South Florida Swing Dance Instructors

Welcome everyone to our instructor page. Here at South Florida Swing Dance we are proud of every one of our in house instructors, not only for their dancing endeavors, but for how they bring the dance to life for all of our students. Please take some time and learn a little more about your favorite instructors below!
   

Bob first learned ballroom dance about 12 years ago, but when he first saw Argentine tango, he thought, "That's the dance for me." He hasn't looked back since. Tango, along with t'ai chi and massage therapy, are his three passions. Off the dance floor, Bob is a licensed massage therapist specializing in neuromuscular massage and currently serves as president of the Treasure Coast Chapter of the Florida State Massage Therapy Associaion.



Kathryn took ballet lessons for eight years as a child and always wanted to dance ballroom. Life, however, interfered and it wasn't until four years ago that she started taking ballroom lessons, which she loved...until she started learning Argentine tango. It is now her primary passion. In real life, Kathryn is a color specialist, decorative painter, and owner of an on-line t-shirt shop selling her original tango imprint.


Manolo has years of trained experience from Spain and also from Fred Astaire studios. Rest assured even if you have never set foot on a dance floor Manolo can lead you into anything. He is a true dancer, wonderful teacher, and gifted lead. When Manolo takes the floor dancers stop to watch in awe as he takes action and flows through the music with the finesse and grace contained by a true master of conceptual physics.


Shiela started teaching with Arthur Murray Studios in Silver Springs Maryland in 1967 at the "old age" of 17. At the age of 25 she taught for an independent studio in West Virginia. Shiela moved to Florida in 1987 and taught at an International studio. She also co-owned a studio in West Palm Beach. Shiela has taken several hundred hours worth of lessons and training over her lifetime. Lucky enough to have the privilege , Shiela taught in Spain with her husband and dance partner Manolo for several years. Known simply by Mama or Mommy by many, she has a kind heart that will reach out and make you feel welcome as soon as you hear her voice. Her southern charm, and humor make every lesson fun. Sheila prides herself in dancing from your heart.


Quote: "After learning the basics, the personality that explodes from your heart makes it your dance. Yours alone and no one can take that joy away."


Matt - Bio coming soon!


Sarah's fascination with dance started young when she discovered jazz at the age of 6. She took lessons, and performed in several recitals until 5th grade. It wasn't until 2003, that she discovered her true passion: Swing Dance. The past 6 years, Sarah has spent the better part of every weekend at South Florida Swing Dance social dancing, learning, teaching, choreographing, practicing, and performing. Although Lindy Hop is her main focus, she also dances Charleston, Balboa, and Collegiate Shag. Some of Sarah's dancing accomplishments are: 1st Place Strictly Lindy Intermediate w/ Partner Matt Carter @ Swing Dance USA 2007, 1st Place Lindy Open Showcase w/ partner Matt Carter @ Swing Dance USA 2007, 2nd Place Women's Intermediate Jack and Jill @ Swing Dance USA 2007. Sarah has also learned from Kim Clever, David Frutos, Chester Whitmore, Frankie Manning, Norma Miller,Yuval Hod, Forrest Outman, Crista Seipp, Tim Adams and more. Sarah is also an active member of Swingtastic, South Florida Swing Dance's performance team. When she is not dancing at South Florida Swing Dance you can find her dancing at various other Florida events such as: SoFlex, ORLX, Swing Dance USA, and more! Sarah prides herself in making lessons fun, while bringing your dancing to a new level!