Instructors
Mike Faltesek
Mike has been dancing for well over a decade and in that time he has traveled to instruct, compete, and perform all over the world, from Harlem to Los Angeles and all throughout Europe. Mike is well known for his charismatic personality, approachability, and passion for the essence of authentic jazz dance and music. He possesses an enthusiastic ability to convey ideas and movements explicitly, making him a popular instructor wherever he goes. He teaches workshops, each time leaving a lasting impression on his students due to his teaching techniques and passion for the dance both in the classroom and on the social dance floor. Mike's main sources of inspiration are the greats of yesteryear: Whitey's Lindy Hoppers, the Nicholas Brothers, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, John Bubbles, Earl "Snakehips" Tucker, and the Berry Brothers. Mike is also an accomplished guitar player, playing with his band, the Careless Lovers. We are honored to have Mike return this year for his fifth teaching stint at Jammin'.
Casey Schneider
Casey's love of swing and jazz dance and music began in 1998. Whether social dancing, teaching, or performing, Casey is inspired by the playful spirit of traditional jazz dances and in "raising her voice" as a female dancer. Today, she brings her experience to students both locally and nationally. Casey is known for her clear teaching style and approachability. Her students develop solid technique while appreciating the playful side of the dance.
Casey is an accomplished performer, spending years on Seattle's Jackson Street Lindy Hoppers. She is a founding and active member of Sister Kate, an all female performance group. Performing a tribute to the Four Congaroos at Frankie95 stands as a career highlight.
Although no longer a regular competitor, Casey's career notably includes first placements in the Camp Jitterbug Jack and Jill, Killer Diller Harvest Moon Lindy Competition, and ULHS Showcase Division. Today, Casey co-manages Savoy Swing Jam, Seattle's lindy hop competition for one and all!
Casey is also known for sharp wit and mediocre advice in the "Dear Casey" column in Seattle's lindy hop discussion forum, White Heat. She recently dove back in - join the "Dear Casey" fun on Facebook!
This will be Casey's second appearance as a Jammin' instructor.
Carla Heiney
Among many of her accomplishments, Carla has choreographed for Fox’s hit T.V. show, “So You Think You Can Dance” season 6 creating a routine for contestants Ryan & Ellenore. She is founder of Lindy Central, which hosts a variety of classes & workshops specializing in the vintage dance era in the San Franciso Bay Area. During the summer of 2010, Carla taught several sessions at the prestigious Google Danceplex and even choreographed a routine for Google employees. She has taught and choreographed at City College of San Francisco for the past 7 semesters for their Advanced Lindy performance group. In 2009, she and partner Nick Williams, were featured on the show “Time Warp” to demonstrate dancing through high-tech slow motion cameras. She continues to teach both locally and travel around the world to share her passion for dance. In 2010, Carla was honored to be inducted into the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame.
Concerning a few of her championship titles: she is the 2010 National Jitterbug Classic Champion, 2010 Underground Jitterbug Champion, 2008 Camp Jitterbug Champion, 2008 Canadian Swing Dance Champion & 2008 & 2009 International Lindy Hop Champion. She is also the 2007 National Jitterbug Champion, 2007 American Lindy Hop Champion, & 2006 US Open Showcase Champion. She has also won the US Open Lindy Showcase division with in 2001, 2002, 2004 and the US Open Strictly Lindy division in 2003. She is a 6 time American Lindy Hop Champion and the 2005 World Lindy Hop Champion in the Improvisational division.
This will be Carla's second year as an instructor at Jammin'.
Nick Williams
Nick has embodied the passion and spirit of swing dancing ever since his first lesson in 1998. His in depth understanding of Lindy Hop, Balboa, and Collegiate Shag stem from studying with the original dancers. Nick's desire for authenticity, combined with his passion for dance evolution, leads to a style known for precision, lightness, musicality and dynamic energy. His successes include World Lindy Hop Champion, U.S. Open Swing Dance Champion, American Lindy Hop Champion, National Jitterbug Champion, International Lindy Hop Champion, Ultimate Lindy Hop Champion, American Classic Balboa Champion and California Balboa/Swing Champion. He is also an accomplished choreographer and has been featured on the hit television show So You Think You Can Dance? As an instructor, he is known for his ability to break down movements and technique to create a fun and light-hearted learning environment. His true love for music and dancing will forever inspire him to learn, teach, and grow. In 2004 and 2010, Nick was honored to be recognized by the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame. We are pleased to have Nick join us for the second time this year.