Not sure how to practice something you learned in a class? Need a little extra help with nailing that dance routine? Want to figure out an exercise to improve your dance skills? Set aside some time at Focus to work with our team of practice coaches.
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Lauren is excited to be returning as a practice coach this year! She has been dancing Lindy and Blues for over a decade and has taught in various scenes across the U.S. and Latin America. She loves helping newer dancers feel expressive, playful, and confident in their movement.
She is currently excited about playing with upper body shaping and styling!
Lauren’s home scene is Philadelphia, PA.
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Mimi is excited to return to Focus as a practice coach, and she's been working on her leading since you last saw her! She is an educator by day and moonlights as a parent and dance instructor.
Feel free to talk to her about performing, DJing, music, and cats as well!
Her favorite dance things to drill are fast dance drills and solo Balboa.
Mimi's current home scene is San Francisco, CA, but she's formerly from NYC.
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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.
His favorite dance things to practice are connection, weight shifts, and musicality.
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Will's a dancer from Charleston, SC that enjoys reading up on the history of Swing and Jazz in the Carolinas.
His favorite dance thing to practice are his dance faces.
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Maxwell Ramirez (he/him) is a Lindy Hopper from the San Francisco Bay Area who's been dancing since 2012. He loves rhythm, songs with almost too much saxophone, and dances that feel even better than they look.
His favorite dance things to practice are swingouts!
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Helen Garfinkle is a swing dancer and teacher living in San Francisco. She loves crisp rhythms, classic moves, and dancing that feels good. You can usually find her near the DJ booth doing three swingouts and a circle!
Her favorite dance things to practice are swingouts!
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After nearly a decade in the #MidwestIsBest brigade, he now finds himself in Oakland, CA where he can be found enjoying long walks on the beach, sunsets over the bay, doing a little dance and getting nerdy about it.
He is excited to return as a Blues Practice Coach, and is looking forward to helping others with their dance goals!
His favorite dance thing to practice is comfortable close embrace—never too good to skip connecting with your partner!
