Jenn Lee
Jenn Lee (She/Her) is a renowned swing dance instructor with a passion for fostering an inclusive and collaborative learning environment. She emphasizes the importance of follow voice, ensuring equal attention to both leads and follows.
As a professional follow without a dedicated partner, Jennโs versatile dance style adapts to various partners and teaching collaborations, enhancing her abilities as an instructor. Her strong music background allows her to seamlessly integrate rhythmic concepts and musicality into her classes, helping students express themselves on the dance floor.
Jenn is deeply aware that jazz, including swing dance, is a Black cultural art form, and she strives to honor its roots by teaching with respect for its history and the community that created it.
Jenn's love for social dancing and the swing community is evident in her warm approach and adaptable style, making her a valuable addition to any dance event she participates in.
Please reach out via email for information about private lessons.
Sara-Sofia Rentas
Sara-Sofia Rentas (she/her) first discovered swing dancing in Orlando, FL in 2015 is now proud to be NYC-based, sharing Balboa in the studio and anywhere jazz happens to be playing.
With limited resources for learning Balboa early in her dance journey, she adopted social dancing as her classroom where she would experiment with mechanics, musicality, and the relationship between leader and follower. This learning process also shaped her approach to teaching. In her classes youโll find a blend of excitement for technique and playful improvisation, honoring the greatness of swing music and each studentโs personal expression.ย
Please reach out via Instagram or email for information about private lessons.
Sam Chan
Sam Chan started swing dancing in 2003 and has trained under many world-renowned Balboa instructors, as well as original dancers like Dean Raftery and Marge Takier. He has placed in international Balboa events (including 1st place at KBW 2018) and recently in the invitational level contests at Hot Rhythm Holiday and Balorado. In his dancing, he values good connection, flow, and musicality. As a teacher, he excels at breaking down dance techniques in a clear and understandable way.
Please reach out via email for information about private lessons.
Javier Johnson
Hartford | He/Him
Javier Johnson is a rocket scientist by trade, and he brings a powerful analytical sense which joins the mechanics of dance and the soul of expression. He is well versed in all the swing dances, but specializes in Balboa and soul. As an international swing dance instructor, he's traveled around the world sharing his joy of teaching and his passion for jazz dances.
Dominic Hanna
Dominic is a dancer and dance enthusiast based in the Triangle region of North Carolina. He has been dancing balboa for about 10 years, and is deeply fascinated by the elements that compose the feel and aesthetics of balboa. His dancing has been described as musical, smooth, playful, and connection centered. As an instructor, Dominic is known for his open communication style, and his ability to tangibly share concepts in various forms.ย
Heather Ballew
Heather Ballew hails from Denver where majestic mountains tower over the skyline and sunny days are plentiful. She took her first Lindy Hop steps in the 1990s after being inspired by a movie. Known for her connection and playfulness, she spent a decade performing and competing with Denver swing dance troupe, 23 Skidoo. She has since taught on four continents and she holds titles from International Lindy Hop Championships, Camp Hollywood, California Balboa Classic, and Lindy Focus. She has choreographed for multiple balboa and lindy hop troupes. She believes that swing dancing should look good and feel great but most of all it should be fun. She loves social dancing with people of all levels and can be found teaching abroad, talking passionately about scene-building, and starting silly and sometimes thoughtful online discussions.
Jes Cutler
Jesica Cutler is a Dancer, Tango Teacher, performer, Community Leader and a Bodyworker. She has been teaching and performing Argentine Tango nationally and internationally for 12 years. Jesica is heavily cross trained in Balboa, Lindy Hop, WCS and Brazilian Zouk. She seeks an overall understanding of partnership and loves to learn. Her home base is in Denver, where she organizes the Tango on the Rocks Festival, and Denver Does Tango. As a licensed massage therapist, her education and training in Anatomy and biomechanics influence her teaching, career, and her life in general. She approaches the dance and the classroom with a focus on connection, communication, and alignment. Her greatest wish is that each person she encounters moves with greater ease and less pain.