Ben Luhrman
Ben Luhrman is a young advocate of swing. He began dancing in 2006, when one of his friends invited him to Sam's Burger Joint. Since then his dedication to swing on and off the dance floor has been incredible. His love for social dancing has pushed him to start instructing. He is currently a Kinesiology major at UTSA, and has attended many important dance workshops and lessons. Ben is the current Executive Director of the SASDS and schedules all DJs and Instructors. A few of Ben's accomplishments on the dance floor was taking 3rd place in the ILHC 2009 Pro-Am contest with Laura Glaess from Austin and winning the 2007 USO Canteen Dance Contest. He is always willing to give out free advice and encourages his students to ask for help when they need it. Check out videos that he likes at his youtube page or his personal website.
Jennie Lynn
Jennie first started dancing in Richmond, Virginia. It was there that she learned lindy hop and charleston, her two favorite dances. Since then her commitment to learning and teaching has been remarkable. Her love for lindy hop and its roots push her to dance and have fun. Jennie's view on dancing can be summed up in one quote: "Jazz musicians have dance in them, and Jazz dancers have music in them, or Jazz doesn't happen." - Sidney Bechet.
Chad Skeeters
Chad started dancing in 2008, and has attended Lindy Focus, Swing out New Hampshire, Camp Jitterbug, Lindyfest, ILHC, and multiple ninja workshops. He learned from the society and Four on the Floor and now teaches at both. Chad loves balboa and has attended Rocky Mountain Balboa Blowout, All Balboa Weekend, DC Balboa Workshop, and Twin Cities Balboa Festival. Chad loves to take private lessons and loves helping others too. See his ILHC performance.
Amelia Dennis
Hi! My name is Amelia- I am the current PR Director/board member/active dance instructor in the society. I dance mainly other dances other than swing such as: salsa, bachata, cha cha cha, two-step, triple step, improv, blues, west coast, and many more! I've been a dancer since I was 3 years of age.. I have a background in ballet, gymnastics, tap and jazz. I like to incorporate many different styles when I dance.. it makes it more fun! I've dabbled in some amateur competitions around town.. but nothing big yet! (Don't worry, I'll get there :) I teach many private lessons during the week and two lessons a week for the society. If you need ANYTHING or have any cool ideas for us- please, don't hesitate to email the info line! (you get me directly) Well have a nice day! Sincerely, Amelia
Ed Willars
Ed has been dancing in his heart since he was born. In 2005 his two favorite dancing daughters, Lara and Lydia, convinced him to transfer that passion into his feet as well. Since then Ed has taken swing classes with SASDS and by attending Lindyfest in Houston. He began instructing in 2007.
Lara Willars
Lara began dancing in 2000 and has been an addict ever since. Over the years she has attended numerous workshops and exchanges, and was formerly a member of Swing Cats Perpetual Motion, a performance troupe in Oklahoma. Her instruction focuses on technicality, musicality, and that overall "gush" that makes lindy great. When not dancing, you'll find her on the stage....
Raleigh Chen
Raleigh started dancing in January of 2004 in a Ballroom Dance class at the University of Texas in Austin. After a semester of Two-step, waltz, polka, foxtrot, salsa, tango, and swing, Raleigh struck out on his own to San Antonio for work. After taking some lessons at a local dance studio, he discovered Sam's Burger Joint and was soon hooked into SASDS. After 3 years of swing dancing, he's still going strong. Raleigh can be found teaching the Wednesday evening classes at Amora Ballroom.
Tia Redford
Tia first began her swing dancing career in 2002 in Idaho. Through the years she has attended various workshops and events and takes advantage of any opportunity to learn more. She teaches East Coast, Triple Swing, Lindy, Charleston, Shag, Balboa... you name it! For Tia, dancing isn't just a hobby, it's a lifestyle.
Femi Akingbala
Femi Akingbala teaches Beginner Swing classes at Sam's Burger Joint. He is a former president of the San Antonio Swing Dance Society, and a pillar of the swing dance community. He puts the "King" in Akingbala.