Featured Instructors

Mickey Fortanasce (NYC) — As a professional Tough Guy, Super Hero and Spelling Bee Champion, finding time for dance was not easy for Mickey Fortanasce, nor was it an accepted activity among his fellow Crime fighters. But having defeated most evil doers in the New York City metropolitan area, he made his way down a different path. In search of more powerful adversary Mickey Fortanasce began dancing THE lindy hop and THE balboa in the Summer of '99. Battling opponents whose dorkdom surpassed even his own. He's competed and won numerous competitions in Lindy Hop and Balboa, including most recently receiving the prestigious title of 'BEST DANCER EVER' at the 'Mickey wins Everything Invitational 2008'. Mickey has taught across the US and in Europe and has also been featured in in Time Out New York Magazine, The New York Times, and Good Day New York.
Kelly Arsenault (Washington, DC) -
Kelly Arsenault is a native of Knoxville, Tennessee, and she has been dancing as long as she can remember. By the time she entered the University of Tennesse, she'd performed modern dance around the world and had begun to choreograph for the Circle Modern Dance Company. Kelly, along with her partner Mickey, hold the title of 2006 and 2007 International Balboa Champions from the Balboa Rendezvous. They are also the 2008 winners of the American Classic Balboa Championship. She holds titles with Todd Yannacone as well, including 2007 US Open Champions and 2008 ULHS Revolution Champions. Kelly has taught in the US, Canada, Germany, France, England, Scotland, and Sweden. She absolutely loves teaching and traveling, and she continues to pursue her love of dance in her new home city of Washington, DC.
Todd Yannacone (NYC) — 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. He teaches vernacular jazz, balboa, lindy hop, and other vintage swing dances both locally and 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.
Maryse Lebeau (Montréal, QC) — Maryse, dance teacher for almost 10 years, has earned the equivalent of 20 years' worth of experience! She has taught thousands of individuals worldwide, in cities such as Sydney (AUS), London (ENG), Paris, Toulouse, Lyon, Berlin (ALL), San Francisco, Toronto, Los Angeles, San Diego, New York. In Montreal, she is the soul of her studio Swing ConneXion with her happy, welcoming presence, and her concern that every single student feels at home. Known for her sensitivity and good sense, her teaching is always of superior quality, and she always strives for more. In competition, Maryse has earned more than 30 titles, and as a coach she has brought many teams to the podium.
Zack Richard (Montréal, QC) — Zack is an ever-exploding dynamo of talent and creativity. His experience as a choreographer and coach has given him a keen eye for detail and movement. An international teacher, he has shared his knowledge in Australia, England, France, USA, Canada, Germany. Zack is a notorious joker, as you can see in his picture. Zack is one of Canada's most successful competitive swing dancers, with more than 50 titles under his belt, many of which were earned coaching teams. Zack's vision of a great teacher: someone who can find balance between focus, entertainment and precision.
Dominique Blouin (Quebec City) has become a much sought-after Balboa teacher since she began cleaning up Balboa competitions in 2007, winning medals at the Canadian Swing Championships Balboa division, the All-Balboa weekend, and the Pro Balboa division of the National Jitterbug Championships. Dominique was also one of the very first swing teachers in Quebec city. A versatile and dedicated social dancer, she's taught Lindy Hop, Balboa and even Salsa over the years, and has been recognized among top dancers for her sense of style and grace on the dance floor.
André Danis (Ottawa, ON) — In his 40s, André decided he wanted to "discover his inner rhythm": that's when he started dancing West Coast Swing, and André quickly made up for lost time to become a strong and creative West Coast Swing leader. He brings exceptional musicality, a flair for choreography, and martial arts training to his dancing. That and some occasional screwball comedy, guaranteed to loosen you up for dancing! Maria and André teach group lessons in their private studio, SmoothStyle Swing, as well as with Swing Dynamite. André and Maria coached Ottawa's first competitive WCS team!
Maria Ford (Ottawa, ON) — Maria has danced since she could walk. She trained in contemporary jazz, tap and ballet for 13 years, as well as gymnastics and synchronized swimming. She holds 17 provincial dance competition medals, including gold and silver places for solo jazz work. Recently Maria has been adding WCS medals to her list, and together with her partner André she's been enjoying travelling to WCS competitions to compete and dance. With André, Maria teaches group lessons in their private studio, SmoothStyle Swing, as well as with Swing Dynamite. André and Maria coached Ottawa's first competitive WCS team!
Nelson Clarke (Maitland, ON) — Nelson Clarke lives in Maitland Ontario, and although he is 28 years of age he has been Line Dancing for 17 of those years. In 2004 Nelson attended his first Line Dance Event, after this he was hooked to the event world. He has competed in many line dance compititions and has placed either first or second with his talents. Nelson is a regular teacher with the local line dance group the Crazy Soles, and has also had the privilege to travel to the United States and Here in Canada. In addition to line dancing in 2005 Nelson attended his first West Coast Swing class in the USA. Keeping at West Coast Swing he found out the there is more out there then just doing the swing of the west, but there is also Hustle, Night Club, Two Step and East Coast Swing. Nelson now not only enjoys Line Dance events but Swing events also. Competing at the swing circuit has really pushed Nelson to a whole new level of dance and looks forward to see what the world of dance has for him next. Nelson looks forward to seeing you on the dance floor..
Julie Epplett (Toronto, ON) — Julie has become one of Canada's most respected WCS teachers and competitors. Julie been teaching weekly West Coast Swing classes in Toronto for – has it really been eight years now? She’s also taught workshops in Kitchener-Waterloo, London, Guelph, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City and at the Swing Niagara Dance Championships in Buffalo, New York. Her approach to the dance has always emphasized its lead-and-follow structure while celebrating its playfulness. Julie’s dance background includes Ballet, Jazz, Salsa and Flamenco, and she’s currently learning to Tango.

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