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SWINGtoberfest INSTRUCTORS
Ramona Staffeld:
Ramona is one of those unique individuals who transcends the requirement that to be a veteran of your chosen profession, you must be of an advanced age.
Amazingly, Ramona is such a young dancer with so many years of experience, she is often referred to as a veteran. Ramona’s dancing reflects the beauty, rawness, and rhythm that makes lindy hop so appealing. Ramona has provided dancing tuition to many students in all corners of the world and is known internationally for her graceful style and spontaneity on the dance floor. Not only does she find joy in her own movement, but she understands how special it is to share it with her partner.
Born in Ithaca, New York, Ramona was only 14 when spotted by one of the founding fathers of Lindy Hop, the late great Frankie Manning. Still in her early teens, Manning asked Ramona to open with him at the Mid-Summer Night Swing series at Lincoln Center in New York City. During these early years, she was a founding member of the award winning team, Minnie's Moochers. Ramona eventually moved to New York City in 2003 where she continued to learn and refine her craft.
Ramona has a love for dance, music and culture and this is clear when you take into account that she has studied and still practices other forms of dance such as Ballet, Clogging, Tap, Modern, Jazz, and West African. This diversity in dance disciplines has given Ramona a style that is uniquely hers and a great command of movement and dance that comes to life not only in her inspiring performances but also in her ability to teach.
Ramona has received numerous accolades and has claimed a number of prestigious dance titles including World Lindy Hop Champion, Authentic Jazz and Blues Champion at the 2009 Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown, and most recently 1st place in the International Lindy Hop Championships Pro Classic. She is also a member of the award winning and innovative group, The Silver Shadows. Ramona currently resides in Melbourne, Australia and teaches locally as well as continuing to teach all over Australia and around the World. Whether you are just starting out or you are an experienced dancer wanting to take it to the next level, Ramona applies her teaching method to all levels of skill and ability.
Todd Yannacone:
Todd Yannacone is one of the most recognizable names on the swing dancing circuit today. He has won countless championship titles from the most prestigious competitions around -
The American Lindy Hop Championships, The Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown,
The U.S. Open Swing Dance Championships,
The National Jitterbug Championships, The Rhythmic Arts Festival,
Lone Star Championships,
The International Lindy Hop Championships,
Lindy Focus - to name just a few.
Todd has been inducted into the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, and has been interviewed for articles by Swing Dancer Magazine as well as various other publications. He teaches vernacular jazz, balboa, lindy hop, and other vintage swing dances both locally and internationally, and loves spreading his passion for social dancing. He has been a featured instructor, performer, and judge at camps, workshops, and competitions the world over - from the legendary Herrang Dance Camp in Sweden to Asia, across North America, all over Europe, and everywhere in between. He specializes in connection and musicality, which is apparent every time he steps on the dance floor. He has worked with dance and music legends alike, and frequently can be found performing and competing with the acclaimed dance troupe to which he belongs, the Silver Shadows.