Instructors, DJs,
& Performers

 
 

In addition to the top-tier group workshops throughout the weekend, private lessons are available with a number of our professional instructors. E-mail us at info@thelawranglers.org to schedule your one-on-one and take your dancing to the next level!


2023 Dance Instructors

  • (He/Him)

    Line Dance


    Darren Bailey is a 15 time World Line Dance Champion in categories such as, Classic, Showcase, Choreography, and Teams. Darren completed his dance training in Holland and toured Europe & America in theatre productions of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” and “Passion and Illusion”. In 2006 Darren retired from professional competitions, but has continued judging, choreographing and conducting workshops throughout the UK, Europe, Scandinavia, Asia and the USA. In 2017 Darren was inducted into the Line Dance hall of fame for his services to Line Dance Choreography and his work promoting Line Dance all over the world. Darren has trained several of the current and previous World Line Dance Champions and continues to train the world champions of tomorrow.

    In 2006 Darren was partnered with Lana Williams for the BBC1 Show, Strictly Dance Fever, where they finished as runners ups from a total of 80,000 competitors. Following this Darren, has gone on to work professionally within the entertainment industry, with many choreography and T.V credits to his name.

    T.V Credits Include : Britain’s Got Talent’ (backing dancer & Choreography) – ITV 1, Strictly Dance Fever’ 2006 runner up – BBC 1 (live), The National Lottery‘ with Lionel Blair -BBC 1(live), The Coal House’ (series) choreographer and guest performer – BBC 2, Strictly Come Dancing’ (series 10 – Present) choreographer – BBC 1, The Coal House’ (series) choreographer and guest performer – BBC 2, Dance House 1944’ (documentary) Featured dancer – BBC 2, The New Paul O Grady Show’ – Channel 4 (live), The Alan Titchmarsh Show’ – ITV 1

    Other credits include :‘Catwalk Model’ – Gucci and Armani suits, Ambassador Of Swing Theatre Show’ – Manhattan Theatre (USA), ‘Fever’ Jive Aces – Music Video, The Devil Went Down To Georgia’ – UK Tour, Passion and Illusion’ – USA Tour, Dance and Rhythm’ with Angel a Ripon – The London Palladium, Dance Manifesto Launch’ Guest Performer – London City Hall, Frank Skinner’s Cabaret’ – (West End) The Lyric Theatre, Cuban Groove Dance Company Cabaret – Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai, Clash’ Theatre Show’- Featured Dancer – Blackpool Tower Ballroom, Picnic In The Park’ Cole Porter Tribute Show – Dubai, Mark Ramprecash Charity Dinner’ – Hilton Hotel, London, Showtime’ Cuban Groove – Birmingham NEC ,Corporate Team Building Promotional Video – HSBC, NHS Annual Awards Ceremony, choreographer (Northampton)

  • (She/Her)

    West Coast Swing


    Music and dancing have surrounded Samantha her entire life. Being the daughter of Kelly (Buckwalter) Casanova, meant that every week she was tagging along to dances and workshops, doing her homework and playing her gameboy, while her mother worked to support the both of them. Halls, studios, and conventions became her playgrounds. It wasn’t until she was 10 years old and attended her mother’s convention, Swingbreak, that she actually wanted to learn what her mother did. It was at this event that she saw Jordan Frisbee and Jessica Cox perform a Junior routine and from that point on she wanted to be a dancer.

    Samantha began competing in 2001 and traveling to more events out of state with her mother. She danced her first Juniors routine at the US Open with Ben Morris in 2002 and the following year with Rickey Andrade in 2003. At the time dancing was still a hobby as her passion was focused on martial arts. She was the youngest in her dojo to receive 1st dan (Black belt level) at 16. Her teaching career began at her dojo as she taught classes there to children and adults of all ages for 6 years.

    Samantha had no intention of teaching or pursuing West Coast Swing as a career until 2006 at Capital Swing. It was there that she saw Kyle Redd and Sarah Van Drake perform their “How long can a fool go wrong” routine and truly fell in love with the dance. From that point on she began mentoring under her mother, assisting her classes and shadowing her as a judge to learn everything and anything she could about the dance. Samantha worked diligently to earn her points in every division up from the Junior, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced and AllStar divisions to her current position competing with the top Champion dancers around the world.

    Starting in 2007, Samantha was fortunate to study under Mario Robau Jr. She assisted him in workshops and intensives both in the US and abroad which she credits to her confident teaching foundation. During 2009-2010 Samantha was presented a once in a life time opportunity by her dear friend, Mike Rosa, to re-locate to London. It was there that she taught weekly classes, workshops, and events all over the UK and Europe in an effort to help the Swing community grow. After her adventures in Europe, Samantha was convinced by her brand new friend at the time, Malia San Nicoles, to move to Southern California, which is where she now calls home. Samantha was inducted into the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame in 2012 and, most recently in 2022. She continues to travel all over the world competing, coaching, and teaching with her partner Matt Richey.

    One of Samantha’s proudest moments was becoming the first woman to final in a Champion’s division as a Leader, thanks to the help of Jennifer Deluca. From her very first dance lesson, Samantha’s mother taught her to lead and follow at the same time. This skill not only benefited Samantha’s teaching ability but also allowed her to be a role model to so many dancers wishing to learn the opposite role. Samantha and her mother are proud to support the movement in the West Coast Swing community to allow anyone to learn and compete in any role they so choose.

  • (He/Him)

    Line Dance


    Joey Warren started dancing when he was 10 years old. He attended a line dance class every Thursday called "Boot Scootin Boogie!" However that only lasted for about a year and a half because the place was shut down. From that point, till he was 17 years old, Joey went back to being focused on school and sports. As those years went by, he had friends that kept dancing and told him that it had drastically changed. In June of 2003, he attended his first dance event, the JG2 Line Dance Marathon. He didn't know any dances but was able to take many workshops and see all the new styles of dance. That's all it took.

    Today, Joey Warren has been professionally teaching and choreographing since 2004. His first dance, "In The Zone", was well received and taught at many dance events. Joey is known for dances such as, “In the Six” with Shane McKeever, “Boys” with Scott Blevins, “Main Attraction”, “Malibu Nights”, and “Watch the Tempo” with Richard, Whitehouse, McKeever, Ridyard. He's been blessed to work with some amazing choreographers!

    Also, Joey has appeared in music videos including "Heaven, Heartache, and the Power of Love" by Trisha Yearwood and "Stomp" by Steve Richard. Along with the videos, Joey's been lucky enough to perform at live shows with Barry and Dari Anne Amato in Nashville and the surrounding areas.

    Dancing wasn't the only focus for Joey as he completed his Bachelor degree, in May of 2009, in Business Administration, with specialization in sales and management. Currently he's still busy working at the family business, J.W. Steel Inc., but, also enjoying being back on the circuit and going to his favorite events.

 
  • (He/Him)

    Lindy Hop (6 count/ECS)
    Lindy Hop (8 count)
    West Coast Swing


    Matt Richey has been dancing Lindy Hop since the tender age of 11. His dance career started with a performance team, including dancing on cruise ships and at Disneyland. In 2004 Matt attended Camp Hollywood for the first time (he hasn’t missed a year since) and he quickly fell in love with what swing dancing can offer; not just Lindy Hop but all swing.

    Since then he traveled all over the world learning from some of the world’s best dancers such as Frankie Manning, Norma Miller, Jean Veloz, Sugar Sullivan and Chazz Young, and many others. Matt has also cross trained in several other dance styles including jazz, ballet, salsa and more.

    In 2011 Matt started dancing West Coast Swing and knew this dance was just the added excitement he needed. Soon after, he started dancing in the showcase division and brought home trophies.

    Over the years, Matt has won hundreds of titles in multiple styles of swing, including West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop and Balboa. He is becoming the most recognized crossover dancer in the circuit as well as being a familiar face on the social dance floor everywhere! In 2018 Matt was inducted to the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame. As much as Matt loves swing dancing, he loves teaching and sharing his love for dancing and music just as much! He currently teaches adults and kids in several local schools and studios in Orange County.

    He is known for fun loving energy, musicality, showmanship and performance.

  • (She/Her)

    Line Dance


    Amy danced in and won her first UCWDC competition in 2006 and began choreography competitions not long thereafter. She won a few choreography competitions including being awarded the Dancer’s Choice Award for Team Choreographer in 2013. Amy has been afforded the opportunity to teach at events throughout the United States and internationally since 2011. In 2017 her co-choreography was awarded Dance of the Year and Intermediate Dance of the Year at the Crystal Boot Awards.

    Local favorites include “Shake Your Cake”, “Stitches”, “Moses Roses Toeses”, “Portland Cha” with Betts, Madge, Vane, Ward, Poulsen, “Ain’t Misbehavin’” with Mundy, Thompson-Szymanski, and more!

    
When she isn’t dancing, Amy is a pharmacist in Washington state. While she enjoys her career, she has discovered that her true passion is dance. Amy can no longer imagine her life without line dance and loves sharing this passion with dancers all over the world. Amy finally met the love of her life dancing and in 2017 she married Darren Bailey.

  • (He/Him)

    Lindy Hop (6 count/ECS)
    Lindy Hop (8 count)
    Line Dance
    Progressive Two Step
    San Francisco Two Step
    West Coast Swing


    Jonno’s artistic endeavors began with 17 years of competitive roller figure skating where, on top of numerous national titles, he represented the U.S.A. six times at the world level.

    His introduction to dancing was in the early 2000’s at Disneyland’s Jump, Jive, Boogie Swing Party where he fell in love with Lindy Hop. After moving to San Francisco in 2012, Jonno accidentally stumbled into the world of line dancing at the Sundance Saloon. It wasn’t long before he began creating his own line dances, which have earned several choreography awards, including five UCWDC World titles.

    His joy of dancing and creativity can be seen in his dances that are being taught across the globe. Some of his most popular dances include Life After Love, Get Ugly, The Wolf, She’s A Natural, All Bass No Treble (with Galit), Best Mistakes (with Takahashi), Ex’s and Oh’s (with Dominguez).

 
  • (He/Him)

    Line Dance


    Bio coming soon.

  • (He/Him)

    Line Dance


    Michael Metzger began dancing in 2005 and immediately felt like he had found his tribe. Within a couple years he began teaching, and not long after he began choreographing. He loves bringing the joy of line dancing to as many people as possible, and he enjoys creating dances of diverse styles and difficulty levels. Something for everyone. He looks forward to seeing you in class, dancing, playing, and laughing.

  • (She/Her)

    Lindy Hop (6 count/ECS)
    Lindy Hop (8 count)
    Line Dance
    Night Club Two Step
    Progressive Two Step
    Waltz
    West Coast Swing


    Kat started dancing Rodeo Swing (now called Country Swing), Two Step, and Line Dance in 1993 and fell in love with country dance. A few years later, after working on her teaching skills by watching and studying Jo Thompson (Szymanski), she became an instructor and has been teaching country line and couples dancing for over 24 years and teaching ballroom dancing for over 20 years. She has been the head dance instructor at Stoney’s Rockin' Rodeo in Sacramento for over 15 years and is sought after to teach at various bars and events California and beyond.

    Ranked an Advanced competitive dancer in both the World Swing Dance Council (WSDC) and the Country Two Step Tour (CTST), Kat travels regularly to compete and teach at events. She has taught at events such as Stagecoach, Vegas Dance Explosion, Hawaii Line Dance Festival, South Bay Dance Fling, NorthWest Dance Fest, Cambria Western Days, The Sweetheart Jamboree, and Fresno Dance Classic, among others.

    In 2021, Kat and her new partner won the American Country Dance Association (ACDA) Division III National Championship.

    In 2018, she placed 1st at the UCWDC Worlds Championship in Advanced West Coast Swing Jack and Jill (WSDC), Advanced Two Step (CTST), and Advanced West Coast Swing Strictly.

    She was the 1st place winner at the 2015 Las Vegas Dance Explosion for intermediate/advanced non-phrased choreography for "Hazzard County" and took 2nd place at the 2016 UCWDC Worlds Championship intermediate/advanced country choreography for "Fishin'."

    In 2010, she received her B.A. in Dance with an emphasis in Choreography. Kat has studied many types of dance from ballroom, country, and folk to modern, African Caribbean, and swing. Kat thinks that dance is the best way to get into great shape and stay healthy. Here's to 50 more years of great country dancing!!

 
  • (They/Them)

    Rosemary Whitson is a West Coast Swing Allstar and a lover of movement and creativity. They started WCS in 2013 at 14 years old and fell head over heels in love. After years of hard work they began teaching professionally in 2020 and have since traveled the world judging, performing and teaching.

    Rosemary was the 2022 winner of the SIlton Foundation Award and they have performed in the US Open Classic division. They lead a workshop series focused on dancers' sense of self and confidence. They desire to help build confidence and individuality wherever they travel and teach encouraging community and kindness.

    Rosemary teaches many of the beginner WCS tracks in SoCal and is devoted to building the diversity and vibrancy in their community. They are known for their colorful creativity and can still be seen social dancing the night away at every event they attend.

  • (She/Her)

    Line Dance
    Progressive Two Step


    Candy is thrilled to return to WWLA 2023. Candy has been dancing since she was 9 years old, and has been fortunate enough to make a living as a performer and a teacher.  Her background in ballet, jazz and musical theatre provides a unique perspective to country dancing, allowing her to explain and break down steps in a detailed and easily understood fashion.

    Country dancing, both 2-step and Line, became an integral part of Candy’s life in 1991.  Some of her Line dance choreography includes Woman Amen, If You Want It, Switch It Up and Love a Party (For Ron). She has been blessed to share her passion in the greater LA area at many venues, private events, and 10 line dance cruises, and has no plans of slowing down. She has been the lead instructor at Borderline since 1995, and prior to that taught at InCahoots Glendale and Denim and Diamonds Woodland Hills.  Candy’s line dance channel, candysherwin.com, was developed as an online reference and support to the community she loves so dearly.

    She continues to teach and choreograph daily, and is ever so grateful to her wonderful husband, Joe Mika, for his constant love and support. 

    See you on the Dance Floor!

  • (He/Him)

    Sean Monaghan is a co-founder of Stud Country, a queer line dancing and partner dancing party in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. Alongside co-founder Bailey Salisbury, they have brought new energy and growth to the Country Western dance communities in these cities, garnering attention from the LA Times, New York Times, and the Today Show. During the upcoming Wrangler Weekend, Sean will be teaching some of his original dances which have not yet been published on any platforms. Don't miss your chance to learn some Stud Country favorites.

    Stud Country is born from the legacy of queer dance spaces and honors the rich history of LGBTQ cowboy culture. Best friends, Sean and Bailey, teach partner dancing and classic era line dances from disco to nineties country, while mixing in new genre pop songs. They believe line dancing should be easy, fun and accessible. All bodies and all levels are welcome.

 
  • (She/Her)

    Line Dance
    Night Club Two Step
    San Francisco Two Step
    Waltz
    West Coast Swing


    Sheila started tap dancing as a child and has not stopped moving her feet since. Calling Sundance Saloon in San Francisco home, she found a great dance venue in which to lead and follow. She has taught both partner and line dancing at various venues including: Sundance Saloon, Texas Rose Dance, Wrangler Weekend (WWLA), Mountain Magic and Burlingame Parks & Rec. Sheila has also performed with several performance groups, most notably: The Sundance Bandits, Clogging Express, The Saddle Tramps and Golden Gate Clogging Company.

  • (She/Her)

    Kelsey started off line dancing in 2013 and was immediately hooked after her first time at a country bar. Since then, Kelsey has been dedicated to learn as much as possible and she still goes social dancing 2 to 5 nights a week. Kelsey also competed with her dance partner in the UCWDC circuit, placing 3rd in the 2020 UCWDC Couples Div 4 Worlds Competition.

    In 2018, Kelsey was offered a DJ position at Borderline Bar and Grill, becoming their first female DJ! DJing has become a true passion of Kelsey’s and she loves being able to share this passion with everyone! Kelsey has had the opportunity to DJ at many bars and festivals throughout Southern California over the years, including: Boots and Brews festivals, Tailgate Fest, the San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon, Temecula Stampede, and an episode on the Facebook series “Cardi Tries.”

    Kelsey’s favorite thing about DJing is being able to inspire others and help people make lasting memories on the dance floor! Nothing is better than seeing a dance floor full of people laughing, smiling, and having the time of their lives!

  • (She/Her)

    Line Dance


    Annemarie Dunn has 35+ years professional experience as a studio owner, Director of Arts performances and programs, instructor, choreographer, and performer in multiple dance styles for all ages including development and integration of adaptive/therapy programs for special needs. Annemarie founded and owns the Word In Motion Entertainment & Dance Company in Rancho Cucamonga, CA servicing Community Programs, Festivals, Corporate and Private Events locally, Nationally, Internationally for 25+ years and previously managed a “family friendly” entertainment and dance based nightclub AP2G “A Place To Go” for 15 years.

    Annemarie is passionate about mentoring, partnering, and program development to build new foundations and create new opportunities. Annemarie founded the Stagecoach Honky Tonk Dance Team and currently has served nine years as the Stagecoach Honky Tonk Productions Program Development Director, Stage Manager, Dance Teams Captain, and Cross-promotions lead. Additionally Annemarie has been a Lead Instructor for Boots on Stage & Country Booze cruises, Mammoth Lakes Villagefest, currently the Lead Instructor and dance director for Whiskey River in Norco CA, and previous program director and lead instructor for Brandin Iron Saloon in San Bernardino CA, Toby Kieth’s Bar & grill in Rancho Cucamonga CA, Canyon Club in Montclair CA, and development of dance programs at multiple locations throughout Southern California.

    Annemarie is highly sought for her motivational, energetic & personable teaching style & management experience. Her core motto – LIVE LOVE DANCE with Excellence, Character & Integrity

 
  • (He/Him)

    Progressive Two Step
    San Francisco Two Step
    Shadow
    Waltz


    Rob grew up hating country music, until one day when he walked into a gay bar and saw a group of men doing the two-step. Country music and two-stepping have been his obsession ever since… and he has the cowboy drag to prove it. Rob joins us from Palm Springs where he is the Director of and teaches at Dance Ranch Palm Springs. He also teaches at Sundance Saloon in San Francisco and the Emerald City Hoedown in Seattle.

  • (He/Him)

    Lindy Hop (6 count/ECS)
    San Francisco Two Step
    Waltz
    West Coast Swing


    Jeremy Box of Thousand Oaks, California, has taught American Smooth & Rhythm, International Standard & Latin, Argentine Tango, West Coast Swing, and Country Two-Step for over 25 years. Jeremy has entered competitions in all styles and received numerous awards for his performances. He has instructed at the Country Dancing Festival Sundance Stompede in San Francisco, California and this will be his 6th year teaching at WWLA.

 
 

2023 Ballroom DJs

  • (He/Him)

    Bio coming soon.

  • (She/Her)

    Helen Tocco began dancing in 1999, and has since not only mastered technique, connection, and partnering communication, but has also brought an innate sense of musicality and soul to her dancing. While her roots are in Lindy Hop, Helen began dancing West Coast Swing in 2001 and quickly met with competitive success. She has several first place wins and rapidly worked her way up to the All-Star level, also dancing in 5 Rising Star and Classic routines.

    Helen DJs regularly at events all over North America, and before moving to Los Angeles in 2007, she could be found spinning weekly in the DC area. Her mix of soulful and inspiring music gets dancers moving on their feet and has made her a sought after DJ for both local dances and events.

  • (He/Him)

    Born at Castle Air Force Base near Atwater, CA, Joel started dancing at age 25 and has loved it ever since.

    Starting his training at Cheryl Burke Dance, Joel is well versed with the American Styles of Ballroom Dance and many popular social dances such as West Coast Swing.

    Once a competitive ballroom dancer, Joel was coached by numerous former World and National Champions along with members of Dancing With the Stars. He is a 2011 Golden State Dancesport Pro-Am Smooth Champion, a 2012 Embassy Dancesport Pro-Am Rhythm Champion, and a 2015 World Open Smooth Finalist.

    In 2016, Joel shifted his focus from ballroom to West Coast Swing where he learned directly from world class coaches such as Samantha Buckwalter, Tara Trafzer, and many others. With their direction and his prior dance background, Joel worked and earned his way into the World Swing Dance Council's All-Star division where he is able to compete with some of the top West Coast Swing dancers around the world.

    When he's not dancing, Joel can be found at dance events as a Judge and a DJ.

    Above all else, Joel believes dancing is fun and loves sharing that fun with his students and dance partners.

 
  • (He/Him)

    Bio coming soon.

  • (She/Her)

    Kelsey started off line dancing in 2013 and was immediately hooked after her first time at a country bar. Since then, Kelsey has been dedicated to learn as much as possible and she still goes social dancing 2 to 5 nights a week. Kelsey also competed with her dance partner in the UCWDC circuit, placing 3rd in the 2020 UCWDC Couples Div 4 Worlds Competition.

    In 2018, Kelsey was offered a DJ position at Borderline Bar and Grill, becoming their first female DJ! DJing has become a true passion of Kelsey’s and she loves being able to share this passion with everyone! Kelsey has had the opportunity to DJ at many bars and festivals throughout Southern California over the years, including: Boots and Brews festivals, Tailgate Fest, the San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon, Temecula Stampede, and an episode on the Facebook series “Cardi Tries.”

    Kelsey’s favorite thing about DJing is being able to inspire others and help people make lasting memories on the dance floor! Nothing is better than seeing a dance floor full of people laughing, smiling, and having the time of their lives!

  • (He/Him)

    Lindy Hop (6 count/ECS)
    Lindy Hop (8 count)
    West Coast Swing

    Matt Richey has been dancing Lindy Hop since the tender age of 11. His dance career started with a performance team, including dancing on cruise ships and at Disneyland. In 2004 Matt attended Camp Hollywood for the first time (he hasn’t missed a year since) and he quickly fell in love with what swing dancing can offer; not just Lindy Hop but all swing.

    Since then he traveled all over the world learning from some of the world’s best dancers such as Frankie Manning, Norma Miller, Jean Veloz, Sugar Sullivan and Chazz Young, and many others. Matt has also cross trained in several other dance styles including jazz, ballet, salsa and more.

    In 2011 Matt started dancing West Coast Swing and knew this dance was just the added excitement he needed. Soon after, he started dancing in the showcase division and brought home trophies.

    Over the years, Matt has won hundreds of titles in multiple styles of swing, including West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop and Balboa. He is becoming the most recognized crossover dancer in the circuit as well as being a familiar face on the social dance floor everywhere! In 2018 Matt was inducted to the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame. As much as Matt loves swing dancing, he loves teaching and sharing his love for dancing and music just as much! He currently teaches adults and kids in several local schools and studios in Orange County.

    He is known for fun loving energy, musicality, showmanship and performance.

 
  • (She/Her)

    West Coast Swing

    Music and dancing have surrounded Samantha her entire life. Being the daughter of Kelly (Buckwalter) Casanova, meant that every week she was tagging along to dances and workshops, doing her homework and playing her gameboy, while her mother worked to support the both of them. Halls, studios, and conventions became her playgrounds. It wasn’t until she was 10 years old and attended her mother’s convention, Swingbreak, that she actually wanted to learn what her mother did. It was at this event that she saw Jordan Frisbee and Jessica Cox perform a Junior routine and from that point on she wanted to be a dancer.

    Samantha began competing in 2001 and traveling to more events out of state with her mother. She danced her first Juniors routine at the US Open with Ben Morris in 2002 and the following year with Rickey Andrade in 2003. At the time dancing was still a hobby as her passion was focused on martial arts. She was the youngest in her dojo to receive 1st dan (Black belt level) at 16. Her teaching career began at her dojo as she taught classes there to children and adults of all ages for 6 years.

    Samantha had no intention of teaching or pursuing West Coast Swing as a career until 2006 at Capital Swing. It was there that she saw Kyle Redd and Sarah Van Drake perform their “How long can a fool go wrong” routine and truly fell in love with the dance. From that point on she began mentoring under her mother, assisting her classes and shadowing her as a judge to learn everything and anything she could about the dance. Samantha worked diligently to earn her points in every division up from the Junior, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced and AllStar divisions to her current position competing with the top Champion dancers around the world.

    Starting in 2007, Samantha was fortunate to study under Mario Robau Jr. She assisted him in workshops and intensives both in the US and abroad which she credits to her confident teaching foundation. During 2009-2010 Samantha was presented a once in a life time opportunity by her dear friend, Mike Rosa, to re-locate to London. It was there that she taught weekly classes, workshops, and events all over the UK and Europe in an effort to help the Swing community grow. After her adventures in Europe, Samantha was convinced by her brand new friend at the time, Malia San Nicoles, to move to Southern California, which is where she now calls home. Samantha was inducted into the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame in 2012 and, most recently in 2022. She continues to travel all over the world competing, coaching, and teaching with her partner Matt Richey.

    One of Samantha’s proudest moments was becoming the first woman to final in a Champion’s division as a Leader, thanks to the help of Jennifer Deluca. From her very first dance lesson, Samantha’s mother taught her to lead and follow at the same time. This skill not only benefited Samantha’s teaching ability but also allowed her to be a role model to so many dancers wishing to learn the opposite role. Samantha and her mother are proud to support the movement in the West Coast Swing community to allow anyone to learn and compete in any role they so choose.

  • (He/Him)

    Line Dance
    Two Step
    Lindy Hop
    West Coast Swing

    Jonno’s artistic endeavors began with 17 years of competitive roller figure skating where, on top of numerous national titles, he represented the U.S.A. six times at the world level.

    His introduction to dancing was in the early 2000’s at Disneyland’s Jump, Jive, Boogie Swing Party where he fell in love with Lindy Hop. After moving to San Francisco in 2012, Jonno accidentally stumbled into the world of line dancing at the Sundance Saloon. It wasn’t long before he began creating his own line dances, which have earned several choreography awards, including five UCWDC World titles.

    His joy of dancing and creativity can be seen in his dances that are being taught across the globe. Some of his most popular dances include Life After Love, Get Ugly, The Wolf, She’s A Natural, All Bass No Treble (with Galit), Best Mistakes (with Takahashi), Ex’s and Oh’s (with Dominguez).

 
 

2023 Performers

L.A. Wranglers

We are a country-western performance group based in Los Angeles who hold a true passion for all things country. Founded in 2002 as a dance troupe, we have since incorporated into the nonprofit organization Wranglers Los Angeles Dance Association.

We are dedicated to promoting country-western, swing, line, and ballroom dancing through instruction, performance, and the presentation of public dance events, without discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation for the greater Los Angeles metro area.


Houston Mavericks

The Mavericks dance team is the performance country and line dance team of the Mavericks Dance Foundation in Houston, Texas, and has performed at local and national events. Team members are primarily LGBTQ+ with membership open to all.

The Mavericks dance team was founded in 2014 by Fernando Garcia, has 12 members, and is led by directors Fernando Garcia and Mark Evans.


Atomic Cherry Bombs

Atomic Cherry Bombs bio: Orange County's vintage showgirls! We specialize in the dance styles of the past, from 1920s charleston to 1960s gogo. Founded by a group of professional and amateur lindy hop swing dancers in 2009 as a way to honor the vintage jazz tradition of the chorusgirl groups of the 1930s/40s, we pay tribute to the amazing showgirls, chorusgirls, and burlesque performers of the past, while bringing dazzling entertainment to modern audiences.

The Cherry Bombs perform locally and around the country showcasing the art and technique of vintage dance in its many exciting and glamorous forms.