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REUEL REIS
Reuel's unique style of dancing holds its roots in the dirty streets of the Big Easy, where he was born and raised. Growing up, Reuel's mother was a late-night DJ of avant-garde jazz for the local New Orleans radio station WWOZ and raised him listening to artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, the Rebirth Brass Band, and the Dirty Rascals. He also played in school bands under jazz greats like Walter Payton and Edward "Kidd" Jordan. Despite their excellent instruction, he soon learned that his talents were not in playing the jazz that he loved, but in dancing to its rhythms. Since then, Reuel attempts to imbue the spirit, culture, rawness, and tradition of his hometown (where you can still hear some of the greatest live music in the world on any given night) into every dance.
Reuel has taught classes and workshops all over the country from Orlando to Philadelphia, from Cincinnati to Atlanta, San Francisco to New Orleans. Reuel has been teaching almost 10 years and has won countless competitions. He takes great pleasure helping grow young scenes and new dancers and is excited about his recent return to his home city of New Orleans, LA.
www.reuelreis.com |
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HUY HUYNH
One of Huy's greatest memories as a child was playing old gospel hymns on the church organ during Sunday service. Music has always been a great love in his life. Huy was introduced to dance in 2002, when he joined the Vanderbilt Sing Club. This began his passion for jazz music and classic swing.
Since 2004, Huy has taught throughout the Southeast and at regional events, such as Statesboro Blues, Enter the Blues and Atlanta Varsity Showdown. Huy's teaching focus is rooted in solid basics and an authentic styling inspired by a variety of classic jazz dances. Huy currently teaches Blues, Lindy Hop and Charleston at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Huy has paced in several regional competitions and was a special guest performer in the Atlanta Jazz Dance Preservation Society's 2010 Rhythmic Rhapsody Showcase. |
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SOSH HOWELL
Sosh began dancing Swing in 1999, but doesn't really think he successfully swung out until 2000. He started out in Asheville, North Carolina, a dance scene that had little exposure to Lindy Hop. Eager to learn more, he and his friend Jonas traveled the Southeast to Europe and back taking classes from swing dance greats, like Frankie Manning and the Harlem Hot Shots. Since then, Sosh has traveled throughout the United States and Europe attending workshops, teaching and competing.
Sosh is a co-founder of Lindy Focus, one of the premier swing dance events in the country. As an organizer, he has brought innovative events to the Atlanta, like The Hop Shop and Need for Speed. Sosh is an active member of the Atlanta swing dance community, teaching and performing when he gets the chance. This month you'll find Sosh teaching some of his favorite old school jams in the Atlanta Jazz Dance Preservation Society's Authentic Jazz Dance Series.
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ERICA DEBLASIO
Erica discovered her true passion for partner dance in a small Swing class in Santa Fe, NM in the Spring of 1999. Within 6 months,she began teaching and coordinating many of the local social events. In January of 2000, Erica became the owner of High Altitude Swing and continued her work as lead instructor, choreographer and performer. She worked with several public and private schools in NM and CO. Working with students of all ages, she headed up several performance troupes and coordinated many social and community events.
Erica is classically trained in ballet, tap, jazz, modern and swing era dances. She expanded her knowledge of swing dancing by traveling throughout the US and Europe to study with many world renowned swing instructors. Her first love is the Lindy Hop, but also has experience in Balboa, Charleston, Salsa, Meringue and Ballroom Dance. Erica brings lots of energy and creativity to the Atlanta swing community.
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MORGAN KESTNER
"I just can’t fake a smile!"
Written by Blair Crimmins and the Hookers, this is one song that best describes me. I first fell in love with dancing when my grandma introduced me to a classic ragtime called "Charleston" at age 6. The moment I pushed play, I found myself jumping to the rhythm, then proceeded to dance on the coffee table as if it was my very own stage. In high school, I joined color guard to fuel the need of wanting to dance in front of others. Working with a team was difficult yet gave me great leadership skills that I took with me as I entered college.
With no hesitation, I became apart of the MTSU Swing Dance Club, attending every class and soon becoming an officer for the club. I got the privilege to go to out of town events with the dance club and grew to love the "Lindy Hop" world.
Apart from traveling and performing at Lindy Hop events, I dance with Dames Aflame Burlesque and Davina and the Harlots Cabaret Troupe. There is never a day that dancing is not in my agenda!
www.morganleekestner.com |
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ROBERT BARBIER
Undergraduate research brought Robert down to Orlando during the summer of 2006. When he returned home nearly four months later he had discovered his love for dance and swing music. As a dancer Robert enjoys lively, fun music with a strong rhythmic backing. He's grateful for the opportunity to teach and impart his enjoyment of dance. He hopes to encourage people to dance with their heart and not just their feet. Robert instructs regularly in Atlanta for Down South Swing and Atlanta Jazz Dance Preservation Society.
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PATRICK AND NATALIE MANIGAULT
Patrick and Natalie have been dancing, teaching, choreographing, performing, competing, and loving Lindy Hop for over 10 years. As two of the longtime members, organizational leaders and instructors of the Atlanta swing dance scene, they have been an integral part of the evolution of Lindy Hop in the southeast.
As instructors, they view dance as a communication, and they emphasize becoming awake to what our bodies are hearing and expressing. In addition to learning moves and developing good leading and following technique, students also begin to value and develop their own expression. With this, students can begin to create dancing as a free and connected expression between themselves, the music and their partner.
Patrick and Natalie see Lindy Hop as a vivid expression connecting people, music, artistry and generations. For them, Lindy Hop continues to be a place of great joy and expansion. They are grateful for its place in their lives and the opportunities to share the love of this dance.
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