaine-esque curl, I felt ready to fully commit to the performance. The key is really embracing the awkwardness and letting loose.
What was it like performing in front of a crowd of enthusiastic Seinfeld fans?
Wow, the energy from that crowd was incredible! I was absolutely ecstatic out there. I love the vibe of a minor league crowd – everyone is genuinely there to have a good time, and the Cyclones organizers do an amazing job fostering that atmosphere. Sharing the field with the other Elaines and feeding off the audience’s enthusiasm was pure joy. It was a really special and memorable experience.
Do you have a favorite Seinfeld episode or moment that stands out to you?
It’s so hard to pick just one favorite! Growing up, I always loved the “Festivus” and “Chinese Restaurant” episodes. And I have a really fond memory of watching the final episode live with my mom and aunt. Maybe it’s time for a Seinfeld rewatch now that I’ve paid homage to Julia Louis-Dreyfus in front of 7,000 fans! It feels like a full circle moment.
As Greenpointers, we have to ask about your connection to Greenpoint. How long have you lived in the neighborhood, and what are some of your favorite aspects of living here?
I’ve called Greenpoint home since 2018. I started working in the neighborhood right after the pandemic at some local restaurants and bars, and the strong neighborhood vibe of the businesses and the people here was such a welcome change after working in other parts of the city for years. I love that I can walk or bike down the street and wave to people I know at all the shops and markets. I love going to the McCarren & McGolrick Farmers’ Market and chatting with the farmers. I love knowing my bartenders and baristas by name and being a part of their lives, in a small way. I also appreciate having my tailor, cobbler, nail salon, hardware store, diner, and library all within a 15-minute walk. The building I live in is also pretty unique for NYC – the tenants have a group chat to see who has extra sugar or lemons, we’ll hang out on the stoop together, we walk each other’s dogs. I’m friendly with many of my block neighbors too, some who have lived here their whole lives and some who are newer to the area. It’s a truly special pocket of the city, and I feel so grateful to call it home.
Shannon Kintner, Greenpoint resident and winner of the Elaine Benes Dance Contest at Brooklyn Cyclones Seinfeld Night, poses in her winning Elaine dance costume, showcasing her curly hair and enthusiastic smile, embodying the joyful spirit of Elaine Benes from Seinfeld.
