Instructors
Dax
Dax delivers a unique method of instruction that revolves around authentic swing music, natural body movement, and variations that work with minimal effort, and fun over frustration. Emphasis is heavily placed on Rhythm–not steps; Body-Movement–not footwork; Singing–not counting, and dancing as one versus isolating and holding hands with you partner. During lessons you will discover that just footwork is more like Foot-’Dont’-Work and that Body-Movement is the key to great dancing. Students will be taught movements versus single variations and string them together to make killer social dancing combinations.
Dax urge’s students to discover creativity, rhythm, great concepts such as; “Rhythmical Body-Movement”,”Anything you do once you can do twice”, “Connecting to your body to itself”, “Body-Matching”, “Body Tension Styles”, “How do you lead it?–DO IT!” and much more. Enjoy a fun and educational learning environment with customized material to meet the students needs.
Whether is it Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa or Vernacular Jazz, students will benefit from the unique learning environment and each take their own individual step forward!
Sarah
Sarah Breck has been training and competing in dance with an emphasis on Vernacular Jazz dance since the age of 10. She holds two titles in the U.S.Open and the Jr. Olympics. She has consistently worked in film, commercials, and music videos along side artist such as Benji and Lacey Schwimmer (SYTYCD), Christina Aguilera, Fall Out Boy, Carrie Underwood, Richard Blayne (Project Runway), Mariah Carey, Will Smith and Gavin Degraw. She teaches with Dax Hock for Vernacular Jazz and Pete Green in West-Coast Swing.
Todd
Todd Yannacone is one of the most recognizable 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 U.S. Open Swing Dance Championships, The National Jitterbug Championships, The Rhythmic Arts Festival, Lone Star Championships, The International Lindy Hop Championships, Lindy Focus - to name just a few. Todd has been inducted into the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, and has been interviewed for articles by Swing Dancer Magazine as well as various other publications. He 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 - from the legendary Herrang Dance Camp in Sweden to Asia, across North America, all over Europe, and everywhere in between. He specializes 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..
Ramona
Ramona is one of those unique individuals who transcends the requirement that to be a veteran of your chosen profession, you must be of an advanced age.
Amazingly, Ramona is such a young dancer with so many years of experience, she is often referred to as a veteran. Ramona’s dancing reflects the beauty, rawness, and rhythm that makes lindy hop so appealing. Ramona has provided dancing tuition to many students in all corners of the World and is known internationally for her graceful style and spontaneity on the dance floor. Not only does she find joy in her own movement, but she understands how special it is to share it with her partner.
Born in Ithaca, New York, Ramona was only 14 when spotted by one of the founding fathers of Lindy Hop, the late great Frankie Manning. Still in her early teens, Manning asked Ramona to open with him at the Mid-Summer Night Swing series at the Lincoln Center in New York City. Ramona eventually moved to New York City in 2003 where she continued to learn and refine her craft.
Ramona has a love for dance, music and culture and this is clear when you take into account that she has studied and practiced other forms of dance such as Ballet, Clogging, Tap, Modern, Jazz, and West African. This diversity in dance disciplines has given Ramona a style that is uniquely hers and a great command of movement and dance that comes to life not only in her inspiring performances but also in her ability to teach.
Ramona has received numerous accolades and has claimed a number of prestigious dance titles including World Lindy Hop Champion, Authentic Jazz and Blues Champion at the 2009 Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown, and most recently 1st place in the International Lindy Hop Championships Pro Classic. Ramona currently resides in Melbourne, Australia and teaches locally as well as continuing to teach all over Australia and around the World.
Whether you are just starting out or you are an experienced dancer wanting to take it to the next level, Ramona applies her teaching method to all levels of skill and ability.
Mikey
Mikey Pedroza is a powerhouse of a dancer in the world of swing, having competed, performed and taught American Jazz dances – Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa, Slow Drag (Blues) and Authentic Jazz – throughout the United States and the world. Earning international acclaim for his impeccable style and technical precision. With classes focusing on developing individual style and a confident connection through proper lead/follow techniques and body awareness. And as instructors, their rigor can only be overshadowed by the joy and self-confidence Mikey inspires in his students.
Delilah
Delilah can be found truckin’ at dance events all over! She was classically trained in ballet since birth and bumped into swing dancing at 15. It was then in 2005 that she got the bug, the lindy bug! Delilah learned how to swing dance at the mercury cafe and started traveling to workshops. Over the years, she has performed and competed individually and with numerous teams including the CU jitterbuffs, Atomic Rhythm, Baltown Grapplers, Woodside Jumpers, and 23skidoo! She is part of Denver’s premiere girl troupe, The Diamond Dolls. Her cheerful smile, playful presentation, and creative movements will put a smile on your face.
Mark and Shannon
Mark Calkins and Shannon Varner (aka The Lindyroos) became dance partners in 2006 to jumpstart the lindy hop scene in Columbus, Ohio. They coach and choreograph for Team SwingColumbus, a local competition performance group and have led their team to wins across the Midwest including SwingIN, Dayton Swing Smackdown, and the Hawkeye Swing Festival.