Dance history:
James has instructed countless students at various venues, including Atomic Ballroom, Strutters’ Ball, Lindy Groove, and Old Towne Swing. His passion for teaching makes him popular with beginning students as well as advanced dancers. He has taught several award-winning dancers, including Irina Amzashvili, Natalia Eristavi, Andrew Jose, and Blake Thiessen. He has coached numerous dance troupes, including The Atomic Colliders, The Atomic Swing Team, and The Old Towne Strutters. He is an invaluable resource of information for students who are interested in learning the history of Lindy Hop and vintage swing music. He was instrumental in bringing Carolina Shag to Orange County. He has kept classic solo jazz routines alive by sharing them with the next generation. He is also a phenomenal dancer in his own right; as a leader, follower, and solo dancer.
James is constantly working behind the scenes to keep our community going. He was a co-organizer of Inspiration Weekend, an annual event that welcomed guests from all over the world. He was also co-organizer, instructor, and DJ of Strutters’ Ball, a popular weekly social dance in Orange County. He currently organizes Old Towne Swing at The Women’s Club of Orange, a weekly social dance that focuses on building an inclusive community and creating a welcoming environment for new dancers. James is also a talented light and sound engineer, having worked with renowned bands, such as Jonathan Stout and His Campus 5, The Candy Jacket Jazz Band, Dave Stuckey and His Hot House Gang, and countless others. He is also an incredible DJ, specializing in period-specific music from the 1930s and 1940s.
James is known for his kindness, utmost humility, patience, and selflessness, sacrificing his time to make sure social dancers have a special place to gather and dance on holidays, often free of charge, offering words of encouragement to beginner students, especially when they considered giving up.
Descriptions of accomplishments:
1: He has mentored and taught several award-winning dancers, including Irina Amzashvili, Natalia Eristavi, Andrew Jose, and Blake Thiessen.
2: He has over a decade of teaching experience at various venues, including Atomic Ballroom, Strutters’ Ball, Lindy Groove, and Old Towne Swing.
3: He has coached numerous dance teams, including The Atomic Colliders, The Atomic Swing Team, and The Old Towne Strutters.
4: He and Natalia Eristavi were responsible for bringing Carolina Shag to Orange County, as well as creating a small community to learn this lesser known dance.
5: He was a co-organizer of Inspiration Weekend and Strutters’ Ball. He has also volunteered at countless other events, including the California Balboa Classic.
7: He is also a talented light and sound engineer, having worked with world renowned bands such as Jonathan Stout and His Campus 5, The Candy Jacket Jazz Band, Dave Stuckey and His Hot House Gang, and countless others.
8: He is an accomplished and sought-after DJ, specializing inauthentic swing music from the 1930s and 1940s.
9: He is the sole organizer of Old Towne Swing, a weekly social dance that focuses on inclusion and community.
10: He has performed in and choreographed dozens of routines at the annual Atomic Ballroom Student Showcase.
James set up the new California Swing Dance Hall of Fame website and generously continues to assist on their behalf.