Teachers 2027

Sylvia & Blake

Sylvia Sykes

Sylvia Sykes began dancing in 1966, competing in 1970, and teaching in 1979. She has studied with many of the dance greats, including Frankie Manning, Dean Collins, Maxie Dorf, and Willie Desatoff.

Her extensive studies and travels have made her an expert on regional dance styles and she is known for her expertise in the older forms of Swing dance. She is credited with helping to preserve Balboa by introducing the dance worldwide.

Her dance troupe ran for fifteen years, performed with some of the great Swing bands, and nurtured other International teachers. She has appeared in many TV shows and in several documentaries on Swing dancing over the years.

Blake Thiessen

When I was in high school, my European History teacher played the film Swing Kids for the class. The exuberant, yet classy dance scenes planted the seeds for my new year's resolution 4 years later to look for classes. I've been obsessed ever since. Whether it's teaching, social dancing, competing, listening to the music, or just geeking out about it's history, I just love everything about it.

 

Natalia & Zack

Zack is hilarious and classes with him are always tremendous fun. He has been the director of Swing ConneXion (a Montreal dance school) since 2005, and has lead many teams on the highest steps of podiums worldwide. An international Lindy Hop and Balboa teacher for over ten years, he is a litteral tornado of creativity and musicality, praised for his original, fun movement that often breaks out of convention. 

Natalia's teaching style is often described as vivacious and fun, yet highly technical. Natalia began teaching Lindy Hop at the age of 17 in Ottawa, Canada. Shortly after, she developed a sweet spot for Balboa and she subsequently earned her first Canadian Balboa champion title in 2010. A Swing instructor of 16 years, Natalia has taught in Canada, the USA, Mexico, and Europe.

Born and raised in Colombia, Natalia grew up partner dancing. Her later training in the various Swing and Jazz dances, as well as ballet and tango, empowered the unique and vibrant dance style for which she is known.