Partner & Ballroom Dancing

I have been teaching ballroom dancing full time since 2002.  I am currently teaching private and group lessons in partner dancing at Google, just let me know what you are interested in!  Private lessons can be a good way to accelerate your learning on a schedule that works for you.  Group classes are great for step learning, review, and fun!

Please contact me on internal Google mail if you would like to schedule a private dance lesson at The Danceplex.

As well, I teach occasionally through Friday Night Waltz. Please check Friday Night Waltz for the schedule of my next group classes. These classes are in the vintage dance styles. There will generally be two dances selected per night, and will be such dances as: Rotary waltz, Cross-step waltz, Polka, etc.

I am happy to work with you privately in many different styles of dance. If you are looking for a private lesson instructor, please specify which of these styles you are interested in. Depending on your schedule and location needs, I may be able to work with you myself, or I might recommend one of my colleagues to you.

• International or American style Ballroom dances
  I have studied and competed in all four categories of ballroom dance. During the 2006 season, I competed in Professional Latin (Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive). Now I am competing in Professional American Rhythm (Cha Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero and Mambo) and Professional American Smooth (Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz) with Gavin Calkins. I also enjoy International Standard dancing (Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, and Quickstep). I like to think of each of these dances as a language – some are more like Italian, melodious and fun, some more like French, sexy and intimate. Each dance has its own steps, character, and feeling that springs from the melody and rhythm of the music.  I am not competing pro/am right now, so if you are interested in a pro/am teacher, I can meet with you to help give recommendations on other teachers in the area.

• Swings!
  There are many, many kinds of swing in the world – the California state dance, West Coast Swing, is one of my favorites due to its emphasis on musicality and playful style. As well, I have many years experience in Lindy Hop swing. Besides offering private lessons, I can help you find the local group classes and parties for a variety of swing styles.

• NightClub Dances
  Night Club dances are very popular at venues around the Bay Area. Salsa, Merengue, Hustle, and Nightclub Two Step are all dances you can use out on the town. I am well connected to the salsa community through my dance partner, Gavin, who is well known in the salsa world.

• Vintage Partner dances
  There are many dances from the days gone by that people still enjoy dancing today! Dances such as polka, rotary waltz, redowa waltz and mazurka are a lot of fun and can be used at Vintage style parties such as Friday Night Waltz, Gaskells Ball or the Stanford Viennese Ball. If you’d like to learn these dances for a particular event, please leave yourself at least a month to prepare – treat each dance style like learning a language – you couldn’t learn Spanish all in one day! I will be happy to help you prepare if scheduling is compatible.

  

  The Academy of Danse Libre's performance, Da Vintage Code