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.

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.

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. “

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.