Swing in the Colony Instructors
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Nick WilliamsNick 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. He has won many contests at events such as the American Lindy Hop Championships, National Jitterbug Championships, California Balboa Championships, American Classic Balboa Championships and Ultimate Lindy Hop Championships. His inspiration for the dances comes from a desire for accurate authentication, and can be seen in his great lines, general presence and command on the dance floor. Above all, he exhibits musicality, creativity, and continuity. Nick is a true leader for the next generation of swing dancers, as well as an accomplished choreographer. He is also co-founder of The Rhythm Rollers.Website: www.bal-swing.com |
Sylvia SykesSylvia is California's premiere Swing Dance Instructor and Choreographer.Sylvia, an internationally recognized authority on most types of Swing Dance, has been teaching and judging for 20 years throughout the US, Europe, and Australia. Sylvia studied with the great 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. Website: www.sylviasykes.com |
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David Frutos and Kim CleverKim and David have been dancing and teaching together for seven years. In that time, they have taught throughout the U.S at camps including Camp Hollywood, and the U.S Open. They spent three years teaching at the famous Derby Club in Los Angeles, and now run their own club, The Juke Joint, in the L.A. area.As competitors, they have many titles, including 5 time U.S Open Lindy Hop Showcase finalists, recieving 1st place in 1998. Kim and David have been in much demand in Hollywood as choreographers, consultants, and performers. Their many credits include: David Lynchd Mulholland Dr, Disneys Pearl Harbor, Sonys 13th Floor, telivisions Everybody Loves Raymond, Alley McBeal, 90210, Brian Setzers Jump Jive an Wail music video, and the MTV awards. Website: pages.prodigy.net/kimclever |
Sean and Tonya MorrisSean and Tonya each became interested in Lindy Hop when they each started dancing in 1997. While living in Seattle, they taught workshops across the country, some of which include Boston, Hawaii, Los Angeles, Houston and Albuquerque. They also taught regularly throughout the Pacific NW, Los Angeles and 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. Website: www.jitterbugclub.com |
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Shesha Marvin and Nikki KlausShesha Marvin is president of The Orange County Swing Dance Club and runs one of the most successful swing dance scenes in the country teaching over 300 dancers a week and running 2 packed swing nights. He is also an avid tap dancer and is well known for his famous 101 hat tricks. Shesha has performed and toured with Hot Stop and Rhythm, a local dance team headed by Audrey Wilson, and Hop Star, a national corporate dance troupe. His movie and television work include dancing in The 13th Floor, Hang Time, and The Teacher Awards.Nikki is a leader in the Orange County Swing Dance Club and an organizer of The OC Lindy Exchange. She is a well-known performer, DJ and teacher of Lindy Hop in California. After taking first in the National Jitterbug Championships Pro-am her career has exploded. She continued on to win 1st at the Sugarfoot Stomp Off, 1st place at The California Girl Jam Jack and Jill, and 1st Place at TJ's Summer Swing Out. Her passion for lindy hop shows in her unique movement and energy on the dance floor. Website: www.ocswing.com |
Giselle AnguizolaGiselle is one of a kind. She has competed in the national scene for over four years, and has won championships at ALHC, ULHS, NADC, New Years Extravaganza, and the Rhythmic Arts Festival. She is an active organizer of the L.A./O.C. Binge and co-founder of the line dance "Hot Pockets".As a judge, instructor, DJ, choreographer, and performer, she strives to preserve the art form known as American Vernacular Dance. Giselle is an all around dancer that focuses on Lindy Hop, Jazz Movement, and Charleston. To her, these dances were created to provide a freedom of expression through the means of body improvisations, directly correlating with the improvisation of Jazz Music. She sees dancing as a communication between two people, equally important, and would like to see follows express their OWN style and creativity. Around the country, she is known for her intricate footwork, spontaneity, style, and creative vibe. Out on the dance floor her love for jazz music and dance create a synergy of uniqueness and free spirit. She hopes to inspire others to feel the music and search for their own expression through dance. Website: www.jazzinthekeyofg.com |
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Jesse and Candy GearhartJesse and Candy have been dancing together for 6 years. They have brought thier love of the dance to Atascadero and San Luis Obispo for 4 years by holding a free weekly venue on Mondays at Madonna Inn, providing free lessons, and establishing a website as the hub for swing dance information on the central coast. Thier dancing philosophy is in the preservation of Lindy Hop, priding themselves on connection and smoothness. They believe that foundation is the key to great dancing. Over the years Jesse and Candy have placed in national events such as Jitterbug Jam and the National Jitterbug Contest.Jesse is also a swing DJ, dedicated to vintage era music, and host of the SwingCat's Ball radio program on KCBX FM 90.1. Website: www.sloswing.com |