Judges

www.falty.com
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.

Mike has been dancing for almost 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 wherever he goes. He teaches workshops internationally, each time leaving a lasting impression on his students.

www.nolajitterbugs.com
While Chance has taught and performed around the world, he considers himself a social dancer first and foremost. Chance currently performs Tap, Traditional Jazz, Charleston, and Swing Dances with the following bands: Loose Marbles and Smoking Time Jazz Club in New Orleans, and Reggie's Red Hot Feetwarmers in New York. His current projects include: NOLA Jitterbugs, IHOBF's Blues SchoolHouse, Satchmo Summerfest, French Quarter Festival, and the Fleur de Lindy Exchange.

www.lindyshowdown.net
Amy Johnson is a co-director of NOLA Jitterbugs and dedicated to the strength and growth of the New Orleans’ traditional jazz and swing dance community. She performs with local bands, teaches classes, and organizes events such as the Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown.

www.gethepswing.com
One of America's busiest Lindy and Balboa teachers, Valerie has a reputation for her finesse on the dance floor. She emphasizes musicality and connection regardless of the style of swing. Since 2002 Valerie has taken home the 2003 National Jitterbug Championships (NJC) Grand Slam Championship, became both the 2004 NJC Balboa Champions and the 2004 American Lindy Hop Championships (ALHC) American Showcase Champions and most recently, (in 2005) she returned to ALHC to place 2nd in the same competition. Valerie is enthusiastic about passing on her love and passion for dance and she brings a fresh, interesting, and lighthearted attitude to both the dance floor and the classroom.

www.bobbykate.com
Bobby White has been a devout student of all things swing. Lindy Hop, Balboa, Collegiate Shag, air steps, tricks, vernacular jazz, and choreography are all passions he has been studying since 1998. His solo Charleston and trucking have won great acclaim and awards, and his passion and in-depth study of classic solo dances like Frankie Manning’s Big Apple or the Tranky Doo have made him a sought-after instructor on the material. He is always pleased to perform a solo jazz dance piece at events. His goofy nature and deadpan joking in classes are balanced by his in-depth deconstruction of moves and technique. He has a great love of teaching and hopes to pass along the enormous swing-inspired smiles that make people walk a good distance away from you on the street. As a writer, his widely acclaimed swing dance articles and essays appear in the infamous Jam Cellar newsletter, Lindy Bloggers, and in event programs across the land. As an emcee, Jack and Jill jokes are his bread and butter. While some people are proud to hold trophies or world records for dance marathons, he is proud of being in possession of a jar of duck (which he won in a Balboa competition in France). His infamous swing dance writings can be read at swungover.wordpress.com.

www.bobbykate.com
Following in the path of her great ancestor, Swedish explorer Sven Hedin, has traveled to greatest unknown regions of following and footwork. She instructed and performed extensively for Cleveland's Get Hep Swing, Atlanta’s Big George, and Washington DC’s The Jam Cellar. Aside from a love of both social and performance Lindy Hop, she has become most known for her unique and elegant style of Balboa. The result is a resume full of impressive dance performances. Kate holds 1st place titles in many competitions and Jack and Jills, including The American Classic Balboa Championship (2009), The International Lindy Hop Championships (Balboa, 2008 & 2009), and she has won or placed in many Lindy Hop competitions and Invitational Jack and Jills. As a teacher, Kate is known for not leaving student followers disappointed. She is proud to have held, along with her friends at Get Hep Swing in Cleveland, the Guiness World Record for longest dance party ever (52 hours, 3 minutes). Her judging is sought by many, her lines desired as far as the Orient. She also climbs trees.

www.mikeandlauralindy.com
Mike has been dancing Lindy Hop and associated dances including Charleston, East Coast Swing and Blues since 2000. He started teaching locally in 2001 and has been teaching on an international level since 2008. Over the years, Mike has traveled the United States and Europe attending workshops and competitions, honing his craft. Mike now regularly manages the monumental undertaking of being both an international dance instructor and a full time worker. His wife is very impressed with him. He has established himself as a leader in the Austin Lindy Hop community, teaching and serving on the Austin Swing Syndicate board of directors. He currently co-owns a dance company, The Lindy Project with Laura and Scott Angelius. He strives to create a fun and exciting environment in his classroom and at the Syndicate’s weekly dances. No matter how much technique you have, if you’re not having fun with it, there’s no point.

Jerry and Kathy Warwick have been dancing for decades and started swing dancing over 10 years ago. They have been active in teaching swing, Lindy Hop and Blues in the Dallas area as well as across the country. They were also contributing members of the development of Swing Rueda. Kathy and Jerry are the driving force in the development of Blues dancing in the Dallas Area and the organizers of the annual Red, White and Blues weekend Blues workshop.

www.fouronthefloor.com
Laura Malloy was an enthusiastic student and tireless dancer, with a love for vintage jazz and swing, as well as Austin's own tradition and treasury of music. She is a founder of Four on the Floor dance company and has taught regular group lessons in Austin for over 12 years. She has taught at events such as Swing-out New Orleans, Lindy U in Chicago, BeanTown Summer Dance Camp, Great Southwest Lindy Fest, Balboa Rendezvous, Oakland Swing Dance Festival, and Swing Out New Hampshire.

Tena Morales is a dedicated promoter and producer of national dance events. She is the co-producer of the International Lindy Hop Championships, the Swing and Soul Weekend, Frankie Manning 95th Birthday celebration, and of course this event: Lone Star Championships! She has also served as chair of the Great Southwest Lindy Fest and Director of the Houston Hepcats. Tena is a National Lindy Hop Champion who has placed in the top three places in numerous Classic and Master divisions. Tena Morales is an exciting choreographer and dancer, whose improvisations and innate musicality bring a unique "Old Skool Flava" to Lindy Hop.

A nationally renowned swing dance teacher and judge, Tena has hosted the international "Hellzapoppin" dance contest at the World Famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem in conjunction with the Harlem Jazz Dance Festival and has served as a main judge for Camp Jitterbug, the US Open, American Lindy Hop Championships, Lone Star Championships, National Hand Dance Association and the Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown.