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.

Nick Williams

Nick has embodied the passion and spirit of swing dancing ever since his first lesson in 1998. His in depth understanding of Lindy Hop, Balboa, and Collegiate Shag stem from studying with the original dancers.

Nick William's desire for authenticity, combined with his passion for dance evolution, leads to a style known for precision, lightness, musicality and dynamic energy. His successes include World Lindy Hop Champion, U.S. Open Swing Dance Champion, American Lindy Hop Champion, National Jitterbug Champion, International Lindy Hop Champion, Ultimate Lindy Hop Champion, American Classic Balboa Champion and California Balboa/Swing Champion.

He is also an accomplished choreographer and has been featured on the hit television show So You Think You Can Dance? As an instructor, he is known for his ability to break down movements and technique to create a fun and light-hearted learning environment. His true love for music and dancing will forever inspire him to learn, teach, and grow. In 2004, Nick was honored to be recognized by the California Swing Dance Hall of Fam

Grace Babbes

Grace is a lifelong performer with a love for jazz and vintage fashion. She fell in love with Lindy Hop in 2012. which led to discovering other styles like Balboa and Shag. She teaches across the world and has won titles at competitions such as ILHC, Camp Hollywood, and California Balboa Classic.

She has found a passion for the preservation of American Vernacular Swing Dances, and has choreographed and performed for film, music videos, and live events.

Her favourite part of swing dancing is that the dance can be a conversation with your partner, and she believes the best way to learn to “converse” is through good connection, solid basics, and having fun with it!

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.