Frankie Manning
No one has contributed more to the Lindy Hop than Frankie Manning -- as a dancer, innovator and choreographer. For much of his lifetime he has been an unofficial Ambassador of Lindy Hop. Originally touring as a dancer and choreographer with Whitey's Lindy Hoppers in the 30's and 40's, he helped spread the popularity of the Lindy Hop through three continents. Once again, since the swing dance revival that started in the 1980s, Frank Manning has been a driving force worldwide with his teaching, choreography and performance. His own love of swing music and dancing has been as contagious as his dazzling smile.
[Click here to see a video of Frankie Manning dancing!]
Todd Yannacone & Naomi Uyama
Todd & Naomi are two of the most recognizable names on the lindy hop circuit today. They are both champion level dancers who have taught workshops around the world, as well as performed for dance and music legends alike. Todd and Naomi specialize in connection and musicality, which is apparent every time they stop on a dance floor. Their love of lindy hop is genuine, and sharing this passion is what they enjoy most about teaching. Most recently, Todd and Naomi became the 2006 American Lindy Hop Champions, as well as the 2006 US Open Strictly Champions, repeating their wins from the previous year.
[Click here to see a video of Todd & Naomi dancing!]
Nick Williams & Kristin Sorci
Kristin Sorci has been dancing since she was a wee lass, starting in jazz, tap, and ballet, as every "dance kid" does. She has a ten year background as a gymnast and coach, as well as dancing on Pointe, Lindy Hop, Pop and Lock, Hip Hop, Balboa, and West Coast Swing. Her accomplishments include the American Lindy Hop Championships, the US Open Swing Dance Championships, Swingdiego, SF Balfest, and Northwest Balfest. As a dancer and a musician, Kristin's focus is breaking down music to movement, inspiring students to think "outside of the box."
Nick Williams has embodied the passion and spirit of swing dancing ever since his first lesson in 1998. His in depth understanding of Lindy Hop, Balboa, and Collegiate Shag stem from studying with the original dancers. Nick's desire for authenticity, combined with his passion for dance evolution, leads to a style known for precision, lightness, and dynamic energy. Above all, he exhibits musicality, creativity, and continuity. His successes include World Lindy Hop Champion, U.S. Open Swing Dance Champion, American Lindy Hop Champion, and American Classic Balboa Champion. As an instructor, he is known for his ability to break down movements and technique to create a fun and light-hearted learning environment. His true love for music and dancing will forever inspire him to learn, teach, and grow. In 2004, Nick was honored to be recognized by the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame.
Together, Nick and Kristin have been featured as choreographers on the hit television show, "So You Think You Can Dance." They are very excited to be returning to Sacramento and are honored to be invited to teach with such amazing national and local teachers.
[Click here to see a video of Nick & Kristin dancing!]
Kelli Wilkerson
Kelli has been dancing Lindy Hop, East coast swing, balboa and charleston since early 1998 and has been competing and teaching for 8 of those years. She has placed and won many national titles in many esteemed competitions such as The American Lindy Hop Championships, Ultimate Lindy Hop Championships, Camp Hollywood/Nation Jitterbug Competition, Swing by the Sea, Jitterbug Jam, Triple Crown Los Angeles, Boston Tea Party and many more. She has also taught workshops and lessons at many of the above named competitions and also in places such as San Francisco CA, Los Angeles Ca, Denver Colo, Minneapolis Mn, Madison WI, Boston MA, Nashville TN, Portland OR, Stamford CN, Pasadena Ca, Davis and Sacramento CA. She is a masterful fast lindy and Charleston dancer with a knack for showmanship who encourages great basics and fundamentals so you can have fun dancing with anyone at any speed.
Chris & Emma Farrell
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
Jean Ma & Bromeley Palamountain
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.
Recent Awards:
1st place S.F. Balfest Strictly Lindy contest (Qualifying for ALHC 2007)
2nd place U.S Open Lindy Showcase division
3rd place Rhythmic Arts Festival Lindy division
2nd place Boogie by the Bay Lindy Showcase division
3rd place Sac Swing Jam Strictly Lindy (Qualifying for ALHC 2006)
2nd place Swing Central Strictly Lindy contest