Frankie Manning
No one has contributed more to the Lindy Hop than Frankie Manning -- as a dancer, innovator and choreographer. For much of his lifetime he has been an unofficial Ambassador of Lindy Hop. Originally touring as a dancer and choreographer with Whitey's Lindy Hoppers in the 30's and 40's, he helped spread the popularity of the Lindy Hop through three continents. Once again, since the swing dance revival that started in the 1980s, Frank Manning has been a driving force worldwide with his teaching, choreography and performance. His own love of swing music and dancing has been as contagious as his dazzling smile.
Todd Yannacone & Naomi Uyama
Todd & Naomi are two of the most recognizable names on the lindy hop circuit today. They are both champion level dancers who have taught workshops around the world, as well as performed for dance and music legends alike. Todd and Naomi specialize in connection and musicality, which is apparent every time they stop on a dance floor. Their love of lindy hop is genuine, and sharing this passion is what they enjoy most about teaching. Most recently, Todd and Naomi became the 2006 American Lindy Hop Champions, as well as the 2006 US Open Strictly Champions, repeating their wins from the previous year.
Pat Wall
Patrick Wall has been a staple of the Sacramento dance scene for the past 8 years. Since picking up Lindy Hop from his older siblings in 1999 Patrick won his first major competition at Jitterbug Jam in Southern California. He has taught classes with Carla Heiney, Kelli Wilkerson and Kara Noyes. A favorite lead of follows from all over the country, Patrick is known for his fun fluid dance style and attention to musicality. As a teacher, he specializes in breaking down the basics and keeping the attention of large classes with his array of animal noises. It may be difficult to keep track of Patrick on the dance floor, as he changes his shirt every few songs because he dances so hard. Some in the Sacramento dance scene like to joke that he runs his very own wet t-shirt contest. You can tell the follows who have been dancing with him because their left side is damp. On weekends and warm summer nights, Patrick can be found riding his horse and training for reined cowhorse competitions. Maybe for his next class he'll teach us how to stay on a bucking bronco. And who can resist a dancing cowboy?
Kelli Wilkerson
Kelli has been dancing Lindy Hop, East coast swing, balboa and charleston since early 1998 and has been competing and teaching for 8 of those years. She has placed and won many national titles in many esteemed competitions such as The American Lindy Hop Championships, Ultimate Lindy Hop Championships, Camp Hollywood/Nation Jitterbug Competition, Swing by the Sea, Jitterbug Jam, Triple Crown Los Angeles, Boston Tea Party and many more. She has also taught workshops and lessons at many of the above named competitions and also in places such as San Francisco CA, Los Angeles Ca, Denver Colo, Minneapolis Mn, Madison WI, Boston MA, Nashville TN, Portland OR, Stamford CN, Pasadena Ca, Davis and Sacramento CA. She is a masterful fast lindy and Charleston dancer with a knack for showmanship who encourages great basics and fundamentals so you can have fun dancing with anyone at any speed.
Chris & Emma Farrell
Matt Erickson
Matt Erickson began dancing in 1999. From the moment he saw his first swing out he was hooked on the dance. What began as a one night a week out on the town quickly transformed into a life indulging ride that has led to a career as a professional dance instructor in over 15 different dances. His skills include not only teaching, but also choreography, event production and promotions, all in the name of the dance. As an avid dance teacher and competitor Matt has competed across the country in Lindy Hop and West Coast Swing categories most recently bringing home a first place win from the American Lindy Hop Championships in Stamford Co. The rich history, individuality, and context of the dance is something that Matt strives to pass on to everyone he works with. Matts smooth style, countless spins, and attention to musicality are sure to catch your eye when you see him on the floor. Matt is proud to be a part of Midtown Stomp teaching crew and hopes he can spread the joy of dancing to you!
Kara Noyes
Kara began dancing and performing ballet as young as the age of three, eventually with the intent to become a professional ballerina. In her training, she also explored other dance styles such as tap, modern jazz, lyrical and character, as well as performed at the Sacramento Community Center and competed in national competitions. Kara began dancing and teaching ballroom styles in 2002, when she fell in love with swing dancing with the help of co-worker, Matt Erickson. Having only experienced very technically rigid dance styles before, she was (and still is) fascinated by the importance of both communication between partners, as well as personal individuality, that makes swing so amazing. She has been teaching Lindy Hop and East Coast at Midtown Stomp since it's creation, and will be doing so well into the future!.
Audrey Womack
Audrey Womack is one of the newest additions to the Midtown Stomp teaching staff. Audrey's background includes Lindy Hop and West Coast Swing dancing and competition at a national level. She has been around of the Sacramento Lindy Hop scene since 2000 and understands what makes swing dancing fun!
Audrey brings great smooth style, body control and advanced connection techniques to the dance floor both in her dancing and in her teaching.