Robert and Nicola Royston are two of our favorite people in the WCS dance community.  Robert is an accomplished dancer, teacher and choreographer who has accumulated numerous awards and titles in both the Country and WCS competitive circuits.  Robert was also just recently inducted into the Swing Hall of Fame and was awarded this honor at the US Open Swing Dance Championships, November 2011.

Nicola is an accomplished actress and starred in the major motion picture, "Love & Dancing", which Robert Royston produced in 2009.  She and Robert have been competing together in the Showcase division for a few years now and have dazzled audiences in the US and abroad.

We are honored to have them at The Chicago Classic for the first time in 2012.

Ben Morris is an accomplished dancer and teacher.  He is a, two-time World Swing Dance Champion, California Swing Dance Hall of Fame Nominee, and three-time US Open Champion.  Known for his smooth style, infectious personality, and enjoyable workshops, Ben travels nationally and internationally to teach, compete, judge, and perform.

A graduate from UCLA with a degree in Business Economics and Accounting, Ben Morris now lives in Los Angeles, California. Maintaining an uncommon dualism with West Coast Swing, he is also a Champion Lindy Hopper; receiving the Spirit of Lindy Hop award at the 2004 National Jitterbug Championships, and winning the Showcase division at the 2006 US Open with a Lindy Hop routine.

Melissa Rutz is also an accomplished dancer and teacher.  Melissa has also had major awards and achievements in the West Coast Swing competitive circuit including numerous placements and titles in the Classic and Showcase divisions as well as Strictly Swings and Jack & Jill competitions.  Melissa brings a level of sophistication and class to WCS that is unique and a joy to watch.

Canada's West Coast Swing Champions, Myles Munroe and Tessa Cunningham have been partners and NASDE Showcase competitors since 2002. Munroe’s 21 years of diverse dance training includes six UCWDC World Championship titles. Tessa brings academic expertise to the partnership, with university degrees in both Human Kinetics and Education. As performers, they are known for their cutting-edge artistic choreography, positive youthful energy, and enviable musical expression. Their extensive teacher training and experience and loveable delivery of correct foundational technique inspires and empowers students of all levels. They are ambassadors for modern, authentic West Coast Swing: teaching, judging, performing and competing all over the world. Visit their website for more information: www.canadianswingchampions.com or contact them at info@canadianswingchampions.com;
604-818-2212.

Kyle and Sarah are longtime favorites in the national (and now internationa), WCS competitive circuit.  They have been dancing together for many years and have won numerous titles in the Classic and Showcase divisions.  They also usually receive top placements in Strictly Swing and Jack & Jill competitions.

We are thrilled to have Kyle and Sarah on our Professional Staff for the first time this year at The Chicago Classic and hope you will enjoy their workshop and their dancing.

Michael and Katrina recently teamed up in 2011 and have been competing in the Classic division.  Their new partnership is electric and exciting to watch.

Each is an accomplished professional in their own right.  Michael is a Professional Dance Instructor at a studio in San Diego, CA and Katrina also works full-time teaching workshops and privates in the Houston, TX area.

Both Michael and Katrina have a warm, inviting personality which is evident in the way they interact with students on and off the dance floor.

Erica is a national level West Coast Swing competitor, instructor, and judge.

A 6-time US Open Classic division finalist and US Open Team division Champion, she has of late taken a hiatus from routine competition to complete her Masters degree in Business.

Although her partnership has come to an end with Jason Barnes, (as he's enjoying family life with new baby April in North Carolina - plus a lot less travel!), Erica is still traveling nationally and overseas teaching workshop weekends on her own, or working as a judge at major swing events.

www.EricaBergSwing.com

Jason and Stephanie recently partnered in 2011 and compete in the Showcase division.

Jason hails from Minnesota but currently lives in North Carolina with his wife Amy and baby girl.  Jason has become a well known instructor in the WCS circuit and is known for his smooth, unassuming style.  He competed for many years in the Classic division and has earned numerous titles in Strictly Swing and Jack & Jill competitions.

Stephanie is originally from California, but currently lives on the East Coast.  Stephanie is brilliant dancer and has phenomenal musicality.  Her skills have earned her numerous titles in both Strictly Swing and Jack & Jill competions.

Both Jason and Stephanie have a great sense of humor and are very skilled instructors.  You will no doubt have a lot of fun in their workshop.

Luis has earned several placements, trophies and honors within the West Coast Swing community: "To date, I have been dancing at the Champion/Invitational level and continue to get invited to dance events such as The Greater Phoenix Swing Dance Convention, Swing Dance America, Miami Dance Magic, Summer Dance Camp, New Years Dance Extravaganza, Desert City Swing, Jack and Jill O'Rama, High Desert Dance Classic, and several others. I earned a US Open Strictly Swing Champion title in 2002 and a US Open Showcase 3rd placing in 2009 which has assisted in paving the way for the swing success."

Taletha is a two-time US OPEN Jack & Jill finalist and received 2nd place in the prestigious Nasde Jack & Jill tour in 2009. She is currently competing Jack & Jills and Strictlys at the All-Star/Champion level. Many admirers have described her dancing as clean, playful, sensual and classy.