Teachers

Mike Faltesek

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 almost 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.

Laura Glaess

Laura grew up in a little hick town with more cows than people. It didn't 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.

She bumped into Lindy Hop, Swing, and Jazz ( ♥ ) in San Antonio while at Trinity University. She learned her first swingout from Mike Lenneville and Lani Steffens and, since then, has 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.

Evita Arce

Evita Arce is a Swing dance star, known internationally for her endless energy, high-flying aerials, and dynamic jazz movement. Whether she's on stage or leading a class, her vibrant persona inspires on-lookers to dance and live in the moment.

Evita played the feature Lindy Hop role in the Broadway musical "SWING!" on the 2008 Japan tour, at The California Music Circus, and at The Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. Evita also choreographed and danced for Wynton Marsalis and The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra at The Kennedy Center in DC celebrating MLK and President Obama's inauguration. Television appearances have popped up frequently since Evita, with partner Michael Jagger, advanced to finals in Las Vegas on FOX's So You Think You Can Dance -- the only Lindy Hop couple to do so. Evita choreographed for the NY Times Square production, "Sleigh Bells Swing," with George Gee's Orchestra at the Edision Ballroom.

Nathan Bugh

Nathan "Soft Shoe" Bugh is a unique jazz mover, seeking truth and justice, on stage and in the classroom. He is one of the leading proponents of solo jazz, with first place, competition titles from Lonestar Championships and Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown, as well as two silver medals from the International Lindy Hop Championships. He danced in David Tutera's "Great Gatsby" wedding on the hit TV series "My Fair Wedding;" He performed on FoxNC's "Fox and Friends Christmas" with George Gee and cast members from "Sleigh Bell Swing;" And he and Ramona Staffeld presented Lindy Hop with the Vanaver Caravan at the legendary dance mecca, Jacob's Pillow. In the classroom, Nathan draws on over a decade of professional experience teaching dancers of all ages and skill levels. He teaches weekly classes at Dance Manhattan and Columbia University, and his lessons are available online at idance.net.

Thomas Blacharz

Without a doubt, Tommy Blacharz is one of the most talented dancers in the world. His unique style is defined by free form body movement and intricate musicality and he is constantly pushing the limits of swing as we know it. With over 12 years of dance experience, Tommy not only exudes expertise on the social dance floor, but he can clearly articulate the various element that make up his dancing. His classes are filled with fun, humor, good dance technique and most of all great dancing. His talents have been passed on to some of the top dancers in the world today and he is a major organizer/teacher in one of the strongest dance scenes in Europe, Montpellier, France. The last few years, Tommy  has been placed in major international competitions such as Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown & International Lindy Hop Championship. He is a key member of the Famous troupe: The Ninjammerz who performed their Jitters choreography at Frankie95 in New York City. Lately, they proudly performed alongside the famous Electro-Swing Band Caravan Palace & has been involved in running the project "I charleston the world"!

If you haven't already had the chance to let this man inspire you, it is one opportunity you would never want to miss!

Andrew Nemr

Mentored by Gregory Hines, Andrew is considered one of the most hardworking and diverse tap dance artists today. Whether playing with Nat Adderley Jr., directing  CPD PLUS, or co-founding the  Tap Legacy™ Foundation, Inc., Andrew has garnered a reputation for impeccable musicianship and sensitivity, and respect for the craft that he loves. The artist in residence for the Quarterly Arts Soiree (QAS) at Webster Hall, Andrew received an  NEA Masterpieces: Dance Initiative Grant to reconstruct the works of classic tap dance soloists, garnering critical and popular acclaim upon their presentation in  Echoes In Time.  Collectively, Andrew's choreography and solo work has been described as "a welcome return to the elegance of simplicity and the tap dancer as maker of aural magic" (exploredance.com) and "deeply touching" (Daily Gazette).