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Read more about the article KAIANO LEVINE

KAIANO LEVINE

  • Post author:Kendra Zara
  • Post published:January 11, 2025
  • Post category:Deejay

Bio coming soon!

Continue ReadingKAIANO LEVINE
Read more about the article TONI CARROLL

TONI CARROLL

  • Post author:Kathleen Kroll Romana
  • Post published:January 7, 2025
  • Post category:Deejay

Toni met her husband 27 years ago while dancing, and together they fell in love with west coast swing. A few years later, the President of the local swing club…

Continue ReadingTONI CARROLL
Read more about the article STEVE PLAWINSKI
Steve Plawinski

STEVE PLAWINSKI

  • Post author:Kathleen Kroll Romana
  • Post published:January 7, 2025
  • Post category:Deejay

Bio coming soon!

Continue ReadingSTEVE PLAWINSKI
Read more about the article KATIE FALLON

KATIE FALLON

  • Post author:Kathleen Kroll Romana
  • Post published:January 7, 2025
  • Post category:Deejay

Katie Fallon is a West Coast Swing and Hustle DJ from Cleveland, Ohio, who loves sharing her passion for music. In 2011 she was introduced to the craft, trained by…

Continue ReadingKATIE FALLON
Read more about the article DON SCHANABERGER

DON SCHANABERGER

  • Post author:Kathleen Kroll Romana
  • Post published:January 7, 2025
  • Post category:Deejay

Bio coming soon!

Continue ReadingDON SCHANABERGER
Read more about the article TIM JOHNSON

TIM JOHNSON

  • Post author:Kathleen Kroll Romana
  • Post published:January 7, 2025
  • Post category:Deejay

Bio coming soon!

Continue ReadingTIM JOHNSON
Read more about the article EVAN SCHREIBER

EVAN SCHREIBER

  • Post author:Kathleen Kroll Romana
  • Post published:January 7, 2025
  • Post category:Deejay/Instructor/Judge

When Evan isn’t traveling around the country to dance socially and competitively, he regularly teaches WCS classes and DJs dances around Ohio. Since moving back in 2022 from Seattle to…

Continue ReadingEVAN SCHREIBER
Read more about the article ARJAY CENTENO
Arjay Centeno

ARJAY CENTENO

  • Post author:Kathleen Kroll Romana
  • Post published:January 7, 2025
  • Post category:Deejay/Instructor/Judge

West Coast Swing Champion, Arjay Centeno has been dancing almost all his life. His original background in the arts was playing 20 years as a professional classical violinist. He traveled…

Continue ReadingARJAY CENTENO
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Arjay Centeno

ARJAY CENTENO

Bio coming soon!
Robert Cordoba

Robert Cordoba

Bio coming soon!
Jen DeLuca

Jen DeLuca

Bio coming soon!
Glenn Ball

Glenn Ball

Glenn Ball is a movement-based creative with a vibrant career spanning over 19 years.

​His diverse work in performance, choreography, and creative direction has shaken iconic stages and screens the world over.

​Glenn has appeared in campaigns for Kylie Minogue, Lionel Richie, Take That, Jennifer Lopez, Scissor Sisters, and Mariah Carey, to name a few.

His choreography has elevated campaigns for international brands, including Nike and Monster Headphones.

Glenn was born in the UK, based in Texas, and continues to dance his way across the world as a choreographer, teacher, MC, and competitor.

Demery Leyva

Demery Leyva

At the age of 16, Line Dancing and Country Two Step brought Demery to the dance world. It wasn’t until many years later however that he was introduced to the West Coast Swing Dance Scene.

Demery is a Chief Judge at several swing events throughout the United States and Canada. When not acting as Chief Judge he also takes on the role of Assistant Chief Judge at many other events.

Demery strives to promote the dance he loves and create an environment where people want to learn.

Yvonne Antonacci

Yvonne Antonacci

Yvonne has been dancing, teaching and judging since the 1990s. She has served as a chief judge and judge at many events on the NASDE circuit and continues to stay active in the Chicago dance community.

Yvonne also has experience as an organizer and an event director. She was a key member in a group which started the first WCS dance club, the Chicago Rebels, in Chicago. As a member of the Chicago Rebels she was then instrumental in organizing and creating the Chicago Classic, the first WCS dance convention in the city and one of the original national events to join NASDE.

Besides Jack and Jill, Yvonne and her late husband Jim competed on a team that placed at the US Open.

Yvonne currently serves as the President of the WSDC.

Robert Royston

Robert Royston

Robert Royston’s professional career began on the competitive couples dance circuit in 1989. Quickly ascending the ranks, Robert successfully secured:

Eight (8) “U.S. Open Swing Dance Championship Titles” in 5 divisions
Six (6) “World Country Dance Championship Titles” in 2 division
Three (3) “USA Grand National Championships Titles” in 2 divisons
Numerous national titles in Hustle, Salsa, and Cabaret
Inducted into the “California Swing Dance Hall of Fame”
Became the youngest person inducted to the “UCWDC Country Dance Hall of Fame” in 2007
Inducted into National Boppers Hall of Fame 2014
US Open Walk of Legend inductee
Inductions into the “World Swing Dance Hall of Fame” and the “Living Legends of Dance Society” in 2011
This make him the only dancer ever inducted into all of these organizations.

Robert’s exciting, high energy original choreography gained the attention of producers of the Broadway musical, “Swing!” This led to:

Principle dancer performing his own choreography in the seven (7) time Tony nominated musical as a principle dancer
Became the assistant choreographer for the first National Tour of the production
Highlighted work in the production of “Gypsy of the Year on Broadway” at New York’s Palace Theatre and “Destination Groove,” a Choreographer’s Showcase
His choreography and performance garnered more attention in the New York workshop production of “Urban Cowboy.”
Royston co-created and produced the critically acclaimed show “SWANGO: The Musical” in 2002. The show ran in New York as a cabaret, leading to a full show with performances in NYC. Four (4) time Tony Award winner, Rupert Holmes, joined the creative team to write the script for the productions.

Other stage shows in which Royston performed or choreographed include:​

Neil Bergs’ “100 years of Broadway”
“Uncle Tom’s Cabin”
“Cheer, The Musical” (workshop)
“Fashion the Musical”
The RDC production of “StreetSwing”
Royston’s show, “One Ride,” which he choreographed and co-directed to critical acclaim in NYC.

Royston’s professional journey led him into the music video world as a choreographer. Some of the highlights:

Taylor Swift’s “Love Story,” won the 2009 CMA and CMT Videos of the Year
Midland “Mr Lonely”
Steel Magnolia’s “Last Night Again,” nominee for 2011 CMT Best Video
Gloriana’s “Wanna Take You Home”
The Band Perry’s “Hip To My Heart”
The Mavericks’ “Born to be Blue”
Waterloo Revival “Backwood Bump”
The Bellamy Brothers’ “Shine Them Buckles”
Roger Brown’s “Swing City”

Following the success of “Love Story” and choreographing Taylor Swift’s sold out, record breaking 2009 “Fearless” Tour, Royston’s career as performance coach, live tour director, and choreographer skyrocketed. Some of his tour work and staging for award shows include:

Taylor Swift 2009-2010 “Fearless” tour
Carly Rae Jepsen’s 2013 “This Kiss” tour
Brad Paisley (ACM’s)
Carrie Underwood (ACM’s)
Sugarland (CMA’s)
Miranda Lambert (ACM’s)
John Fogerty (ACM’s)
Brooks and Dunn (ACM’s)
Rascal Flatts (ACM’s) and their World Tour presentation of “Dance Y’all”
Steel Magnolia (ACA’s) plus live tour
Charlie Daniels (ACM’s)
Kellie Pickler (CMA)
Corey Kent (performance coach)
George Birge (performance coach)
Meghan Linsey (performance coach)
Hudson Moore (performance coach)
Rachel Wammack (performance Coach)
Taylor Felt “Live at the Bijou”

Royston’s work as a Choreographer and dancer has also been seen in many feature films:​​

Million Dollar Arm (Choreographer)
Love’n Dancing (Producer, Choreographer, Actor)
Gamer (Choreographer)
Crank, High Voltage (Choreographer)
Ask me to Dance (Choreographer)
Dance With Me (Dancer)

Additional Achievements:

Coached Ice Dance Champions and Olympians,
Produced the World Championships of Country Dance on GAC Network.
Bachelor Degree of Dance
Professional Dance Instructor Association Master certification
Longstanding member of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science

An internationally recognized emcee and the voice of the US Open for over 20 years, Royston created the Social Networking “Shout Out” for online viewers, making the world feel part of the event. At the USA Grand Nationals his emceeing twice earned him the People’s Choice Award “Entertainer of the Year”. With his current schedule, Royston acts as emcee at over 25 events worldwide.

Royston also teaches his Intensives on Dance Physics and Musicality all over the world in addition to judging and teaching many different styles of couples dancing while also running his own Production Company, Royston Method, in NYC. Above all, he is most proud of his children and feels being a Dad is his greatest journey.

Tim Johnson & Becky Larson

Tim Johnson & Becky Larson

Bio coming soon!
Adela Su

Adela Su

Adela is an All Star/Masters competitor, GPDIA certified dance instructor, judge, long-time volunteer (including past-President/Board of Director) with the Charlottesville Swing Dance Society (CSDS) and volunteer (Ombudsman Committee/Chair, Hall of Fame Committee) with the World Swing Dance Council (WSDC). At The Open Swing Dance Championships in 2022, Adela and husband Eddie (Advanced/Masters) were the recipients of the first Masters Community Inspiration Award. They have been teaching in Charlottesville/Central Virginia for 25+ years with a fondness for technique/drills instruction; they offer private lessons, hold group classes and host the occasional dance. Adela + Eddie study with the top professionals to improve their dancing and for teacher training, and enjoy sharing their knowledge and experiences with others.

Steve Plawinski

Steve Plawinski

Bio coming soon!

Stephanie Risser

Stephanie Risser’s dance journey began at a young age, starting with Ballet and progressing through Modern, Jazz, and Tap. She earned a BFA in Dance Pedagogy from the University of Hartford/School of the Hartford Ballet while teaching in Pennsylvania and Connecticut, which is where she began studying partner dancing. After a few years, she relocated to Philadelphia to direct a ballet program, and began teaching Ballroom and Latin. Transitioning from International Latin competitions to professional Hustle competitions marked a pivotal phase in her career. With numerous Hustle championships under her belt, she ventured into West Coast Swing, swiftly ascending to the All-Star level within a few years. Alongside Angela McCabe, Stephanie co-owns Sparklage Productions, organizing Swustlicious: The Ultimate Crossover Social, a renowned West Coast Swing and Hustle event for the past decade.

Stephanie’s instructional repertoire spans various dance forms including West Coast Swing, Hustle, American Smooth, American Rhythm, Ballet, Jazz, and Modern. In 2017, she relocated from Philadelphia to Charlotte and is currently teaching classes in the Lake Norman and Charlotte regions, while also traveling the country to compete, teach, and judge.

With nearly two decades of being a student of Pilates, Stephanie attained certification as an instructor, integrating her expertise in anatomy and fitness together with her dance knowledge. She is currently serving as the manager of the Mooresville studio and contributing to the development of the 15 to Fit Method™. She is also certified as a Franklin Method Lower Back Fascia Trainer. Stephanie’s comprehensive skill set and distinctive style make her a valuable resource for dance enthusiasts eager to learn.

Jason Miklic & Sophy Kdep

Jason Miklic & Sophy Kdep

Jason Miklic and Sophy Kdep discovered their shared passion for dance in 1998, igniting a love story that has since enchanted audiences nationwide. Constant promoters of West Coast Swing, their classes provide expert instruction in a fun and encouraging environment. From weekly lessons to choreography to performing and judging, these two pairs of feet know their way around every aspect of the dance world. Join them at Michigan Classic for an unforgettable dance experience and let their infectious passion for dance inspire and guide you.
Arjay Centeno

Arjay Centeno

West Coast Swing Champion, Arjay Centeno has been dancing almost all his life. His original background in the arts was playing 20 years as a professional classical violinist. He traveled the world with the symphony before finding a career in partner dancing. He is trained in International Standard and International Rhythm, Hip Hop, Jazz, Modern and Theater Arts. He’s proficient in almost every partner dance. In his 22 year WCS career he’s one of the fastest males to climb the circuit, he’s won many Jack and Jill’s and Strictly Swing competitions at the highest of Champion divisions, and is a many time champion of Classic and Showcase, as well as US Open champion in Teams and Strictly Swing.
He has choreographed numerous Line dances with Champion Line dancer Rachael McEnaney-White, one of which won a Crystal Boot Award.
Arjay has developed a reputation for his unique teaching style, his fun and playfulness on and off the floor, his innovative patterns and musicality.

Barry Douglas

Barry Douglas is a certified dance pro in all Ballroom and Latin venues as well as the US Hustle champion in 1995! Barry has a unique style of “Smooth and Groove” and he has choreographed and produced a variety of international productions across the globe. He developed a unique Movement Dynamics Method to help dancers train properly. He is a trainer, coach, choreographer and judge and has held over 35 state and regional dance championships in multiple styles across the US.
Sharole Lashe Negrete

Sharole Lashe Negrete

Sharole, a certified Open Swing Dance judge hailing from Vancouver, Canada, brings her expertise to dance floors around the globe. With years of experience, she serves as a judge and Chief Judge at international and regional events, evaluating a variety of dance forms such as West Coast Swing, Shag, Lindy, and Hustle.

Allison Landmichl

Alli B landed her very first MC gig back at Michigan Classic 2015 and is delighted that this event is back and thrilled to be a part of making it classy once again! She is so excited for Kendra and Ward to take the helm and wishes them every success! See you on the dance floor!
Abi Schneider

Abi Schneider

Abi’s diverse dance background consists of Lindy, Balboa, West Coast Swing, American Ballroom, Social Latin, Hustle and more! These all combine together to create a delightfully knowledgeable teacher with a gift for passing along information. She began dancing Lindy Hop in the middle of the Neo-Swing era in 1998 at the Derby in Hollywood. Growing up in Los Angeles, she always had interest in partner dancing because, as someone who had to lead in life, she aspired to understand what it meant to follow. After moving cross country to North Carolina in 2006, she discovered the West Coast Swing scene was more popular than the Lindy/Balboa scene and she craved the social aspect of community. Abi later moved to Huntsville, AL where she currently resides. Abi is amidst completion of her Bachelor’s degree and about to start a Master’s program. With little free time on her hands, she does manage to find time to enjoy crafting, cooking, playing the piano, and building with Legos. Abi was a musician before she became a dancer and lately, she has been going back to her roots of piano and singing. She played professionally until her mid-20s when her focus shifted to raising kids and dancing. Abi’s favorite aspect of dancing is the never-ending challenge; as she says, “There is always something to learn and improve on.”

Nathan Congrove

Nathan is a dedicated line dancer who embarked on his journey at the age of 15 under the guidance of renowned instructor Debbie Modesitt. With a fervent passion for line dancing, Nathan’s expertise has expanded to include various dance styles since relocating to Charleston three years ago. Beyond his dance proficiency, Nathan is an avid enthusiast of Disney and Dolly Parton, reflecting his diverse interests. Known for his infectious enthusiasm, Nathan takes joy in spreading smiles through his teaching, fostering a welcoming environment, and building connections with those who share his love for dance.

CHRIS & MELISSA MOY

Known for their entertaining style and emotionally captivating musicality, Chris and Melissa Moy are premier West Coast Swing Dance Instructors in the Ann Arbor and Metro Detroit area for over 10 years.

In 2021 they closed Monday Night Swing’s physical studio location after 7 wonderful years in Ann Arbor and converted to a pop-up studio supporting and promoting West Coast Swing, Hustle, and Country Two Step. Melissa and Chris offer a unique teaching experience focused on technique, purposeful practice and fun all while adapting their instruction technique to each student and fostering each dancer’s unique style. They are enthusiastic about growing Swing and Social Dance around Michigan and forming relationships with other dance communities. Chris and Melissa Moy are pleased to offer their instruction services for workshops, private lessons, group lessons, choreography and demonstrations.

Melissa and Chris can be regularly found teaching, or hosting at Second Saturday Swing in Michigan, and other local venues. To find out where they are dancing please visit miwcs.com, join their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MondayNightSwingDance, or email them at info@miwcs.com

TONI CARROLL

Toni met her husband 27 years ago while dancing, and together they fell in love with west coast swing. A few years later, the President of the local swing club asked Toni to DJ and, with his mentoring, she fell in love with playing music. Today, she DJs for two local WCS clubs in Columbus, Ohio and at JasonandSophy dance in Cincinnati, Ohio. She also plays for numerous local events and competitive events in the Midwest including; Swing City Chicago, Derby City Swing, Cincy Westie Bash, Ft. Wayne Dance for All, Swing Dance America, Michigan Classic, Indy Dance Explosion, Toronto Open Swing & Hustle Competition (TOSHC), Jammin’ in July, Chicagoland Dance Festival, Swingin’ Dance Party, Swing Pittsburgh, CASH Bash, Spotlight New Years Celebration, Meet me in St. Louis, Atlanta Swing Classic, Social Dance Mania Swustlicious.

Her goal as a DJ is to play music for all dancers. There is such a wide variety of tastes and she wants to make sure everyone is enjoying themselves, whether it is in a social or a competitive setting. Toni is a member of the Professional Swing DJ’s group. The goal is to share great music for the dance community.

Stacy O'Leyar

Stacy has been dancing & competing in West Coast Swing for 25+ years. The passion for West Coast began while living in WI and her group of friends decided to start the Wisconsin Rebels Dance Club. She was hooked, teaching, holding dances and traveling to compete! She later moved to OH where she now resides & became very involved with and sat on the board of the CASH Club where she learned even more about how clubs & events operate. In those 25+ years she had the privilege to travel all over the country and make amazing friends along the way! She was even able to dance with some of them to win some coveted awards including US Open Swing Dance Championship with the Midwest Rebels Team, The Tampa Bay Classic, US Grand Nationals & even the Michigan Classic. Stacy still has that passion for WCS and loves to dance and judge as her schedule allows.

PJ TURNER

PJ is a respected West Coast Swing dancer in the community and is one of the most approachable professionals in the business. He resides in Knoxville, Tennessee, but can be found social dancing, teaching, competing, judging, and performing around the world.

At the age of 10, he started his dancing journey in Clogging. Just a couple of years later, at 12 years old, he began line dancing at the local night club, Cotton Eyed Joe and at 14 years old, he found his passion for partner and couples dancing.

As an adult, PJ started traveling the Swing Circuit, competing in Jack and Jills and Strictly competitions, and sparking his NASDE tour mission; to become the NASDE tour Champion. During this time, he was the recipient of several social dance awards including the Prestigious Bob Preiss Social Dance Award from Swing Diego, Boogie by the Bay and River City Swing. In 2012, he achieved his goal and title of NASDE tour Champion! In 2013, he transitioned to competing in the Classic Swing Division in an Off-Broadway show in New York called Swango, and began competing in the Classic Swing Division, where he was a US Open finalist. In 2022, PJ started competing in the UCWDC as a Country Professional, winning a World Title in the Pro/Pro Division. Competing with his new dance partner, Mia Pastor, the two of them took 2nd Place at The Open Swing Dance Championships in the Showcase Division.

With his big cheesy grin and down to earth personality, you will have a great time with him at any event. Make sure you’re ready for him “BOOM MOMENTS” because they will blow you away! Though he may talk a little funny, his southern charm will bring a smile to your face. He is easy to find on the social floor, simply look for him with his backwards hat. He is incredibly approachable and his animated dance style will make dancers of all levels have an outstanding dance with him.

NELSON CLARKE

BIO COMING SOON!

MIA PASTOR

Mia grew up in Lima, Peru dancing socially at family parties. She knew at a very young age that dancing was going to be a big part of her life. She started dancing WCS in 2014. Since then, she has risen through the ranks to be a successful All Star competitor. In 2019 she stepped onto the Open Swing Championship floor for the first time and took home the win in the Rising Star Showcase Division with Jason Abner. In 2021, she was a principal dancer in the film “Ask Me to Dance”. Then in 2022, she partnered with Champion dancer PJ Turner to compete last minute in the Classic Division, placing top 8 at The Open and then coming in 2nd in Classic at MadJam 2023. This year hitting the floor in Showcase at the Open, she and PJ came in 2nd place.

Mia has been training with top professionals in WCS and other dances for many years through private lessons and many intensive weekends. Along the way she has become certified in The Franklin Method/Shared Center System, specializing in connection, as well as being a certified judge. She has competed, taught, judged, performed on stage and in film all over the world and is excited to be a part of the Michigan Classic this year.

JULIE AUCLAIR

BIO COMING SOON!

MATT AUCLAIR

BIO COMING SOON!

Ryan Dobbins

RYAN DOBBINS

Ryan starting out enjoying country line dancing at local establishments but soon began to gravitate toward the couples on the sides of the dance floor and found a new interest. While Ryan loves to dance multiple forms of partner dances, West Coast Swing and Hustle sparked a joy and drive that has not disappeared.

A few years later these dances have him traveling, teaching, judging, and competing as an All-Star dancer, as well as in Pro-Am competitions. You may have even seen him on the UCWDC circuit with some students. He strives to achieve, continuously learn, and apply new dance techniques. He is known for using his connection, body movements, and fun style to create enjoyable moments on the floor. While he may have a witty and playful teaching style, Ryan uses his solid background in education to help him teach beginning or seasoned dancers to connect, feel, understand, and utilize various techniques.

Most importantly, he makes sure students have a memorable and fun time wherever they choose to dance.

LAMARR WILLIFORD

Lamarr has been dancing since 2011. He began with Latin dance classes, taking Salsa, followed by Bachata. Shortly after, he started taking West Coast Swing. While Salsa continues to be a favorite, he became hooked on WCS. Lamarr has continued to improve his abilities by learning many other dances, including, Modern Hustle, Country 2 Step, Nightclub Two Step, and various Line Dances. After, a few routines, some competitions, and making his way through the ranks, Lamarr has shifted his focus on teaching and community building. He believes that, in order for dance to grow, community and exposure are very important. Lamarr has been praised for his attention to detail, and methodical and meticulous style of instruction. Now he focuses most of his time on spreading the joy of dance!

KRISTEN SHAW

Kristen fills many creative roles in the Swing community. She is known for producing dynamic, high-quality promotional event videos; as an All Star level WCS competitive dancer who has trained with many of the top WCS champions in the country; and as a DJ at local and national swing events.

Kristen continues to support and nurture the community as a dance instructor, deejay and event promoter. She is the new event director of Countdown Swing Boston and Summer Hummer.

KATIE FALLON

Katie Fallon is a West Coast Swing and Hustle DJ from Cleveland, Ohio, who loves sharing her passion for music. In 2011 she was introduced to the craft, trained by a fellow DJ and started DJing for local dances around Cleveland. Katie continues to travel to dances and national events around the United States and internationally.

Katie aims to create a unique groove when DJing at social dances and to inspire dancers when DJing at competitions.

JOHN LINDO

John Lindo is an invaluable presence at West Coast Swing Dance events – from international conventions to regional workshops, John teaches, judges, coaches, choreographs, and is one of the most sought-after DJs on the circuit. But all of that pales in comparison to the way John consistently wows crowds with his exciting and entertaining competitive dancing.

John is the co-founder and owner of Liberty Swing Dance Championships, one of the top events in the U.S., as well as majority owner and event director of The Open Swing Championships, along with having a hand in other regional events around the country. He is the recipient of numerous awards and acknowledgments, and is also very active on the oversight side, serving on boards for NASDE, WSDC, RST and Gotham Swing Club. You can learn more about him at www.johnlindo.com.

HUNTER HOBBS

Hunter Hobbs is an Instructor, Competitor and Dance Community Leader based in Charleston, WV, with ten years experience.

Starting his journey from the age of 13, Hunter was pushed by his Mother to take his first Dance class…. (Line Dance to be exact) and has been hooked ever since.

He first discovered West Coast Swing six years ago and immediately fell in love with the dance.

Hunter continues to work on his craft by training with the top dancers, teachers and competitors from all over.

While Hunter’s goal in Dance is to bring joy to others, he strives to keep a beginners mindset so as to never stop learning and improving.

EVAN SCHREIBER

When Evan isn’t traveling around the country to dance socially and competitively, he regularly teaches WCS classes and DJs dances around Ohio. Since moving back in 2022 from Seattle to Cleveland, his hometown, he has been enjoying growing the local WCS community. His goal is to model it after the fun and inclusive Seattle one he came up in.

Before turning his attention to WCS, Evan was a competitive ballroom dancer. He won numerous awards and titles in the national collegiate and amateur adult ballroom dance circuits, including becoming the 2016 USA Dance Nine Dance National Champion.

DEON HARRELL

Deon is a Texas born creative that fell in love with the freedom and expression of west coast swing.

Deon is a champion leader and all-star follow known for his creativity, musicality and groove on the dance floor. He is also sought after nationally as a judge, teacher and arguably the best dressed MC on the west coast swing circuit.

Off the dance floor, Deon co-founded SwingDiversity – a nonprofit that works to increase and protect diversity, equity and inclusion in west coast swing.

Above any accolade, being a community builder is the one Deon cherishes the most. Find him for a social dance, he would love to connect with you.

CHRIS DRUM

Chris began dancing as a child at a local dance studio a block away from her home. In her teens, she taught ballet, tap and jazz at the same studio. While in college, Arthur Murray introduced her to teaching ballroom and Latin dancing. For Chris, it was a wonderful opportunity to be able to work full time teaching partner dancing. She is still teaching ballroom, Latin, swing and country dancing 35 years later.

Chris moved to Los Angeles 5 years into her teaching career and taught at the Beverly Hills Arthur Murray studio. This truly was dancing with the stars. She had many celebrity students who were learning dance for movie roles. Chris also competed in Professional American Smooth, and in the Pro Am Scholarship American Smooth & Rhythm event. She had great success both with her professional partner and her students. Los Angeles was also a great opportunity for her to train in West Coast Swing and Country Two Step.

Upon returning to Pittsburgh, Chris became an independent instructor & competed professionally in American Rhythm and with several amateur partners. She now teaches primarily in Greensburg and Mt. Pleasant, as well as many areas east of Pittsburgh. She holds monthly dances and workshops at various locations and also coaches competitive and social dance students.

TIM JOHNSON

BIO COMING SOON!

KENDRA ZARA

Event Director

Starting at the young age of 4, Kendra embarked on a journey of physical expression through cheerleading and tumbling, eventually honing her skills to become a skilled gymnastics instructor. As she grew older, her passion for movement expanded as she discovered partner dancing, specializing in East Coast Swing and Lindy Hop during her college years. However, it was in 2010 that Kendra found her true calling, West Coast Swing.

Under the guidance of esteemed coach Brennar Goree, Kendra embarked on a competitive journey that saw her rise swiftly through the ranks. Within a mere two years, she achieved remarkable success, reaching the coveted All-Star division. Throughout her 13-year journey in West Coast Swing, Kendra has presented two Rising Star routines and her passion for growth has remained undiminished.

Beyond the competitive realm, Kendra’s dance journey took on a unique dimension as she explored her individual style. With an innate ability to interpret the nuances of music, she effortlessly weaves her personal flair into every movement, with her expressive storytelling and a connection to the music. As an instructor, Kendra now imparts her profound knowledge and infectious love for West Coast Swing to aspiring dancers, both nationally and internationally.

WARD ROBERTS

Event Director

Ward started learning about body mechanics and movement when he was 6 years old through martial arts. Throughout his years in martial arts, he has built his foundations in teaching a fun and SAFE class. He found West Coast Swing during his freshman year of college and became one of the founding members of Waynesburg University’s Sting Swing (a WCS dance club). A large portion of his dance education has taken place through workshops at large west coast swing events, but he has grown in his dance just as much through his time on the social floor.

During the week, Ward can be found managing a martial arts school in Morgantown, WV or being one of the mentors for Sting Swing. However, on the weekends he can often be seen dancing the night away on the social dance floor.