SLX 2010 Teachers
Nick Williams and Laura Keat (USA)
Nick Williams 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, Nick was honored to be recognized by the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame.
Laura Keat began her swing dance career in Denver when she joined the Championship Lindy Hop performance team, 23 Skidoo! She immediately took off with her dancing and started winning national titles after dancing for a relatively short time. Laura has earned several National Championship titles such as American Lindy Hop "Classic" Champion, US Open "Strictly Lindy" Champion, Camp Jitterbug "Lindy Hop" Champion, both Northern California and Northwest Bal-Swing Championships and most recently the 2007 US Open "Fast Dance" Champion. Laura loves working with an array of leads to widen her following abilities and to be inspired by their diverse styles and ideas. Her classes emphasize the use of excellent connection and technique to enhance individual style, and maximize room for musicality and rhythmic dance. Laura's passion for teaching compliments her passion for swing dancing itself, bringing an energy to her classes that is a unique benefit to her students.
Shesha and Nikki Marvin (USA)
Shesha Marvin. Shesha’s father’s favorite saying is, “Follow your bliss.” When Shesha fell in love with dancing in 1996 he knew he would make a life of it. Shesha is a champion competitor, world
traveling instructor, and scene organizer in Orange County, California. He currently holds the US Open Swing Dance Championships title for Lindy Hop. In 2010 he has taught or performed at Camp Swing It in Korea, Camp Jitterbug in Seattle, Goodnight Sweetheart in London, Camp Hollywood in Los Angeles and performed in a 45 minute show with the dance team Hot Club Stomp. Shesha, with his wife Nikki, is the owner of ATOMIC Ballroom, a haven of lindy hop and one of the most successful dance venues in the world. Check out his YouTube playlist to see him perform on live TV for 20 Million viewers on ABC Hit Show Dancing with the Stars an on the Katy Perry Music Video "Thinking of You".
Nikki Marvin is a woman of many talents. Wife, mother, and ATOMIC Ballroom owner by day, Champion Lindy Hopper by night! Nikki travels the world teaching, performing and competing with her partners Shesha Marvin and Mikey Pedroza. She holds winnings from the: National Jitterbug Championships, US Open Swing Dance Championships, World Swing Dance Championships, Boston Tea Party, Camp Jitterbug, Lindy on the Rocks, Swing in the Colony, Lindy and Party Weekend, Rhythmic Arts Festival, Reno Dance Sensation, California Girl Jam and many other competitions.
In 2007, Nikki was a featured performer on ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars. Nikki is also a prominent member of one of the largest Swing Dance scenes in the world as well as an organizer of the Orange County Swing Dance Club, 24 Hour Cancer Dance-a-thon, Inspiration Weekend, and founding member of the all female dance troupe the ATOMIC Cherry Bombs. Nikki is also a member of the All Star dance team Hot Club Stomp.