Michael has been dancing since he was 5 years old, under the guidance of his mother, Carmen Garcia, and uncle, Michael Kiehm. However, it wasn’t until the age of 17 , Michael began teaching & dancing competitively. Michael teaches all of the American style Ballroom and Latin dances as well as Swing, Hustle, Salsa, Lindy Hop, and other current club dances. Michael has won several 1st place Championship Titles in the Swing venue, and is currently teaching, judging, and competing worldwide almost every weekend. Michael began competing in the WCS circuit and Classic Division in 2003. Since achieving his Business Degree, Michael devotes many hours to private dance lessons and choreography. Michael has many top placements in WCS Jack & Jill, Strictly, and Classic Division Competitions.

Doug began dancing in 1992 and since 1999, he has been teaching, competing, and performing internationally. Doug is a three-time American Lindy Hop and Blues Champion, a 2-Time World Swing Dance Champion, and a top competitor on the Lindy Hop circuit, NASDE West Coast Swing tour, as well as in CSA Carolina Shag competitions. Nicki Silton began dancing as a youngster in Sandy, Oregon. In her high school years she found her niche in cheerleading and hip hop. As an adult, NIcki discovered the Country dnace scene, became a line dance champion at the 2007 Portland Dance Festival, and began instructing at Duke’s Country Bar & Grill. Country lead her to West Coast Swing in 2008. She began partnering with Doug Silton in 2013 and together they’re rockin’ the globe with their philosophies and techniques for partner and solo dancing.

Nicholas started his love of dance at Chico State University. After being involved in Hip Hop and Steppin, he found himself involved in Ballroom, where he was introduced to West Coast Swing  and other various styles of dance. His 1st competition at Boogie by the Bay in 2003 reaffirmed that his love of dance would soon become his passion. Nicholas quickly rose through the ranks in West Coast Swing  & has also competed in Showcase and Classic. He enjoys teaching and dancing domestically & internationally. Nicholas has a reputation of being one of the most enjoyable people to watch and dance with on a social dance floor. He always seems to make time to dance with everyone, and his love of dance truly shows through his smile and musicality on the floor.

Tara has been dancing for almost 20 years. She has been trained in classical Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, Latin, Hip Hop, and West Coast Swing with the Schwimmers. Tara is known for  teaching that focuses on swing technique as well as incorporating musicality into the dance for all levels. Her extensive training in a multitude of dances contributes to her ability to reach dancers from all backgrounds. Tara has competed in the young adult divisions since she was 13 and has competed in the Showcase Routine Division since she was 18. Tara teaches  in the states and internationally in places including: France, England, & Russia.

Christopher and Nicole became West Coast Swing dance partners in 2009. Christopher and Nicole are  2012 and 2013 U.S. Open Swing Dance Champions in the Young Adult Division. (age 14-17) Their skills and talents combined with their passion, commitment, and youthful energy inspire everyone.

 Joshua began partner dancing when he walked into a country bar on his 21st birthday. He was instantly hooked, dancing 5 days a week. Joshua migrated to ballroom 12 yrs. later, teaching & competing for Fred Astaire Dance Studios. A few years later Joshua spent 2 yrs. dancing, teaching, competing, & traveling with the prestigious Salsa Salvaje Dance Troupe. 12 yrs. later Joshua decided to get serious about WCS, competing & winning 5 out of his 6 first competitions.  Joshua Sturgeon partnered with Lindsey Nastos for 3 years. They placed 6th out of 35 with their Classic Routine at the U.S. Open 2013.

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

Cody has been dancing for 10 years, and is one of the primary dance instructors in Bend, Oregon. His dance background includes: Ballroom, Hip-hop, Ballet technique, Contemporary, and West Coast Swing. Cody’s dance training includes: Ballroom with Don Wolheim, West Coast Swing & Hip-hop with Chuck Brown, and recently a year of training; as well as teaching dance with Havin’ a Ball Studio in Los Angeles, Calif, under Christian Perry (Group Swing & Specialty Choreographer for Dancing With The Stars) Competition has always been a huge part of Cody’s dancing. He competes at an All Star level in West Coast Swing. Within the course of one year Cody went from a Novice level WCS dancer to an All Star level competitor, making Cody one of the fastest people to move through the ranks of West Coast Swing Competitions.

Andrew has been dancing for as long as he can remember. He got obsessed with dance at 11 yrs. old when he saw Bob Fosse in a random clip, and he couldn’t get enough… Andrew went from Fosse Jazz to Lindy Hop where he was lucky enough to train with Steven Mitchel & Virginie Jensen, and meet his idols: Mike Lenneville, Matt Richey, Alyssa Glanville, & Skye Humphries. From there he moved to West Coast Swing, being lucky enough to train with some of the most amazing partner dancers he’s ever known, constantly inspired by all of them (big ups to Big Daddy Piper & Sunshine Sugar Kane) Andrew currently trains in and teaches Hip Hop & Jazz at his home base, Vega Dance + Lab in Portland, Oregon with the most insanely talented staff. Dance helped Andrew gain confidence, happiness, and purpose. His goal is to bring the same to those around him!

Paul and Melinda are certified PDIA teachers, certified GSDTA teaches, and certified NDDCB judges. They started dancing in 1995, and have worked their way to the advanced level of WSDC competition. Paul and Melinda love social dancing first: and have traveled extensively around the country to over 100 WSDC conventions. In 1995, they performed a routine at the U.S. Open Masters Classic division. Teaching is now the source of the biggest rewards for the Booths.  They teach regular group lessons on Saturdays in Kirkland, and teach private lessons by appointment. Paul D.J’s  at conventions coast to coast and in Canada, and has been drawing local dancers every Saturday night at Kirkland Dance Center since April 2002.

Koichi Tsunoda started DJing locally in Seattle in 2012 and has been growing momentum ever since. In 2013 he was D.J. at larger events in Washington, Oregon, Vancouver BC, California, & Korea. He is recognized by many as being incredibly friendly, having a “weird” sense of humor and being well traveled. Koichi enjoys Djing because it is a way to bring joy to people & introduce something new to the local dance scene. Often times he can be found playing for the late night crowd at dance conventions & after every event, shares his songs with the public. He never expected the long-running tradition of requesting a “Koichi’s last song” to take him down the path of becoming a West Coast Swing D.J. He’s super excited to return officially as a member of the Dance N Play staff this year.