Dance history: Steve is a dancer/instructor who is dedicated to preserving the great American partner jazz dances of the 1920′s-1950′s. Originally from Dayton, Ohio Steve began dancing in 1998 at the age of 16. Falling in love with Lindy hop and other dances of the swing era. He traveled to the east and west-coasts to dance, study and learn the different styles of swing dancing.
In 2005 he moved to Los Angeles and soon began teaching weekly atJoe’s Bar and Grill in Burbank. In 2009 he began competing, winning many Los Angeles contests such as the Bayside Lindy Battle and the Paladino’s Jitterbug contest. In 2010, 2011 and 2012 he won 1st place in the Collegiate Shag division at the National Jitterbug Championships with partner Fancy Dougherty. Also in 2011 he won 1st place with partner Chandrae Roettig at the National JitterbugChampionships and the US Open Strictly Lindy Hop divisions. In 2012, he and Chanzie won the Camp Jitterbug Strictly Lindy, US Open Strictly Lindy and came in 2nd at the International Lindy Hop Championships. In 2012 Stephen was inducted as a Rising Star, California Swing Dance Hall of Fame.
Today Steve teaches weekly at Madilyn Clark Studios in North Hollywood and has started the California Jubilee performance teams. He is committed to improving and pushing the limits of his own dancing as well as those who take his classes. His focus on connection to partner and music are what makes his dancing and teaching so unique.