Teachers

2010 Camp Swing Teachers - thus far confirmed!

Dance Instructors (list subject to change)

Vincenzo Fesi
Bromley and Jean
Chris and Emma
Jenna Chalmers
John Ratto & Charissa Ratto
Heidi Fite
Sara Lerner
Micah Jacobson
Allen Henderson
Colleen Sollars
Cory Tsang
And original inspiration Cari Bartholomew

See previous Camp Swing instructors >>

Vincenzo Fesi, 2008, 2009

Vincenzo started dancing Boogie Woogie in 1989 at the age of 9 and shortly there after began winning national and international competitions. When competing at the Boogie Woogie World Championships in 1998 he was exposed to a new style of dancing: not just aerials or fancy figures, but musical interpretation and improvisation. He quickly became a fan of the swing styles of the 1930s and 1940s (Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston) and set out to learn them by studying jazz music and watching old films. After much study he won the European Championship in 1995 and the World Cup in 2002 with his former partners, respectively.

Vincenzo teaches all around the world (usually with his regular partner, Isabella) including the famous Herrang Dance Camp and hosting his own Swing Crash Festival in Lake Como, Italy.

Recent Accomplishments and Camps:
2nd World Lindy Hop Championships 2007
1st Italian Lindy Hop Championships 2006
1st Italian Jitterbug Championships 2006
3rd World Lindy Hop Championships 2005
1st American Strictly Lindy Pro Championships 2005
2nd National Jitterbug Championships 2005

Herräng Dance Camp (Sweden); Rock that Swing, Munich (Germany); Jazz Jam, Vienna (Austria); Boogie Swing Toulouse, Toulouse (France); Boogie Night, Tampere (Finland); Moscow Jazz Festival, Moscow (Russia); Saszlaboogie, Csopak (Hungary); Swing Connexion, Montreal (Canada); Savoy Ball, London (UK); Boogie and Blues Festival, Lugan (Switzerland); Summer Jamboree, Senigallia (Italy); Sweet Swing, Ljubljana (Slovenja).

Bromley and Jean, 2008, 2009

Jean and Bromley first teamed up in August of 2004. Jean taught performance swing dancing to UC Berkeley students as part of "The [M]ovement". She is also well-versed in hip hop, having danced in the professional hip hop troupe Culture Shock.

Bromley's expertise lies in his gymnastics foundation. He trained under Olympic Gold medalist Tim Daggett and was able to pave his way through college as a competitive gymnast.

Together they were also a part of the Bay area's premier Swing Dance troupe, The 3 Minute Maniacs. They are known for their explosive aerials, high energy, and passion for the dance.

Chris & Emma, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

Chris and Emma met after following the hordes of teenagers going to swing dance classes in the late nineties and suddenly found themselves members of The Rugcutters. It was here that they learned the importance of zoot suits, Bleyers and swishy skirts.

A few years later, Chris and Emma became founding members of the Foothills Swing Dance Society bringing the joy of dance to the communities of Placer and Nevada Counties. Chris and Emma love to share their knowledge and obsession for dance and can be found teaching nearly every night of the week. Their chemistry with each other along with their unique ability to break down the intricacies of each movement make their classes fun and productive.

Now with a better understanding of the importance of white loafers, stripy socks, and seamed stockings, Chris and Emma have been teaching extensively in the greater Sacramento area and are the driving force behind the budding Sacramento Balboa scene. Visit them at www.intheswingofthings.com

Jenna - 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
See Jenna & Cari Lead the 20's Charleston Routine >>

Camp Swing Co-Director Jenna Chalmers has been teaching and performing dance since 1993. She has appeared in music videos, advertisements, and commercials. You may have seen her flying through the air on the Washington Mutual posters or in the Sony Tri-Star film “The Thirteenth Floor.” She has performed on-stage with The Brian Setzer Orchestra and The Manhattan Transfer, and worked with GAP, Hewlett-Packard, Macys, and Pixar Animation Studios, to name a few. Jenna has been a member and choreographer for the performance groups “Bay City Boogie,” “Retro Cabaret,” “Le CanCan Bijou,” and “The Decobelles.” She is an accomplished  irish ceili dancer and travels the world to learn new forms of dance. She has appeared on TV and National Public Radio as an expert in the field of swing dance. Jenna has trained, taught, competed, and judged internationally, including “Monsters of Swing,” the National Lindy Hop Championships, Swing For Choice, “Blast From the Past”, and the “World Swing Championships” in London.

John Ratto & Charissa Ratto (San Francisco) - 2009

John and Charissa are the 2007 San Francisco Shag Jam Champions. Traveling with a professional dance troupe, they have given instruction and been a part of performances all over the state. They entered the competitive dance world 2 years ago and have continued to develop into advanced dancers. Some of their other accomplishments include: 3rd at the 2007 National Jitterbug Champions in the Pro Collegiate Shag Division, as well as winning several local competitions. In their passion for dancing, John and Charissa hope to help everyone learn and enjoy this historic dance and keep swing alive. Their focus for students is to become comfortable quickly and enjoy themselves on a social dance floor.

Nicole Frydman

Nicole has been singing and dancing since she was a small child. She has performed all over USA in national tours, regional theaters, summer stock, repertory, and even some major motion pictures. For example, you can catch her head fly by Julia Roberts in the dance scene of "Mona Lisa Smile".

In 1997 she discovered swing dancing to go along with the jazz she already loved so much. Since then she has become a professional dancer placing in over 40 local, regional, and national swing dance competitions. She previously taught swing at Dance Manhattan Studiosin New York but is now a teacher and the Education Coordinator at 920 Special in San Francisco. She considers her emphasis and style in teaching and dancing to be about connection with her partner and the music - all else is secondary.

She has also spent time and energy behind the scenes creating events, shows, workshops, galas, concerts, dances, etc., and continues that work today with the San Francisco Jazz Festival. Some of her past favorites include Frankie Manning's 88th Birthday weekend.

Heidi Fite - 2006, 2008, 2009

Heidi began dancing and teaching in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1999 and has been dancing, teaching, and performing ever since. She now lives in San Francisco, California, where she teaches classes, workshops, and private lessons.

Heidi's expertise includes Lindy Hop and Blues dance and she enjoys helping students of all ages and ability levels improve their dancing. Admired for her clear explanation of fundamentals, Heidi brings to all her classes and workshops not only a focus on solid techniques, but more important, a love of dance and a dedication to the learning process. Heidi is the founder ofFUSION swing dance, a not-for-profit cooperative group of teachers and dancers, and she has helped to organize Blues dance events such as the St. Louis Lindy Blues Exchange 2003-2005 and Cheap Thrills All Blues Weekend 2003-2005, as well as being a featured instructor at numerous workshops across the United States and Canada. Her web site is www.Blues-Dance.com.

Sara Lerner - 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

Currently living in Los Angeles, Sara Lerner has been dancing since 1997 and teaching, performing, and competing in San Francisco and around the country since 1998. She was the resident Balboa teacher at San Francisco's beloved Saturday night venue, the Doghouse. She blends her prior experience in figure skating with extensive training in several forms of swing, including Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa, Collegiate Shag, and Big Apple. Her enthusiasm for the dance and the music shine through in her teaching. Her classes are fun, lively, and always entertaining. Her mix of humor, great musicality, and her knack for breaking it down ensures that everyone has a good time learning how to dance.

A few of  Sara's recent placements include: 1st place Balboa Jack & Jill  and 2nd in Strictly Lindy Hop at Norcal Championships in Dec 2006. 2nd in Balboa at The Rhythmic Arts Festival over New Year's 2007. 1st in Lindy Jack & Jill and 2nd in Strictly Lindy at Reno Dance Sensation 2007.

Micah Jacobson- 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

Micah Jacobson has been an ambassador of the San Francisco swing scene from the beginning. He began teaching at the historic Hi-Ball in 1995, voted the best swing club in the country during its peak years. Micah can be seen in music video, advertisements, and movies like the Sony Tri-Star film “The Thirteenth Floor.” He has taught swing to the CEO of The Gap one day and hundreds of high school kids on another. Micah has a true gift for teaching the dance and making it FUN!  Micah is an original member of  the swing group “Bay City Boogie,” who have performed at numerous events and in front of thousands at the Sacramento Kings half time show. He has trained, taught, and competed all over the world including Monsters of Swing, “Blast from the Past,” the National Lindy Hop Championships and the SF Swing Jam where he placed first.

Allen Henderson- 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
See Allen & Meleksah's 2004 talent show performance >>
See Allen & Meleksah lead their class in a lindy routine >>

We are thrilled to have Allen with us again this year. Many of you may know that he has taught and performed extensively throughout the nation. With years of experience in many styles of dance he brings clarity, passion, and humor to his classes. Through his work with Homestyle: The Integration Project, Allen has brought legendary musicians and instructors to the San Francisco Swing Scene. A handful of his many accomplishments include performances with The Kennedy Center, Macy's Passport Fashion Show, The Lucas Arts Academy Awards Celebration, The San Francisco Jazz Organization, The Annual Hip Hop Dance Festival, as well as numerous movies, music videos, and commercials.

Colleen Sollars - 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009

Colleen Sollars is an incredible instructor and we are so fortunate to benefit from her many talents! A long time camp organizer and instructor, she has an extensive background in performance and she has been dancing for over 15 years. Though especially passionate about swing, she has studied many dance styles including jazz, salsa, hip-hop, tap, Afro-Haitian, Irish & English country dance and ballroom. Colleen has performed in a venues far and wide, working with Bay City Boogie and the Swing Cats Rhythm Review, as well as being featured in industry and music videos. You can see her perform this year (as every year) in the exciting Camp Swing talent show!

Colleen's classes always emphasize proper technique, and she really works to make sure that students feel confident in what they're learning. She has taught various dance styles and movement at American Conservatory Theater, Santa Rosa Junior College, Las Positas College and The Willows Theatre Company, as well as teaching and performing at private events and parties throughout the bay area.

Jeff Kroll - 2008

Jeff Kroll has been swing dancing since 1996, and teaching and competing nationally since 2004. He has danced on TV and for the big screen, and has performed, taught, and DJed at countless public and private events.

While Jeff enjoys all styles of swing dancing, he has a particular fondness for Balboa-Swing, dancing and teaching it almost every chance he gets. His love for dancing and his desire to share it is reflected in the enthusiasm and positive energy he brings to his classes. Jeff infuses everything with fun and creativity, even the most technical of details, and he is known for the relaxed, patient individual attention and encouraging guidance he gives.

Jeff is currently teaching regular weekly group classes on Tuesdays at Tuesday Night Jump, on Thursdays at 200 Grand, and on Fridays at UCSF.

Cory Tsang - 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009
See Cory dance Salsa with Angel >>

Bringing tremendous variety to the teaching staff this year is Cory Tsang. While he is familiar with many ballroom dances such as (*deep breath*) International Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quickstep, Viennese Waltz, International Rumba, ChaCha, Samba, Jive, West Coast Swing, Hustle, Night Club 2 Step, Mambo, Salsa, Merengue, (*whew*) and Rueda!!

Cari Bartholomew - 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
See Jenna & Cari Lead the 20's Charleston Routine >>

Cari Bartholomew has been a gymnast for over 20 years and a womans competitve gymnastics coach for over 17 years. On the swing scene, she has been teaching and performing since 1995 and has gained numerous professional credits and awards, including appearances in videos for Brian Sezter, Cherry Poppin Daddies, John Lee Hooker, Santana, and the graces the cover of the subculture book “Swing The New Retro Renaissance”.  As an early pioneer in bringing Lindy Hop into the nightclub scene, Cari, with long time partner Johnny Swing, taught hundreds of people to dance with their easygoing and entertaining style. Co-creator of the wildly successful "San Francisco Swing Jam", and the original inspiration for Camp Swing, Cari's dynamic and high energy dancing continues to inspire.