Instructors
More 2012 teachers to be announced soon!
Max Pitruzzella, France
Max has been one of the greatest influences in international swing dancing in the past five years. Having built his dance reputation in Montpellier France, he is today based in Montreal Canada, where he teaches with Studio 88 Swing and manages Montreal’s Swinging Air Force performance company. He is also in constant demand to teach around the world, and perform with international dance team, The Ninjammerz. One of today’s top competitors, Max has added countless competition titles to his name in the past few years. With a powerful and distinct style, Max is known for his innovation, precision and sharpness, in Lindy Hop, acrobatics and solo jazz. If Max was not a dancer, he would probably be a boxer.
ninjammerz.com
Annie Trudeau, Canada
In the past five years, Annie with her partner Max Pitruzzella, has taken the Lindy Hop world by storm. From Montreal in Canada, she is a founder & owner of Studio 88 Swing, with whom she has been teaching swing dance since 2001. She also co-manages Montreal’s award-winning Swinging Air Force performance troupe. A focused competitor, Annie’s resume boasts an impressive list of international competition wins. Her dance style is powerful and sharp, and her background as a former competition gymnast gives her Lindy Hop explosive airsteps and acrobatics.
justswingdance.com | ninjammerz.com
Juan Villafane, Argentina
Juan Villafane 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 travelling the world with his dance partner Sharon Davis, and with acclaimed 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.
sharonandjuan.com | idance.net
Kevin St Laurent, USA
Kevin St. Laurent (Pittsburgh USA) is internationally recognized for his energy and innovation as a Lindy Hop dancer, instructor, performer and choreographer. His creativity on the dance floor stems from a command of musicality and partner connection, features of his dance that make him such an engaging performer, and his priorities in both improvisation and choreography. As an instructor, he concentrates on the technique of these elements at all levels, teaching his students the ability to adapt the style of their dance to that of the music and to create a dynamic dance with their partner.�Kevin’s energy and focus on fun are a constant backdrop to all of his work.
kevinstlaurent.com | iLindy.com
Jo Hoffberg, USA
Although Jo Hoffberg calls California her home, she spends most of the year traveling with her dance partner Kevin St. Laurent. She holds 1st place titles from the US Open, Canadian Swing Championships, Camp Hollywood, American Lindy Hop Championships, Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown and the International Lindy Hop Championships. Her first international working experience was in Japan working for Universal Studios, and since then she has taught in the US, Asia, Australia, South America, Western and Eastern Europe. Currently performing with The Killer Dillers, she is thrilled at the idea of new costumes. She is a passionate and avid dancer, instructor and competitor.
johoffberg.com | killerdillers.com | idance.net
Nick Williams, USA
Nick Williams has embodied the passion and spirit of swing dancing ever since his first lesson in 1998. The depth of his understanding of Lindy Hop, Balboa, and Collegiate Shag stems from studying with the original dancers. Nick’s desire for authenticity, combined with his passion for dance evolution, leads to a style known for precision, lightness, musicality and dynamic energy. His successes include World Lindy Hop Champion, US Open Swing Dance Champion, American Lindy Hop Champion, National Jitterbug Champion, International Lindy Hop Champion, Ultimate Lindy Hop Champion, American Classic Balboa Champion and California Balboa/Swing Champion. He is also an accomplished choreographer and has been featured on the hit television show So You Think You Can Dance. As an instructor, he is known for his ability to break down movements and technique to create a fun and light-hearted learning environment. His true love of music and dancing will forever inspire him to learn, teach, and grow. In 2004, Nick was honoured to be recognised by the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame.
swingnick.com
Laura Keat, USA
Rising to prominence in Denver’s award-winning performance team, 23 Skidoo, Laura now lives in Orange County, California, where she works with a number of partners including international champions Nick Williams and Jeremy Otth, and with performance group Hot Club Stomp. One of the international swing community’s rare treasures, Laura is a champion in all three dance styles of Lindy Hop, Balboa and Collegiate Shag. In all three she is admired for the authenticity and femininity of her style, reminiscent of the original Los Angeles dancers of the 1930s and 40s. She holds numerous competition titles in the USA and internationally, and is in constant demand to teach around the world.
laurakeat.com
Evita Arce, USA
Evita is known internationally for her endless energy, high-flying aerials, and dynamic jazz movement. Whether she’s on stage or leading a class, her vibrant persona inspires on-lookers to dance and live in the moment. Evita played the feature Lindy Hop role in the Broadway musical SWING! on the 2008 Japan tour, at The California Music Circus, and at The Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. Evita also 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. Television appearances have popped up frequently since Evita, with partner Michael Jagger, advanced to finals in Las Vegas on FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance, the only Lindy Hop couple to do so. Evita choreographed for the NY Times Square production, Sleigh Bells Swing, with George Gee’s Orchestra at the Edision Ballroom. Other exciting performances have included The Edinborough Jazz Festival in Scotland with Ryan Francois’ company Swing Extreme, The Rudolstadt Festival in Germany with the Vanaver Caravan, a Latin and Ballroom series with Tango y Mas, and numerous shows at top venues in New York City including the Rose Theater, The Rainbow Room, The Waldorf Astoria, The Gramercy National Arts Club and The Plaza at Lincoln Center.
evitaarce.blogspot.com
Todd Yannacone, USA
Todd Yannacone (New Orleans, USA) is one of the most recognisable names on the swing dancing circuit today. He has won countless championship titles from the most prestigious competitions around – The American Lindy Hop Championships, The Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown, The US Open Swing Dance Championships, The National Jitterbug Championships, The Rhythmic Arts Festival, Lone Star Championships – to name just a few. Todd teaches vernacular jazz, Balboa, Lindy Hop, and other vintage swing dances both locally and internationally, and loves spreading his passion for social dancing. He has been a featured instructor, performer, and judge at camps, workshops, and competitions the world over. He specialises in connection and musicality, which is apparent every time he steps on the dance floor. He has worked with dance and music legends alike, and frequently can be found performing and competing with the acclaimed dance troupe to which he belongs, the Silver Shadows.
toddyannacone.com
Nina Gilkenson, USA
Nina Gilkenson hails from Washington DC. She is a competitor, performer and teacher of Lindy Hop and other vernacular jazz dances, and can lay claim to Lindy Hop titles from some of the most prestigious swing dancing competitions in the world, including the North Atlantic Dance Championships, the American Lindy Hop Championships, Hellzapoppin’, and the Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown. Performance credits include television appearances on PBS, at the Apollo Theatre and Lincoln Center in New York City, and concert performances with the Brian Setzer Orchestra and Aretha Franklin. Her classes focus on authentic Lindy Hop technique, musical interpretation and the history of the dance. Nina dances with acclaimed dance troupe, The Silver Shadows, and is a co-founder of the International Lindy Hop Championships held each year in Washington DC.
andyandnina.com | ilhc.com |thejamcellar.com
Dax Hock, USA
When not travelling the globe teaching Lindy Hop, Dax is based in Montreal Canada where he is a member of acclaimed dance troupe, the Ninjammerz. Known for his distinct style and innovative contributions to the dance, he is one of today’s top Lindy Hop competitors and an in-demand instructor the world over. Known in the classroom for his creative and, sometimes, unorthodox methods, Dax is genuinely dedicated to developing simple, effective ideas to help his students become better dancers. With partner Sarah Breck, Dax delivers a unique method of instruction that revolves around authentic swing music, natural body movement, and fun over frustration. Emphasis is heavily placed on rhythm not steps, body movement not footwork, singing not counting, and connection not isolation. daxhock.com | ninjammerz.com | rhythmjuice.com
Sarah Breck, USA
Sarah Breck has been making a splash on the international Lindy Hop scene since forming her partnership with Dax Hock in 2009. Sarah has been dancing vernacular jazz styles since she was 10 years old, and is a veteran performer and competitor in both Lindy Hop and West Coast Swing. She holds a number of prestigious dance titles, including at the US Open. Her performance credits include work in film, commercial and music videos alongside artists such as Christina Aguilera, Fall Out Boy, Mariah Carey, Will Smith and Gavin Degraw. Hailing from California, she is now based in Montreal Canada, where she is a member of The Ninjammerz. sarahbreck.com | ninjammerz.com
William Mauvais & Maeva Truntzer, France
William and Maeva have been dancing together since 2002, and hold a slew of European and international competition titles. World Champions in Boogie Woogie, they are now taking the Lindy Hop world by storm. With their light-hearted and theatrical approach to performing, matched by a ferocious social dancing addiction, and sheer fearlessness in death-defying leaps, slides and airsteps, this is the couple to watch right now! The newest members of the Ninjammerz team, and now based in Quebec City, Canada, find out more about them at their website…
williametmaeva.com | ninjammerz.com
Alice Mei, France
Alice started dancing at the age of 4 and has never ever stopped since. She has been touring and teaching swing dancing full time, living the adventurous Lindy-Lifestyle for the past 5 years. Alice is definitely at her happiest when she is swingin’ it on the dance-floor. Alice enjoys keeping her dancing simple and natural. She has won several titles in prestigious competitions such as ULHS , ILHC and ALHC. In class, she teaches the same principles that she cherishes as a dancer and she mainly focuses on keeping things in rhythm with a natural body movement. Alice is also a member of the Ninjammerz with which she performs and competes regularly.
alicemei.com | ninjammerz.com
Thomas Blacharz, France
Without a doubt, Thomas Blacharz is one of the most talented dancers in the world. His unique style is defined by free form body movement and intricate musicality and he is constantly pushing the limits of swing as we know it. With over 12 years of dance experience, Tommy not only exudes expertise on the social dance floor, but he can clearly articulate the various elements that make up his dancing. His classes are filled with fun, humor, good dance technique and most of all great dancing. His talents have been passed on to some of the top dancers in the world today and he is a major organizer/teacher in one of the strongest dance scenes in Europe: Montpellier, France. The last few years, Tommy has been placed in major international competitions such as Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown and International Lindy Hop Championship. He is a key member of the famous troupe, The Ninjammerz. If you haven’t already had the chance to let this man inspire you, it is one opportunity you would never want to miss!
ninjammerz.com
Kate Hedin, USA
Following in the path of her great ancestor, Swedish explorer Sven Hedin, has traveled to greatest unknown regions of following and footwork. She instructed and performed extensively for Cleveland’s Get Hep Swing, Atlanta’s Big George, and Washington DC’s The Jam Cellar. Aside from a love of both social and performance Lindy Hop, she has become most known for her unique and elegant style of Balboa. The result is a resume full of impressive dance performances. Kate holds 1st place titles in many competitions and Jack and Jills, including The American Classic Balboa Championship (2009), The International Lindy Hop Championships (Balboa, 2008 & 2009), and she has won or placed in many Lindy Hop competitions and Invitational Jack and Jills. As a teacher, Kate is known for not leaving student followers disappointed. She is proud to have held, along with her friends at Get Hep Swing in Cleveland, the Guiness World Record for longest dance party ever (52 hours, 3 minutes). Her judging is sought by many, her lines desired as far as the Orient. She also climbs trees.
bobbykate.com
Bobby White, USA
Bobby White has been a devout student of all things swing. Lindy Hop, Balboa, Collegiate Shag, air steps, tricks, vernacular jazz, and choreography are all passions he has been studying since 1998. His solo Charleston and trucking have won great acclaim and awards, and his passion and in-depth study of classic solo dances like Frankie Manning’s Big Apple or the Tranky Doo have made him a sought-after instructor on the material. He is always pleased to perform a solo jazz dance piece at events. His goofy nature and deadpan joking in classes are balanced by his in-depth deconstruction of moves and technique. He has a great love of teaching and hopes to pass along the enormous swing-inspired smiles that make people walk a good distance away from you on the street. As a writer, his widely acclaimed swing dance articles and essays appear in the infamous Jam Cellar newsletter, Lindy Bloggers, and in event programs across the land. As an emcee, Jack and Jill jokes are his bread and butter. While some people are proud to hold trophies or world records for dance marathons, he is proud of being in possession of a jar of duck (which he won in a Balboa competition in France). His infamous swing dance writings can be read at his popular blog, Swungover.
swungover.wordpress.com | bobbykate.com
