My philosophy about dancing and teaching.

It's really simple:  I like socializing.  I'm one of those people who doesn't mind a crowd and I've always kept a large circle of friends.  I love dancing; dancing is very social; so partner dancing is almost nirvana for me.   I believe Lindy Hop is one of a few activities where strangers come together to create something beautiful, and I like sharing that with other people.

I was taught that I shouldn't expect a Follow to follow a movement if I couldn't lead it.  Therefore, I focus my classes on teaching movements that can be lead and followed by dancers NOT in my classes, coupled with stressing the importance of good Frame and consistent Connection to be able to lead and follow these movements.

I make it a point to try and dance with EVERYONE who takes my classes, Follows AND Leads.  I believe this gives me unparalleled first-hand feedback on the effectiveness of my teaching methods.

Honestly, I wouldn't be a Lindy Hopper if not for my best friends, William and Steve, and the core group of friends (the West Wall Gang) that I met when I started learning Lindy Hop — (in alphabetical order:) Aaron, Andrea, Chris, Dori, Elana, Jim, Heather, Leigh, Mark, Steve, and Tammy.  If not for their support, friendship and willingness to dance with me, I wouldn't be dancing!  

(this is some of the West Wall Gang in New York) 

Of course, I also benefitted from Denver's great local instructors:  Jon C., Kathy I., Kendi, Rob L., Victor and the members of the 23 Skidoo performance troupe (circa 2000) Brie, Dan, Diana, Judd, Ryan, Tiffany and Tyler.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I was born December (way too close to Christmas) in Denver, CO. I was the first of two sons — my brother, Kevin, was born in March, nine years after me.

I have few claims to fame, but I'm proud of the fact that: 

• I've had noticable gray in my hair since I was 17.
• The last six months of my senior year in high school, I was chosen to be Colorado's first Page to Congress (for Congresswoman Pat Schroeder).  I attended and graduated from the Capitol Page School (housed in the Library of Congress) in Washington, D.C.

• In 1987, I did my first international travel when I went to Sydney, Australia (under the guise of running a 5K race).  Those who know me know I'm not a runner.
• In 1988 I started working in the comic industry.
• 1990, I jumped out of a plane for the first time.  I've since done "it" three more times. 
• In 1993, I moved to Anaheim, CA with three other friends and from scratch and in only 30 days we opened the 2nd largest comic-book store in North America.
• In 1994, I experienced my first earthquake.
• Also in 1994, I moved to New York City to fulfill a childhood dream of working for a comic publisher.
• In 1996, I went to Europe for the first time and fulfilled a childhood goal and visited Switzerland.  I decided that Zurich is the place where I plan to grow old and die.
• In 1999, I went back to Europe (this time for two weeks) and visited six countries (Belguim, Germany, Switzerland, France, Spain, and the Netherlands).  Sleeping on European trains overnight rocks.
  
• Also in 1999, I moved back to Colorado and discovered the joy of partner dancing (Lindy Hop).
• Also in 1999, in Las Vegas, I bungy jumped for the first time.  I've jumped twice now.
  
• In 2001, I dyed my hair blonde for something different to do.
• In 2006, I decided to be a Lindy Hop instructor.