That Spring Fling Swing Thing 2010
Teachers
Michael Gamble and Jaya Dorf
Michael & Jaya became seriously involved with Lindy Hop in the southeast region of the US in the early 2000's, prolifically teaching, organizing, and devoting themselves to the growth of the dance community. In addition to organizing Lindy Focus (1-8), Sugar Foot Stomp (1-2), Enter the Blues (2-3), and Southern Belle Swing Bash (1-5), they have taught workshops in over 30 US cities. They have attended and led multiple regional teacher training seminars, and have sought relentlessly to spread awareness of Lindy Hop and to cultivate its tradition and technique. Together and separately they have helped to organize, operate, and judge a variety of contests of every dance style associated with the Lindy Hop world. They are inspired not only by the masters who created so many of the swing moves over a half century ago, but by dancers today who are continually creating new ones.
Andrew Thigpen and Karen Turman
Karen Turman, also known as Andrew's "sister from another mister," was first seen on stage at age 9 performing a tap dance to "Lollipop" in a striped leotard and has been dancing ever since (in fact, she can still be seen dancing around in a leotard from time to time). She discovered Lindy Hop during the swing craze in 1998 and has never looked back. Karen originally honed her dance skills in Minneapolis, MN and now currently resides in Santa Barbara, CA.
Andrew Thigpen, also known as Karen's "brother from another mother," was first exposed to the Lindy Hop back in 1998 but didn't actually develop rhythm until booty dancing in college. Since 2005 Andrew has developed a uniquely energetic style of swing dancing with a focus on fun and learning things right the first time. His only hope is to share his love of the dance and the energy it brings forth with as many people as possible.
Andrew and Karen are basically the same person except Karen likes unicorns and rainbows while Andrew likes dragons and beer. All they want to do is dance the Lindy Hop and make each other laugh. Having fun is awesome. They hope you like awesome too.
Andrew Thigpen, also known as Karen's "brother from another mother," was first exposed to the Lindy Hop back in 1998 but didn't actually develop rhythm until booty dancing in college. Since 2005 Andrew has developed a uniquely energetic style of swing dancing with a focus on fun and learning things right the first time. His only hope is to share his love of the dance and the energy it brings forth with as many people as possible.
Andrew and Karen are basically the same person except Karen likes unicorns and rainbows while Andrew likes dragons and beer. All they want to do is dance the Lindy Hop and make each other laugh. Having fun is awesome. They hope you like awesome too.
Evin Galang and Andrew Twiss
Andrew Twiss, a tapper for most of his life and Lindy hopper since 1996, has been a driving force in the Chicago Swing scene for over 13 years. His unparalleled musicality and timing contributes to his unique and exciting dancing. He is known for his seamless connection and his ability to build and create each dance with his partner. Andrew has taught, competed and judged all over the United States as well as France and Switzerland, bringing his eye for detail and his positive approach teaching to literally thousands of students. Andrew was also a core member and choreographer for several of the most esteemed Lindy troupes in Chicago. He continues to teach and dance in Chicago, even though Evin has given him at least 5 good reasons to move to Atlanta
Evin Galang has been Hopping the Lindy for 12 years now and still can't get enough. She combines rock solid technique and connection with with highly creative interpretation and a sense of humor. She is able to effortlessly integrate her own ideas and style into the dance, which both complement her partner and serve as a creative catalyst for an exchange of ideas. Currently running Down South Swing company in Atlanta, Evin previously played an integral role in the Chicago dance scene, as an organizer, instructor, performer and coach. Evin has been fortunate enough to tour both the U.S. and Europe as a teacher, judge, and performer and has competed with her partner Andrew Twiss, placing 1st-5th at competitions such as ULHS, NADC, and ALHC, before taking a break to begin her family. Her many years of teaching experience help her to break down complex steps and ideas into their component parts and allow her students to access a new level of creativity and fun!
Evin Galang has been Hopping the Lindy for 12 years now and still can't get enough. She combines rock solid technique and connection with with highly creative interpretation and a sense of humor. She is able to effortlessly integrate her own ideas and style into the dance, which both complement her partner and serve as a creative catalyst for an exchange of ideas. Currently running Down South Swing company in Atlanta, Evin previously played an integral role in the Chicago dance scene, as an organizer, instructor, performer and coach. Evin has been fortunate enough to tour both the U.S. and Europe as a teacher, judge, and performer and has competed with her partner Andrew Twiss, placing 1st-5th at competitions such as ULHS, NADC, and ALHC, before taking a break to begin her family. Her many years of teaching experience help her to break down complex steps and ideas into their component parts and allow her students to access a new level of creativity and fun!