LindyGroove Instructors:
Jeremy Cook (a.k.a.
J.C.) Has been dancing lindy hop since 1991 and teaching since 1997. Learing to dance
first from Jonathan Bixby and Silvia Sykes, he has also studied with PBDA, Steven
Mitchell, Ryan Francois, The Rhythm Hotshots, Frankie Manning, and many others. J.C.,
though Savoy style at heart, dances a unique blend of different lindy hop styles. A vital
dancer and teacher in the Sacramento/Davis swing scene, J.C. taught and DJed at many local
venues. In 1999, J.C. left Northern California to take a Lindy hop specialist/dancer
position in the Broadway-style show, "Work That Skirt" at the Reno Hilton, which
ran for the year 2000. Now back at home in LA, JC continues to teach and promote Lindy hop
and DJ at clubs, camps and exchanges locally and nationally.
Sam Chan (aka LindySam) has a wide variety of experience and mentors including Jazz, Tap, and Salsa. He has been a member of many swing dance troupes over the years and loves to learn as well as teach. Sam has been a member of the national award winning Swing Troupe Super-Cali-Lindy-Licious as well as the award-winning One2Swing Jitterbugs. He has also placed in many of the local and national dance competitions. Sam is currently a sought after guest teacher for many swing dance clubs and is excited to be teaching regular weekly classes at LindyGroove.
Vicky Chan first fell in love with
Lindy Hop when she enrolled in a Ballroom dancing class at UCI with Audry Wilson in 1996.
She loved the dance so much that she founded the UCI Swing Dance club in 1997 with fellow
students and began teaching and spreading the joy of the dance on campus. Over the years,
she has discovered the joy in other dances such as Salsa, cha cha and WCS. Vicky is
now retired as a swing instructor, but still goes out dancing frequently.
Tise Chao started her dance education in her early years. Not only is she
skilled in Jazz, Salsa, and Flamenco, but also taken up Swing since 1997. Her swing
repertoire includes Smooth Style Lindy Hop, Collegiate Shag, Balboa, East and West Coast
Swing. She has appeared in numerous music videos, film, and live performances. She has
consistently placed top three and won many awards in dance competitions at the national
level, her most recent wins include 1st in the Shag Jam at Camp Hollywood 2001, and 1st in
the Shag Division at the National Jitterbug Championship 2002. Aside from performing
and competing, Tise is also the founder and manager of the Rhythm Rollers, a Southern
California based dance team. Tise provides her Swing expertise by providing both group and
individual private lessons in Southern California, and throughout the country at major
dance camps and events. Tise is dedicated in preserving and innovating the dance, and
bringing the spirit and fun to everyone, and hope to inspire other dancers find their own
sense of style and grace, and spread her knowledge, joy, and energy to people who
appreciate the fine art of dance.
Jasmine
Cheung started dancing at UCLA, where she headed the university's swing
club. She has performed at various events and is a member of the One2Swing Jitterbugs. She
teaches weekly classes and at clubs and events in the Los Angeles area.
Adam Fernandes recently relocated
to Southern California from San Francisco. He has appeared in numerous music videos,
television spots, and has performed for several public and private events. He began
teaching Lindy 5 years ago in the fledging dance communities of San Jose and Santa Cruz,
and continued to teach throughout the SF bay area until his recent departure.
Neil Figuracion has
been dancing, teaching, eating and breathing the Lindy Hop and other related jazz dances
for the better part of a decade. He's an eclectic sort, who feels that Lindy Hop is a
living dance yet that it is most vital to keep a strong connection to its roots. He'd like
to challenge all jitterbugs to dance to and enjoy a variety of music; lightning fast to
soul-searingly slow, old scratchy records through to the latest mp3s and as much live
music as they can possibly afford to support.
He can't stop teaching. He's relentless. He plays board games every night after the
birthday dance. Come look for him.
You can read the things that are on his mind at ideasthatglow.blogspot.com
Peter
Flahiff and Jen Greer bring loads of enthusiasm
and skill to their teaching and dancing. As partners, they have a smoothness and style
that sets them apart on any dance floor. They have been teaching group classes and private
lessons together since 2004 and LOVE teaching the intermediate classes at the world famous
LindyGroove once a month! Peter has been teaching and dancing for quite a while, and Jen's
fabulous skills and infectious love of swing dancing has made her one of the top follows
anywhere -- Their classes are always a blast and filled with great moves and technique.
Don't miss a chance to learn from these wonderful teachers!
Carol & Tony Fraser
Carol has over 20 years of formal dance training in ballet, tap and
jazz. She began her dancing career when she was 3 years old and performed in numerous
troupes throughout the US. Since then, she's taken to swing dancing like a Turkish Van to
water. Her awards are too numerous to list.
Tony is one the founders of the Varsity
Swing dance troupe and has been on several other troupes in his dance career. When
he's not practicing a routine or rock climbing, he's probably on the phone with his
clients discussing the next three generations of internet technology.
Details and workshop info at: http://www.tonyandcarol.com.
Patrick Fredrickson
Bio and photo coming soon...
Steve & Heidi
Thrive on bringing their style of Balboa, Bal-Swing and Lindy Hop to
dancers all over the globe. Steve & Heidi are the 2005 National Jitterbug Pro Balboa
Division Champions , the 2005 International Bal-Swing Champions and the 2006 California
Swing Dance Hall of Fame Rising & Nova Stars, but much more important they are superb
swing dance instructors sought after for classes, workshops and private lessons worldwide.
With over 20 years of combined teaching experience, Steve & Heidi not only bring their
knowledge of the way Balboa & LA Style Swing was originally done in the 30's &
40's but also bring lots of fun and exciting moves they have created and innovated over
the years, combining LA Swing and Savoy styles with Balboa.http://www.steveandheidi.com
Debbie Gitt
Born and bred in Southern California, Debbie has fast become one of Los Angeles' favorite
followers, known for her unique and innovative styling, creative musicality, and high
energy on the social and competitive dance floor. She began dancing the lindy hop in 1997,
and has had the privilege of training, competing, and performing different styles and
techniques of lindy hop with dancers all over the United States and Europe. Continuing to
add to her repertoire of crazy yet musical styling variations, Debbie has also trained
under many of the top Westcoast Swing Dance and Carolina Shag Dance Champions.
Here in LA, Debbie is one of the key players in maintaining the world renown dance venue,
LindyGroove. She can be found there every Thursday night teaching the beginning lindy hop
lesson with JC at 7:30pm. Once a month Debbie also teaches a Follower's Workshop
(follower's only!) for follower's that want to pursue becoming an 'active follower'.
Debbie is the 2002 American Lindy Hop Championship's 'Classic Division' Champion, and was
the 1st place champion in the Strictly Lindy Division at Boogie By the Bay 2002 and 2003.
In 2003 she was runner up in Strictly Lindy at the US Open Swing Dance Championships, and
most recently at the 2004 National Jitterbug Championships she received 2nd place in the
Pro Lindy Division and 3rd place in the Pro Jack and Jill division. You can reach her by
email at kickindeb@yahoo.com
Dave Graybill has been
lindy hopping since 1994, and teaching since 1998. He has become an American Lindy Hop,
U.S. Open, Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown, Virginia State Open, Georgia State Open, and
Swingin' New England Champion over the past 10 years and still tries to push the envelope
of Lindy Hop in competition every chance he gets. He has taught in Asia, Europe, and all
over the United States... and now calls Los Angeles his home, where he teaches, DJ's, and
dances at Lindygroove and several other locations around Southern California. He's a nice
guy, ask him to dance...
Tunde Hrotko began her dancing career at a young age as a Hungarian folk dancer. Later on, her talent for the dance of her people helped her transition smoothly into swing dancing. Tunde has placed in many local and national competitions, and was a member of the swing dance teams “Keep ‘Em Flying” and “The Hollywood Hornets”, a three time National Jitterbug Championship team.
Ben Morris maintaining an uncommon dualism with West Coast Swing and
Lindy, Ben is a champion West Coast dancer and received the Spirit of Lindy Hop
award at the 2004 National Jitterbug Championships. He moved from Colorado to
Westwood in the fall of 2004 to attend UCLA. www.benandmelina.com
Dax
Hock Originally from San Diego, CA He has been teaching, competing, and
performing internationally for the past seven years. Highly regarded for his teaching
abilities, creativity and energetic performances, Dax is now based in Osaka Japan. For the
past 4 years he has worked professionally as a performer/dancer/choreographer. Dax focuses
mostly on basic fundamental principals that make up not just swing, but dancing as a
whole. Students learn the art of connection-based movements, while emphasizing swingin'
body movement and rhythms.
He is the 2003 US Open Swing Dance Champion, the leader of N'Back, and the founder of Mecha Kucha Swing.
Sean and Tonya Morris Each became
interested in Lindy Hop when they each started dancing in 1997. They have taught workshops
across the country, some of which include Seattle, Boston, Hawaii, Los Angeles, Houston,
Nashville, Reno and Albuquerque. They have also taught internationally throughout Canada
and were featured instructors in Melbourne, Australia in 2003 and 2004. Sean & Tonya
got married in August 2004 and currently reside in Los Angeles, CA. Sean & Tonya run a
Monday night lindy hop & charleston venue in LA called Sugarfoot Stomp where Tonya is
a house dj.
Sean and Tonya are recognized for their creativity and tight technique while blending the
elements of musicality and maintaining the roots of early Lindy Hop and Charleston. Their
energetic and often comical teaching style makes their classes unique and enjoyable while
effectively breaking down the material.
www.jitterbugclub.com
Mikey Pedroza has been dancing and
performing for 7 years. He is dedicated to the understanding and preservation of the
classic American dances Charleston, Lindy Hop, Balboa, Shag, and Traditional Blues.
In addition to teaching at many national, swing dance, instructional weekends Mike has won
many national level competitions in such places as: Los Angeles, Cleveland, Nashville,
Seattle, Denver, Hawaii, Minneapolis, New York, Stamford, and Phoenix. His teaching
focuses on lead and follow techniques with a focus on connection, body leading and
movement and frame.
Roy Samson is a local Los Angeles dancer who
induces smiles from people he dances with or those who are simply watching him dance. He
started dancing Filipino cultural dances with Sining Ginto (Golden Theater) and learned
other ballroom dances from all the "Aunties" and "Uncles" at family
parties. After learning his first swingout in 2001, he caught the jitterbug and never
recovered. He continues to perform and compete with Ben and Sheri's "One 2 Swing
Jitterbugs" earning both 1st and 2nd place at the National Jitterbug Championships
2008 team division. He also performs with the Hollywood Hotshots and has shared the stage
with bands such as Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Mora's Modern Rhythmists, Steve Lucky and the
Rhumba Bums and others.
Kristin Sorci (Bio and photo coming
soon)
Doug Silton began dancing in 1992 and since 1999, he has been teaching, competing, and performing internationally. Doug is a three-time American Lindy Hop Champion (2001 Strictly Division, 2002 Classic Division, 2006 Blues Division), a 2-Time World Swing Dance Champion, and is a top competitor on the Lindy Hop circuit, NASDE West Coast Swing tour, and in CSA Carolina Shag competitions. Doug is the only competitor to ever be a finalist in Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing, and Carolina Shag in the same year at the US Open Swing Dance Championships (2002).
Doug is the co-founder of LindyGroove in Pasadena, CA, currently the nation's largest weekly Swing/Lindy Hop dance venue, teaching his popular (and free) Connection & Musicality class most Thursdays. Doug also teaches 8-week sessions at Caltech in Pasadena, Group Lessons at his Studio On Cliff Dr., and private lessons daily.
In his teaching, Doug focuses on connection, centering, and musicality, footwork, and lead/follow techniques, incorporating various aspects of his favorite dances: Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing, Carolina Shag, Salsa, Hip-Hop, Blues, Bachata, Breakdancing, and Balboa. For his Los Angeles schedule or his national travel/tour schedule and to purchase videos, see www.dougsilton.com
Peter Loggins Born
and raised in Los Angeles California, Peter is undoubtedly one of the most knowledgeable
people on the history of authentic Jazz dance. He has traveled all over world doing
workshops, lectures, film presentations and judging major competitions. As a historian his
focus has been on the origins of American dance and their evolution through time, the
music that feeds them and the cultures that caused them. As a dancer he has learned from
the originators of these dances "I was fortunate to learn from some the greatest that
ever lived, the fact they created it and shared what it meant to them, I will always be in
debt and will continue to spread what they generously gave me". During the swing
movement of the 1990's Peter helped put the Los Angeles scene on the map by bringing back
onto the social dance floors, dances such as the Balboa, Collegiate shag and Charleston.
During these years he is also credited as reintroducing the Dean Collins Shim sham as well
as earlier styles of Lindy Hop which has since become a international
Ryan Francois and Jenny Thomas Legendary
Dance partners for 8 years, they most recently starred in the Broadway Musical
"Swing". The Musical was nominated for 6 Tony awards including Best Musical and
Best Choreography. Ryan as Associate choreographer and Jenny as assistant contributed most
of the choreography to the show, earning them lasting respect from the cast and the
Broadway community. They have appeared at the Tony Awards, Macy's Thanks Giving Day Parade
and the Rosie O' Donnell Show performing Ryan's popular finale number 'Sing Sing Sing'.
They have also appeared as special guest artists with Wynton Marsalis and The Lincoln
Center Jazz Orchestra. Known as one of the top Lindy Hop couples in the world, they have
taught master classes Worldwide. They were American Swing Dance and U.S. Open Swing Dance
Champions (Lindy Division) in 1997 though they are not ready to give up their competition
shoes just yet. So watch out all you Lindy competitors out there!
Jenny has been dancing since the age of 4. In her teens she was All England Tap Champion
for 3 consecutive years. She then went onto performing arts school and soon after
graduating joined the London cast of Andrew Lloyd Webbers "Song and Dance".
After appearances in West End Musicals, television and theatre, she joined Ryan's Dance
Company "Zoots and Spangles", which Ryan founded in 1987.
Ryan started dancing at 18. A self taught dancer he honed his skills watching old film
footage of his dance hero's such as Whitey's Lindy hoppers, Fred Astaire and The Nicholas
Bros. He danced in the Spike Lee Movie 'Malcolm X' and was a choreographer of the cult
movie classic 'Swing Kids'. His Dance Company has appeared in TV specials, commercials,
Music Videos and countless theatre productions.
www.ryanandjenny.com
Jason Vaughan is a local Los Angeles dancer who inspires
people with his high flying aerials and his passionate movement on blues tunes. Along with
competing and placing in many local and national competitions, Jason performed with the
highly acclaimed team, SuperCaliLindyLicious, winning 2nd place at the National Jitterbug
Championships, 1st place at the American Lindy Hop Championships, and 1st place at the
U.S. Open in 2007. On the weekends he enjoys tasting cheese, singing Disney or Sound of
Music duets, quoting popular TV shows, making tasty treats, and attempting to be the
funniest person you know. Feel free to let him know how he's doing.
Minn
and Corina are without a doubt one of the fastest couples dancing in the
scene today. They are 1st place winners of the 2003 American Lindy Hop Championships, and
winners of the California Balboa Swing Championships, dancing their way to 1st place three
years in a row. They are two-time award winners of the U.S. Open Lindy Hop Championships,
and just recently took home the title of undefeated champion for the second time in a row
at the 2004 Hellzapoppin' U.S. Nationals.
Lisa Wade has been dancing lindy hop since 1998.
She learned how to dance in San Francisco and soon moved to Madison, Wisconsin where she
taught for six years. Lisa has placed in competitions at the MidAmerican Dance
Championships, the North Atlantic Dance Championships, and the American Lindy Hop
Championships; she has been an instructor at Midwest Lindyfest and Cowtown Jamborama; and
she judged the Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown for three years. She moved to LA in 2006. Her
classes at Lindy Groove focus on the way in which strong lead-follow technique facilitates
natural movement, interesting footwork, creative teamwork, and (good) surprises on the
dance floor. Lisa also enjoys teaching private lessons. Her privates emphasize
problem-solving, the fundamentals of lead/follow technique, and physics-based connection.
To inquire, she can be contacted at lwade@oxy.edu.
Courtney Widger is a local Los
Angeles/Orange County dancer whose groovy style, crazy hips and high flying aerials make
Courtney one of the best amateur follows this side of the Mississippi. Courtney has been
competing since 2006 and placing in many local and national competitions. She was also a
member of the highly acclaimed team, SuperCaliLindyLicious, winning 2nd place at the
National Jitterbug Championships, 1st place at the American Lindy Hop Championships, and
1st place at the U.S. Open in 2007. In addition to being one of LA's finest follows,
she is also in the process of getting her doctorate in Clinical Psychology. So, in a few
years, when you see her on the dance floor it will be: "Dr. Widger, may I have this
dance"?
Nick Williams has embodied the traditionalist style of swing dancing since 1998. He is known for his
"fast and fancy" footwork. His understanding of Lindy Hop, Collegiate Shag, and
Balboa come from learning from the original masters. His accomplishments thus far include:
2001 Jitterbug Jam, 2002 and 2003 National Jitterbug Championships, and the 2003 American
Lindy Hop Championships.
Todd Yanacone is one of Lindy Hop's fastest rising stars.
He is a well known social and competitive dancer on the national swing circuit. Todd is
known for his smooth style and musical creativity. He has consistently placed amongst the
top competitors at
numerous events across the United States. To highlight some of his more distinguished
awards, Todd is a champion at three of Lindy Hop's most prestigious competitions: the
American Lindy Hop Championships, the Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown, and the National
Jitterbug Championships.
Ben and Sheri Yau have long been known for their footwork,
creativity, and unique blend of Lindy Hop styles. (Is it Savoy? Hollywood? Hip-Hop? Ben
and Sheri say "Yes!"). They first came into the spotlight in 2000 in competition
placing 3rd at the 2000 American Lindy Hop Championships and 4th at the World Lindy Hop
Championships. Since then, they have enjoyed teaching and dancing in and out of Southern
California. As teachers, Ben and Sheri enjoy making their classes both fun and
entertaining (and of course educational!). http://www.one2swing.com
Daniel Young is an
internationally recognized Swing dancer and dance instructor. Since 2003, he has
performed, trained, and competed with top Swing dancers in Asia, North America, and
Europe. He has taught numerous workshops in Melbourne, Tokyo, Seoul, and Los Angeles
(where he now calls home). Currently he is a member of team One2Swing Jitterbugs, winning
1st place at the National Jitterbug Championships, 2nd place at the American Lindy Hop
Championships, and 2nd place at the U.S. Open in 2008. Daniel likes to make sure that his
students always feel challenged (but never overwhelmed). He believes that a good dance is
a metaphor for a good life -- simple and effortless.
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