MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL, REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS

Elizabeth was raised in the greater Seattle area and moved to Bend in 2018. She’s been dancing since middle school: Irish, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and now West Coast Swing. She loves spending time outdoors with her dogs and bringing her passion for dance to Central Oregon! Her and her partner, James, travel to WCS conventions to grow as dancers and expand the community. Elizabeth is excited to teach dancers of all skill levels how to grow in technique and in their own personal style.

Born and raised in Bend OR, James was always interested in dance from a young age. Most recently started learning country swing and quickly discovered West coast. He currently competes at events with his partner Elizabeth to workshops to expand his knowledge of this dance. He also DJs regularly for social events.

 Chuck Brown is a current Champion-level dance competitor with over 25 years of experience. He is recognized as a top international dance instructor/coach, head judge, NASDE Circuit and US Open Certified Primary Judge, DJ, event promoter, community builder and business consultant.  Read his full bio here.

 Sara Lee Connors is new to Bend, but not new to dance! She has been dancing for almost 10 years and LOVES to share her joy of social dancing. She teaches West Coast Swing, plus Lindy Hop, Blues, and Balboa with Bend Lindy Hop!  

With a history in individual sports and drumming, Joe was surprised to see how well these seemingly unrelated activities translated into dance. In 2017 he started west coast swing and his life was forever changed! Now an active member of the Oregon West Coast Swing community, Joe continues to improve his dance while also showing others that they too can learn to dance, regardless of their stage in life or previous experience!  You can reach Joe at: jjcmeier@gmail.com 

Dance is more than just a hobby for Ashley, it’s a lifeline. She started dancing when she was 18 at a little country club in San Diego, CA and from that moment she was hooked. She danced country for about 6 years before starting a family and stepping away to raise her two children, Tristan and Ariana. She couldn’t stay away forever though, and found herself walking back into a country dance hall in Bend, OR in 2015, and there she found West Coast Swing. Since then, she's been studying WCS and is excited to share everything she has learned so that others can experience the joy and community that comes with this amazing dance. 

Since 2010, Andres has received instruction from some of the top Latin dance instructors in the industry and world salsa champions while he has attended various Latin dance festivals and congresses. He is now pleased to share his passion and love for Latin dance and currently focuses on the styles of salsa and bachata for teaching, choreography and performing at local and regional events. Please contact him at info@latindancebend.com

Valerie comes to us with over 30 years of experience in the ballroom dance world. With several competition wins under her belt, she is sure not to disappoint! Valerie teaches the Foxtrot, American Tango, Waltz and Rumba. She can be reached at valdances@hotmail.com.

Sara Lee Connors is new to Bend, but not new to dance! She has been dancing for 6  years and LOVES to share her joy of social dancing. She won 1st place  competition awards in Solo Charleston, Lindy Couples, and Jack and Jill, at the 2016 Boise City Swing, as well as 1st place in Solo Blues at Salt Lake LindyCon in 2017. She loves to dance Lindy Hop Swing, Blues, Balboa and West Coast Swing.

Jaron discovered a passion for Swing dancing by chance after attending his first social in Corvallis, OR. From day one, he was hooked. Joining BLH on the dance floor has come full circle, having sat behind the drum kit in my high school Jazz band. He loves to share his excitement, and looks forward to growing a community in Bend.

 David Leach, better known as Dale Blackheart was born and raised in  Baltimore, MD. Having over 15 years combined of ballroom culture,  contemporary arts and club kid history he has brought VOGUE to Central Oregon. Teaching the elements of the dance art form from elementary levels to advanced is just one aspect of his most recent 6 week series  workshop. 

After taking her first dance fitness class years ago, Lisa Robbins was hooked. She eventually taught classes as a substitute instructor until teaching her own classes this past year. She believes exercise should be fun, inclusive and effective. She is certified to teach SHiNE™  Dance Fitness.

 Lindsey has been a ZIN™ Member/Zumba Instructor in Bend Oregon since Sep 2008 and absolutely loves teaching Zumba classes. The reason is simple: the variety of music and dance styles that Zumba embodies, creates a party atmosphere that swirls throughout the room and brings people together. Lindsey has been committed to building a supportive Zumba community for over 10 years. Dancing together is a joy to experience and and to share with others.  This is what feeds her soul. 

 Katie has practiced yoga on and off for over 20 years. Buti Yoga found her in 2019 and she hasn’t looked back. Buti Yoga has changed Katie’s life; leading her to fall in love with herself, with her body and with movement. She was certified in the practice in July of 2021 and has found her true passion in leading others to experiencing their bodies in the most fun and upbeat way possible. Buti Yoga is a music driven practice that truly feels like movement medicine.