Andrew Sutton has been teaching Fusion since before it had a name & is widely regarded as one of the founders of the movement. He was the creative director for the Fusion Exchanges & introduced the idea of Fusion-as-priority (originally referred to as Fusion-as-philosophy). He’s also a vice World Lindy Hop Champion, thanks to world-class teachers, including Olympic & MLB/NFL coaches.
Having taught in over 236 cities across 38 countries, Andrew’s mission is to help dancers & instructors elevate their craft. His Dance Ninjas methodology empowers teachers worldwide, helping them grow thriving dance communities. His clients have doubled their scene sizes in under 90 days, gone from 0 to 40 students in a month, earned over $1 million in 3 years & learned how to have non-stop amazing dances multiple nights in a row.
Andrew believes teachers are the lifeblood of dance. Whether you want to make every Fusion dance extraordinary or build a thriving dance scene, Andrew is here to help you succeed.
S1E14 Ren Enby (Bay Area)
Hi my name is Ren. I'm a traveling Fusion dancer, instructor and organizer based between San Diego and San Francisco. As a trans fem dancer I love the Fusion scene. I love the queerness, the affection for one another, and the unique study and and somatic approach we bring to movement. I found dance late in life and have been obsessed with it over the last 6 to 7 years having traveled to 10 states, and 5 countries in just the last 2. I travel In pursuit of a holistic understanding of Fusion dance and the community I've come to love. It has been a literal dance journey that has changed my life. Currently my background is in a dozen different sprinkles of West Coast Swing, Blues, Tango, Zouk and Kizomba.
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.