West Coast swing Instructors

Elizabeth was raised in Seattle 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 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 and wife Elizabeth, and loves attending and hosting workshops to expand his knowledge of this dance. He also DJs regularly for social events.

Olivia started partner dancing in 2005 when she took her first Ballroom class at Chico State, followed by Lindy Hop and Blues. She fell in love with WCS in 2007.  Over the next 5 years Olivia danced and attended events as much as she could and started teaching WCS.  She competed her way up to the All-Star division.  In 2010, Olivia partnered with Ben McHenry and debuted a Classic routine at the US Open.

Olivia’s favorite things about WCS are using movement to express musicality and being able to create a new dance with each new partner.

 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 and competes in West Coast Swing, plus Lindy Hop, Blues, and Balboa with Bend Lindy Hop!  

James has been dancing west coast for about 5 years, after learning a bit of ballroom, country swing, and line dancing before that. He loves West Coast because of the partnership and how you can express yourself while seeing the joy on your partner's face. James loves teaching and sharing that joy with his students. "Come dance with me!"

 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.