Instructors

Val Kutchko

Val has been dancing, teaching, and competing since 2015, when she caught the Lindy bug in Kansas City. After moving to Michigan for graduate school, Val became involved with the Swing Ann Arbor scene as an organizer and instructor. Val regularly dances both follow and lead roles, finding joy and expression through both. A thoughtful and high-spirited dancer, Val greatly values feeling positive, confident, and comfortable in the dance!

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If you and/or a partner are interested in taking private lessons from Val, you can contact her for details/rates at val.kutchko@gmail.com

or facebook.com/val.kutchko.

Sarah Campbell Jones

21765649_725674384295870_3455913683548604924_o 2 Sarah fell in love with Lindy Hop and vintage jazz dance styles in 2008. In 2012, she started working with Michigan’s first chorus girl troupe, Erin Morris & Her Ragdolls, as one of the core performers. The experience allowed her to develop her solo jazz expertise and performance abilities during her 4-year tenure. Sarah actively travels and participates in the national scene and has won awards for her dancing from national and regional events including the Nevermore Jazz Ball, Midwest Lindy Fest, and Dayton Swing Smackdown.

You can find Sarah teaching many of the Beginner, Level I and Level II series classes for Swing Ann Arbor, as well as catch her on the dance floor every Wednesday night. She is available for partnered or solo private lindy hop and solo jazz lessons – reach out to her for rates and details at Scampbe@gmail.com.

Chris Glasow

Chris is a long time fixture in the Ann Arbor Dance Scenes. Representing Ann Arbor in a variety of competitions across the Midwest, he’s had success at events such as: Montreal Swing Riot (2015), International Lindy Hop Championships (2018), Midwest Lindyfest (2018), Nevermore Jazz Ball (2015, 2017), SwingIn (2015, 2016), and Rocktober (2015, 2016). Building on his experience as a dancer and competitor Chris has taught a variety of classes and private lessons for Lindy Hop, Charleston and St. Louis Shag. He Focuses on clarity of technique, posture, and musicality. Lastly, you’ll find him behind the DJ Table from time to time, where he has a preference for the popular tunes of the original swing dance era, though is no stranger to more modern productions.

If you and/or a partner are interested in taking private lessons from Chris, you can contact him at cglasow@gmail.com.

Irem Yoruk

Irem is a veteran dancer of the international scene who brings a unique perspective to the Lindy Hop dance. Coming from Turkey and traveling to 10 countries (so far) for dancing has given her insight on the dance not often found in a midwest scene. She competed and performed in several countries and she has had success at events such as Rocktober (2017), SwingIn (2017), Midwest Lindy Fest (2018), Herräng (2017, 2018). Irem takes an inspirational approach that focuses on creativity, expression, and joy. Her teaching style is upbeat, playful, yet explanatory. Expect to see her big smile on the dance floor.

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If you and/or a partner are interested in taking private lessons from Irem, you can contact her for details at yorukirem@gmail.com.

Chelsea was first introduced to swing dancing in 2011 at Bowling Green State University, and really kicked her learning into gear in 2014. Chelsea began teaching at Bowling Green State University, and has started teaching with Swing Ann Arbor since 2017. Chelsea focuses primarily on Lindy Hop, but also teaches solo jazz, and balboa. Chelsea loves to discuss fundamentals, communication, and connection with your partner. Chelsea leads and follows in Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa, and St. Louis Shag.