MARIO "Swing Daddy" ROBAU
started dancing at the age of sixteen. He won the Southwest Regional title for the first time at the age of seventeen and began teaching professionally in 1986. For the last twenty years, Mario has traveled at least 40 weekends per year judging, teaching, deejaying, and emceeing at various dance workshops and conventions throughout the United States and Canada in the swing, country western, and shag dance circuits.

Mario's Competitive credentials include: 2 time U.S. Open Classic swing dance champion; U.S. Open Team Champion and co-choreographer; 10 time Dallas Dance champion; 6 time Southwest Regional champion; 10 time Texas State champion; 10+ City Houston Championships; undefeated slow whip champion; 4 time Grand National Champion; 2 time Phoenix Jack and Jill Champion; Dallas Dance Hall of Fame; Youngest person inducted into Swing Dance Hall of Fame.

PAMELA PODMOROFF
began dancing at the age of 2! She was initially in Ballet, Jazz, and Contemporary dance in Kelowna B.C., and then got introduced to Tap, Ballroom and Latin later in Vancouver.
This led her to Urban Beat Dance Co. and West Coast Swing!
Pamela teaches a variety of dances full-time, and continues to add new dancing to her repetoire.

As an Swing All-Star competitor, she travels frequently to both teach and compete with much success. At the 2009 US Open, she met Hall of Fame Shag dancer Ellen Taylor. Ellen is helping Pamela to pass on and share her love of Shag with dancers more westward! Pamela is also thrilled to be an instructor for the first time at Calgary Dance Stampede and making her debut in Country Two-Step!

Thanks Keith and Jena, I needed a good excuse to buy a pair of country dance boots!!!!!

KEITH and JENA ARMBRUSTER
are great examples of how dance can become a way of life. Keith played minor league baseball until injuries forced him to retire and began dancing as an adult less than 10 short years ago. Jena started dancing at age 4 and continued through high school when she stopped to attend university and earn a master’s degree in human genetics. Recently she was accepted to the School of Medicine in Calgary, where she plans on becoming a Medical Doctor.

Keith & Jena met dancing on a local performance dance team in Calgary and began competing as an amateur couple in 2001. Their partnership and dance skills continued to grow…and success and true love followed. Keith and Jena have earned a combined 9 UCWDC World Championship titles and were married in 2004. They are the 2009 UCWDC Open 8 Professional World Champions, they compete in the Classic Masters Division, are certified UCWDC judges and are the proud event directors of the annual Calgary Dance Stampede.

MICHAEL EADS and ANNICK PAQUET
This dynamic duo teamed up a year ago and is an international partnership currently competing at the Masters level. He is from Pasadena, California and she is from Calgary, Alberta. Living 1600 miles apart, this pair still finds time to practice! Prior to joining forces, they qualified into the Masters division with previous partners.

Although they love to dance, this is all but a serious hobby. Each of them have a full time job outside of dance, and have been at their respective workplaces for 10 years! Mike works at NBC Universal Studios as a Xerox Accounts Associate.  Annick works in the oil and gas industry, employed by Penn West Petroleum Ltd. as a Mineral Land Administrator. Complimenting each other’s styles, together they bring charisma and passion and have been called country’s hottest new couple. Cheer for them and catch their excitement as they compete in the Masters Classic Division!

DOUG DAVIDSON
... Bio Coming Soon ...

AARON and TIFFANY LORENZEN
share the joy of dancing and marriage, and seem to intertwine day jobs, dogs, and random TV shows. For their undercover jobs, Tiffany is the General Counsel for a San Diego Transit agency and Aaron fancy’s himself to be a highly cerebral networking computer geek. They have been dancing and competing in UCWDC for ten years.  When they dawn their sparkle outfits and use their super dance powers for good, they thoroughly enjoy performing and entertaining Canadians. Please note that Ketchup potato ships, maple filled cookies, and tips are accepted this weekend.

Note - obviously Aaron wrote this.  :)

SHAWN SWAITHES
began dancing as a social hobby. It wasn’t long after that his competitive nature came to the forefront. The joy of dancing, coupled with a competitive fire lead to many national titles including a World Championship.

Shawn has parlayed his love of movement and training and development background, into a fulltime career, helping others reach their full potential, whether that be on the social dance floor or in a competitive arena.

Shawn is also thrilled to be a Co-Director of the Orange Blossom Dance Festival.

CRAIG JOHNSON and JOAN LUNDAHL
began competing on the Swing and Country Dance circuits in 1996 and won numerous local, state and international competitions individually before they became dance partners in 2004. Their successful partnership has earned them two UCWDC Couples World Championship Titles in 2005 and 2007. Craig and Joan currently compete in the Professional Crown Division and hold a number of Crown Championship wins.

Craig and Joan are Dance Instructors at “4 Ever Dance Studio” (formerly Rhythm St. Dance Studio) in Dublin, California. Craig's group classes are very popular and his teaching style is characterized by a focus on fun while learning. Joan earned a degree in dance from Western Michigan University where she was a member of the “University Dancers” a concert ensemble proficient in contemporary, jazz, tap and improvisational dance. Joan has danced in Community Theatre, Opera and was a member of the "Starlight Steppers” chorus line in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

CHRIS and BECKY HAYNAM
are from Pleasanton, California, and have been competing on the UCWDC circuit for over fifteen years.  They began their dance career on the Quake Country dance team, and soon after, caught the competition bug and took up couples competition (with other partners), winning thirteen World Championship titles between them.  Finally, they decided to take the plunge and actually form a dance partnership together.  They danced in both Classic and Showcase couples divisions, and won their Classic divisions at the World Championships in 2004 and 2005.  They currently compete in the Crown division, and judge and teach at UCWDC events across North America. They continue to share the joy of dancing with their fellow competitors, students, and all their dance friends.

JOE and LINDA FABIAN
have been competing on the United Country Western Dance Council circuit for about twelve years.   Throughout that time, they have moved up the ladder from Silver Novice to CROWN, the master’s division for competitors “a little over forty!”   Joe recently became certified as a Judge and has been enjoying the opportunities that provides, and they still enjoy competing at events throughout the United States.  Joe and Linda especially enjoy sharing what they learn out of their studio, Dance Wyoming, in Wheatland where they teach all forms of dance, including ballroom and country to students age three and up!

ROY and SHARON JOHNSON
are from Scottsdale, Arizona and have been competing on the UCWDC circuit as a couple for 10 years. During that time they have won many overall division titles throughout the US. In 2005 they won a UCWDC World Championship title, Silver II division, in Nashville, TN. In 2006, they won a National Championship title in Las Vegas and a World Champion title, Silver I division, in Stockholm, Sweden.

Roy and Sharon have been competing in the Crown division of UCWDC for the past three years, which is the highest level of competitive dance for age divisions. Sharon is a certified judge and both enjoy teaching workshops at UCWDC events. Both Sharon and Roy have been involved is various kinds of dance since childhood.

JO JO BELMONTE
... Photo and Bio coming soon ...

GERALD COTE
is the founder and co-owner of Dancenergy, Gerald has been dancing and teaching for over 13 years. He is a professional in all forms of couples dance, teaching Ballroom, Latin, Swing and Country and also a UCWDC Certified Judge, judging at various events around North America. In December 2005, in partnership with Annick Paquet, Gerald won the Professional Male Showcase Open division at the UCWDC North American Championships and then, in January 2006, went on to attain his first world title in the same division at the UCWDC World Championships in Stockholm, Sweden. In January 2007, dancing with Lisa Senn (McIntyre), He won the Professional Male Classic Open division for his second world title at the 2007 World Championships in Nashville Tennessee. In 2007 Gerald was fortunate to be able to dance with the "Dancing with the Stars" The Tour. Most recently Gerald competed at the 2008 US Open Swing Championships placing 13th in World making him ranked #1 in Canada for Classic West Coast Swing.

RICHARD and CINDY TYMKO
have been dancing together for the past 15 years. They began their partnership competing together in both the Country and Swing Dance Worlds. They now focus on coaching, teaching and competing with their students winning several World Championship titles in the Pro-Am divisions, and with the couples they have coached over the past years as well as their “Rhythms Dance Team.”  Richard and Cindy teach Country, Ballroom and Swing group classes throughout Alberta on a regular basis.

Richard started his dance career with the break dance craze and then moved to other forms of dancing such as ballroom, jazz and ballet and danced with the professional folk dance group “Vinok” in Edmonton. Cindy started at an early age of four in jazz, tap and ballet and danced as a teenager with the “Young Canadians” of the Calgary Stampede and started her career teaching those dance arts for several years.  They also have both worked as the choreographers on the movies "Montana Sky" and "When Calls the Heart". Both Richard and Cindy are proudly certified UCWDC Judges. 

BRYAN and LISA SENN
own and operate Dance Beyond Borders Inc. In which they teach, perform shows and compete professionally together. Their most exciting and wonderful endeavour together so far has been raising their beautiful daughter Anya.

Lisa has taught all over Calgary, the States and beyond. Best known for being a four time undefeated UCWDC Masters Country Dance Professional World Champion, two-time undefeated UCWDC Open Professional World Champion and two time TNN (televised) Country Dance Invitational Champion, Lisa is also a successful ballroom standard and Latin competitor. As a principal dancer and associate choreographer, she toured for two years with the Broadway show "Swing" and co-directed the Bridgeport Connecticut production of the same show. Movie dance credits include "Shall We Dance" and " Brokeback Mountain".

Bryan has for the past 24 years been teaching International Style Standard & Latin, and American Style Smooth & Rhythm as well as Country. His Competitive career consists of winning the Rising Star Divisions at La Classique Du Quebec, San Francisco Open, Challenge of Champions, & SWRDC. As well, he was a Semi-finalist in the Open division, and Finalist in the Rising Star division at both the Ohio Star Ball and the United States Dancesport Championships for three years.

ROB and SHERRY TOVELL
are the owners of Dance With Me Studio in Edmonton, Alberta have been trained to make it easier for dancer’s to learn and enjoy the dynamics of dance. For the past 20 years their unique combination of fun along with their special knowledge for beginners has been a big factor in keeping their calendar full with special functions and workshops. Through the years they have become well known coaches and teachers for social dancers as well as competitors.

Sherry, a certified judge, past president and inductee into the Country Hall of Fame for the international organization United Country Western Dance Council, has been excited to bring home the gold with her students in 2009 and 2010. Rob has been there since the beginning of the dance craze starting in grade ten phys-ed. Started teaching at Cook County 1985 and continued in competition with pro-ams, coming home with his student World Champion’s both in Orlando and Nashville.

STEVE D'ARNOT
is a jazz musician turned country dancer, Steve has been trained by Calgary’s best country and swing professionals. 
He started dancing in 2000, began performing with Calgary’s Country Spirit Dance Team in 2001, then started his passion for teaching in 2004.  Steve’s instructional style blends the structure of competitive dance and the fun of social dance; a combination that has produced consistently large numbers of students in his classes at the local world renowned honkytonk, The Ranchman’s.  This is his sophomore year teaching with the Calgary Dance Stampede.

MARIE LORIEAU
is a local Calgary girl, Marie has introduced thousands of people to the world of dance since 2002 when she began instructing at Canada’s most famous Honky Tonk! The Ranchman’s.  As part of the Caloco group Marie performed at the opening ceremonies for the 1988 Olympics. She may also be spotted dancing as an extra in the Movie Dead Simple which was filmed in Calgary in 2000. Marie’s passion for dance began as a teenager and over the years this love has continued to grow. Marie continues to attend top level dance workshops in Canada and the USA always looking to improve on her skills.  If there is music playing, you will find Marie dancing close by.

GUYTON MUNDY
started his dance career when he auditioned for the entertainment department at Walt Disney World in 1993. While doing live shows, parades and television filming at Disney, Guyton found himself with a group of young Hip-Hop dancers. Shortly after they were being called upon to do shows, television and choreography. Guyton later found that his talent extended into line dancing as well. He began his line dance career when he was invited to Manchester England to do an event with Pedro Machado. After returning to the U.S. he attended the 2002 Orange Blossom Dance Festival in Orlando FL, where he won his first Choreography competition.

At the 2003 Worlds in Nashville, Guyton became the first person to compete in all five line dance choreography events and place in the top five in all. He also became the first person to take two First place World Championships in the same year. Guyton says he has become a better dancer since getting into line dancing and believes dancing is not something you do, it's something you live and feel.

MICHELE PERRON and BRIAN BULL
is a dance instructor of couples and Line Dancing. An internationally renowned  Line Dance Choreographer, adjudicator of Couples and Line Competitions, D.J. and Performer. Michele and her husband, Brian Bull are  “In All Directions” (on the road) constantly and  bring their professionalism and Canadian charm to all dance events. 
They travel the world to instruct, adjudicate and perform at many dance events each year. Michele is very versatile; in one day, she can teach a couples workshop; adjudicate a dance competition;  teach a line workshop and then perform in the evening showcase. 

Michele’s dance background began with ballet, tap and jazz. Then she added Swing, Ballroom, Latin, Country/Western, Hustle, Salsa, NC2 and Line dancing. Her West Coast Swing dance training has  included many “intensive” workshops with the Golden State Dance Teachers Association. She is renowned for her footwork precision, her musicality and her choreography ‘on the fly’. 
She has had many successes in West Coast Swing Jack ‘n Jill competitions, currently an advanced level competitor with World Swing Dance Council. Brian and Michele compete together in the Strictly Swing division. 

KNOX RHINE
started dancing in October 1956, we can thank his parents. Knox never had a steady partner, except his sister, because he never lived anywhere long enough. Raised in the military, then joining and retiring from the Coast Guard himself, the opportunity never presented itself. Knox discovered line dancing in the early 1980’s, years before the Internet, laptop computers, Tush Push and cell phones. There were no step sheets in the early days, just lots of dances written on napkins. As the Country Western dance genre emerged into the public spot light Knox was already being asked to teach the dances he knew. Getting new dances was not easy in the beginning so he started writing his own. As more dance events began to emerge, he was asked to share his love of dance at many venues. With the assistance of his wife, Bette, he taught for many years in the Seattle area. Only retiring as the dance scene in the clubs changed and many dances floors were removed. Knox never gave up his love of teaching and choreographing. He reemerged in 2008 at the Sweetheart Jamboree, an event he had attended for many years. Knox still teaches in the Wichita, KS area several nights a week and continues to provide input to the line dance community.

JILL Di MARZO
resides in Calgary and belongs to the largest, most successful country line dance club in the city. Jill has been with the Chinook Country Line Dancers (CCLD) for more than sixteen years. As part of the CCLD leadership team for ten years, Jill’s responsibilities include practice facilitator, social dance and special events coordinator, and instructor. Additionally, she has significant input for the overall CCLD program. Jill’s love for line dancing, country music, and people is reflected in her contagious enthusiasm and passion. She performs with CCLD during Stampede and throughout the year.

Aside from line dancing, Jill has an extensive twenty year background as a customer service professional. She has been honoured with a prestigious Calgary White Hatter Award in the area of Excellence in Customer Service.

TAJALI HALL
first discovered line dancing at age 5, shortly after her mom started a line dance company in Calgary. As a lifelong homeschooler, Taj attended her mom’s classes from an early age and can never remember a life without dance. Now 18, Taj has grown up in the line dance community, attending events throughout North America since the age of 10 and learning from many of the world’s top line dance choreographers. In November 2009, she competed in the Vegas Dance Explosion Choreography Competition with her dance “Sunglasses”, which was awarded first place in the Intermediate/Advanced division – and with it, an offer to teach at the 2010 Explosion. Tajali’s winning choreography was taught at UCWDC Worlds XVIII in Nashville this past January by world-renowned instructor and choreographer Guyton Mundy. Since her win in Vegas, she has received numerous requests to teach at events and her choreography has been taught around the world, including in China, Great Britain, Singapore, Taiwan, and even on the island of Borneo!

Tajali is currently attending Mount Royal University where she’s majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. While she enjoys her academic career, her goal has always been to dance as much as possible, and she’s thrilled to be living the dream and working alongside some of the same choreographers she grew up admiring.

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