Our Staff
We are featuring an awesome staff for the 11th anniversary of Swustlicious October 18-20th, 2024! Our social & knowledgeable professional staff is excited to share their knowledge in workshops & privates. See bios below to learn more about their background as well as contact info to book coaching.
We are very exited to welcome:
* Ben Morris (Emcee) * Dawn Garrish (Head Judge)
* Arjay Centeno * Matt Davis * Ryan Dobbins
* Malia Jameson * Michael Kiehm * Michael Kielbasa
* Geoff Newell * Kelvin Roche * Lori Ann Roche
* Greg Rollinscott * Lemery Rollinscott * Lori Wahl Rousar
* Abi Schneider * Kristen Shaw * Erica Smith
DJs:
* Katie Fallon * Wendy Beathard
* Toni Carroll * Molly McCabe
And Photographers:
* Ann Bender * John Greenstreet
* Nadege Lebert
More updates to come!
Ben Morris
Emcee & Pro Instructor
Sparklage Productions welcomes Ben to his 3rd Swustlicious! Both a Champion Lindy Hopper and a Champion West Coast Swing Dancer; Ben Morris began swing dancing at the age of 12 and is now a 2 time World Swing Dance Champion, 3 time U.S. Open Swing Dance Champion, Spirit of Lindy Hop award winner, California Swing Dance Hall of Fame award winner, and a featured dancer in the movie Love N’ Dancing and the Leann Rimes Music Video “Swingin.” He currently lives in Huntington Beach, California, running his weekly dance Swingin the Blues and teaching students during the week. On the weekends Ben travels all over the world to teach, compete, mc, judge, and perform and is known for his fun dance style, infectious personality, and enjoyable workshops. Ben will also be offering a special 2 hour intensive (see the schedule for more info).
Intensive: Sat 10/19 | 10am-12pm | Cost $65 pre-reg; $75 door Topic is "Elasticity and Gapless Connection"
To reach Ben for private coaching, contact him at:
Dawn Blorstad (Garrish)
Head Judge & Pro Instructor
Sparklage welcomes Dawn to her 3rd Swustlicious! We look forward to Dawn joining us as our Head Judge. Dawn has been teaching dance for over 35 years. She started off in the Country Dance Scene and 6 years later was introduced to West Coast Swing. She has numerous Country World Titles to include being the first Master World Champion in 1990. She holds 7 US Open Swing Dance titles. In 1991 (her first time), she became the first to not only win the Showcase Division but also the Cabaret Division (Two Step). In 1992 she won the Champions Jack & Jill, 1993 Showcase and team division, 1992, 1994 & 1996. She has coached and choreographed for over 10 US Open Champions. She coached both her daughters (Alexis 22 & Taylor 17) to multiple World Titles. Daughter Alexis has won the US. Open in the Young Adult Division 3 times, and recently daughter Taylor won the US. Open Junior Jack & Jack Swing Division. She's been inducted her into the “Legends of Dance” (2015), the “Country Dance Hall of Fame” (2016), and “Swing Dance Hall of Fame” (2018). She has run a competitive Swing Dance team for the past 26 years. Two of her dancers have been inducted into the Living Legends and two of the couples have won US Open Masters Division Titles. For the last 15 years she can found as the Head Judge at Many NASDE and WSDC events. She lives in Mt Airy, MD and plans to teach dance the rest of her life!!
To reach Dawn for private coaching, contact her on Facebook at "Dawn Blorstad Garrish or https://www.facebook.com/dawn.garrish
Matt Davis & Kristen Shaw
Pro Instructors & Judges
Sparklage Productions welcomes Kristen & Matt for their 1st Swustlicious as instructors (although Kristen has also DJ'd this event before!)
Matt and Kristen are very excited to be on staff for Swustlicious! Matt has been dancing WCS since 2012 and co-founded Rising Tide Swing Dance Studio and Youtube channel in 2016. He currently competes at the All Star level and enjoys teaching locally in the Boston area and traveling to events nationwide. Kristen has been dancing since she was three and west coast swing since 2008. She currently competes in All Star and runs two events, Countdown Swing Boston and Summer Hummer. Matt and Kristen started competing in Rising Star together in 2023 and love to make sure students are having a lot of fun along the way!
To reach Matt for private coaching, contact him at:
mnd375@gmail.com
To reach Kristen for private coaching, contact her at:
kristen.maryrose.shaw@gmail.com
https://calendly.com/kristen-shaw/kshaw-private-lesson
Arjay Centeno
Pro Instructor & Judge
Sparklage Productions welcomes Arjay for his 2nd Swustlicious! Arjay's entire life has been dedicated to the exploration of art and music. For 17 years Arjay toured the world as a classical violinist before traveling the world as a dance professional. He studied music and also graduated with a degree in Art and Graphic Design, a passion he shares with his wife. Searching for more in music and the arts, Arjay pursued his hobby and love of dance and turned it into a successful career. There are not many dances Arjay doesn't know. He currently travels the world performing, teaching, choreographing, judging, mentoring dancers as well as deejaying and emceeing some of the biggest events in the world. Arjay is an accomplished West Coast Swing Champion of Classic, Showcase, Jack and Jill, Teams and Strictly Swing Divisions. His most memorable accomplishments include winning Showcase at Grand Nationals, winning Classic at America’s Classic, winning Invitational Jack and Jill at Phoenix, winning Champions Strictly and Teams at the US Open. One of Arjay's most recent accomplishments is being awarded The Crystal Boot Award for Best Advanced Choreography for a line dance with world renowned line dance champion & choreographer Rachael McEnaney.
To reach Arjay for private coaching, contact him at:
Ryan Dobbins
Pro Instructor & Judge
Sparklage welcomes Ryan Dobbins back for his 6th Swustlicious!
Starting out having fun as a country line dancer, Ryan began to gravitate toward the couples on the sides of the dance floor and found a new interest. While he loves to dance multiple forms of partner dances, West Coast Swing and Hustle sparked a joy and drive that has not disappeared. A few years later these dances have him traveling, teaching, judging, and competing as an All-Star dancer. Ryan uses his connection, body movements, and fun style to create enjoyable moments in the dance. While he may have a witty and playful teaching style, Ryan uses his solid background in education to help him teach beginning or seasoned dancers to connect, feel, understand, and apply various techniques. Most importantly, he makes sure they have a memorable and fun time on the dance floor.
To reach Ryan for private coaching, contact him at:
rdobbins@aol.com
Malia Jameson
Pro Instructors & Judges
Sparklage Productions welcomes Malia to her 2nd Swustlicious! Malia began her passion for the stage and dance at the age of two where she started her formal training in classical ballet. She also began studying tap, jazz, contemporary and has a background in gymnastics. After spending her early years in the classical arts, she entered the scene of partner dancing to further explore other genres of dance. She began competing with a three-time Grand World Champion country dance troop in 1993. During her travels with the team, she was introduced to West Coast Swing and quickly fell in love with the versatility and style of this musically driven dance. She began competing in the Showcase division on the N.A.S.D.E. swing circuit while simultaneously competing with her team on the country circuit. In 2001 she began training, teaching and competing in American Ballroom and Latin. She hit the routine competition floor again in 2010, this time in the Classic Division after a long time hiatus from competitive routines. Malia followed up competing in the Sophisticated division taking 1st Place at the US Open Dance Championships in 2015. Malia made the transition to full time instructor in 2008. She has continued to assist in the growth of her local communities; first in her native California at Swingin’ the Blues, Atomic Ballroom and now in South Carolina where she regularly teaches for the Greenville Westies. Known for her smooth quality of movement and her sassy personality, Malia has traveled the globe sharing her love for West Coast Swing for almost 30 years. Born in Newport Beach, California where she spent the first half of her dance career, she recently relocated to Bluffton, South Carolina where she is a full time Fitness Instructor while still traveling the dance scene. She is excited to judge, teach, and dance with us at Swustlicious this year!
To reach Malia for private coaching, schedule her at:
calendly.com/d/z6v-35y-fgp/50-minute-private-lesson
Michael Kiehm
Pro Instructor & Judge
Sparklage Productions welcomes Michael for his 1st Swustlicious!
Michael brings over 45 years of teaching experience to the dance floor. During the last five years Michael has been teaching locally in Charlotte NC, as well as all over the USA and abroad. Before this, Michael owned and operated the longest and most successful dance studio in the nation, the "Starlight Dance Studio” in San Diego, CA.
Along with running this prestigious dance studio, Michael founded the Global Professional Dance Instructors Association (GlobalPDIA.com) where he has certified hundreds of professional dance instructors in several dance styles. Michael is also credited for his famous online "tips" filmed from several locations around the globe. The online tips showcase their attention to high levels of technique, while keeping up with current trends.
To reach Michael for private coaching, contact him at:
Michael Kielbasa
Pro Instructor & Judge
Sparklage Productions welcomes Michael for his 1st Swustlicious!
Michael has been training and dancing for the past 20 years, in most styles of Partner Dancing. As one of the top Master Instructors, Michael has been traveling, teaching and performing not only in the United States but in countries like Canada, France, Germany, Russia, United Kingdom, Brazil and Australia. He is known for his instruction, choreography, unique style, approach and quality. Michael is dedicated to the growth of all dance, its recognition as a sport and exciting social activity for everyone to enjoy!
To reach Michael for private coaching, contact him at:
Kelvin & LoriAnn Roche
Pro Instructors & Judges
Sparklage Productions welcomes Kelvin & Lori Ann back for their 8th Swustlicious!
This couple has performed all over the world. With their unique style of Latin and theatre arts, they have captured many titles. They have worked with numerous stars such as: Vanessa Williams, Conan O’Brien, Liza Minelli, and many more. Kelvin and Lori Ann have also worked on many movies, commercials, and television shows. They appeared in the move “El Cantante” with Marc Anthony ad Jennifer Lopez, and the Disney movie “Enchanted” staring Patrick Dempsey, Susan Sarandon and Amy Adams. They are 9-time World Hustle Champions.
To reach Kelvin & Lori Ann for private coaching, contact them at: www.kldance.net
Greg & Lemery Rolliscott
Pro Instructors & Judges
Sparklage Productions welcomes Greg & Lemery for their 4th Swustlicious!
Greg and Lemery have over 35 years of dance experience combined, winning many dance titles individually along the way. Greg started in American Style Ballroom and competed in Country. He also has a background in ballet, jazz, and hip hop. Lemery competed in Ballroom, dancing International 10 Dance, and is also skilled in American Ballroom and Salsa. Together Greg and Lemery have become a successful West Coast Swing couple competing in Showcase since 2009. They are multiple time NASDE Tour Champions, Showcase Champions, and US Open Top 5 Champions. Their love and passion for West Coast Swing make them a sought after couple. They are known for their technical expertise and unique teaching style. They look forward to continuing to share their art and knowledge with the dance community worldwide.
To reach them for coaching go to: https://www.facebook.com/lemery.rollins or
https://www.facebook.com/gregory.scott.750
Lori Wahl Rousar
Pro Instructor & Judge
Sparklage Productions welcomes Lori for her 10th Swustlicious!
Lori began dancing and competing at country events in 1998. After a few years, she changed her focus from country to West Coast Swing and Hustle. Lori is currently a successful All-Star competitor and her passion for West Coast Swing has her traveling across the country competing, teaching, and judging at several events. Through her playful styling, technique and musicality, Lori encourages others to apply their own unique qualities to this dance. She truly enjoys the social aspect of dancing. Lori is the former President of the Cleveland-Akron Swing & Hustle Club and the former Event Director for the C.A.S.H. BASH dance event in Twinsburg, Ohio, held every year on Thanksgiving Weekend.
To reach Lori for private coaching, contact her at:
Abi Schneider & Geoff Newell
Pro Instructors & Judges
Sparklage Productions welcomes Abi & Geoff for their 1st Swustlicious on staff!
Geoff Newell & Abi Schneider share over three decades of experience teaching and dancing a multitude of vernacular swing and jazz styles, including West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Balboa, Hustle, Shag, Charleston, and others. Between them, they hold many championships and accolades, including victories at Grand Nationals, Atlanta Swing Classic, Big Apple Dance Festival, and others. Recently, they were crowned the winners of the NASDE Rising Star Tour at the 2023 Open Swing Dance Championships.
Geoff and Abi both enjoy the infinite artform of dance; they both believe there is always something to learn and improve upon, and seek to make improvement as simple and approachable as possible. Their teaching focuses on building healthy connection, maximizing the potential of both roles in the partnership, the rich history of swing dance, and using psychology to overcome some of the mental hurdles that prevent dancers from achieving their “ideal”. More than anything, Geoff and Abi strive to find the right balance of fun and challenging, as that combination is what brought most of us into this community in the first place.
To reach Abi for private coaching or bodywork, contact her at: abi.leggette@gmail.com
To reach Geoff for private coaching contact him at: www.geoffnewell.dance
Erica Smith
Pro Instructor & Judge
Sparklage Productions welcomes Erica to her 2nd Swustlicious!
Erica is a versatile dancer from the Washington, D.C. area with extensive backgrounds in West Coast Swing, Hustle, Ballet and Salsa. Erica has been undefeated in the Professional Freestyle Hustle Division with partner Shay Dixon since 2017. Erica is a World Professional Triple Threat Champion (West Coast Swing, Salsa and Hustle), Professional Just Hustle Champion, Hustle Hall of Fame Inductee, and a US Open Strictly Hand Dance Champion. Erica is also a Champion West Coast Swing competitor and a long time Director of JT Swing Teams DC – a performance based West Coast Swing Team. Erica is passionate about sharing her love of dance with her students. As a 15 time Top Teacher recipient, Erica is a highly sought-after instructor. Erica travels to 15-20 competitions and workshop weekends per year as an invited instructor, judge, performer, and Master of Ceremonies. Erica is a brilliant dancer and teacher who leaves a lasting impression on her admiring audiences and students.
To reach Erica for private coaching OR if you would like to perform with the JT swing team at Swustlicious, please coordinate, by contacting her at: jtswingteamsdc@yahoo.com
Our DJs
We are featuring an awesome crossover DJs including:
Katie Fallon
DJ
Sparklage Productions welcomes Katie for her 11th Swustlicious!
Katie Fallon is a Cleveland-based international DJ who specializes in West Coast Swing, Hustle, and other dance music for a variety of occasions. Since 2011, Katie has DJed around the U.S., Canada and Oslo, Norway. She specializes in DJing music for social dances and WCS competitions. Ultimately her goal is to adapt and provide unique, fun experiences for all. Katie aims to create a unique groove when DJing at social dances and to inspire dancers when DJing at competitions.
Interested in learning what it takes to make a setlist flow effortlessly? Katie will be giving all the tips and tricks to build a setlist from the ground up and how to improve DJ sets in the future. Perfect for all levels! Need assistance regarding other parts of DJing? Schedule a private with Katie. Pre-registration for the intensive is at a discounted price. Sign up today!
DJ Workshop: Fri 10/18 | 5-6:30PM | Cost $35 pre-reg; $45 door
To reach Katie for private DJ lesson, contact her at:
Wendy Beathard
DJ
Sparklage Productions welcomes Wendy for her 5th Swustlicious!
Wendy DJs locally in Austin and all around Texas. Nationally Wendy has DJ'd at Austin Swing Dance Championships, Tulsa Spring Swing, Austin Rocks, Show Me Show Down, Lonestar Invitational Country Dance, and Swustlicious. And she is excited to deejay at Swustlicious for the 5th time!
Toni Carroll
DJ
Sparklage Productions welcomes Toni to her 2nd Swustlicious! Toni met her husband 26 years ago while dancing, and together they fell in love with west coast swing. A few years later, the President of the local swing club asked Toni to DJ and, with his mentoring, she fell in love with playing music. Today, she DJs for two local WCS clubs in Columbus, Ohio and at JasonandSophy dance in Cincinnati, Ohio. She also plays for numerous local events and competitive events in the Midwest including; Swing City Chicago, Derby City Swing, Cincy Westie Bash, Ft. Wayne Dance for All, Swing Dance America, Michigan Classic, Indy Dance Explosion, Toronto Open Swing & Hustle Competition (TOSHC), Jammin’ in July, Chicagoland Dance Festival, Swingin’ Dance Party, Swing Pittsburgh, CASH Bash, Spotlight New Years Celebration, Meet me in St. Louis, Atlanta Swing Classic, and now Swustlicious. Her goal as a DJ is to play music for all dancers. There is such a wide variety of tastes and she wants to make sure everyone is enjoying themselves, whether it is in a social or a competitive setting.
Molly McCabe
DJ
Sparklage Productions welcomes Molly for her 11th Swustlicious!
Although Molly has been with us since the beginning, it's her 6th year in the DJ booth. She also DJs monthly at Angela's "Second Saturday Social" at Pivot Ballroom in Ardmore, PA. In another role, she also ran a booth during her first five years at Swustlicious making bracelets, dance bags, and more, raising over $10K for over a decade for breast cancer awareness for Breastcancer.org and Brenda's Benefit.
Our Photographers
These photographers are capturing all the fun at Swustlicious!
John Greenstreet &
Ann Bender
Photographers
Sparklage Productions welcomes John Greenstreet and Ann Bender to their 2nd Swustlicious!
John and Ann have been covering local dance events for over ten years and are widely known for their vibrant, action-oriented photos. (We will share a link to the photos after the event on the Results page).
To reach John & Ann, contact them at:
https://www.facebook.com/JohnGreenstreet
Photography by John Greenstreet & Ann Bender:
Nadege Lebert
Photographer
Sparklage Productions welcomes Nadege for her 2nd Swustlicious!
After seeing the photos posted from her first dance event, Nadege was inspired to bring her camera and try it herself at the next one. And the next one. And the next one. Self-taught, she strives to capture memories on and off the dance floor as well as the grace -- and humor - West Coast Swing embodies. Nadege is excited to experience her first time at Swustlicious! (We will share a link to the photos after the event on the Results page).
To reach Nadedge, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100016451072571
Full album here:
https://nadegefotos.pixieset.com/swustlicious2024/
