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Learn from champions dancers & guest teachers... (past instructors also pictured below)

2012-International Balboa Champions. Chris and Beth both started dancing in the Los Angeles area in 1998 and have been dancing, teaching, and competing together since they met in 2004. They are greatly influenced by the vintage dance styles made popular by the Southern California dancers in the 1930’s and 1940’s, and had the wonderful privilege of dancing with, and learning from, many of the first-generation Balboa dancers who grew up in Los Angeles during those early years. The time they spent with these incredible dancers and the countless hours they dedicated to studying vintage footage gave them a real passion for preserving the spirit and energy of the original dance. Their love for combining modern Balboa elements with fast footwork, classic lines and nifty slides keeps them in a state of perpetual rug-cutting bliss. Some of their recent competition wins include the National Jitterbug Championships at Camp Hollywood, the International Balboa Championships at Balboa Rendezvous and the North American Championships in San Francisco at SF Bal Fest.

International Balboa Champion
Jacob started swing dancing in June of 2003 and hasn't stopped since. He has won and placed in numerous National and International competitions. He enjoys teaching others the techniques he has learned over the years, including styling, connection and the feel of the different swing dances (Lindy Hop, Balboa, and Charleston).

Stephen Sayer is a dancer/instructor who is dedicated to preserving the great American partner jazz dances of the 1920's-1950's. Originally from Dayton, Ohio Steve began dancing in 1998 at the age of 16. Falling in love with lindy hop and other dances of the swing era he traveled to the east and west-coasts to dance, study and learn the different styles of swing dancing.

In 2005 he moved to Los Angeles and soon began teaching weekly at Joe's Bar and Grill in Burbank where he still teaches every Tuesday. In 2009 he began competing, winning many Los Angeles contests such as the Bayside Lindy Battle and the Paladino's Jitterbug contest. In 2010 and 2011 he won 1st place in the Collegiate Shag division at the National Jitterbug Championships with partner Fancy Dougherty. Also in 2011 he won 1st place with partner Chandrae Roettig at the National Jitterbug Championships, US Open, and 2012 Camp Jitterbug Strictly Lindy divisions.

Today Steven teaches weekly at Joe's in Burbank and at Madilyn Clark Studios in North Hollywood. He is also the host of Swing Revolution which holds dances and workshops the 2nd weekend of every month. He is committed to improving and pushing the limits of his own dancing as well as those who take his classes. His focus of connection to partner and music are what makes his dancing and teaching so unique.

International Balboa Champoion
Steve is an internationally acclaimed Champ famous for his phenomenal footwork, fun and creativity. Steve thrives on bringing his style of Balboa, Bal-Swing and Lindy Hop to dancers all over the globe (so far to England, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Hungary, France, Austria, Sweden & Canada and too many states to list). Steve with his former partner Heidi Salerno are the 2005 National Jitterbug Pro Balboa Division Champions (the first, and so far last, time nearly every Pro Bal dance couple competed in the same competition), the 2005 International Bal-Swing Champions (where the best from around the world competed for the cup) and the 2006 California Swing Dance Hall of Fame Rising & Nova Stars. 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.

Dabney Hopkins has been teaching, dancing, DJing, and competing for over 10 years. He is the organizer of The Kats Korner, the weekly Saturday night swing dance in Mesa, and the Phoenix Lindy Exchange. He has taught workshops in Florida, California, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, all over Arizona, and on Carnaval Cruise Lines. He has placed in various national swing dance competitions, including: Lindy-Hop at the National Jitterbug Championships, the Jack and Jill at the National Jitterbug Championships, the Balboa Contest at the National Jitterbug Championships, the Strictly Lindy at Lindy On The Rocks in Denver, and he was invited to participate in the invitation only Champions Jack and Jill at Lindy On The Rocks in Denver. He has also performed regularly for corporations and television. His passion is the original form of swing from the early twentieth century, and his goal is to spread these dances to keep

Karen Vizzard, first became enamored with Lindy Hop in 2003, when she was introduced to the dance at a Big Bad Voodoo Daddy concert in Santa Monica. Since then, she has dedicated herself to becoming an exceptional follow, as well as a versatile dancer with experience in Tap, Balboa, Collegiate Shag, and Solo and Partnered Charleston. Her competition experience includes, placing 1st in Utah’s 2007 Invitation Lindy Hop Jack & Jill, 2nd Place in the Pure Balboa Division at the 2008 San Francisco Balboa Battle, 4th place in the Collegiate Shag Division at The National Jitterbug Championship in 2009, and in October 2009 she was named the winner of the Los Angeles Fastest Feet Cup. At the 2009 San Francisco Balboa Battle Karen placed 1st in the Bal-Swing division, 2nd in the Blues division, 1st in the Shag division, and 1st in the “Same-sex Any Swing Goes” division. While attending school in Utah, Karen was a Lindy Hop instructor at Utah State and the University of Utah, and coached the Swing Team at Brigham Young University. Her other credits include performing with the Hollywood Hotshots, as well as being cast as a dancer in Katy Perry’s music video “Thinking of You” and being cast as a principle dancer for the episode “Static” on the TV show “Cold Case...

Morgan Day is owner and operator of CollegiateShag.com Morgan Day has been dancing since 2001, and regularly teaches at the Riverside Junction and the Sunday Swing Jam in Riverside, California. He has placed in many competitions at events such as: National Jitterbug Championships, the North American Open Shag Champ 2009(SF Bal Fest), the San Francisco Shag Jam, and Inspiration Weekend.

Most recently, Morgan was awarded the "Golden Budgie" trophy at Camp Hollywood 2011 for his Super Mario Bros Themes showcase performance. Video of Lindy Routine as Super Mario Brothers: Morgan Day (in red) & Emily Wigger (in green):

Jofflyn Valencia of Bobbysox Brigade
Jofflyn is an amazing Lindy Hop, Shag and 20's Charleston dancers. He has titles in 2005 and 2006 as Nor Cal Charleston Champion with former partner Amber Villa at SF Bal Fest.

The award-winning Bobbysox Brigade is a non-profit (umbrella division of Kings and Clowns – 501-c3 #2237358), professional performance troupe specializing in dances from the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. From Ventura to San Diego, its members represent the best of what the Southern California swing dance community has to offer.

Since its inception in 2003, the Bobbysox Brigade has competed and performed at several world-renowned events:

Ray Hirsch (San Francisco)
Lindy Hop & Collegiate Shag Old Timer!
Spunky barely describes this youth from the heyday of swing! This Legendary Lindy Hopper and 1930's-40's silver screen featured dancer will dance, tap and talk his way into your heart! (Ray Hirsch pictured above dancing with Judy Garland & here as Mickey Rooney plays drums.)

A Few Films he is featured in are:
1939-Blondie Meets The Boss
1940-Mad Youth
1941-Buck Privates
just to name a few...

Kelly Arsenalt & Mickey Fortanasce
2007 North American Balboa Swing Champions
2006/2007 International Bal-Swing Champions
2007 Canadian Balboa Champions (Fast Bal)
2006 Strictly Lindy Champs (Boston Tea Party)

Lila Desatoff & Burnie (more info below...)

Lila Desatoff (Anaheim)
Life & dance partner of the late great Willie Desatoff.
Fixture in the Southern California swing dance community as a "mid-timer" learning from Dean Collins and other greats!
Clip of Lila & Willie dancing with Willie commentary:
http://video.blessedfeet.com/clips/2004/willie-comments.html

Burnie Gipson (San Francisco)
Organizor of the SF Bal Fest, Swingdependance Weekend, North American Open & Northern California Open Swing Championships. MORE BELOW!

Brian Lee(OC)
Nor Am Balboa Jack Champion
Hollywood HotShots

Steve Garrett & Heidi Salerno (Los Angeles)
2006 California Swing Dance Hall of Fame Inductee's
2005 National Jitterbug Championships (Pro Bal)
2005 1st International Bal-Swing Champions
Our inspiration for the Festival! You got to see them to believe it!

Todd Yanacone
American Lindy Hop, Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown, & National Jitterbug Champions.

Randy Maestretti & Kara Britt (San Francisco)
American Classic Balboa Champs
All Balboa Pro Jack Champion

Josh & Emily McLaughlin (Portland)
2009 Jack & Jill Seattle Balboa Festival Champs
2008 She was First in Nor Am Same Sex Champion
2007 Oregon Dance Fair’s Lindy Champs

Nate Sartain & Tertia Miyashira (San Diego)
2008 North American Balboa Champions, SF Bal Fest
1999 Jitterbug Jam Champion (Nate)
2002 National Jitterbug Championships, 2nd place.
2004 California Balboa Championships, 3rd place
2005 International Balboa Jack Champion
2005 Nor Cal Bal, 2nd place, SF Bal Fest
2005 Nor Cal Lindy, 2nd place, SF Bal Fest
2005 Favorite Balboa Swing Dancers, SF Bal Fest Audience Ballot
2005 American Classic Balboa Championships Jack, 2nd place 2002-2003 Nate was a member of the Rhythm Rollers, a high energy Balboa troupe based out of L.A.
Tertia is currently recognized by the state of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing as a seasoned educator of visual & performing arts.

Minn Vo & Katie Mae Anderson watch utube (OC)
2008 Nor Am Lindy Champion
2008 World Swing Dance
Champions
2008 Winners of the Viejas $10k Swing Challenge.
“Dancing with the stars”.
“G.I.JOE”
Jonas Brother music video “Love Bug”
Katie Perry’s music video “Thinking of You”

He: 1st Cal Bal Champion (3 times winner with Corina Acosta)
Harlam Jazz World Lindy Champ (twice)
with teaching partner Katie Anderson
2008 World Swing Champion
2005 National Jitterbug Champion
2004 Ultimate Lindy Showdown Champ
2003 American Lindy Hop Champion
& an amazing Shagger too!

She: member of Kairos DanceCompany and Art Impact Dance. Specializing in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, and
Irish dance, Katie has studied under Tap masters and dance legends.

Sylvia Sykes & Jonathan Bixby
The folks whose names are synonymous with Balboa!
Inductee into our Dancers Choice-International Swing Dance Hall of Fame
Inductee into the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame
Two-time Southern California Balboa Champion
Jonathan was the first to perform Lindy Hop at the first Gay Games!

Freda Angela Wyckoff
Freda says she has danced at every nightclub and ballroom in Southern California since the 1930's including the Balboa Pavilion Freda is still active today in the swing dance community and goes to Balboa Rendevous and Camp Hollywood frequently! She says she has won over a thousand swing dance contests over the years and has been a featured dancer in many swing movies in the 1940's and 1950's. Freda's main partner was George Christopherson, but say's she never really had a regular partner.
A Few Films she is featured in are:
1944-Four Jills in a Jeep
1945-Twice Blessed
1946-Junior Prom, Teenagers At The
1954-Untammed Youth
1954-Living It Up
1956-Rock Around The Clock
1956-Don't Knock The Rock
1956-Bundle Of Joy
1957-Carnival Rock
1959-Juke Box Rhythm
1982-Bobby McGee's Dance Party (TV)

Dean Raftery
One of the True Masters of the Dance who danced at Balboa Pavilion in the 1930's. Having been coerced into teaching at many current day Balboa Events he keeps the energy of swing alive! He continues to dance in Southern California and never misses the Balboa Rendevous!

Alison Scola & Joel Plys
2004 American Lindy Hop Champion Fast Dance Champions
Him: Organizer of the Balboa Rendezvous home of the International Balboa Championships & Balboa Followers Festival!

Amber Villa & Jofflyn Valencia (OC)
2005/06 Nor Cal Charleston Champs
Founders of Bobbysocks Brigade!

Brenda CK Collins
2007-2008 Nor Am Same Sex Swing Champ
2007 1st place Bal Jill @ SF Bal Fest

Catrine Ljunggren (San Francisco)
Original Swedish Swingers responsible for bringing Frankie across the globe and original Rhythm Hot Shots founding member!

David Greybill
American Lindy Hop, U.S. Open, Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown, Virginia State Open, Georgia State Open, and Swingin' New England Champion

Daniel Newsome & Gabriella Cook (Seattle & Denver)
She: 1st International Balboa Champion (Gabby with Joon)
Nor Am Balboa Jill Champion
He: National Jitterbug Champ
Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown Champ
Midwest Lindy Fest Champ
Reno Dance Sensation Champ
Rhythmic Arts Festival Champ
Co-founded, choreographed and coached 23 Skidoo!

Emelie & Rebecka DecaVita (Sweeden)
Couple from Uppsala, Sweeden!
Won several competitions both together and individually (i.a. Stockholm Open & Sweden Balboa Weekend to name a few). Perform in 'Swingkatten' and 'Swedish Swing Society', the two largest swing dance associations in Sweden. Teach Black Bottom, Breakaway, Collegiate Shag, Balboa, Swing, Shag, Big Apple & more info below!

Laura Keat & Jeremy Oth
2007 US Open "Fast Dance" Champs
2007 North American Lindy Champs
2006 Northern California Bal Champs

Maryse Lebeau & Zack Richard
2007 Strictly Balboa Champions-Canadian Swing Championships
2004, '05, '06, '07 Showcase-Canadian Swing Championships

Lynne Jassem (SF)
Six national tours encompassing: Lincoln Centre’s Alice Tully Hall and Avery Fisher Hall, Kennedy Centre, Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops in an appearance on PBS Television, Candid Camera appearances, a White House performance for President Ford. Worked with Jim Hansen and Frank Oz! Choreographer and performer: Copa Cabana Club, Waldorf Astoria, Hilton, Plaza Hotels, NYC and appeared on PBS television special with Gegory Hines! Studied & performed with Tap masters and legends.

Sheri Kang & Ben Yau
(filling in when they can...)
2005 National Jitterbug Showcase Champions
2005 ALHC qualifier-NE Lindy Hop Champions

Yon Richner & Nathan Dias (San Francisco)
Northern California Lindy Hop Champions
Her:
2009 National Jitterbug Championships, Camp Hollywood,
amateur jill, 1st place

2009 boogie by the bay, jill, 1st place

More on Burnie
Organizor of the SF Bal Fest, Swingdependance Weekend, North American Open & Northern California Open Swing Championships.
Burnie is well versed in many styles of Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa Swing, Collegiate Shag, Carolina Shag, Saint Louis Shag, Salsa, and bunches of Ballroom dances. (Lindy Hop is shortened to Swing to fit)...
2009 Teacher Swingn with the Stars, Phoenix, AZ
2009 Teacher & Head Judge in Buenos Aires, Argentina (LHIAF)
2000-2009 Swing, Salsa & Ballroom Teacher classes in studio @ Live Art Gallery.
2000-2009 Choreographer for Troupe.
2009 Tabulator International Balboa Championships, Bal Rendevous.
2008 SFLX committee member.
2008 Teacher Istanbul to Ankara, Turkey @ Vintage Swing Workshops with Burnie.
2008 1st to compete in International Lindy Champonships (ILHC) w/same gender partner.
2008 California Same Sex Lindy Hop Champion.
2008 Lindy Hop Teacher University of California San Francisco.
2008 Troupe class teacher, Tuesday Night Jump Verdi Club.
2008 Teacher Swing'n with the Stars, Phoenix, AZ.
2007 1st North American to teach Bal plus Head Judge in
Buenos Aires, Argentina at Lindy Hop International Argentine Festival (LHIAF).
2007 American Same Sex Swing Champion.
2007 Swing Performer Sutter Health.
2007 Teacher & trainee Vima Dance Ballroom, San Francisco.
2006 Swing Performer Sutter Health.
2006 Nor Cal Same Sex Balboa Champion.
2005 California Same Sex Swing Champion.
2005 Judge Team Challenge Swing Central, Redwood City
2002-2005 Various California Same Sex Dance Champion titles...
2002 Balboa Swing & Collegiate Shag teacher Metronome Ballroom.
2001 Dance Teacher Training College.
His mom says he was conceived on Balboa Island (eeww)