The Fabulous Instructors
We've handpicked teachers who will be working tirelessly all weekend to bring you great instruction in the variety of crazy topics we've chosen. Just check out how great they are!
Mike Faltesek and Casey Schneider (Seattle, WA)
photo by Aristomenis Pikeas
Mike Faltesek brings to the dance floor an incredibly diverse social and performance dance talent that includes not only Lindy Hop but also Cakewalk, Black Bottom, Traditional Jazz, Tap, Charleston, Breakaway, Balboa, Big Apple, Blues and many other Authentic Jazz dances. He has been dancing for well over a decade, in that time he has traveled to instruct, compete, and perform internationally, from Harlem to Los Angeles and all throughout Europe. Mike is well known for his charismatic personality, approachability and passion for the essence of Authentic Jazz dance and music. He possesses an enthusiastic ability to convey ideas and movements explicitly, making him a popular instructor everywhere he goes.
Casey's love of swing dancing began in 1998. Whether social dancing, teaching, or performing, Casey is inspired by the playful spirit of traditional jazz dances and in "raising her voice" as a female dancer. In her teaching, she focuses on developing solid technique and partnering skills as the foundation for developing one's style and sense of musicality. Casey also enjoys competing, with placements or wins at regional and national competitions. She frequently performs with and dabbles in a variety of dance forms with Sister Kate, an all-girl performance group.
We're excited to have Mike and Casey back for Cumberland Shuffle's final year, so that they can share their enthusiastic love for all the old-timey things that we love, too! We're confident you'll love their teaching, their dancing, and hanging around them, too.
Casey's love of swing dancing began in 1998. Whether social dancing, teaching, or performing, Casey is inspired by the playful spirit of traditional jazz dances and in "raising her voice" as a female dancer. In her teaching, she focuses on developing solid technique and partnering skills as the foundation for developing one's style and sense of musicality. Casey also enjoys competing, with placements or wins at regional and national competitions. She frequently performs with and dabbles in a variety of dance forms with Sister Kate, an all-girl performance group.
We're excited to have Mike and Casey back for Cumberland Shuffle's final year, so that they can share their enthusiastic love for all the old-timey things that we love, too! We're confident you'll love their teaching, their dancing, and hanging around them, too.
Christian Frommelt and Jenny Shirar (St. Louis, MO)
Photo by Bob Morrison
Christian Frommelt is a dedicated instructor, performer, DJ, and scholar in the national swing dance scene. Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Christian grew up savoring swingin’ jazz, old school blues, and thumpin’ New Orleans party music. It was only a matter of time before destiny introduced him to the wonders of jazz dance and since then he’s never looked back. While sharing a profound interest in traditional lindy hop with dancers across the country, Christian also embraces his local roots and has learned St. Louis territory dances St. Louis Shag and Swing from legendary veterans such as John Bedrosian and Tommy Russo. Throughout his journey in dance, Christian has adopted a philosophy that integrates an appreciation for traditional styles and an emphasis on personal innovation.
Jenny Shirar is an active instructor, leader, and competitor in the midwest region and a up-and-comer on the national jazz dance scene. She strives to make her St. Louis roots known through her dancing, which she learned with guidance and inspiration from local St. Louis shaggers and jitterbuggers such as John Bedrosian. Jenny’s following has a classic feel that originates from her commitment to working with a partner and dancing to the music. As she travels and experiences dance with more people and in more places, Jenny hopes to inspire others with her dedication to authenticity, her love for moving to the music, and her excitement for discovering new ways to experience and build on the foundations of our jazz dance heritage.
We love Christian and Jenny because they're the real deal--passionate and excited about the history, the dance, the music, and everything St. Louis! You can't be around these two and not like them.
Jenny Shirar is an active instructor, leader, and competitor in the midwest region and a up-and-comer on the national jazz dance scene. She strives to make her St. Louis roots known through her dancing, which she learned with guidance and inspiration from local St. Louis shaggers and jitterbuggers such as John Bedrosian. Jenny’s following has a classic feel that originates from her commitment to working with a partner and dancing to the music. As she travels and experiences dance with more people and in more places, Jenny hopes to inspire others with her dedication to authenticity, her love for moving to the music, and her excitement for discovering new ways to experience and build on the foundations of our jazz dance heritage.
We love Christian and Jenny because they're the real deal--passionate and excited about the history, the dance, the music, and everything St. Louis! You can't be around these two and not like them.