Swing Fling

Robert & Nicola Royston (NY) Robert is one of the most successful competitive dancers in Country and Swing, winning many World and US Open titles. He is also a member of the UCWDC Hall of Fame. Together, Robert and Nicola have won multiple Showcase Swing Championships, Division 1 Country Grand Championships, and Cabaret titles. They hold multiple strictly swing and jack & Jill titles, and are Top 5 NASDE finishers. They have performed on numerous NYC Stages and on television shows, have choreographed for artists like Kellie Pickler, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, and for films such as “Love N’ Dancing.” As internationally recognized judges and teachers, the pair travels, teaching, judging and performing their exciting choreography year-round.

Ben McHenry & Cameo Cross (CA) Ben and Cameo have been dancing together now for over a year and are US Open Classic Finalists. As a teaching and competitive partnership they are traveling nationally and internationally, such places including France, Russia, Korea and the Ukraine. Ben and Cameo have brought together the geek and the ballerina to form: BAMEO!

Jason & Yvonne Wayne (CA) have each been dancing for over 20 years. Jason began country dancing in 1990. This was his primary focus until discovering west coast swing, which has held his passion ever since. With 17 years teaching experience and an extensive background in ballroom, country, swing, latin, and line dancing, Yvonne has enjoyed much success in competition and in educating others in the joys of dance. Both are active competitors in the Champions division on WSDC and NASDE circuits. They teach across the United States, in Canada, and in Europe. Their combined love of performing and teaching makes them sought after across the globe. This unique, skilled couple work together to share their love of dance with all ages.

Jason & Annmarie Marker (MI) share a love for teaching, competing, judging and performing across the country. They both adore West Coast Swing, and are passionate about sharing the love of the dance with others. Annmarie has placed top 3 on the NASDE J&J Tour more than once and is known for her creative dance style. Jason is known for his smooth precision and took 4th place at the 2007 US Open. Together they form a dynamic partnership on the dance floor and offer a true balance of technical and creative instruction for leaders and followers of all levels.

Arjay Centeno (NJ) Arjay is from California and currently resides in North Arlington, New Jersey. He began his love of dance in high school with hip hop, and after spending a few years in the Ballroom/Latin circuit, had great success in west coast swing with his then dance partner Melissa Rutz. He is still one of the fastest male dancers to climb the ranks to the champions division. Currently Arjay specializes in west coast swing; performing, teaching and judging around the world.

Deborah Székely (TX) is a member of the Dallas D.A.N.C.E. Hall of Fame and a five-time US Open Swing Dance Champion with over 25 years of performance and teaching experience. Deborah brings a phenomenal style and presence to social and competitive west coast swing. Her natural creative talents and years of technical training in ballet, jazz, tap, and swing dancing make her a remarkable instructor. Both in private and classroom environment, she is an effective, brilliant instructor. Continually, she places at or near the tops of invitational jack and jill and strictly swing categories. Deborah travels about 40 weekends each year sharing her knowledge of dance.

Sean McKeever & Courtney Adair (CA) As Sean McKeever and Courtney Adair are one of the most exciting new partnerships in West Coast Swing. Since the beginning of their
relationship, (in dance and in love) three years ago they have taught
throughout the United States, Europe and Canada. Known for their love
of social dancing, enthusiastic workshops and entertaining
performances, they continue to inspire wherever they go. Successes
include nominations for the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, top
placements in the NASDE Jack and Jill tour and consistent top 5
finishes in the NASDE Classic division. They are excited to be back at Swing Fling!

Jason & Amy Barnes (NC) currently teach in Asheville, North Carolina but travel extensively throughout the United States and Europe as a teachers, coaches, judges, competitors, and performers. Jason has been teaching dance for over 13 years. Amy has danced in the competitive college circuit, and through line dance and jack and jill competitions. Together, the couple teach American style ballroom and enjoy travelling and competing throughout the United States.

Brent & Kellese Key (FL) Together they are three time US Open Classic Division Champions, four time Americas’ Classic Champions, and Dallas Dance Classic and Showcase winners. Brent is the first male dancer to win the shag division at the US Open, and Kellese is the first female dancer to win in both the classic and showcase categories. She holds three US Open Showcase Division Titles. Brent and Kellese are living legends of swing. Currently residing in Sarasota, Florida, they love teaching all over as they travel all over the world sharing their love of dance. They are a couple that generates great anticipation and excitement whenever they set foot on the floor.

Greg Scott & Lemery Rollins (MD) have over 20 years dancing experience combined. Greg started in American Ballroom but competed in country winning many titles. He also has a background in ballet, jazz and hip hop. Lemery started in International 10 Dance (both Ballroom and Latin) and won many titles including: 3rd in the world pro/am 10 dance, 5Th in the world and 3rd in the USA pro/am Latin. She is also skilled in American Ballroom, Salsa, and Argentine Tango. Greg and Lemery are currently focusing on West Coast Swing, Greg winning many All-Star J&J and Strictlys. Together they have solidified their place within the top 5 couples in Showcase Division this year and are both currently at the top of the NASDE tour. They are a unique couple who are excited to be dancing their third routine together. They are nurturing instructors who believe that a strong foundation leads to a higher obtainable level and look forward to sharing their love of dance with you.

Erik & Anna Novoa (CT) are one of the only couples to have both a competitive west coast swing and a hustle routine in the circuit. Erik is a nationally ranked competitive dancer in both hustle and west coast swing who has titles competing in both. He has over 10 years competing in west coast swing and hustle, and has excelled in strictly swing and jack and jill competitions at numerous national events. His extensive ballet, jazz, and tap training are evident in his highly intricate routines and expert teaching style. Anna has trained in both classical and modern styles of ballroom and latin dance. She combines the discipline of ballet with the creativity of partner dancing, and is known for her spins, turns & technique. The pair resides in southern Connecticut and are sought and remembered for their impeccable technique and professional teaching methods.

Tybalt & Hazel Ulrich (NJ) have over 30 years combined dance experience. From their home in Houston they travel across the country teaching, competing, performing and judging both hustle and west swing competitions. As competitors, Tybalt and Hazel are previous MADjam Swing & Hustle champions, 2-time World Hustle Champions, and often place high in invitational jack and jills for both hustle and west coast swing. As performers, they are known for bringing power and subtlety to their dances. In teaching, the couple puts an emphasis on partner connection and bringing joy and confidence to your dancing whether through basic or advanced patterns, together they help students understand the fundamentals to add groove and flow to your dancing.

Kelvin Roche & Lori Ann Greenhouse (NY)hold 6 World Hustle Championship titles together. From Farmingville, New York, the couple travel internationally teaching, performing and choreographing both in theatrical and partner dances. They have won awards as competitors and teachers, for the MADjam Showcase Division, and NY Hustle Pro Theatre Arts. Their choreography across numerous dance styles never fails to bring down the house.

Billy Fajardo & Katie Marlow

Danny McGee & Ginny Carey (PA) have been dancing together 12 years. In that time, they have acquired numerous awards. Most notably, Daniel and Ginny are the current World Hustle Champions, a title they have held for two years. In addition to their joint accomplishments, Daniel is the founder and co-owner of Top Hat Dance Studios of Philadelphia and Lancaster, PA. Daniel is currently serving his second term as president of the IHDA, the organization in which he has served on the board since 2003. Adding to Daniel’s performing and choreographic credits, Daniel also holds an Associate Standard and Licentiate Theatre Arts certification with ISTD as well as an Associate Hustle certification with IHDA/DVIDA. Hailing from Lancaster, PA, Ginny has been trained and tested in the Checcetti style of ballet since the age of 2. Ginny has studied extensively with the Lancaster School of Ballet, Ukraine’s Donetsk Ballet and the Ballet Theatre of Lancaster. Upon moving to Philadelphia, Ginny continued her training at the University of the Arts with teachers from the Joffery Ballet Company, Koresh Dance Company, and Philadanco. Ginny also holds a Licentiate Theatre Arts certification with the ISTD and an Associate Hustle certification with IHDA/DVIDA. Together Daniel and Ginny have developed a solid, recognizable dance partnership that is known for its lyrical and dynamic attributes.

Jameson Kilburn & Christy Kam as a relatively new partnership have exploded onto the competitive partner dance scene in a huge way. In the past year they have consistently placed in the top three at all of the major events that they have attended and are an exciting addition to the competitive dance floor. Together, they bring a unique flavor to partner dancing, drawing from their dance training and experience in Hustle, Ballroom, Latin, Ballet and Theater dancing. Jameson is co-owner of Top Hat Dance Studio of Philadelphia and Lancaster where he can be found teaching group classes and private lessons in many styles of dance. Jameson is also proud to be a certified member of the US Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (USISTD) and has been an active board member of the International Hustle Dance Association (IHDA) for the past 6 years. Christy started as a ballerina trained under the Royal Academy of Dance and found partner dancing in 2000 when she moved to Philadelphia to study at U Penn, eventually winning the US Championship title for American Rhythm in 2006 and 2007 and for 9 dance in American Rhythm and American Smooth in 2007 at the USA Dance Nationals.

Gary Jobst (AR) began dancing in 1989 in the country western scene. He competed in many UCWDC World Champion Division 1 competitions, and holds two US Open titles. He is the chief judge at many swing events throughout the country. He currently enjoys teaching, judging and performing all over the United States and Europe.

Bill Cameron (CT) holds both US Open, and American Swing Dance Championship titles. Currently, he is a NASDE event director, and 10 year member of the World Swing Dance Council. He has been teaching west coast swing since 1997 and is known for his easy-going and relaxed teaching style. Yuna Davtyan has been dancing west coast swing since 2002. Since then, she has worked her way from newcomer through advanced to her current status consistently placing as an all-star. She has been teaching for the last five years continuing to develop an intuitive eye and refining her technique. Their styles together make for workshops and private lessons that get results, as they are caring and committed to their students.

Stephanie McHenry (PA) has been dancing since 1998, and teaching all over since. She was introduced to west coast swing at age 17 and found her love for the dance in jack and jill competitions. She is a four-time US Open finalist known for her enthusiastic teaching and her playful, interpretive style. She has won the coveted Phoenix Champion of Champions Jack and Jill twice. Currently, Stephanie travels extensively teaching others the skills and insights she has acquired in over ten years of experience.

Douglas Rousar (OH) works full-time as a dance instructor, event director, chief judge, coordinator, and competitor. He has been involved in various forms of music and performance arts since early childhood. Once discovering west coast swing in 2001, was quick to fall in love with the dance. Doug has competed successfully in sophisticated swing divisions, and remains a repeating finalist in many jack and jill and strictly champions and all-star divisions. Although Doug feels technique is the single most important aspect to becoming a great social dancer; he builds his teaching philosophy and approaches life and his students with the motto: If it’s not FUN it’s not worth it!

Jennifer Lyons Bloch (RI) is a US Open jack and jill All Star Champion with 19 years of sought-after experience teaching around the world. She currently resides in Providence, Rhode Island where she owns and operates TwirlTheGirl dance studio. She has multiple 1st place awards across west coast swing, ballroom, latin, hustle, and country. Her strengths lie in her commitment to her students and being an effective teacher. She is a trained professional who never fails to pull the best out of her students.

Robin Smith (NC) has been dancing, teaching, and competing in dance for over 25 years. For the past 12 years, he has focused exclusively on west coast swing, studying with only the best in the business. With a diverse professional background in music, dance and martial arts, he has a unique understanding of body movement and has a knack for conveying that understanding to his students. He has won multiple top-teacher awards and loves sharing his vast knowledge and passion for west coast swing.

Taletha Jouzdani (TX) has been teaching partner dancing for over 13 years. She showcases a playful and technical ability whenever she performs. With her previous partner Jake Haning, she rose confidently through the NASDE Classic swing division to be ranked among the top swing dancers in the world. Currently, she teaches full-time at Go Dance Studio in Austin, Texas where she is one of the most popular instructors on staff.

Stephanie Risser (PA) has won numerous hustle competitions, including International Hustle & Salsa Competition, Disco America, and MadJam. Her background lies in extensive ballet training all through grade school and in college where she graduated from the University of Hartford with a BFA in Dance Pedagogy. Stephanie has since been teaching and performing for multiple different schools and companies. Currently she teaches partner dance for two dance studios primarily focusing on hustle, swing, ballroom and ballet.

Silvana Gallagher (PA) is known as one of the top theater and hustle dancers in the United States. Having a successful 10-year partnership with partner Brian Gallagher, Silvana is now focusing on her ever-increasing skill as an instructor. Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she travels nationally teaching, judging and competing in hustle. Silvana’s enthusiastic approach to teaching and performing are evident on her audiences as well as her students.

Donna Boyle (PA) is one of the original partners of Hustle USA Dance Championships, and is the driving force behind “Disco America.” She is recognized as a major contributor and a pillar of the hustle dance community. A full-time dance instructor, a DJ, and a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the World Hustle Dance Championships, Donna continues to host and promote events through the Philadelphia and New Jersey Area.

Brian Gallagher (PA) is a long-time hustle champion based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is known for his dynamic execution of hustle and is focused on promoting and teaching hustle dancers and competitors. Brian trained in ballroom and latin dance prior to his hustle career and incorporates travelling, shaping, syncopations and speed in his hustle choreography in a way that is easily noticed. Brian excels at the breakdown of patterns, and helps his students understand the major components of the dance.

Anthony DeRosa (NY) has been dancing competitively since the age of 6. He has trained in multiple partner dances and competed successfully on the west coast swing circuit for over 17 years. He has been a successful freelance instructor for over 15 years, and with his wife Rebecca, is dedicated to teaching and sharing west coast swing to the New York Tri-State area as well as several events across the United States. Anthony has a deep appreciation for music, and as a DJ, he aims to keep the dancing alive.

Tim Johnson (MI) has been DJing professionally for over 13 years. Locally in Flint Michigan, he both teaches and DJs a variety of dances year round. He has years of study in music, science, physics, electronics and computers. Travelling to many dance weekend events he has had the pleasure of using his talents, and working with some of the best in the business. Tim considers a great DJ to be more than a collection of equipment, but an artist, entertainer, and technician. He provides a great mix of music to entertain an entire audience.

Erica Lyons (CA) has been into the West Coast Swing scene for almost 12 years, currently dancing at the All Star level. About five years ago, she delved into the world of DJing to explore another aspect of her love of the dance. Since then, Erica has DJed a large variety of dance events and weekly dances from coast to coast. She enjoys keeping people on the dance floor, and can't wait to keep the ballroom rocking all night long!"