The Delta Breeze
Instructors, Band, and DJ
Amanda Pincock
Instructor: Collegiate Shag Intermediate Workshop, Saturday, November 9 Bio: Amanda, who began swing dancing in 1994 during the 90s revival, fell in love with Collegiate Shag after moving to Austin in 2014, quickly winning her first competition and becoming a dedicated teacher and performer.With a background in education, Amanda excels at blending precise technique with fun and self-expression in her swing dance classes, catering to both new and experienced dancers.Outside of teaching weekly Collegiate Shag classes at The Austin Swing Syndicate and coaching The Shag Hags, Amanda enjoys spending time with her cats and dancing to live bands.
YouTube video of Amanda and Ryan dancing Collegiate Shag
Ryan Martin
Instructor: Collegiate Shag Intermediate Workshop, Saturday, November 9 Bio: Inspired by jazz music, Ryan Martin began swing dancing in 1996 and has dedicated over twenty years to teaching and studying various swing dances, with a recent focus on studying the history of these dances.He produced the feature-length documentary "The Rebirth of Shag," highlighting the Collegiate Shag, and co-founded the Hot Rhythm Foundation to promote early jazz music and dance.Ryan continues to teach and compete in Collegiate Shag both in the U.S. and internationally, while also sharing his extensive knowledge of swing dance history.
YouTube video of Ryan and Amanda dancing Collegiate Shag
Jennifer Barnett
Instructor: Balboa Intermediate Workshop, Sunday, November 10 Bio: Jen, a former chemistry student turned swing dance enthusiast, began with tap in preschool and transitioned to teaching Balboa after college, co-running popular Philly events like Saturday Night Fish Fry and Bal Jam ’08.Now based in New York City, Jen teaches at You Should Be Dancing! and dances at White Heat, while also competing internationally in Balboa, earning multiple wins at prestigious events like All Balboa Weekend.Renowned for her clear, technical teaching style combined with creativity and humor, Jen excels in multi-level classes, ensuring all students—both leads and follows—are challenged and supported.
Jen's Website: Rockin' in Rhythm
Matt Mitchell
Instructor: Balboa Intermediate Workshop, Sunday, November 10 Bio: Since 1998, Matt has been mastering Swing-era dances, including Lindy Hop and Balboa, drawing inspiration from both contemporary teachers and original legends like Frankie Manning and Dean Collins.He was a key instructor at Get Hep Swing from 2007-2011, where he helped choreograph award-winning routines, and now teaches Lindy Hop and Balboa in Austin, Texas with Four on the Floor and the Austin Swing Syndicate.Matt teaches and competes internationally at prestigious events such as Boogie By The Bay and the California Balboa Championships, consistently achieving high placements in Balboa competitions.
YouTube video of Matt and Jenn dancing Balboa
Josiah Keagy
Instructor: Collegiate Shag Beginner Workshop, Sunday, November 10 Bio: Josiah Keagy, based in Anaheim, California, ignited his passion for swing dancing in college in 2012 and is celebrated for his energetic, creative style with a focus on connection and musicality.Known for his vibrant teaching approach, Josiah offers swing dance instruction, including Collegiate Shag, at festivals, workshops, and private lessons.He actively contributes to the swing dance community, participating in events like SWINGdepenDANCE and continually striving to push the boundaries of his dance skills.
YouTube videos: Coming soon
Sarah Stembridge
Instructor: Collegiate Shag Beginner Workshop, Sunday, November 10 Bio: Born and raised in Los Angeles, Sarah Stembridge fell in love with 1930s and 40s music and dance from a young age, inspired by films like A Day at the Races and Disney's All the Cats Join In.In the early 2000s, she turned her childhood dream into reality by immersing herself in swing dancing, quickly developing a passion for the style.As both a dancer and instructor, Sarah values the creative and playful aspects of social dance, aiming to enhance her students' confidence, technique, and self-expression.
YouTube videos: Coming soon
Stacey Amaral
Instructor: Balboa Beginner Workshop, Saturday, November 9 Bio: Stacey Amaral lights up the Sacramento swing dance scene as a dynamic instructor at Sactown Swings and the Ballroom of Sacramento.With a flair for Lindy Hop, Collegiate Shag, Balboa, and Charleston, Stacey brings a diverse and exciting range of swing dance styles to her students.A seasoned performer, Stacey has wowed audiences as a member of the San Francisco and Sacramento Jitterbug dance troupes.
Johnny Ochoa
Instructor: Balboa Beginner Workshop, Saturday, November 9 Bio: Johnny Ochoa is a key figure in Sacramento's swing dance scene. He runs Sactown Swings, which is the longest-running weekly swing night in Northern CaliforniaIn addition to teaching Lindy Hop, Collegiate Shag, Balboa, and Charleston, Johnny also DJs and promotes swing socials, which enhance the vibrant atmosphere of the Sacramento dance community.Recently Johnny has revived the Sacramento Jitterbugs performance team and delights audiences with swing dance demonstrations.
Website: www.SactownSwings.com
Grace Babbes & Blake Thiessen
Instructors: ShagBoa Transitions Lessons, Saturday and Sunday, Nov 9 & 10Bio: Blake and Grace discovered swing dancing while attending Southern California universities, where they quickly immersed themselves in Lindy, Balboa, and Collegiate Shag.They became accomplished competitors, earning victories at prestigious events such as ILHC, Camp Hollywood, and the California Balboa Classic, both as a duo and with different partners.They hold a deep admiration for the historical figures of Southern California's dance and music scenes, which inspires their teaching approach.As instructors, they focus on teaching specific dance styles and techniques that they have mastered, emphasizing fundamental skills and the art of connected partnered movement.Their classes also highlight the integration of dance with music, aiming to convey the joy and expression that comes from understanding rhythm and melody in dance.
YouTube videos of Grace and Blake dancing smoothly between Balboa, Lindy Hop, and Collegiate Shag 
The West End Stompers featuring the Au Brothers
Live Band: Saturday November 9 Bio:The West End Stompers are a swing dance band based in Sacramento, California.Led by the Au Brothers, the group features some of the finest traditional and swing musicians from the area.They have performed at various events, including lindy exchanges, competitions, and jazz festivals.
DJ Gary Sharpe
Head DJ: Saturday Nov 9 & Sunday Nov 10 Bio:Gary has DJed for nearly 20 years, entertaining crowds at events across California.An avid swing dancer since 2002, he has journeyed across the U.S. to groove to top DJs and live bands.Gary's passion for swing and jazz spans from the 1920s to contemporary, manifested in mixtapes and a dedicated music collection.
Gina Darin
Organizer:Bio:Gina began social dancing in 2000, starting with the Eckerd College Swing Dance Club in St. Pete, FL.In 2021, she experienced her first out-of-town dance weekend event, and since has traveled extensively for dance, taken private lessons, performed, competed, and taught at the UC Davis Swing Club.Gina is now an event organizer for Rags 2 Rhythm, where she continues to share her passion for swing dancing.
Yoni Magallanes
Organizer:Bio:Yoni fell in love with swing dancing in 2016 after experiencing thrilling performances at Midtown Stomp, leading him to travel extensively for events and competitions.He has competed and performed nationally and internationally, while also creating dance teams and choreography.Yoni now focuses on teaching and contributing to the dance community through Rags 2 Rhythm, where he and his team work on scene building and organizing dance events and workshops.
Haily Holt
Instructor-in-Residence: Collegiate Shag Teaching AssistantBio: Haily began her Collegiate Shag journey in 2017 in Portland, OR, quickly falling in love with the dance.She has competed as both a leader and follower in the Open Collegiate Shag Finals at Camp Hollywood in 2023.Passionate about the energy and grace of Collegiate Shag, Haily enjoys teaching others how to dance efficiently and sustainably. Haily is available for private lessons.
Heather Martinico
Balboa Teaching AssistantBio: Heather began her dance journey in 2007 and discovered her passion for Balboa just a year later, lighting up the dance floor.She’s been teaching with Pat Chan for 12 years, sharing her expertise and enthusiasm. Currently teaching at The Ballroom of Sacramento and Midtown Stomp, Heather thrives on guiding beginners and helping them discover the joy of dance.As both a preschool teacher and dance instructor, Heather emphasizes the importance of play in the learning process.