S1E13 Sabrina Ramos (New York City)

Meet DJ Salt Queen (aka Sabrina Ramos) - a versatile DJ known for creating dynamic and electric dance environments

This LA-born, NYC-based life-long music fan has been lighting up lindy hop, blues, and fusion scenes for over a decade. Sabrina's musical journey began in her living room, where her Colombian mother's eclectic vinyl collection sparked a lifelong love of rhythm and movement.

With a dance background as diverse as the New York skyline, Salt Queen has embraced everything from lindy hop and blues to salsa and tango - and she's always eager to learn more! This passion for all things dance has powered her DJ sets across the globe, from cosmopolitan Bogotá to vibrant Barcelona.

For 10+ years, Salt Queen has been the heart and soul of swing socials, blues gatherings, and fusion parties. Her musical magic has energized crowds in LA, NYC, Vegas, and even Honolulu, creating unforgettable nights and happy dancers wherever she goes.

What makes her sets special? A mix of infectious energy, bold musical choices, and an instinct for what keeps people moving. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or trying your first steps, DJ Salt Queen creates a welcoming atmosphere that'll have you dancing all night.

S1E11 A'lan Abruzzo (Bay Area) DJ+Instructor

A’lan brings over two decades of experience to the dance floor, specializing in close-embrace dance forms such as Blues, Fusion, Tango, and Micro. A prominent figure in the national fusion scene, A’lan is known for his insightful teaching that emphasizes connection, consent, safety, and clear communication. He frequently travels across the US, teaching and DJing at various dance events.

S1E10 Mark Carpenter (Bay Area) Founder AllThatJazz and Fusion Academy

Mark, an internationally acclaimed Fusion dance instructor, DJ, and event organizer, has been shaping the global dance scene for more than a decade. Based in the SF Bay Area, he founded the Fusion Dance Academy and has studied multiple dance styles, including Lindy Hop, Blues, Tango, and many more. Mark's innovative approach to teaching and his fluency in two languages have made him a sought-after instructor and facilitator worldwide.

As the visionary behind notable events like AllThatJazz, the SLO Exchange, and Fireside Fusion, Mark continues to push the boundaries of what partner dancing is and can be. Mark stands at the forefront of defining and evolving Fusion as an artform and movement, inspiring dancers across the globe with his creativity and expertise. Mark is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and exploration of both Fusion and continually strives to make the impossible look easy, and the easy look impossible.

S1E9 Andrea Gia (New York City)

Andrea Giammattei is an organizer, teacher, and DJ on the NYC Fusion partner dance scene. Andrea’s background is a fusion of many disciplines which explain why fusion partner dance is her guilty pleasure. Andrea Giammattei has led workshops in the US, Canada, and Europe for over 20 years. Andrea combines the artistic disciplines of acting, theatre, dance, and the discipline of psychology to create expansive opportunities for people to be empowered in their fullest expression. Andrea’s dance background spans a wide range of individual and partner dance styles, culminating in her love affair with Fusion partner dancing for its irreverence, freedom to create, and unique partnering connection. Her work, Dancing for Life and Evoke Fusion Dance are about the intersection of how music touches us, how we share our stories through dance, and how being present with another dancer evokes a mutual meditation, evoking moving mosaics of human expression and connection through dance. Her workshops and DJ’d sets are a journey of emotion, depth, and playfulness through diverse music and experiences. 

S1E8 Joe Russo (New York City)

Joe Russo started swing dancing in the late 90s but not because it was cool.  He kept doing it after it was no longer cool, and if you do something long enough, eventually you get decent at it.  These days Joe focuses primarily on fusion and blues dancing, but mostly doesn't care what style you call it as long as it was fun.  He hosts a regular fusion house party in NYC.

S1E7 Alfredo Melendez (New York City) Instructor

Alfredo Melendez (he/him) has been teaching partner dancing for almost 25 years.  He has taught a multitude of dance styles all over the world and has focused the last 11 years on fusion and American blues.  The heart of his teaching is on the power and beauty of connection and the conversational aspect of a good partner dance experience.  He currently resides in his birth barrio of The Boogie-down Bronx.

S1E6 THE Jenny Sowden (New York City) Instructor+DJ+Founder of Brooklyn Swings

Instructor Bio
“You are truth in motion when you dance, Ms S.” - Jason
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Jenny Sowden is an award winning, full-time, international dance instructor based in New York City where she is the founder and director of Brooklyn Swings. Jenny has been training in dance for over twenty-five years and teaching for over twenty, with a BA in Dance and Theater from San Diego State University. She has studied 34 different styles of movement including Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, West African, Capoeira, Aikido, Tango, Salsa, Lindy hop, Balboa, and Blues. Her background influences her teaching and general style through musicality, variety, expression and an understanding of body mechanics. Jenny believes the dance floor is a ‘World of Yes,’ where by constantly accepting and being inspired by what happens, creates an amazing place to be. We then take classes in a ‘World of Intention’ to expand our ‘World of Yes.’ Find out more at JennySowden.com. 

To book her or schedule a private lesson please Contact Jenny

DJ Bio
"I know when you DJ I'll go on a journey and be taken care of on the way" - Shira

Meet Jenny from the block, in NYC. She is an award winning international DJ and instructor who loves to create a party with music whether with Blues, Swing, Fusion, or just House Party Style incorporating vintage, 'classic' and modern eras. Enjoy the jams as she will be surprising and make you say 'what is that song?!" Get ready to be inspired to create in your next dance. More info at JennySowden.com

S1E5 Brendan Patrick McGlynn (New York City) Co-founder of The Pearl Dive

Brendan McGlynn grew up social dancing to Motown tunes at his family's house parties. During college, he toured with an international folk dance ensemble. Brendan learned the Lindy Hop hanging out with the legendary Frankie Manning, and later taught the dance at New York City's leading dance schools, including DanceSport and You Should Be Dancing. He has performed on numerous occasions, including at Radio City Music Hall with Tony Bennett, at the Rainbow Room with Nell Carter, and at the Mohegan Sun Casino with Ben Vereen. Brendan believes in the healing power of dance, and revels in sharing his love of the art form with all those around him.

The Pearling Principle