Over 50 of the world's top swing dance experts are on the MADjam staff!

JORDAN FRISBEE & TATIANA MOLLMANN (Long Beach, CA) are the current US Open Classic Division champions and the most accomplished competitive west coast swing couple on the planet. Ever since they moved out of the Jr. divisions they have lead the evolution of this popular dance form in both the competitive arena and the social dance floor. They are several times former US Open swing dance champions. They have won the NASDE tour for the last 6 straight years.  Other accomplishments include winning several televised dance contests and invitational divisions at events everywhere. They are the hottest couple in the west coast swing world. www.jordantatianaswing.com

KYLE REDD & SARAH VANN DRAKE (Fresno, CA) are known for their unique style of funk and groove. They have won three US Open titles between the two of them. In 2002, Kyle and Sarah became the first couple to win US Open titles in both the Classic and Showcase Divisions. They are also the youngest couple ever to win the US Open Swing Dance Championships.  They hold additional Titles as, Grand National Showcase Champions, California State Champions, and many Invitational Championships.  They are extremely fun and personable which makes their workshops and classes very popular.

BEN MORRIS & MELINA RAMIREZ (CA) are known for their smooth style and infectious personalities that shine on the competition floor.  They brought their talents together for a West Coast Swing routine in the summer of 2003, and have since won many titles together - most notably the Young Adult division of the 2003 and 2005 US Open Swing Dance Championships. They are both 2 times World Swing Dance Champions, California Swing Dance Hall of Fame Nominees, and 3 time US Open Champions. They bring a ton of fun to their enjoyable workshops, they have been teaching together since 2003 and now travel both nationally and internationally to teach, compete, judge, and perform. benandmelina.com/

BRENNAR GOREE & TORRI SMITH (CA) are the couple to beat at the US Open in the Young Adult division having won it in 2007, 2008 and 2009. They have also won the Junior Swing Divisions at Grand Nationals, Capital Swing, Boogie by the Bay, Swing Diego and many other prestigious events. This unlikely pair started on opposite coasts and in different dances.  Brennar began with Carolina Shag in Virginia Beach, VA and Torri began with jazz, tap and ballet until she fell in love with West Coast Swing.  Since becoming partners, they each have embraced the other’s style of dance and  found fun and innovative ways to combine their two styles while staying true to the foundations of each dance.  They are currently performing and teaching all of the US and abroad exposing the world to their youthful, fusion of Swing and Shag that has come to be known as Swag! brennarandtorri.com/

JASON BARNES (NC) & ERICA BERG (MN) have a fun style full of long beautiful lines and shames.  They began their dance partnership in 2003. They currently compete on the National Swing Dance Circuit in the Classic Swing division. Since 2005, they have finished in the top 6 on the NASDE tour each year and have shared numerous titles together, including 2004 U.S. Open Swing Dance champions in the Teams division with the Midwest Rebels Swing Dance team. They are 6-time finalists in the Classic Division at the U.S. Open as well. Jason and Erica truly love dancing and teaching together. With over 14 years of teaching experience between them, their workshops are educational and fun for everyone. http://www.ericabergswing.com/ 

ROBERT & NICOLA ROYSTON (NY) are the biggest promoters of Swing to the masses through stage, screen and television.  Robert was the only man to win The US Open Swing Championships, and The World Championships of Country Dance the same four years in a row, all before appearing on Broadway in the Tony nominated Musical “Swing!” Nicola became a competitive dancer in 2001, and has won numerous Jack and Jill and strictly swings. As well as placing top 5 at the US Open and in the NASDE point circuit. Together Robert and Nicola have won NASDE Showcase Swing Titles, Strictly swing championships, and are the 2006 National Dance Champions in Cabaret and the 2006 USA Grand National Champions, also in Cabaret. They have appeared together on Broadway in “Gypsy of the Year”, at Lincoln Center, and Carnegie Hall, in “Swango” the musical, and in the new dance show “STREET SWING” in New York City. They also worked hard to bring  West Coast Swing into the main stream with the release of the first feature film written around the dance with Love and Dancing in May 2009 and other films featuring their choreography include Gamer and Crank 2.

www.robertroyston.com/

JAKE HANING & TALETHA JOUZDANI (Austin, TX) are a versitile and fast moving couple in the WC Swing world.  While they have been dancing together barely four years, they have placed in the top five in the NASDE Classic Division and made the final cut at the US Open in the past three years. They compete at the All Star level. Both are full-time instructors at Go-Dance Studio in Austin, TX where they are actively growing the local WC Swing community through weekly WC Swing styling classes, social dances and outings. In their instruction, they put an emphasis on Teach it, Walk it, Dance it!  Taletha has been teaching partner dancing for over 11 years. Jake got hooked on dancing during the swing craze of 1999 and moved from Lubbock to Austin so that he could do more dancing. Soon afterwards he started working full time at Go Dance Studio teaching country, ballroom, swing, and tango.

www.jakeandtaletha.com

BILLY FAJARDO & KATIE MARLOW (FL) are in demand all over the world as performers, educators and adjudicators.  They have a long list of competition credits including IDO World Cabaret Exhibition Champions and World Disco Hustle Champions, US Open Cabaret Champions, US Hustle Champions & NADC Cabaret Champions. They are the only couple in the history of the United States to hold two concurrent World Titles in the same year and have been around the world including to the prestigious Blackpool Open Exhibition Championships. In addition to performing and teaching they produce the IHSC (International Hustle & Salsa Competition) in Miami and run Dancesation studio and entertainment production company in South Florida.

www.billyandkatie.com

KELVIN ROCHE & LORI ANN GREENHOUSE (NY) dazzle audiences all over the country with their routines that have a unique style of Latin and theatre arts. They have traveled the circuit capturing all the titles in the Hustlesphere with classic hustle routines that feature difficult lifts and tricks.   Like very few couples can do, once they take the floor, they own it. They have been featured dancers in several movies including El Cantante and Enchanted . They are true performers and dance artists who also excel as instructors.  Kelvin’s dance history as an accomplished competitor and focused teacher dates back to the 80’s. Lori Ann and her partner were World Hustle title-holders and appeared in motion pictures.

 www.worldhustlechampions.com/

ROBERTO PAGAN & ROSA PAREDES (NJ) As current World Hustle Champions they make every show a non-stop treat with high spirit and energy. Roberto has been a U.S. American Rhythm finalist, U.S. Rising Star Theater Arts Champion, Top Cabaret couple of the year, Blackpool Theater Arts finalist, two-year Canadian Theater Arts Champion, and World Hustle Champion. He has won over 200 titles in five professional divisions. For the last two years, Roberto has won top Hustle Instructor. In 2008 Roberto and Rosa partnered up, winning the following titles: Triple Threat –1st place (Disco America ‘08), Strictly Hustle –1st place (World Hustle Dance Championships ‘08), Classic Hustle—1st place (Madjam ‘09), Theater Arts Hustle & Cabaret—1st place (Disco America ‘09), Theater Arts Hustle & Salsa Showcase– 1st place (Swing Fling ‘09), Salsa—1st place (NY Hustle Congress’09) , and World Hustle Championship– 1st place (World Hustle Dance Championship ‘09). www.robertodancestudio.com/index.html

KEVIN FITZHUGH & TAMMY BROWN (MD) are high energy dancers with a ton of pizazz that began their partnership in 2001 and quickly developed a unique "Swing Fusion" style that combines Hand Dance and West Coast Swing. They are 2006 US Open Sophisticated Swing division champions and hold numerous other competition titles in west coast swing, hand dance, fast dance & jitterbug. Some of their other titles include that Tammy has been a US Open All Star Jack & Jill finalist and Kevin is a U S Open Advanced Strictly Swing Champion.
They teach locally in the DC and Baltimore area and travel to competitions frequently

www.swingfusion.net/

TYBALT & HAZEL ULRICH (NYC) are known for bringing power and subtlety to many dances, and showcasing regional varieties of swing- West Coast Swing.  They are full-time dance instructors in the NYC area. They are 2 time World Hustle Champions, and have each won Invitational Jack and Jills in WCS and Hustle, often placing high in WCS Classic, Hustle, Cabaret, and Triple Threat (hustle/salsa/WCS) divisions. They teach, choreograph, judge, and compete on the West Coast Swing and Hustle circuits. They teach group classes in New Jersey and New York, and have a combined teaching experience of over 25 years.  In their classes they have an emphasis on partnering essentials and bring joy and confidence to your dancing http://web.me.com/hazeltybaldt/divinedancing/Hazel_and_Tybaldt.html 

DEAN & DAWN GARRISH (MD) are one of the most accomplished dance couples in the DC area. They have taught professionally for over 15 years. They have earned numerous top teacher awards. They coached and choreographed for many couples and teams including a US open champion team. They are best know for their "Team Garrish" group, consisting of Pro - Am's, competitive couples and their two swing teams.  Their team Capitol Swing is the top ranking swing team in the Washington DC area.  They host the largest weekly group classes in the DC area Wednesday nights at Cherry Hill Park. www.deananddawn.com

CHRISTOPHER JOE & LISA SCHAUPP (MD) bring a history of dances and titles to everything they do.  They started their dance careers in California doing Swing, Hustle & Lindy.  Their combined titles include: California State Swing Champions, California Champions Division Hustle, California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, US Open Swing Dance Champions, 1st Place Worlds Jack & Jill Championships, and US Open Award of Excellence.  They have judged and taught dance technique workshops at major conventions from NY City to Hawaii.  Lisa and Chris ran the South Bay Swing Dance Club in Los Angeles where they attracted over a thousand new students per year.  Many of their students have gone on to win major dance awards throughout the country.   

ERIK & ANNA NOVOA (CT) have worked hard to develop and maintain West Coast Swing and Hustle at some of New York City's major dance studios.  Erik has been teaching and competing in Hustle and West Coast Swing since the mid 90's. He is a 2 time national Hustle champion and finalist on ABC's 2003 revival of Dance Fever.  Erik has won 1st Place in the Professional Classic division at MADjam, Pacific Hustle & Salsa Dance Classic and Hustle USA in past years.  He has extensive training in ballet, jazz, tap and musical theater. Anna uses the discipline of classical ballet with the creativity of partner dancing. She trained and performed with Minnesota Dance Theatre & School and Minnetonka Dance Theatre. She has also competed in ballroom and Latin while at University of Wisconsin-Madison.

www.swingshoes.net

JENNIFER LYONS (Providence, RI) This young and vibrant US Open Jack & Jill All Star Champion brings talent, sass and 18 years of worldwide teaching experience. As a cross-trained professional holding multiple 1^st place awards in West Coast Swing, Ballroom, Latin, Hustle and Country, Jennifer owns TwirlTheGirl dance studio in North Providence, RI.  Jennifer is a leader in flourishing the community with new dancers and her powerful, effective and interactive teaching style is noted by her strong following of winner students nationwide.  From owning a studio, nurturing a home community, teaching full time, competing, judging, and she STILL stays up all night to social dance. Her strength lies in her commitment and passion to be an instrumental part in the growth of an individual dancer, and sets the example by being relevant and current in her own personal dancing with her unmatched soulful expression on the dance floor. www.twirlthegirl.com

JOHN FESTA (NYC) has been around swing dancing all his life.  Born into a New York-based family where dancing was vital, he was taught Lindy Hop at an early age. After pursuing a career in ballet, John rediscovered Lindy Hop in a burgeoning swing scene of NYC in the mid-80’s. It was at his first swing weekend that John was introduced to West Coast Swing. What was most attractive was the diversity of music. John quickly became a pivotal figure in both the national and local West Coast Swing worlds. He competes, judges and teaches and one of the top DJ’s, playing music for many of the top swing events throughout the country.

www.swingislove.com/

DEBBIE RAMSEY-BOZ (Raleigh, NC) has her own role as a part of Swing History.  She worked in Hollywood for many years and has been featured in many films and television shows. Debbie coaches the "Swingalings" performance company, numerous dance teams, competitors, Vegas acts, commercials and film. Her numerous awards include: 3 time Feather Award for "Top Female Teacher in The United States". 2 time Humanitarian Award winner, Twice inducted into California 's Swing Dance Hall of Fame and was inducted into the World Swing Dance Council Hall of Fame in 2007. Currently she and husband Wesley Boz run the Mad About Dance Academy in Raleigh, NC.

www.musicanddance.com/

BARRY DURAND (MD) has been an innovative figure in Swing for many years.  He began teaching in AZ and CA in the early 80's and helped expand social dancing in the southwest. He moved to the DC area in 1984, established the "Dance West" team that went undefeated on the country circuit for 7 years and won 2 US Open championships. Barry holds 2 US Open Showcase titles Cabaret titles plus was a finalist in this category again in 2009 after many years absent from competition.  He also received the Humanitarian award. He was Country Dance World Champion in 1993 and won the world championship title for Line Dance Choreography. Barry hosts the Swing Fling, Easterns Dance Challenge and VSO dance weekends.

www.barrydurand.com/line.htm 

ROBIN SMITH  (NC) takes great pride in his ability to improve the overall level of dance where ever his travels take him  He has been dancing, teaching, competing in dance as well as judging for over 20 years. During his career he can truly say he has witnessed as well as experienced the evolution of several different styles of dance. Since 2000 he has concentrated exclusively on West Coast Swing studying with only the very best in the business. His accomplishments include numerous top placements at events all across the nation as well as a 3rd place finish at the 2003 US Open Swing Dance Championships with then partner Darlene Long-Cree. He teaches full time and has won numerous Top Teacher awards. With a diverse professional background in music, dance as well as martial arts he has a unique understanding of body movement and how it relates to music. 

www.robinanddarlene.com/

STEPHANIE BATISTA (Pittsburgh, PA) was born and bred in swing dancing.  She is a Nationally ranked competitor & instructor who won the 2008 1st place honors in the very prestigious "Champion of Champions" division at Greater Phoenix Swing Dance Club's 4th of July convention. She has always had the most passion for the partnership and musical interpretation skills required in Jack and Jill contests and focuses her attention there.  When she's not traveling the country competing, teaching, and judging, she is building a West Coast Swing community at home in Pittsburgh, PA.

www.stephaniebatista.com

RON BESS (Philadelphia, PA) has worked tirelessly to promote and preserve Hustle nationwide.  He has danced in the Hustle scene for over 30 years since discovering the dance in high school. Some of his achievements include: dancing six years with the Ralph Lew Dance Company, amateur Imperial Dance Society Champion, Dance Fever representative and American Star Ball Champion. Ron was the recipient of the 2002 Christopher M. Nardone Award.  He currently promotes and organizes dance socials, coaches dance couples and is the editor of "Dance Talk" an on-line dance newsletter."  Ron created and helped organize the Hustle Hall Of Fame website to promote and preserve the history of the dance.  He has been performing hustle / theatrical routines with his eight year old daughter Lauren for the last 9 years. rhythmlounge.tv/ron-bess/

SYLVANA GALLAGHER (Philadelphia, PA) is known as one of the top professional Hustle and Theater Arts dancers in the United States.  Having a successful 10-year career with her partner, Brian Gallagher, Silvana is now working towards becoming one of the country's top dance instructors in her field of Hustle.  Her mission is to inspire, create, and achieve artistic dancing. Silvana has earned a very impressive list of competitive awards over many years of competition. www.ladyhustle.com/ 

BRIAN GALLAGHER (Philadelphia, PA) is well known for travelling moves, creativity, and burning up the floor at a faster than normal Hustle pace.  He has won every major Hustle competition over the last decade.  He was one of the Big Easy Dance Classic's "2004 US Professional Theater Arts Hustle Champions" which was "One of the most celebrated Hustle teams of the decade."  He was  and their undefeated "Professional Just Hustle Champion". Brian has an ability to break down dance patterns to help you understand the four major components for a comfortable lead and follow: movement, framework, footwork, and timing. It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner learning your basics or the advanced dancer learning travel, shaping, and/or syncopations. G11Brian@aol.com

DONNA BOYLE (Philadelphia, PA) founder of Disco America Dance Championships and a regional dance champion on "Dance Fever". She has been competing, performing, and exciting audiences for over 20 years. Donna teaches, coaches and promotes Hustle in the Philadelphia area as well as traveling to conduct workshops. Donna is on the teaching staff at Universal DanceSport Center(NJ), Top Hat Dance Studio(PA), and Dance Manhattan(NY). http://www.donnaboyle.com/

DANIEL MCGEE (Philadelphia, PA) founder and co-owner of Top Hat Dance Studios in Philadelphia and Lancaster as well as Top Hat Dance Studio School of Ballet. Since its grand opening in 1995, the strength of Top Hat Dance Studio has been attributed to his abilities, both as a dancer and an instructor. For over 15 years, Daniel has continued to teach, perform and compete in the Ballroom, Latin, and Hustle dance forms. He is currently one of the top ranked competitors in the country and undefeated in the Pro/Am Theatre Arts Hustle division. Daniel is currently on the board of the International Hustle Dance Association. In addition, Daniel received his Associate certification in International Standard with a "Highly Commended" score by the ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance) in 2007. In 2008, Daniel recieved, "with Honors" his ISTD Licentiate Theatre Arts certification. Daniel is also a member of the National Dance Council of America (NDCA.)
 www.tophatdancestudio.com 

JAMESON KILBURN (Philadelphia, PA) is co-owner of Top Hat Dance Studios of Philadelphia and Lancaster where he can be found teaching group classes and private lessons in Ballroom, Latin, Swing, & Hustle. For the past 10 years Jameson has continued to study, teach, compete, and perform in the arena of professional partner dancing. Recently Jameson received a score of "Highly Commended" on his certification examinations in International Standard dancing with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). Jameson is also a proud member of the National Dance Council of America (NDCA) and has been an active board member of the International Hustle Dance Association (IHDA) for the past 4 years. He can be seen at many different dance events throughout the country teaching, judging, performing, and competiting and is best known for the way in which he "de-mystifies" the technical side of partner dancing to make it obtainable by everyone. www.tophatdancestudio.com

KIM VANAMAN (Boston, MA) started her Dance career in the performance arena, initially tap dancing as a member of Providence, R.I.'s "All Tap Revue,"  Kim has been a Hustle Specialist and enthusiast since 1978. Tempo Dance Center in Boston, MA, has offered her Hustle Classes without a lapse since its opening, 19 years ago and together they are responsible for keeping Hustle alive in the New England region.  She is trained in American Style Ballroom and extensively trained in Jazz Dance and East Coast Swing..  Her credits include pro wins at all of the national hustle events and receiving a "Top Teacher Award" at Hustle USA.

DAVE MOLDOVER (MD) MADjam's creator, and active social dancer in the DC area since the early 90's. He has participated in many amateur competitions and become a leader in the DC & Baltimore dance communities by organizing many workshop weekends, competitions and parties. He has taught 100's of beginners how to west coast swing. Dave has published DC's weekly community dance email newsletter for over 10 years. In 2001 he created Dance Jam Productions Inc a full time enterprise serving events nationwide. www.dancejamproductions.com

BJ BROWN  (VA) MADjam's technical coordinator brings decades of experience managing events and contests. He got his start in the dance world DJing at country western dance nightclubs in the DC area which led to involvement with many competitions.

LOUIE ST. GEORGE (RI) is a full time Deejay. Well respected throughout the Swing, Country and Linedance competition circuits. Known for his late night party hosting expertise. www.extremedancing.com/