Ben and Melina brought their talents together for a West Coast Swing routine in the summer of 2003, and have since won many titles together - most notably the Young Adult division of the 2003 and 2005 US Open Swing Dance Championships. They are both 2 times World Swing Dance Champions, California Swing Dance Hall of Fame Nominees, and 3 time US Open Champions. Known for their smooth style, infectious personalities, and enjoyable workshops, they have been teaching together since 2003 and now travel both nationally and internationally to teach, compete, judge, and perform.

For Jason and Annmarie sharing their love of West Coast Swing and dance with others is expressed in their teaching, competing, judging and performing across the country. Annmarie has placed in the top 3 on the NASDE J&J Tour (2007 & 2006) and is known for her creative style. Jason is known for his smooth precision and took 4th place at the US Open (2007). Together they form a dynamic partnership on the dance floor and offer a true balance of technical and creative instruction for leaders and followers of all levels.

Sheli Schroeder is a nationally recognized swing dance competitor. West Coast Swing is her passion and specialty. She is currently competing on the National Swing Dance Circuit in the Classic Swing division with her partner Mike Konkel. In 1998 Sheli co-founded the Milwaukee Rebels Swing Dance Club, where she teaches weekly West Coast Swing lessons. Sheli truly loves dancing, competing, and teaching. However, her greatest fulfillment comes from watching the progress of her students.

Phillip Dorroll lives in Clearwater, FL, formerly Nashville, TN, where he is the owner and operator of Dance America Productions. Phil is a full time dance instructor, DJ, event director and promoter teaching workshops and private lessons in the South, Mid-South and Mid-West regions. In addition to a full schedule as an instructor and promoter, Phil operates Dance America Dance Floors selling and renting premium dance floor to major dance championships throughout the Eastern USA.
In 2005 Phil was inducted into the National Living Legends of Dance. This organization recognizes dancers who have made a contribution to the dance community. This year Phil agreed to serve on the Board of Directors for this organization.

Julie Hein has been a member of the Chicagoland dance community as long as anyone can remember…and that’s pretty long! She has extensive dance experience in competition, teaching, coaching, choreographing, and judging. As a founder and 15-year board member of Swing’n’Country, she contributes extensively to Dance Camp. Along with Maren Oslac and Jeff Sanchez, she produces Swing City Chicago, now in its fourth successful year. As a member of DanceMasters, she has helped host the annual visits (17 years and counting) of Chicago’s favorite Swing Daddy, Mario Robau. She has also been on the teaching staff at Cadillac Ranch for 18 years.
Julie says that dancing keeps her going…and going…and going. We believe it!

Chris Van Houten is an up-and-coming instructor, competitor, DJ, emcee, and choreographer based in Chicago. He has worked with the studio May I Have This Dance since 2005, specializing in west coast swing, hustle, nightclub two-step, and Chicago steppin'. He is also an accomplished performance artist, director, teacher, and community-based arts practitioner currently completing his PhD in performance studies at Northwestern University. He is the proud owner two ferrets, Chloe and Chaka Khan.