Activity Leaders

Hannah Lane is a dancer, researcher and archivist from Baltimore, Maryland. She loves coffee and working on her various research projects including the history of jazz in Maryland, and her main project, Queens of the Nightclub, which focuses on Shake Dancers from the 1930s-1960s.

Bobby White has taught Lindy Hop and Balboa around the world for over a decade. He is the writer of Swungover, the book "Practice Swing," and is co-director of the Harvest Moon Hoppers, an NYC-based group that hopes to honor the Black American pioneers of Lindy Hop.

Julie Brown (any/all pronouns) is a Boston-based blues dance teacher, DJ, choreographer, competitor, organizer, and enthusiastic student. They have been participating in blues dance since 2004 and has since gone on to teach blues dancing around the globe and won many national competitions. As a teacher, Julie aims to help students connect with and understand blues dance’s deep roots, find their own voice, and connect to themselves & others authentically, joyfully, and respectfully. For dance videos, pictures, and more info, check out https://www.julie-brown-blues-dance.com/

Madeline is a social worker with ten years supporting the disability community in a variety of roles. She has combined her love of dance and her passion for inclusion by seeking out opportunities to improve accessibility of dance events and hosting outreach opportunities for disabled dancers. She lives in St. Louis with her wife and three tortoiseshell cats.

Her favorite swing or jazz-related topic to gush on about is inclusive dance spaces.

Todd is a New Orleans based musician and dancer who has taught at Lindy Focus for many years and recently has assumed the role of coordinating/hosting the nightly music jams. He's coming ready to swing!

Tom started swing dancing as a college student in Rochester NY. During the pandemic, Tom improved his techniques by watching (too) many dance videos and "shadow-dancing". Since moving to New Orleans, Tom has been fascinated by the magic of New Orleans Jazz, which has deeply influenced his dance style.

Tom's Favorite swing or jazz related topic to gush on about is the relationship between BAM and the Jazz Continuum.