Workshops - Instructors Bio

Below see instructors that were here in 2011:

 

Sylvia Sykes
sylviasykes.com (Orange County CA)

  Sylvia, an internationally recognized authority on most types of Swing Dance, has been teaching and judging for over 30 years throughout the US, Europe, Asia and Australia. Sylvia studied with the great swing dancer Dean Collins, and was a member of his last dance troupe. She studied Balboa with Maxie Dorf and spent years learning from the greatest Southern California Balboa dancers. Sylvia is an inductee into the National Swing Dance Hall of Fame, as well as the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame. She is a U S Open champion, was the NASDE top point winner, two time California Balboa Champion, took third place in the National Carolina Shag Dance Championships, and has won many Strictly Swing and Jack & Jill dance contests through the U.S. in Lindy, Balboa and West Coast Swing. She was twice voted Swing Dance Teacher of the Year, and is a 4 time Feather Award winner as Best Female Lindy Dancer in the U.S. She has performed with Count Basie, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Artie Shaw, and Les Brown, and appeared on many television shows such as American Bandstand and Gotta Dance for the American Movie Channel. A "teacher's teacher", Sylvia instructs teachers worldwide in Balboa and Lindy ...come study with the best!

Sharon Davis www.sharondavis.com.au (Perth, AUSTRALIA)

 
 
The last time Sharon visited the Canadian Swing Championships, she and her partner Juan left with a bunch of trophies after simply dominating comps especially the Cabaret division where many a gaping mouth was seen. Now after becoming one of the Lindy-Hop scene's most decorated dancers, she returns to share her unique style and experience with us as a teacher and judge. Sharon hails from Perth, Australia, where she honed her unique and feminine dance style, and has since built an international reputation in not only Lindy Hop, but also 1920s Charleston, authentic jazz, blues and classic burlesque. She now spends most of her time traveling the world with her dance partner Juan Villafane from Argentina, and dance troupe The Killer Dillers. She holds 1st place titles at the International Lindy Hop Championships, Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown, Canadian Swing Championships, Camp Hollywood and Camp Jitterbug, and has claimed numerous other awards internationally.  As an instructor and a DJ, she is known for her dedication to the history of vernacular jazz dances and the music they evolved to. With her bright and bubbly personality, Sharon's teaching style is energetic, creative and fun. Sharon is also a founder of the European Swing Dance Championships held in Barcelona, Spain.  Visit www.sharondavis.com.au to find out more about her.

 

Juan Villafane www.sharonandjuan.com (Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA)


Juan is as softspoken as he is badass, do not be fooled by his quiet voice and polite nature, he just might take home awards you had your eye on in any competition he participates in. His last presence at CSC saw him flipping his way (literally) to several prizes. He hails from Buenos Aires, Argentina and has been a leading proponent in the revival of vintage jazz dances in South America. Today, he spends most of his time traveling the world with his dance partner Sharon Davis, and with dance troupe The Killer Dillers. His background in gymnastics, acrobatics and martial arts strongly influence his dancing and teaching, giving him a unique perspective on body movement and awareness, and a distinct – and often spectacular – personal style. Known for his high-flying acrobatics and eye-catching slides, Juan is a consummate performer, a creative dancer and an insightful teacher. Visit www.sharonandjuan.com to find out more about him.

 

Evita Arce http://www.evitaarce.blogspot.com/ (New-York, NY)


 Evita Arce is a Swing dance phemon, known internationally for her endless energy, inspiring performances, and elegant, feminine movement. Whether she's on stage or leading a class, her vibrant persona inspires on-lookers to dance and live in the moment. She has taught all over the world at Lindy Hop events spanning the US to the UK, Japan to Australia, Canada to Europe.  Evita is most thrilled to be making her debut at CSC!

As a teacher, Evita's patience and bright, friendly classroom manor belies the extraordinary depth of her technical knowledge. She is adamant about understanding anatomy and efficiency of movement. Her open, enthusiastic connection with people lends to her entertaining communication in the classroom. Evita has had the great privileged of partnering several amazing teachers including, Michael Jagger, Nathan Bugh, Joel Plys, Manu Smith, Ryan Francois and Steven Mitchell! As a performer, Evita has appeared on television, and on major stages in three different continents. Following in the footsteps of her mentors, Ryan Francois and Jenny Thomas, Evita danced the feature Lindy Hop role in multiple tours of the Broadway musical "SWING!". At the landmark "Frankie 95" memorial, Evita was among the hand full of performers to appear before 2,000 Swing dancers from around the globe. Finally Evita, with partner Michael Jagger, advanced to finals in season three of FOX's "So You Think You Can Dance"--the only Lindy Hop couple to do so.

Evita is a member of Ryan's company, Swing Xtreme and is also a member of The Killer Dillers. Evita has choreographed and danced for Wynton Marsalis and The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra at The Kennedy Center in DC, celebrating MLK and President Obama's inauguration. Evita choreographed "Sleigh Bells Swing," a 2 week show in Time Square with George Gee's Orchestra at the Edison Ballroom. Evita is exceptionally proud of her recent success directing the 2009 New Years Eve show, The Red Hot Rythm Review, at Lindy Focus.

You can find many of Evita's lessons at www.idance.net  Follow along with her many world wide dance adventures at www.evitaarce.blogspot.com

Nathan Bugh www.nathanbugh.blogspot.com  (New-York, NY)

 

With his expertise in Lindy Hop, Charleston, and Tap, Nathan Bugh brings the Swing Era to vivid life.  Bugh uses sensational rhythms and intricate footwork to create multilayered performances that can be appreciated both visually and musically. Nathan holds a number of US competition titles in Lindy Hop, Charleston, and Cabaret Performance.

Nathan Bugh brings the Jazz Age vividly to life, in the classroom and in performance.  He earned his bachelor's degree in music from Oklahoma City University and his master's degree from The Juilliard School. With a decade of professional experience teaching dancers of all ages and skill levels, he is equally at home in dance camps, public schools, and private events.  Nathan has taught at specialized camps worldwide, like Swing Out New Hampshire, Lindy Focus, and Swing Brother Swing.  He has been an artist in residence at P.S. 144, home of the champion dance program featured in "Mad Hot Ballroom."  And he has given "Horizons" seminars in jazz dance at The Juilliard School.

If you're visiting New York, you can attend his weekly classes at Dance Manhattan and Columbia University, and biweekly classes at the Vanaver Caravan Institute.  Some of his dance lessons are available online at www.iDance.net, where he was the top selling instructor for four consecutive months.  Nathan is also fortunate to have many opportunities to share his passion on stage and television.  Nathan danced in David Tutera's "Great Gatsby" wedding on the hit reality series "My Fair Wedding."  Nathan also performed on FoxNC's "Fox and Friends Christmas" with George Gee and cast members from "Sleigh Bell Swing."  He danced Lindy Hop in Noemi LaFrance's site-specific odyssey, "Agora II.\'94  And he performed with the Vanaver Caravan at Jacob's Pillow, at the Rudolstadt Festival in Germany, and in a televised concert in the Redlands, California.  He has been a featured dancer and instructor with several of today's top Swing bands, such as George Gee's Jump Jive n' Wailers, Harlem Renaissance Orchestra, The Cangelosi Cards, and he is part of four professional dance companies: Swing X, The Lindy Hop All-Stars, The Vanaver Caravan, and The Killer Dillers.

Find out more about Nathan at www.nathanbugh.blogspot.com



Max Pitruzzella (Montreal PQ, CANADA) Swinging Air Force

 
If Max was not a dancer, he would probably be a boxer! Max demonstrates a tremendous versatility being able to adapt to very slow or very fast tempo in couple, and showing some incredible skills in solo dancing as well. Originally from Montpellier France, he moved to Montreal in September 2006. The art of swing dancing is how he makes his living, teaching at Studio 88-SWING in Montreal, performing for the SAF Entertainment Group and also teaching and competing around the world. He is passionate about sharing his understanding of all the details that create a good connection between partners and give the most energy to the Lindy Hop. Max wins titles at every event he attends ... Lately, he has won 1st place in the Frankie 95, the Showcase division of the International Lindy Hop Championships, the Canadia Swing Dance Championships, the Boston Tea Party, Camp Jitterbug in Seattle, the Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown in Minneapolis..... the list goes on and on.... Max has also appeared in the last Sam Roberts clip of 'Them Kids', along with his collegues: the dancers of the Swinging Air Force. He was also co-choreographer and coach on a number in Cirque du Soleil's new show "Elvis" in Las Vegas. He is also part of an internationally reknowned Lindy Hop dance troup : The Ninjammerz.   

 

Annie Trudeau (Montreal PQ, CANADA) Swinging Air Force

 
Annie is an former competition gymnast. She is a co-founder and co-owner of Studio 88-SWING in Montreal (Canada) where she has taught swing since 2001. She is also both First Dancer and artistic director to the 7 teams of the Swinging Air Force dance troupe on top of being co-owner of the SAF Entertainment Group with her long time business-partner Dee. Her passion for dance is obvious in the many workshops and classes she teaches throughout the world. Her style joins dynamism and power with a subtleness that is very feminine. Her dance partnership with Max Pitruzzella lead too many wins in the last few years including, Frankie 95, Boston Tea Party, CSC, Seattle's Camp Jitterbug, Minneapolis' Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown (1st Place Liberation - Fast Dance), the American Lindy Hop Championships (1st place Open Showcase), the Canadian Championship Swing Couple Division and the International Lindy Hop Championships Showcase Division in Washington DC. Annie also choreographed and trained performers for the show the new Cirque du Soleil show "Elvis" in Las Vegas and of course, the at times Canadian and US Team Champions - Swinging Air Force Squad!  She is also a proud member of the Ninjammerz. Annie has been featured in multiple TV shows and music videos as well as in Clin D'Oeil, GQ and Coup de Pouce magazine and seen on Musique Plus, CTV, TQS, TVA, SRC and CBS.

Myles Munroe & Tessa Cunningham mylesandtessa.com (Vancouver, BC) 


Myles Munroe and Tessa Cunningham areCanada's West Coast Swing Champions, ranked in the top 5 in the world, but they are also known for being "multi-Swingers" (involved in the WCS, Lindy, and Blues scenes). Myles 19 years of diverse dance training includes 6 UCWDC World Championship titles. As a professional coach, Tessa brings academic expertise to the partnership, with university degrees in both Human Kinetics and Education. As performers, they are known for their cutting-edge artistic choreography, positive youthful energy, and enviable musical expression. Their extensive teacher training and experience and loveable delivery of correct foundational technique inspires and empowers students of all levels. They are ambassadors for modern, authentic West Coast Swing: teaching, judging, performing and competing all over the world.
 

Arjay Centeno, Jr. (www.arjaycenteno.com) Newark, NJ

  One of the fastest male dancers to climb the ranks to the Champions division, Arjay has developed a reputation for his unique teaching style, his innovative patterns and musicality. Arjay has won many awards in all dance divisions of the highest caliber; such as Strictly Swing division, Invitational and Champions Jack and Jill division, and both Classic and Showcase Divisions. He also has an extensive education in music and background in Ballroom and Hip Hop. Arjay currently competes, judges, coaches, choreographs and teaches all over the world.  

 

William Mauvais & Maeva Truntzer williametmaeva.com (Montpellier, FRANCE)

 
William & Maeva met in Montpellier, southern France. 
Maeva starting with the Jazz and Rock 'n' Roll and William was a football player. It can easily be said that the dance brought them together and the results have been positive and quick: They won their first Boogie-Woogie “World Champion” and “European champion” titles in 2005 which was only their second year together. Since then, they have training in teaching dance and now travel the world to teach their knowledges about the Boogie Woogie. In 2009 they won the “World” title for Boogie-Woogie main class. Today, William & Maeva dance and teach in one of the largest dance school in Paris the' Feeling Dance Studio ', where they also work in the musical' The Fashion Show '. To see them in action, feel free to watch one of their performances.

Yuval Hod hopswing.com (New York, NY - Miami, FL)

 Known for his versatility, innovation and gravity-defying aerials, four-time World Swing Dance Champion Yuval Hod has taught and performed in more than 26 countries. He is a repeat winner of every major U.S. swing dance title, including eight-time American Lindy Hop, four-time U.S. Open, four-time National Jitterbug, and three-time Grand National Champion. More than just a competitor and performer, Yuval is also a dedicated teacher, committed to spreading the joy of swing dance through his New York city studio. He also spends an average of 40 weekends per year on the road, teaching swing dancers on six continents. His ability to make complex concepts easy to understand has helped him coach beginner-level dancers into national champions. In 2005, he produced his first set of instructional DVDs, a four-disk set titled Swing Dance Basics. His proficiency in five languages - English, French, Spanish, Hebrew and Portuguese - makes him among the most sought-after dance teachers in the world.

Bill Cameron dancepros.net (Boston, Mass)


U.S. Open Champion Bill Cameron teaches an Intermediate/Advanced West Coast Swing lesson with a focus on technique while learning new moves, footwork, or styling. Bill is a key figure in the international swing event forum having created veritable institutions such as the NADC, Summer Hummer and New Year's Extravaganza also known as "Danvers", even though it changed location this year. In this sense and by his desire to create environments that are ideal for dancers to interact across all styles and preferences in a respectful and fun packed atmosphere, he is a key influence for the organizers of the CSC and we are very glad to welcome him again this year. Of course, he'll also be supplying his floors for us once again.
 

SPECIAL GUESTS and BONUS INSTRUCTORS

Jenna Stworzyjanek http://www.bigcityswing.com(Chicago, IL)

 
Jenna met Lindy Hop in 2003 and it as love at first sight. She admired the artistry and athleticism of the dance and quickly took her relationship with Lindy Hop to the next level, performing Lindy Hop - in public no less - with Big City Swing's performance team and teaching Lindy Hop at the University of Chicago. What began as a torrid affair settled into a comfortable "going steady" relationship and eventually they settled down together at Big City Swing in Chicago, where she has developed a reputation for her insight, patience, and ability to instill confidence in her students.  She also works as the Program Director and trains the troupe for corporate performances.

Jenna has also had the opportunity to teach students all over the country and has become and accomplished competitor, winning many regional and national titles. Many leads admire her playful, creative style, and her really big....uh...swivels.

This will be Jenna's first time with CSC, so let's give it our best shot and make her comfortable so that we can look forward to also becoming one of her long term special affairs!


Nicolas Deniau (France) http://deniaunicolas.com

 
Nicolas and Matleena have been dancing together since late 2009. They were ranked 4th in the first Boogie Woogie world cup in 2010 in Austria, following their 5th and 6th place in world championship and several finals with their previous partners. Matleena is from Northern Finland, Nicolas from Southern France and currently teaching and dancing in Paris. They specialize in Boogie Woogie, however they have been dancing and teaching Lindy Hop and others Swing all around Europe.Their unique and joyful style, leaves a pleasant taste.

 

Kelly Arsenault (San Francisco CA) http://deniaunicolas.com

 
Kelly Arsenault is a native of Knoxville, Tennessee, and she has been dancing as long as she can remember. As a child she took ballet and jazz, but she was especially drawn to modern dance. At age 11, Kelly joined the Tennessee Children's Dance Ensemble. She was with the modern dance company for 6 years, performing around the globe including Taiwan, Singapore, and Indonesia.

Kelly attended the University of Tennessee (Go Vols!) from 1997-2001, during which time she was a member of the UT Dance Company. One highlight from those days was being chosen to perform with the company at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC in 1998. Her time in college opened her eyes to a variety of modern dance styles and techniques including Graham, Horton, and Limon. Even after graduating, Kelly came back to perform with UTDC and she was commissioned to choreograph a piece for the company in 2003.

Following college Kelly joined Circle Modern Dance Company for which she was a dancer and choreographer. She also joined the Knoxville Swing Dance Association and took workshops whenever she had the chance. Finally in 2003, Kelly decided to bite the bullet and pursue her dance dreams in New York.

During her four-year residency in NY, Kelly joined two modern dance companies: Von Ussar Danceworks and MAD About Dance. She was also fortunate enough to meet her amazing dance partner Mickey Fortanasce. Since 2005, Kelly and Mickey have taught, competed, and traveled the world. Together they hold various titles including two-time International Balboa Champions. They have taught in the US, Canada, Germany, France, London, and Scotland. Kelly continues to pursue her love of dance and teaching in her new home city of Washington, DC.

 

Stephane Dominguez (Montpellier FRA)

 
Stephane Dominguez is an up and coming force in the West-Coast Swing world, he has been recently seen making his mark in events such as Swing Diego where he placed 2nd with his partner Estelle Bonnaire in Open Strictly Swing. As a teacher, he believes that although technique must be learned, what sets people apart is truly letting yourself go and feeling the music. This is where Stephane wants to take his students

 

Mickey Fortanasce (San Francisco CA)

 
Mickey Fortanasce has cast a shadow more than 5 syllables long over the Balboa world for the last few years. He avoids pumping gas while listening to 80s pop music so he intends to stay alive for a long time in order to keep blowing your mind with his patented moves like Magnum, or Blue Steel... Get ready to learn how to turn right in your Balboa when you ask him for a private!

 

Andrew Thigpen (Atlanta GA.) his opinion of CSC: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBGRUyJjufs

 
Andrew Thigpen was first exposed to the Lindy Hop back in 1998 but didn't actually develop rhythm until booty dancing in college. Since 2005 Andrew has developed a uniquely energetic style of swing dancing with a focus on fun and making his partner giggle. His only hope is to share his love of the dance and the energy it brings forth with as many people as possible.


Karen Turman (Paris, FRANCE - Santa-Barbara, CA)

 

Karen was first seen on stage at age 9 performing a tap dance to Lollipop in a striped leotard and has been dancing ever since (in fact, she can still be seen dancing around in a leotard from time to time). She discovered Lindy Hop during the Swing craze in 1998 and has never looked back.  Karen has since been having an amazing time performing and teaching in the US and Europe--she has won some stuff at competitions too, but she is most honored to have received the first ever Spirit of Lindy Hop award at both Camp Jitterbug in Seattle, WA (2005) and the International Lindy Hop Championships in Washington, DC (2010-with Andrew Thigpen).  Karen originally honed her dance skills in Minneapolis, MN and now currently resides in Santa Barbara, CA (when she's not in her favorite place on earth, Paris).
 
Andrew and Karen are basically the same person except Karen likes unicorns and rainbows while Andrew likes dragons and beer. All they want to do is dance the Lindy Hop and make each other laugh. Having fun is awesome. They hope you like awesome too.

 

 Oscar Hampton (Kansas City)



 Oscar started dancing four years ago because his girlfriend worked at a dance studio. Soon after, he realized that his love of dance and wanted to pursue it further. Since then he has won a National Championship and reached the All-Star level on the West Coast Swing circuit. He has also placed at many events across the nation including Boogie by the Bay, Capital Swing, Americas Classic, Dallas Dance, Meet Me in St Louis, The Boston Tea Party, The Chicago Classic, Swingtime in the Rockies and many more. As a Lindy Hop competitor, Oscar most recently made it into the top 30 in the worlds largest Jack and Jill competition (consisting of more than 200 leaders) at Frankie Mannings 95th Birthday celebration. In the upcoming competition year, Oscar will be competing with Samantha Ramirez in the Classic Division on West Coast Swing Circuit. Along with his intense competition schedule, Oscar has also been teaching for the past two years and loves every minute of it. In addition to West Coast Swing and Lindy Hop, he also teaches Partner Charleston, Solo Vernacular Jazz, aerials/airsteps, and East Coast Swing. Oscar is available for Workshops, Privates Lesson, and Choreography .


 Haider Khan (Dallas TX)


Haider got his first taste of West Coast Swing when he took a dance class at the university, but it wasn't until a first competition in 2005 that he fell in love with this dance. He has been competing nationally ever since while placing consistently in Jack n Jills, Strictly Swings and most recently in the Rising Star routine division. He currently compete in the All-Star Division. He draws the drive to compete from several years of soccer and cricket.

Haider loves West Coast Swing as it is unique and allows incorporation of many prominent dance forms and can be danced to many different genres of music. From the down home southern blues for those who crave a close, connected and sultry dance to the Top 40 charts of today with a more happy, energetic and hot appeal. Here he is in his own words: "I love to share my passion for this dance. I regularly teach privates and workshops in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. I thoroughly enjoy DJ'ing at our weekly dance on Wednesday nights and have DJ'ed national dance competition events. There is nothing more enjoyable than seeing a dance floor filled with smiles as you play their favorite tunes. I am available nationally for swing dance lessons and to DJ your local event."

 JanDi Kim JanDi in Montreal (Seoul - KOREA) 

JanDi Kim is (one of the most awesome social follows you will ever meet and...) a swing dance star in Seoul Korea and she has been teaching regularly all over Asia for the past few years. As with our own Annie Trudeau, she was an engineer before being introduced to swing and becoming a full time artist. Even though she was a complete unknown in the USA she managed to place third in Blues and Lindy-Hop at ULHS when she visited 3 YEARS AGO!!! In Korea, when you need a pro for TV or a performance for a large public... she is who you call... and... we have the pleasure of having her in Montreal for 3 months leading up to CSC.

Joy Arico (Rochester, NY)

 
Watching Joy Arico dance is like seeing music out on the floor. Joy dances like she has a gallon of moxy in her quart sized container and she knows just how to serve it. In 25 years of dancing Joy has loved cheerleading, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, as well as Balboa and Blues. Her exuberant love of dance is matched only by her attentiveness to technique and detail. Her number one goal in teaching is to share the LOVE of dance. Music should be the ultimate driving force of dance and she is focused on sharing ways to enhance the natural body response to music.

Joy recently moved back to Rochester from New York City where she was heavily involved with Jook Joint Shimmy Blues , BABBLE and Blues Blaze. In Rochester she and Steve Losh run Lady Luck Blues.  She has danced, competed and taught in virtually every major dance city in the United States including placing 1st in Jack & Jill at both Mile High Blues and Enter The Blues. She has been honored to teach with such incredible partners as Barry Douglas, Bryan Spellman, Damon Stone, Dan Repsch, Jae Wilson, Justin Hileman, Scott Blevins, Virgil Feineuer and  currently Steve Losh. 

 

Marty Klempner (Denver, CO)


One of the world's busiest Lindy and Balboa instructors, Marty has a reputation for clear and concise explanations in the classroom. He stresses connection through rhythmic dancing starting with a baseline of relaxation - regardless of the style of dance.

Marty has taught all over the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia, and since the fall of 2007 he has been residing in the beautiful Denver, CO.

 

Mike "The Girl" Legett (Cincinnati, OH) Mike's Website

 
Mike (the Girl) Legett is a full-time, utterly addicted dance junkie. She's traveled all over the US, teaching, DJing, and performing.  Best known for her blues dancing, she also loves lindy, charleston, balboa, and tango.

As an instructor, Mike combines an intuitive understanding of connection with an analytical speaking style to give her students technique, but also strives to challenge and inspire her students to push themselves further into the music. She aims to help leaders create artistic compositions that are clearly led; she wants follows to have the ability to be the completely literal follow, and the inspiration and freedom to be an imaginative and dynamic contributor. Above all else, she wants her students to develop the skills and artistic eye to make decisions for themselves, and to find their own voices.

--
Visit my website at: http://www.mikethegirl.com
"Curiosity is one of those insatiable passions that grow by gratification."  --Sarah Scott   

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