The Delta Breeze

Instructors, Band, and DJs

Sarah Stembridge

Instructor: Collegiate Shag Advanced Workshop, Saturday, November 8 
  Bio: 
  • Born and raised in Los Angeles, Sarah Stembridge fell in love with 1930s and 40s music and dance from a young age, inspired by films like A Day at the Races and Disney's All the Cats Join In.
  • In the early 2000s, she turned her childhood dream into reality by immersing herself in swing dancing, quickly developing a passion for the style
  • As both a dancer and instructor, Sarah values the creative and playful aspects of social dance, aiming to enhance her students' confidence, technique, and self-expression.
  Video: Coming Soon

Jeremy Otth

Instructor: Collegiate Shag Advanced Workshop, Saturday, November 8 
  Bio: 
  • Jeremy Otth is a renowned expert in vintage swing dances, having studied extensively with original jitterbugs and swing dancers. His specialties include Lindy Hop, Collegiate Shag, Balboa, and Solo Jazz.
  • His natural talent, boundless energy, and dedication have earned him multiple championship titles, including wins at the International Lindy Hop Championship, National Jitterbug Championship, and the US Open. He is a two-time inductee into the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame.
  • Jeremy is passionate about sharing the rich history and joy of classic partner dances worldwide, teaching and performing across Southern California, Asia, and Europe.
  Video: Coming Soon

Annabel Quisao

Instructor: Balboa Advanced Workshop, Sunday, November 9
  Bio: 
  • Annabel has been teaching Lindy Hop and Balboa internationally for over a decade, after falling in love with the spontaneity of social dancing in 2002. She has won top honors at events like the International Lindy Hop Championships, All Balboa Weekend, the California Balboa Classic, and Camp Hollywood, and is part of the most decorated modern Balboa partnership with Bobby White.
  • In the classroom, Annabel creates a fun, inspiring environment that respects the rich history of swing dance while encouraging students to grow, explore their potential, and express their individuality.
  • Based in Washington, DC, Annabel is a founding board member and Director of Education at New Columbia Swing, the city’s leading swing dance organization.
  Video: Coming Soon

Bobby White

Instructor: Balboa Advanced Workshop, Sunday, November 9
  Bio: 
  • Bobby teaches traditional swing dances around the world, and holds championship titles and placements in Balboa, Lindy Hop, and Solo Jazz. With each, Bobby strives to innovate and create a new voice, while still capturing the spirit of the original dancers.
  • Bobby has performed at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center, and co-directs the Lindy Hop group, the Harvest Moon Hoppers
  • Bobby is also a writer, known for the blog Swungover and the book Practice Swing, and is recognized for his floppy hair and distinctive teaching sound effects.
  Video: Coming Soon

Julie Roman

Instructor: Collegiate Shag Intermediate Workshop, Saturday, November 8
  Bio: 
  • Artistic Background: Julie Roman is a classically trained concert pianist and vocalist with experience as a certified music educator and vocal coach, dedicated to promoting the arts..
  • Swing Dance Passion: She collaborates with vintage swing dancers globally, focusing on teaching, choreographing, and performing, with a particular love for Collegiate Shag and aerials.
  • Julie loves exploring the technical skills and personal styles with students to give them mastery over their movements so they can embody the music in whatever ways they choose.
   Video: Coming Soon

Haily Holt

Instructor: Collegiate Shag Intermediate Workshop, Saturday, November 8
  Bio: 
  • Haily began dancing Collegiate Shag in 2017 Portland, OR, and it was love at first step.
  • She enjoys both leading and following, and competed in both roles in the 2023 Open Collegiate Shag Finals at Camp Hollywood.
  • Passionate about the dance’s energy and creativity, Haily focuses on teaching sustainable, fun techniques that explore its full expressive potential..
  Video: Coming Soon

Hannah Manning

Instructor: Balboa Intermediate Workshop, Sunday, November 9
  Bio: 
  • Passionate swing dancer from Southern California with a deep love for musicality, connection, and partnership.
  • Brings a unique perspective through her background in music and horseback riding, emphasizing rhythm, creativity, and communication.
  • Dedicated to helping others grow by exploring swing dance techniques and encouraging personal expression on and off the dance floor.
Video: coming soon

Jonathan Ng

Instructor: Balboa Intermediate Workshop, Sunday, November 9
  Bio: 
  • Jonathan Ng is a New York City–based dancer specializing in Balboa, Lindy Hop, Collegiate Shag, and Solo Jazz
  • His teaching emphasizes conversation, musicality, and play to help students develop their own unique dance voice
  • With a background as a jazz violinist, he approaches swing dance with a focus on strong technique and creative exploration
Video: coming soon

Alex Phelps

Instructor: Collegiate Shag Beginner Workshop Saturday November 8
  Bio:
  • Alex began dancing with Irish Dance, competing nationally and internationally before discovering Lindy Hop in 2017 and Collegiate Shag in 2019.
  • Since then, Alex has performed and competed across the U.S., earning top awards for Shag at events like Camp Hollywood and Hot Rhythm Holiday.
  • Their philosophy centers on rhythm, musicality, playfulness, and cultivating strong connections in partnership
Video: Coming Soon

Stacey Amaral

Instructor: Balboa Beginner Workshop, Sunday, November 9
  Bio: 
  • Stacey Amaral lights up the Sacramento swing dance scene as a dynamic instructor at Sactown Swings and the Ballroom of Sacramento.
  • With a flair for Lindy Hop, Collegiate Shag, Balboa, and Charleston, Stacey brings a diverse and exciting range of swing dance styles to her students.
  • A seasoned performer, Stacey has wowed audiences as a member of the San Francisco and Sacramento Jitterbug dance troupes.

Johnny Ochoa

Instructor: Balboa Beginner Workshop, Sunday, November 9
  Bio: 
  • Johnny Ochoa is a key figure in Sacramento's swing dance scene. He runs Sactown Swings, which is the longest-running weekly swing night in Northern California
  • In addition to teaching Lindy Hop, Collegiate Shag, Balboa, and Charleston, Johnny also DJs and promotes swing socials, which enhance the vibrant atmosphere of the Sacramento dance community.
  • Johnny revived the Sacramento Jitterbugs performance team and delights audiences with swing dance demonstrations.
  Website:  www.SactownSwings.com

Music

Band Leader: Jonathan Ng

Live Band: Saturday November 8
 Bio: 
  • Jonathan Ng is a jazz violinist, vocalist, and bandleader specializing in swing-era music, blending technical skill with emotional expression
  • He brings a dancer’s perspective to bandleading, informed by his background in lindy hop, balboa, and blues dancing
  • Whether performing for listeners or dancers, he aims to share the spark that inspired him through legends like Django Reinhardt and Count Basie

Head DJ Gary Sharpe

Head DJ: Saturday & Sunday November 7-9
  Bio:
  •  Gary has DJed for nearly 20 years, entertaining crowds at events across California.
  • An avid swing dancer since 2002, he has journeyed across the U.S. to groove to top DJs and live bands.
  • Gary's passion for swing and jazz spans from the 1920s to contemporary, manifested in mixtapes and a dedicated music collection.

DJ Jason Hammons

Late Night DJ: Saturday Nov 8
  Bio:
  • Lifelong music lover and musician, frequently DJing at Atomic Ballroom and LindyGroove in Southern California.
  • Began dancing Balboa in late 2018, developing a strong passion for both social dancing and competition.
  • Actively involved in the SoCal dance scene and travels to Balboa events both locally and internationally.

DJ Brigette Marquardt

After Hours DJ: Friday November 7
  Bio: Coming Soon