Jim began teaching dance in 1987. Jim trained /taught Social Ballroom & Country until 1992 – Taught & Competed in Country Western until 1992 – currently specialized in West Coast Swing, Night Club 2 & Hustle. Jim focuses on “connection” and “feeling the dance” vs. learning to dance patterns. Jim Minty teaches, judges, and competes Internationally – Won many WCS Swing Dance Championship Awards – Certified G.S.D.T.A. Instructor, Judge, National Competitor –  Chief Judge at many WSDC & NASDE Events Nationwide for nearly a decade – Director of NASDE Event Seattle Easter Swing for over 5 years. Jim Minty also has a Masters Degree in Project Management