Instructors
Bernard and Anne-Helene Cavasa
It all started in 1997 when the two of them fell in
love with Lindy Hop and soon they were participating at workshops all
over the world. Thanks to the dancing background of Anne-Hélène
(ballet, jazz and modern-jazz) and the experience of Bernard as a
musician, within a short time they developed their unique style.
They have learned their swing dancing skills from the very best international teachers and they are now well known as teachers on the international dance scene in both Europe and the USA.
They are most responsible for the excisting Balboa scene in France. They have put a lot of work and effort into the built-up of the Balboa community. In Toulouse, France, they opened their own school in 2003 and ever since they have been busy organizing Lindy Hop and especially Balboa workshops. They are the organizers of the Frenchie Balboa Festival, the Studio Hop Summer Camp, and the Pink City Festival.
Since 2001 they have been teaching at international Lindy Hop and Balboa Festivals in the United States, England, Canada, Spain, Germany and Italy - just to mention a few. They are especially noted for clarity in their teaching methods (but always with a bit of humour thrown in!), their emphasis on musicality and connection, their fluid style and the originality of their variations.
They very rarely take part in competitions but when they do, they do pretty well, like the third place of the International Balboa Championship 2007 and a first place at All Balboa Weekend 2007!
http://bernard.cavasa.free.fr/
Bobby White and Kate Hedin
Bobby and Kate hail from the Southern dogwood groves
of suburban Georgia, where they used to do nothing but rock on
the front porch drinking mint juleps and wearing linen suits.
That's why the began their bizarre hobbies of juggling,
Elizabethan fencing, and finally, classic swing dance.
Choosing to capture the style and, more importantly, the spirit of the original jitterbugs, they have also managed to capture many top placements in regional and national competitions, including 1st place at the Eastern Balboa Championships (2005) and Boston Tea Party Balboa Division (2006), and 2nd place in the American Classic Balboa Championships at the All Balboa Weekend (2006). Both are veteran members and choreographers of Atlanta's Big George Savoy Bouncers swing troupe.
Recognized for their engaging teaching skills, Kate instructs with a thourough, analytical musicality and mechanics-based method, while Bobby prefers rubber-band analogies and whaaap--patang noises. They currently reside in the Baltimore/D.C. area, where they sit around on rocking chairs wondering why their mint juleps taste like crab.
Mickey Fortanasce and Kelly Arsenault
A native of Pasadena California, Mickey was introduced to Balboa
early on in his dance-life. His captivation for this particular dance
resulted in his subsequent efforts to learn as much as possible about
Balboa. For the last eight years, Mickey has lived in New York where he
has been working to bring a greater love and appreciation for Balboa to
the city.
Originally from Tennessee, Kelly Arsenault has been a dancer for the majority of her life. She has participated in ballet, jazz, and modern dance. In 2003, Kelly moved to NYC and teamed up with Mickey soon afterwards.
Together they are now nationally recognized teachers and competitors, placing in both Lindy Hop and Balboa. Most recent winnings include a repeat victory at the International Balboa Championships, held at the Balboa Rendezvous. Their commitment to fostering Balboa in New York also led them to establish the city's first and only regularly occurring social dance event devoted to fast footed dancers of all types, known as White Heat.
Jeremy Otth and Laura Keat
Jeremy and Laura united to create this dynamic dance partnership in January of 2006 upon Laura’s move to Southern California. Since then, they have been accumulating National Titles, teaching all over the US and around the world, and even performed on ABC's hit TV Show, "Dancing With The Stars"
Jeremy and Laura have earned Championships at many National events such as: National Jitterbug Championships, American Lindy Hop Championships and the US Open to name a few. They have also traveled to teach all across the country and around the world both individually and as a couple, including jobs on both US Coasts, Montpellier(FR), London, Paris, Munich and Tokyo.
Jeremy and Laura teach regularly in Southern California and combine their interests to bring well-rounded, interesting and entertaining swing dance classes to the floor. Jeremy’s focus on style, authentic movement and unique moves along with Laura’s passions for styling and musicality using good connection and technique will inspire and elevate dancers at all levels.