Swing Into Spring! Instructors

We've got an incredible line up of expert instructors at this years event. This years line up are not only amazing dancers but are expert instructors who have taught around the globe. There are a few returning faces and some new ones joining us that are sure to make this event one not to be missed.

Nina Gilkenson. Lindy Hopper. Belly dancer. Hair-removal Laser Technician. The mysterious figure that is known only as "Nina" (and sometimes "Naomi") has many titles from prestigious dance competitions. But that's only a small part of her accomplishments. For instance, she can swivel in midair. She can simultaneously create vintage-style dresses and then destroy them while dancing. She can make 12-minute biscuits in 10 minutes. She writes upbeat musical theatre involving funeral homes. And last, but not least, she is a part of the award-winning Lindy Hop team the Silver Shadows, which sounds like it's a group of super heroes. And that's what she is. A Super Hero--one whose main super power is doing swivels in midair. And one day, they might save the world. Until then, she lives in Washington D.C. and falls down a lot.

Nina currently resides in Baltimore, MD.

Nina is also a co-organizer of The International Lindy Hop Championships, which happens next August 23-26, 2012.

Andy Reid is one of the most well known and influential Lindy Hop dancers out there. Since he started dancing in the late nineties, Andy has left an indelible mark on the dance scene. Andy's style is a balance of the refined and the eccentric, and his soulful proficiency with rhythm and partnering make his dancing rich and inspiring to watch and experience.

He has performed and taught all over the world including Korea, Australia, Japan and all over Europe. He is a founding member of Silver Shadows, which is undoubtedly one of the most influential dance teams currently. He is also a member of the highly influential troupe Minnie's Moochers. Finally, Andy is also a founding member of Mad Dog!, a Lindy Hop Crew who is infamous within the Lindy community for some reason.

Andy also holds a variety of regional, national and international competition titles.

Andy currently resides in New Orleans, LA.

Mike has been dancing Lindy Hop and associated dances including Charleston, East Coast Swing and Blues since 2000. He started teaching locally in 2001 and has been teaching on an international level since 2008. Over the years, Mike has traveled the United States and Europe attending workshops and competitions, honing his craft. Mike now regularly manages the monumental undertaking of being both an international dance instructor and a full time worker. His wife is very impressed with him ;)

Laura grew up in a little hick town with more cows than people. It didnÕt have much dancing, and the only radio stations were country, rap, and country. However, she was always enchanted by the classical CDs her parents had and danced around the living room constantly. In 2001, she bumped into Lindy Hop, Swing, and Jazz in San Antonio while at Trinity University and has since been dedicating every spare moment (and dollar) to learning more about this amazing dance. She has taught in Canada, France, Estonia, Australia, New Zealand and throughout the US.

With Scott Angelius, they run a dance company in Austin dedicated to teaching lindy hop and charleston to Austinites. They go out to dance whenever they are in town, frequently participate in the local board, and strive to continue to make Austin one of the leading lindy hop scenes in America. You should definitely come and visit. It's amazing: (LoneStar Championships, Hot Rhythm Holiday, ALX).

www.mikeandlauralindy.com
Mike and Laura Video 1
Mike and Laura Video 2
Mike and Laura Video 3
Mike and Laura Video 4

Carl Nelson has been a dancer since 2001 focusing on lindy hop, charleston and other traditional jazz dances from the 1920s to the 1940s. He has won competitions all over the country, taught at events ranging from local classes to large national events, and has performed for a variety of organizations and events.

His dance style is dynamic and innovative, focusing on the natural mechanics of the body and the rhythm and mood of the music he is dancing to. As a teacher he is thorough and clear in explaining and connecting movements and concepts to students in a manner that they understand from their daily life.

Ever since she was a little girl, Jenna had a knack for the performing arts. After dabbling in tap, jazz, and ballet as a child, she focused most of her young adult life on the theatre. Then in 2003, Jenna met Lindy Hop and it as love at first sight. She admired the artistry and athleticism of the dance and quickly took her relationship with Lindy Hop to the next level, performing Lindy Hop, in public no less, with Chicago - based troupes such as Big City Swing and teaching Lindy Hop at the University of Chicago. What began as a torrid affair settled into a comfortable "going steady" relationship and eventually they settled down together at Big City Swing, where Jenna continues to express her love and commitment for Lindy Hop and where she has developed a reputation for her insight, patience, and ability to instill confidence in her students. She also works at Big City Swing as the trainer and talent agent for the performance troupe and thus, has performed all a variety of events across the Midwest.

Jenna has also had the opportunity to teach students all over the country and has become and accomplished competitor, winning both regional and national titles. Many leads admire her playful, creative style, and her really big....uh...swivels.

Mike Faltesek brings to the dance floor an incredibly diverse social and performance dance talent that includes not only Lindy Hop but also Cakewalk, Black Bottom, Traditional Jazz, Tap, Charleston, Breakaway, Balboa, Big Apple, Blues and many other Authentic Jazz dances.

Mike has been dancing for well over a decade, in that time he has traveled to instruct, compete, and perform internationally. From Harlem to Los Angeles and all throughout Europe. Mike is well known for his charismatic personality, approachability and passion for the essence of Authentic Jazz dance and music. He possesses an enthusiastic ability to convey ideas and movements explicitly, making him a popular instructor wherever he goes. He teaches workshops internationally, each time leaving a lasting impression on his students.

Mike's main source of inspiration are the greats of yesteryear. Dancers and performers like Whitey's Lindy Hoppers, the Nicholas Brothers, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, John Bubbles, Earl "Snakehips" Tucker, and the Berry Brothers.

Mike has done a two year residency in Sweden as a member of the world's foremost Jazz Dance Company, The Harlem Hot Shots. He has since moved back to the states and can be found wherever people love swing music.

Casey's love of swing dancing began in 1998. Whether social dancing, teaching, or performing, Casey is inspired by the playful spirit of traditional jazz dances and in "raising her voice" as a female dancer. In her teaching, she focuses on developing solid technique and partnering skills as the foundation for developing one's style and sense of musicality. Casey also enjoys competing, with placements or wins at regional and national competitions. She frequently performs with and dabbles in a variety of dance forms with Sister Kate, an all-girl performance group.