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.
Jonathan Ng is a Balboa, Lindy Hop, Collegiate Shag, and Solo Jazz dancer based in New York City. He strives to give students the tools to develop their own unique voice in the dance by sharing the values of conversation, musicality, and play in each class he teaches. With a background as a jazz violinist, Jonathan approaches swing dancing with the same core philosophy as he would playing on the bandstand: the best ideas are born out of a combination of great technique and the willingness to explore beyond it.
Please reach out via email for information about private lessons.
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.
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.
Please reach out via Facebook or email for information about private lessons.
Bobby teaches traditional swing dances like Balboa around the world, and holds championship titles and placements in Balboa, Lindy Hop, and Solo Jazz. With each, Bobby strives to innovate and create a new voice, while still capturing the spirit of the original dancers. He has won almost every major title in the modern Balboa scene, including an unmatched three California Balboa Classic titles and three All Balboa Weekend ACBC Championship titles with Annabel Quisao among many others. He is the author of the popular swing dance blog Swungover*, and the book "Practice Swing," and runs the well-regarded online lesson platform www.onlinebalboa.com with Kate Hedin. As a dancer, he is widely recognized for his floppy hair, and as a teacher, by his sound effects.ย
Laura Keat began her swing dance lifestyle in 2000. Lauraโs love for swing & jazz music pushed her to expand her dance journey deep into Lindy Hop and other swing dance styles such as Balboa, Collegiate Shag, Solo Jazz and Charleston. After winning international titles in Lindy, Bal & Shag, exploring social dancing and competing in her non-primary role, as a lead, has been a natural extension on her journey.
As an instructor, she brings a fresh perspective to her classes, working to develop foundations in partnering for the express purpose of creating opportunities for individual expression and voice in response to the music.
When Laura isn't on the dance floor she can be found with her dog hiking and camping in the Rocky Mountains, enjoying the beautiful Colorado sunshine or a good book in a great coffee shop.
Jona Venzor is a Balboa dancer, organizer, and creative force known for high-energy storytelling and a deep commitment to switch dancing. Rooted in Balboa, Jona approaches partnership as a shared canvas where lead and follow stay fluid, responsive, and expressive.
They are the founder of Queer Swing Society and the creator of the Switch Underground, building spaces that celebrate role fluidity, individuality, and connection within the Balboa community. As a teacher, Jona focuses on clarity, musical conversation, and helping dancers move confidently between roles while staying true to their own movement voice.
Whether competing, teaching, or building community spaces, Jonaโs goal is to create experiences that feel collaborative, intentional, and alive.