Mickey Fortanasce
Mickey began swing dancing in Los Angeles in '99. A year later he was teaching local swing classes at NYU. Mickey has been teaching and competing internationally since 2005. During this time, his innovation and showmanship, coupled with his love of dance history and theory, has led him to become internationally recognised as a teacher and a competitor in Balboa, Lindy Hop as well as Slow Bal. His winnings include repeat victories at the most prestigious events, and he has taught extensively in the US, Canada, Europe, Korea, and Australia.
Theresa Manney
Theresa has been a dance enthusiast for as long as she can remember. She has extensive experience in ballet, modern and aerial arts, but nothing captures her heart like jazz music and swing dancing. She adores all styles, especially Balboa, Collegiate Shag, Lindy Hop and solo jazz.
As an instructor, Theresa is known for having a keen eye for body mechanics with a strong focus to encourage her students to listen to the music as a way to influence movement.
Irina Amzashvili
Dancing in all forms has been a lifelong passion for Irina. In 2009, at the age of 15, she stumbled upon Swing dancing and it took only one night of social dancing for her to fall head over heels in love with it. Though Lindy Hop was her gateway into the world of Swing,
Irina's passion quickly expanded to include Balboa, Collegiate Shag, and solo jazz. She isproud to have spent her formative years of dancing in Southern California, home to some of the best Swing dancers, teachers, and music in the world.
Irina has since received numerous accolades from events such as Camp Hollywood, The International Lindy Hop Championships, and Lindy Focus and has taught these dances all across the U.S., Asia, Europe, and Australia. Additionally, she is honored to have been inducted into the Camp Hollywood Hall of Fame in 2019 and the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame in 2022.
Irina's teaching style can best be described as patient and encouraging. Her goal is to guide her students through building solid foundations while inspiring individuality in personal movement, as well as helping build confidence through dance.
