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. 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.
Lara Willars Benavides
Lara's swing dancing adventure started in the year 2000, and in 2002 she began instructing and performing with Swing Cats Perpetual Motion in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her studies in Theatre Arts have afforded her a knowledge of modern dance and movement for the stage, in addition to her devotion to swing and jazz. Professionally, she teaches high school Theatre, Speech, and Dance, as well as enrichment classes for children in the summer. This year, Lara serves as the Executive Director for the SASDS Board, coordinating the curriculum and classes for the society. She is loud, lively, and always ready to express herself whether on the stage or on the dance floor.
Chad Skeeters
Chad started dancing in 2008. Chad loves learning and attends one or two dance events per month. Chad loves to take private lessons and loves sharing dance ideas with others too.
Chad loves balboa and placed in the ninja masters level track at EBC in 2011. He was recently accepted to week 2 of The Experiment 2012 and attended week 3 in 2011.
Contest Results:
- Third place - Open Balboa Jack and Jill - Lindy Focus X 2011
- Second place - Balboa Jack and Jill - Dance Manhatten, New York 2011
- Finals - Open Balboa Jack and Jill - LindyFocus 2010
- First place - Jack and Jill - Pre-Hot Rhythm Holiday Finale 2010
- Third place - Amateur Balboa Jack and Jill - Twin Cities Balboa Festival 2010
Online Videos:
Ashley Mahaney
Ashley comes to us from Austin, TX and we are thrilled to have her.
Miguel Segura
Miguel is are newest instructor and is full of passion for the dance and teaching. His classes are educational and fun.
Katy Alexander
Katy took her first swing dance lesson when she was in the 5th grade. After a long break, she started taking classes at Sam's and Amora, and is now happy to be a part of the SASDS team of instructors. She is currently interested in learning Balboa and Collegiate Shag. Swing dancing is a perfect match for her other interests which include American history, vintage fashion, and travel. Katy enjoys studying (and celebrating!) the historic and cultural heritage of the Jazz Age.
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 attended Lindyfest in Houston. He began instructing in 2007.
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.