ALHC 2004 Bios

Introducing our Teachers

Erik Robison and Sylvia Skylar

Erik and Sylvia specialize in maintaining the authenticity of America's most beloved dance - swing. This range of dance includes the early 1900's Blackbottom, the 1920's Charleston, the 1930's Shag and Balboa, and the 1940's and 50's Lindyhop. They have taught across the US and in Europe. They are the originators of the HollywoodStyle of Lindy. They are the ALHC 1998 American Showcase champions.
Performers, too, they have appeared in a number of movies and on Broadway in the musical Swing!.

Doug Silton & Debbie Gitt

Doug and Debbie are the ALHC 2002 Classic Division Champions.
They will be teaching a styling class on Friday at 5 PM.

Sylvia Sykes
and
Jason Christodoulou

Sylvia Sykes and Jason Christodoulou struck up a partnership 3 years
ago. While maintaining their own dance identities, they have forged a partnership that has created a Smooth/Not Smooth/Contemporary style of Lindy. They are a unique blend of the Dean Collins style of Lindy and a contemporary Hip Hop flavor.

David Graybill

David is a favorite partner of any Jack and Jill contestant
because of his inventiveness, connection and sense of style. He has
placed in many competitions a crossed the country.

Bill Borgida and Julie Mertz

Bill's emphasis on strong basic technique has had a profound influence on Lindy Hop. He has been invited to teach workshops all over the world including Sweden, Singapore, Japan, France, Finland, Australia, Holland, and London. He also judges regularly at national competitions including ALHC.

Bill's is renowned for his teaching expertise. He will help you to help yourself as you deepen your understanding of good partnering technique and strong basics, styling and body movement.

Bill is proud to call Julee from Chicago his new full-time teaching partner ! Julee has been dancing since she could walk. She hung up toe and tap shoes when she discovered Chicago's burgeoning Lindy Hop scene in 1997. She was hooked by the music, the the dance's energy.

Julee shares Bill's philosophy of dance - which is that strong basics and sound technique are the basis for better dancing. Julee's keen insight into body movement and partner connection adds to Bill's strong focus on technique. "

Justin and Jenn

Jenn and Justin are not only masters of musicality, connection and timing, but they do it all keeping the original flavor of lindy hop alive.They are DJs and members of both the Rugcutters and the Hollywood Jitterbugs. They are firm believers in the theory that, "You have to know where you came from, to know where you are going." Know your roots!

Chester Whitmore

Chester is known as a tapper, Lindy Hop and Vernacular Jazz Dancer, composer, comedian, actor, choreographer, stuntman and bandleader. He is a multi-talented teacher that continues to surprise everyone. We believe he's from another planet. He started out as a tap dancer in 1974 and, for many years, was a protégé of the famous tap legend John Bubbles. He has also worked together with many tap masters such as the Nicholas Brothers, Willie Covan and stars like Michael Jackson, Sammy Davis Jr. and Lionel Hampton. Mr. Whitmore has his own well-reputed dance company, Black Ballet Jazz specializing in Afro-American vernacular dancing.

Paulette Brockington

Paulette is an international workshop teacher and judge who also happens to be event director for the premiere Lindy event in the country, The American Lindy Hop Championships. She is, also, an award winning choreographer, stage director and actress versed in many dance styles and has been a finalist and winner of many dance contests.

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