Swing Fling - DC's Summer Fun West Coast Swing & Hustle Dance Weekend!

2011 Swing Fling staff was outstanding. 2012 staff info will be here added soon.

Robert & Nicola Royston. 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.

Jason & Yvonne Wayne 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 Miklic & Sophy Kdep met on the dance floor in May of 1998 and they have been dancing together ever since. They travel all over the country teaching, competing, performing and judging. They are ranked among the top west coast swing dancers in the country. Jason and Sophy are full time dance instructors specializing in swing, country, hustle, ballroom and theatre arts. They are passionate promoters of west coast swing. As instructors, Jason and Sophy are known for their unique ability to illustrate techniques to give their students a better understanding of movements and to help them achieve their maximum dancing potential.

Jason & Amy Barnes 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.

Greg Scott & Lemery Rollins 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.

Christopher & Lisa Schaupp began their Partner dancing careers in Southern California. Together, they focused on west coast swing, lindy hop, and hustle. They competed together and taught workshops all across the United States while also directing the South Bay Swing Dance Club based in Los Angeles California. The club attracted over 1000 new students per year to try the dance. Since 2002, they ave resided in the Washington DC area where they are raising twin daughters and a young son. The pair has received many top teacher honors and continues to teach and compete up and down the east coast.

Kevin Fitzhugh & Tammy Brown are the 2006 US Open Sophisticated Swing Champions. Together for over ten years, they have been teaching what they call “Dance Fusion,” a combination of west coast swing, hand dance and jitterbug. Tammy is the four-time recipient of the top west coast swing teacher award for the Maryland/DC/Virginia area. Kevin has many outstanding achievements including numerous top-five placements in advanced strictly and jack and Jill competitions across the United States. Together, Kevin and Tammy present a style of dance which is all their own.

Dean & Dawn Garrish are two of the most prominent teachers of both country and west coast swing dance in the Maryland/DC area. They have been teaching and competing in the dance community for over 25 years. With extensive knowledge in competitive dancing they have won two UCWDC World Titles, 6 US Open Swing Titles, and over 50 Top Teacher Awards. Dean and Dawn are legends of the dance world and continue to influence dancers of all levels seeking to refine their skills.

Billy Fajardo & Katie Marlow are the only couple in the history of the United States to hold two concurrent World Dance Titles in the same year. They each have over 30 years of dance performing experience and have been partnered together for over ten years. As partners currently residing in Plantation, Florida, they hold multiple world titles in Hustle, Salsa and Merengue, and have been recognized for their iconic performances in each dance. Their outstanding abilities across partner dancing and theatrical dancing keep them in demand internationally as teachers, performers, and judges.

Kelvin Roche & Lori Ann Greenhouse 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.

Erik & Anna Novoa 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 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.

Stephanie (Batista) McHenry 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.

Bill Cameron 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.

Jennifer Lyons 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.

John Festa was born into a family of dancers, was dancing since the beginning. Growing up in New York, John was taught Lindy Hop, and fell in love with west coast swing to become a pivotal figure in both the local and national west coast swing scenes. He is trained and greatly experienced in many styles of Swing. John not only competes, judges, and teaches, but his choreography has been renowned and influential throughout the nation.

Doug Rousar has been involved in various forms of music and performance arts since early childhood. He discovered west coast swing in 2001, and was immediately captured by the dance. Currently residing in Ohio, Doug works full-time as a dance instructor, event director, chief judge, coordinator, and competitor. He travels most of the year all over the country. 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!

Luis Crespo has over 10 years of dance experience in ballroom, latin, and west coast swing. He is originally from New York City, and currently resides in California. Though Luis continues to dance in many styles, he feels the most expressive in west coast swing. He earned a US Open Strictly champion title in 2002, and a US Open Showcase 3rd place in 2009. Luis is known for his unique styling showcasing break-dance and ballroom backgrounds. He now travels across the country competing, judging and teaching.

Patti Jobst is a two-time US Open swing dance champion. She has been actively teaching, coaching, judging, and competing throughout the U.S. and Canada for over 17 years. She recently moved from southern California to Tampa Bay area in Florida. Patti brings obvious enthusiasm for performance and teaching. She is noted for her creativity, versatility, and following finesse. She prides herself in teaching lead-able patterns founded on good technique and strong basics.

Markus Smith is one of the most talented, popular, charismatic dancers in the west coast swing circuit. His respect for dance and impressive musicality keep him finishing at the top of competitions. His choreography and performances with ex-partner Deonna Ball combined the styles of funk, hand dance, hip-hop, and west coast swing leave lasting impressions on audiences everywhere, and even earned the pair a featured segment of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and a role in the film “Love n’ Dancin.”Markus studies music education at Montgomery College in MD, and never fails to bring his students’ dancing up a level.

Robin Smith 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.

Deonna Ball & Danzell A. Belton are two unique, soulful dancers from the heart of Washington, DC. DB^2 (squared) blends all styles of dancing into one melting pot of fun enjoyed by audiences of all walks of life. They both gather their greatest dance inspirations over the years from James Brown, Michael & Janet Jackson. They were introduced through the debut performance of Deonna’s “Michael Jackson Tribute” choreography; performed at the Solar Eclipse. Danzell describes his dancing as "telling a story with my body that makes you feel like you are reading a multi-faceted pop-out book.” He has choreographed for multiple hip-hop groups & she has won multiple awards by way of West Coast Swing, Hip Hop, and Hand Dance. This energetic couple is looking forward to the journey & success of dance in all aspects of its existence www.deonnaballdance.com

Taletha Jouzdani 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 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 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 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 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.

Debra Lynn Tuttle is a full-time professional dance instructor in the Washington DC area. She is a multi time Swing Fling and MADjam top teacher award winner, UCWDC Champion, Pro-Am Instructor, and host of weekly group classes and practice parties. Debbie specializes in both West Coast Swing and Hustle.

Erica Smith The “Hustling Attorney,” is a versatile dancer with extensive backgrounds in ballet, modern, salsa, hustle, hand dance and west coast swing. She was first introduced to hustle in her years at Berkeley Law School, and has been adding her sparkle to the social dance world ever since. With more than 17 Advanced Amateur 1st place wins under her belt, Erica was arguably the Top Female Amateur Hustle Competitor for two years prior to her professional status. In 2007, Erica was pictured in US Weekly alongside Shane Sparks and in TV Guide Magazine after she performed a Just Hustle that earned her a spot in Vegas on the syndicated television series “So You Think You Can Dance.” In 2008, she won her first US Open Hand Dance title, and has been at the top ranks of west coast swing for over two years. Erica is a brilliant dancer who guarantees to leave an impression on her audiences and her students.

Billy Marti teaches at Stepping Out Studios in Manhattan. He began dancing at age 18 and quickly realized that it would be one of his life’s passions. Currently, Billy Travels the US competing and teaching. Billy takes pride in teaching and has a great ability to thoroughly prepare students for competition and showcase performances. He never fails to enhance the student’s musical and technical articulation of the hustle dance.

Louis St. George

Anthony Derosa 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.

April Prince was named the All Swing DJ of the Year in 2009! She holds both a bachelors and masters degree in music education. As the daughter of performing musicians, music has always been a part of her life. April trained in music since she was a toddler, and finds absolute joy teaching and sharing music with others. She DJs a variety of events across the United States, and currently resides in the Chicago area.

Tim Johnson 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 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!"

Steve Neeren has over 17 years of west coast swing experience, with over 13 of them teaching. Specializing in west coast swing and hustle, he is a nationally recognized competitor, teacher, judge, and DJ. Twice, he has been a NASDE Swing champion and has multiple top-5 wins in strictly, Jack & Jill, and in Classic competitions. His experience and consistent joy for dancing comes across strongly in his work.

Jody Moscaritolo has been an enthusiastic West Coast Swing dancer since discovering it 5 years ago. He's local the DC and Baltimore area and travels frequently to the major events. In his time off from work and dancing he enjoys performing with the Baltimore Improv Group. As an MC, Jody brings his subtle, quick-witted improv background to the mic.