West Coast & Country Swing Dance Instructors

Jenny started dancing in 2014. Starting her journey with Country Swing, she quickly moved onto West Coast Swing, her true love. "Cooper" also teaches Nightclub Two-Step, Country Swing and Two-Step.

Spenser Harold started dancing in 2006. He started out line dancing, progressing to Country Swing and then on to West Coast Swing. His passion shows every time he teaches. Spenser teaches West Coast Swing, Country Swing and Nightclub Two-Step.

Cody shot up the West Coast Swing world at the young age of 21 and has been climbing ever since with his most recent 1st place win in August of 2018. He is sure to please with his weekly WCS classes!

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 

Jake is one of our newest West Coast Swing instructors. He comes from a background of country swing, but recently discovered West Coast, and now he won't shut up about it. He is constantly working to improve his own dancing, while spreading the gospel of West Coast Swing. He will never turn down a dance, and is always on the lookout for a wedding reception to cut up the dance floor. 

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, travels across the northwest and California with his partner Elizabeth to workshops to expand his knowledge of this dance. You will also see him regularly at The Space as a teacher and DJ.

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. 

Elizabeth was raised in the greater Seattle area and moved to Bend two years ago. 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 across the west coast 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.

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.

Blair and Emily Agan met at a Blues dance in Abilene, TX 2014. Ever since, they have been partners for dance, as well as life. Together they have attended dance conferences Lindyfest, San Antonio Stomp, and Sundance Swingout to name a few. With training in Lindy Hop, East Coast, and Charleston... this duo wishes to bring their love of Swing dancing to Bend! 

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.

Jessica started dancing at a young age, which has led to 20 years of experience. She has the most background in hip hop and jazz. Jessica has coached a high school dance team for 2 years. Then went on to teaching after school dance programs to elementary school kids for a  year. She then took a break from dance to start a family, but her love for dance never went away.