Instructors

Todd Yannacone

Todd Yannacone is one of the most recognizable names on the swing dancing circuit today. He has won countless championship titles from the most prestigious competitions around - The American Lindy Hop Championships, The Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown, The U.S. Open Swing Dance Championships, The National Jitterbug Championships, The Rhythmic Arts Festival - to name a few.

Todd also teaches internationally and loves spreading his passion for social dancing. He specializes in connection and musicality, which is apparent every time he steps on the dance floor. He has performed for dance and music legends alike, and frequently can be found performing and competing with the dance troupe to which he belongs, the Silver Shadows.

Giselle Anguizola

From the time she first heard Jazz, Giselle knew that an expression must be made. To her, American Vernacular Dance provides this expression of Jazz music. For the last eight years she has dedicated herself to the preservation of this art & continues as a researcher and teacher of Jazz Dancing.

She has won championships at ALHC, ULHS, NADC, CH, Rhythmic Arts Festival, and many more. She is an active organizer of the L.A. Binge, a member of Mad Dog, co-founder of the line-dance “Hot Pockets”, and founder of the first all American “California Girl Jam”; a workshop dedicated to women.

Giselle hopes to inspire others to feel the music, search for their own expression, and add to the endless creation of Jazz Dancing.

Mike Faltesek

Mike Faltesek brings to the dance floor an incredibly diverse social and performance dance talent that includes not only Lindy Hop but also Cakewalk, Black Bottom, Traditional Jazz, Tap, Charleston, Breakaway, Balboa, Big Apple, Blues and many other Authentic Jazz dances.

Mike has been dancing for almost a decade, in that time he has traveled to instruct, compete, and perform internationally. From Harlem to Los Angeles and all throughout Europe. Mike is well known for his charismatic personality, approachability and passion for the essence of Authentic Jazz dance and music. He possesses an enthusiastic ability to convey ideas and movements explicitly, making him a popular instructor wherever he goes. He teaches workshops internationally, each time leaving a lasting impression on his students.

Casey Schneider

Casey's love of swing and jazz dance began in 1998. Now, she regularly teaches at local, regional and national events, where she emphasizes "raising her voice" as a female dancer.

Whether social dancing, teaching, or performing, Casey is inspired by the playful spirit of jazz music. When teaching, she focuses on developing solid technique while inspiring students to love dancing as much as she does. In Seattle, she regularly performs with fellow lindy hoppers and the all-female group, Sister Kate.