Joanna Lucero
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Joanna grew up loving swing era jazz, but didn’t discover that people were still dancing to its music until she went to college in Rochester, NY. She was hooked from her very first swingout and from that moment on, took every opportunity to learn as much as she could.
Joanna holds titles from competitions such as Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown, International Lindy Hop Championships, and Lone Star Championships, among others. She is a tiny bundle of energy when she dances, finding her joy in the music. As a teacher, she strives to help her students do the same. |
Taylor Stender
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Taylor has found a way to dance most of her life. While her first love was Lindy Hop, her true love is Balboa. She has been swing dancing since 2007 and teaching since 2012 locally and regionally in the Pacific Northwest. Known for her love of shoes and puns, she has been the Fabulous Femcee for events like: Rhythm City Mess Around, Camp Jitterbug, Northwest Balboa Festival, Bal-Ast Off, California Balboa Classic, The Snowball, and featured at All Balboa Weekend.
Taylor has been a member of Seattle's premier chorus girl troupe Sister Kate Dance Company since 2016, and a producer and emcee for Seattle burlesque troupe The Trinkettes since 2017 as her alter ego: Grace, Darling. |
Ruth Evelyn & Mike Sonder
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Ruth and Mike are among the most respected and sought-after instructors in the blues dance world. They have taught at most of the blues dance events that exist (In 14 countries and counting…). They are founding members and choreographers of the B Sides, which is the first and currently only ongoing professional blues performance group.
Ruth and Mike are an exceptional teaching partnership, internationally renowned for their dynamic energy, precise explanations, entertainment value, and ability to make detailed technique fun to learn. They are prolific choreographers, avid dance nerds, and enthusiastic social dancers. Ruth and Mike are passionate about creating fresh and expressive art that stays true to the roots of the blues. They love dance pedagogy and mentoring newer teachers to fulfill their potential as instructors. Ruth and Mike both love carrot juice, smoky Scotch whisky, and philosophical discussions. Since they started traveling and teaching together, Ruth has started using the Oxford comma, and all of Mike’s electronic devices are from Apple. They have been known to fishtail in grocery stores and swing out in the aisles of moving trains. Check out their Facebook page and YouTube channel. |