Instructors
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Jenn Lee
Seattle, Washington
Jenn Lee (She/Her) is a respected swing dance instructor with an approachable nature and dynamic style that have made her a popular presence at dance events and workshops. Jenn's passion for swing dancing is evident in her performances and classes. While acknowledging the deep roots of swing dancing in Black culture, she strives to create a collaborative and supportive learning environment that encourages students of all levels to develop their unique style. With a strong music background, Jenn focuses on integrating rhythmic concepts and musicality into her classes, helping dancers connect with the music and express themselves through dance. As a professional follow without a dedicated partner, Jenn has developed a versatile dance style that adapts to various partners and teaching collaborations. Her commitment to providing equal attention to leads and follows contributes to an inclusive atmosphere that sets her apart as an instructor. Jenn has earned numerous accolades, including 1st place titles at prestigious events such as the California Balboa Classic, Great Lakes Balboa Escape, All Balboa Weekend, Eastern Balboa Championships, Hot Rhythm Holiday, the Snowball, and Lindy Focus. Her film "One Girl and Two Boys" won the top prize at the Jazz Dance Film Festival. Jenn Lee's experience, passion, and energy provide a valuable and enriching experience for attendees at any dance event. therealjenniferlee.com

Theresa Manney
Seattle, Washington
Theresa (She/Her) has been a dance enthusiast for as long as she can remember. She has extensive experience in ballet, modern and aerial arts, but nothing captures her heart like jazz music and swing dancing. She adores all styles, especially Balboa, Collegiate Shag, Lindy Hop and solo jazz. As an instructor, Theresa is known for having a keen eye for body mechanics with a strong focus to encourage her students to listen to the music as a way to influence movement.

Jeremy Otth
Orange County, California
Jeremy Otth (He/Him) amassed a great amount of knowledge on the historic essence of vintage swing dances from many of the original jitterbugs and swing dancers. Along with his seemingly inexhaustible amount of energy, Jeremy’s natural talent and dedication led him to accumulate championship titles at many acclaimed dance competitions such as the International Lindy Hop Championships, National Jitterbug Championships, American Classic Balboa Championships and the US Open Swing Dance Championships. Jeremy is now honored to share that breadth of knowledge and passion for these classic partner dances by entertaining and educating feet around the world from Southern California to Asia and Europe.

Matt Richey
Orange, California
Matt Richey (He/Him) has been dancing Lindy Hop and Balboa since the tender age of 11. His dance career started with a performance team, including dancing on cruise ships and at Disneyland. In 2004 Matt attended Camp Hollywood for the first time (he hasn’t missed a year since) and he quickly fell in love with what swing dancing can offer; not just Lindy Hop but all swing. He won his first local competition at age 14 hosted by Nevada County Swing Society and was asked to dance for the local TV station to promote NCSS. Since then he traveled all over the world learning from some of the world’s best dancers such as Frankie Manning, Norma Miller, Jean Veloz, Sugar Sullivan and Chazz Young, and many others. One of Matt’s accomplishments he is most proud of is the Juniors program he started in Nevada County, CA. Matt has gone around to teach at countless schools to spread the love of dance. Over the 7 years he ran the program he brought juniors to competitions and events in California and also brought teens to compete at the International Lindy Hop Championships 3 years in a row. His students brought home the 1st place award in the Junior Jitterbug Showcase at ILHC in 2018. Over the years, Matt has won hundreds of titles in multiple styles of swing, including West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop and Balboa. He is becoming the most recognized crossover dancer in the circuit as well as being a familiar face on the social dance floor everywhere! In 2018 Matt was inducted to the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame. As much as Matt loves swing dancing, he loves teaching and sharing his love for dancing and music just as much! He currently teaches adults and kids in several local schools and studios in Orange County. He is known for fun loving energy, musicality, showmanship and performance. itsallswing.dance @digadigadoos

Heather Ballew
Denver, Colorado
A regular competitor at events around the country, Heather (She/Her) has performed and competed with Denver’s champion swing dance troupe, 23 Skidoo, and has been an instructor at Beantown Summer Camp, Balboa Rendezvous, All Balboa Weekend and Provence Swing Festival. She holds titles from Camp Jitterbug, International Lindy Hop Championships, Camp Hollywood, All Balboa Weekend and Canadian Swing Championships, but her proudest dance achievement to date has been organizing and growing a group of mighty fine dancers in her hometown. She is known for her personal investment in her students’ success and is a popular instructor in greater Denver for Lindy Hop and Balboa. heatherballew.com

Laura Keat
Denver, Colorado
Laura Keat (She/They) began her swing dance lifestyle in 2000. Laura’s 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. elevatedrhythm.com