Instructors

Evita Arce (pronounced Ar-SAY) is known internationally for her endless energy, inspiring performances, and elegant, feminine movement. Whether on stage or leading a class, her vibrant persona inspires on-lookers to dance and live in the moment. She has taught all over the world at Lindy Hop events spanning the US to the UK, Japan to Australia, Canada to Europe.

Michael began dancing in college in Jacksonville, Fl., and once he had a taste of swing, in the form of 6-count Jitterbug, he was hooked! In 2003, Michael serendipitously moved to Los Angeles to join the dance company run by Londoners Ryan Francoise and Jenny Thomas, who had relocated to LA for a time. At that time he met his future, and current, partner Evita Arce. Neither could have imagined what adventures were in store for them - including being spotlighted in the audition process for the 2007 season of the popular reality show, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE!.

For more information, see Michael and Evita's full bios at Dance Manhattan.

Two of Denver's best instructors, Joe and Nelle are known for being very versatile dancers ranging from modern jazz to vintage blues to performance lindy hop. They possess an aesthetic quality that flourishes as a dance couple. They continually train, travel and teach worldwide, study swing dance history and clips, choreograph, perform, and innovate new dance movements and techniques. They pride themselves with basing their dancing on original styles while continually striving for new ideas.

In addition to their powerful presence, movement, and technique, Joe and Nelle are masters at making the simplest of moves stand out. Not only are they great dancers, they are great teachers that effectively break down unique and advanced concepts. Joe and Nelle are passionate about sharing their understanding of all the details that create a good connection between partners and give the most energy to the dance.

For more information, see Joe and Nelle's website.

Currently residing in Philadelphia, PA, Mike (the Girl) Legett is a full time dancer. She competes, performs, judges, choreographs, organizes, teaches, djs, and- most importantly- social dances. As a teacher, Mike aims to help leaders create artistic compositions that are clearly led; she wants follows to have both the ability to be the completely literal follow, and the inspiration and freedom to be an imaginative and dynamic contributor. In the classroom or on the social floor, she seeks a connection that involves active communication from both partners, to make a dance together.

Reuel's unique style of dancing holds its roots in the streets of the Big Easy, where he was born and raised. Growing up, Reuel's mother was a late-night DJ of avant-garde jazz for the local New Orleans radio station WWOZ and raised him listening to artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, the Rebirth Brass Band, and the Dirty Rascals. He played in school bands under jazz greats, but soon learned that his talents were not in playing the jazz that he loved, but in dancing to its rhythms. Since then, Reuel attempts to imbue the spirit, culture, rawness, and tradition of his hometown into every dance.

For more information, see Mike's site or Reuel's site.