Instructors

Nick Williams photo

Nick Williams

Nick Williams 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'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 Fame.

 

Laura Keat photo

Laura Keat

Laura Keat began her swing dance career in Denver when she joined the Championship Lindy Hop performance team, 23 Skidoo! She immediately took off with her dancing and started winning national titles after dancing for a relatively short time. More importantly she quickly developed a passion for the art of Swing Dancing, and will be addicted for life.

Some of the many National titles Laura has earned include: ALHC "Classic" Champion, US Open "Strictly Lindy" and "Fast Dance" Champion, NJC "Balboa" and Collegiate Shag" Champion, Camp Jitterbug "Lindy Hop couples" Champion, NJC "Showcase" 2nd place, ILHC "Showcase" 2nd place, ILHC "Champions Strictly Lindy" 3rd place. Laura was also recently recognized by the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame in the Nova Star category.

Laura loves working with an array of leads to widen her following abilities and to be inspired by their diverse styles and ideas. Her classes emphasize the use of excellent connection and technique to enhance individual style, and maximize room for musicality and rhythmic dance. Laura's passion for teaching compliments her passion for swing dancing itself, bringing a fresh perspective to her classes that is a unique benefit to her students.

 

Laura Keat photo

Mickey Fortanasce and Kelly Arsenault

Mickey and Kelly have been dancing and competing together for the past five years. During this time their innovation and showmanship coupled with their love of both dance history and theory have led them to become internationally recognized teachers and competitors in both Lindy Hop and Balboa.

Together their winnings include repeat victories at the Balboa Rendezvous' International Balboa Championship in both 2006 and 2007 as well as the 2008 American Classic Balboa Championship at the All Balboa Weekend.

Mickey and Kelly have taught extensively in the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia. They have been featured in Time Out New York, The New York Sun, Good Day New York, and www.priceless.com. They have also been interviewed and filmed for a story on balboa aired on HDTV.