Instructors & Staff

Abigail Baker is a seasoned performer with 20 years of stage experience. From musical theater to ballroom dancing to west coast swing (and everything in between). She brings a creative, enthusiastic energy to her workshops, private lessons, and dances. She currently resides in Raleigh, NC where she teaches out of her home studio.

Alexis Garrish is a professional West Coast Swing instructor, judge, and competitor known for her energy, expertise, and sense of humor. With decades of dance experience and 18 championship titles, she is passionate about helping dancers build confidence, refine their technique, and have fun on the dance floor. Whether teaching, judging, competing, or social dancing, Alexis brings enthusiasm, positivity, and a genuine love of dance to every event.

Alyenendrov discovered dance in college and quickly turned it into his life's passion. A featured performer on America's Got Talent and World of Dance, he is a multi-style dancer known for his athleticism, stage presence, and belief that technique is the foundation of style. His titles include multiple World, US Open, and Grand National Cabaret championships. He continues to inspire dancers through performance, choreography, and teaching.

Bonnie Cannon has been dancing West Coast Swing since 2003 and competes at the Champions level, with experience in both Classic and Showcase routines. Influenced by styles including modern, hip-hop, salsa, and gymnastics, she is known for her musicality, clear instruction, and ability to simplify complex concepts. As a life coach and massage therapist, Bonnie brings unique insight into movement, mindset, connection, and expression both on and off the dance floor.

Cecily has over a decade of experience in classical ballet and contemporary dance and has been a soloist with Gwinnett Ballet Theatre since 2020. After training across the U.S. and Europe, she made Atlanta her home and now performs and choreographs nationally. Known for her attention to detail and expressive movement, Cecily creates classes that are challenging, approachable, and inspiring for dancers of all levels.

Dario was introduced to West Coast Swing in 2022 and never looked back. Born and raised in New York City, he’s currently the youngest leader competing in the all-star division at 20 years old. He is an active instructor, judge, and rising star routine competitor, best known for the personality, musicality, and goofiness he brings to the floor.

Dawn Blorstad has been in the Swing Dance Community for over 30 years. She holds 7 Open Titles. She is a member of the Swing Dance Hall of Fame. She is one of the most sought after Chief Judges for the WSDC. She teaches, coaches some of the top couples in the community.

Dillon began dancing West Coast Swing in 2014 and developed his career in the San Francisco Bay Area. A US Open finalist in both Classic and Showcase, he has competed alongside Alyssa Glanville, Chantelle Pianetta, and Lindsay Mistretta. Now based in New York City, Dillon continues to expand his movement through cross-training while sharing his passion for West Coast Swing.

Said to be the most fun instructors, the best food fight organizers, and the most objective judges. When asked why they should be hired, they proudly replied, “Eric and Maria - we bring fun and pleasure to your event. “

Glenn Ball is an internationally recognized dancer, choreographer, teacher, and MC. His performance credits include campaigns with Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Kylie Minogue, and Lionel Richie, plus collaborations with Nike and Louis Vuitton. Born in England and now based in Austin, TX, Glenn is the first Englishman to win the US Open Showcase title and a two-time US Open Classic finalist.

Greg Catellier has worked in contemporary dance for 30 years as a dancer, choreographer, designer, and educator. He teaches modern dance, improvisation, Contact Improvisation, choreography, and design at Emory University. Greg holds a BA in dance from Arizona State University and an MFA from The Ohio State University. Since 2017, he and Kristin have co-taught Contact Improvisation at Emory, drawing on their studies with some of the field’s most influential teachers.

Heejung Jung brings global energy, creativity, and connection to every floor she steps on. Born and raised in South Korea, she began with over a decade of Hapkido before transitioning into hip-hop, eventually discovering—and falling in love with—West Coast Swing in New York. She went on to found Westie Korea in 2009, helping grow the Korean WCS community into what it is today. Known for her distinctive hip-hop styling and out of the box teaching, Heejung challenges dancers in fun, engaging way.

We don’t just teach dance - We build dancers! We teach all levels with a strong focus on fundamentals, partner connection, musicality, and self-expression. Our goal is simple, help you create the best version of your dance.

Kay Newhouse brings 30 years of West Coast Swing experience as a mentor, judge, teacher, and passionate social dancer. She co-directs major DC-area events including DCSX, Swing Fling, Westie Weekend, and MADjam, and serves on the Executive Board of the World Swing Dance Council. Known for supporting newcomers, Kay also works with the University of Maryland and DC Peace Team.

Kristin “KO” O’Neal is an Atlanta-based dancer and educator who teaches at Emory University and Core Dance. An avid practitioner of Contact Improvisation, she helps organize workshops, classes, and jams for the Atlanta community. Kristin holds a BFA from Wright State University and MFA from Hollins University/ADF. Since 2017, she and Greg have co-taught Contact Improvisation at Emory, drawing on their studies with some of the field’s most influential teachers.

Larisa Tingle and Za Thomaier are Champion-level West Coast Swing professionals based in San Diego. Larisa brings a background in music, 20+ years of dance experience, and is an internationally sought-after coach, judge, and performer. Za has trained in 24+ dance styles and is a teacher, DJ, event producer, and community leader. Together, they inspire dancers worldwide through exceptional instruction, musicality, and connection.

Coming soon!

Matt Auclair and Julie Auclair bring decades of dance experience and championship success to the floor. Matt, a 7-time US Open Champion, 6-time USA Grand Nationals Champion, Living Legends Hall of Fame inductee, and award-winning teacher, has taught dancers of all ages for over 30 years. Julie began West Coast Swing in 2013, quickly reached All-Star level, is a 2-time US Open Champion, and became the 2025 UCWDC Silver Intermediate Line Dance World Champion.

Nicki Cacciato is a nationally traveling instructor, competitor, and movement educator with 15+ years of teaching experience across 30+ dance styles. Specializing in West Coast Swing, partner movement, and flow arts, she blends technical precision with creativity, musicality, and connection. Her classes combine biomechanics, communication, and artistry to help dancers become more confident, expressive, and connected—all with plenty of fun along the way.

Omar is an All-Star competitor based in Los Angeles. Throughout the past 9 years, he has taught, mentored, and built community by developing spaces where dancers can connect. His approach to dance is fueled by curiosity, creativity, and the belief that the best learning happens when play is integrated.

Philippe and Florencia are international artists and educators redefining West Coast Swing with passion, precision, and artistry. Philippe, a former world-ranked Boogie-Woogie competitor and All-Star champion, brings dynamic energy and swing-rooted technique. Florencia, the only Argentine to place Top 3 worldwide in both Showcase and Classic, blends expressive movement with experience in jazz, Latin, and TV productions. Together, they inspire dancers through musicality, connection, and joy.

Phoenix Grey is a Portland-based West Coast Swing dancer, instructor, DJ, judge, and competitor known for both leading and following. In 2013, he created "Degendering West Coast Swing," advocating for the removal of gender restrictions in competition. His teaching emphasizes connection, technique, and effective partnering, while his dancing is known for playful musicality and confidence. Phoenix now travels worldwide teaching, competing, DJing, and judging.

Robin Smith brings more than 40 years of experience across music, martial arts, ballroom, Latin, country, and swing dance. He trained extensively with the late Skippy Blair and is a GSDTA Master Instructor. Robin competed through the Champion level in Classic, Showcase, Sophisticated routines, Jack & Jill, and Strictly Swing divisions before retiring from competition. With decades of knowledge and experience, he is always willing to help dancers grow—just ask. robinsmithswing.com

Sam Vaden is an All-Star dancer, instructor, judge, and Army veteran based in Los Angeles. Dancing since 2015 and teaching since 2017, Sam is known for blending strong fundamentals, musicality, and creativity into both his social dancing and classes. Whether teaching, judging, competing, or social dancing, Sam brings a grounded, approachable energy and a passion for helping dancers grow both technically and artistically.

Sean McKeever and Alyssa McKeever are world-renowned West Coast Swing champions, instructors, and innovators from Northern California. Former youth ballroom rivals, they built successful individual careers before partnering professionally in 2022 and marrying in 2023. Their standout 2025 season included winning the Open World Swing Dance Championships Classic Division, NASDE Tour, and USA Grand Nationals. They now travel worldwide teaching, judging, and inspiring dancers.

Sharole Lashe Negrete has been a leader in the swing dance community for over 30 years. A certified judge with GSDTA and GPDIA, she has judged top NASDE and WSDC events across North America, Europe, and Asia. She is a founding director of the BC Swing Club, former officer of The Next Generation Swing Dance Club, former Boogie by the Bay director, and serves on the Board of Directors for the US Open Swing Dance Championships.

Since officially partnering in 2019, Thibault and Nicole have become four-time West Coast Swing Showcase World Champions, with a combined 12 World Championship titles. Traveling to over 40 events annually, they are celebrated for their artistry, vibrant energy, and engaging teaching style. Known for creating a supportive and inspiring learning environment, they help dancers of all levels grow in confidence, technique, and creativity.

Tommy Gibbs is a longtime West Coast Swing advocate, dance coach, realtor, author, podcast host, and national speaker in the new car automobile world. He helped grow youth WCS through “The Gang” in Tampa, Florida, giving young dancers a place to learn, connect, dance and grow into outstanding adults. Through dance, business, and media, Tommy brings energy, experience, and a passion for helping people grow.

Zac & Maddy Skinner, known as Zaddy, are an Australian West Coast Swing partnership blending connection, musicality, creativity, and plenty of personality. With decades of combined experience as dancers, teachers, competitors, performers, and judges, they pair technical precision with playfulness and genuine connection. Whether teaching, competing, or social dancing, Zaddy helps dancers find their voice, strengthen connection, and explore creativity. Zaddy isn't just a partnership, it's a vibe!