Meet our Instructors
Photis Pishiaras
He/Him ~ Cyprus & San Francisco
Coming all the way from Cyprus to join us, certified ballroom dance instructor Photis Pishiaras began dancing with Greek folk traditions in childhood and later trained in choreography in Berlin. After moving to San Francisco in 1994, he spent eight years with Arthur Murray Dance Studio before founding Vima Dance Studio in 2005. He is the creator of Vima Vice Squad, a championship-winning formation team with multiple U.S. and world titles. With partner Ron Jenkins, performing as "Photon," he has earned top titles across the U.S., North America, and Europe in both Men's Ballroom and Country Western divisions, including gold medals at the 2013 World OutGames and the 2018 Gay Games. Photis has also competed in both professional and pro-am DanceSport circuits, earning a Top Teacher Award. We are absolutely thrilled to have him join us! There is nothing he can't teach. Waltz, SF two step, progressive, any kind of swing or Latin dance, get ready for brilliance, precision, and just the right amount of sparkle. ✨
Chad Graber
He/Him ~ Dallas, Texas
Coming from Dallas, Texas, Chad is a true triple threat: champion, coach, and commanding presence on the floor. A three-time UCWDC World Champion, he currently serves as Associate Membership Director and is a Dual Certified Masters Level Judge. Known for his razor sharp technique and teaching style that balances no nonsense precision with fun happy energy. He will be leading the advanced and intermediate progressive Two-Step and Waltz classes.
Rob Ollander-Krane
He/Him ~ Palm Desert
Rob didn't expect to fall for country music until he walked into a gay bar and saw men two stepping. That moment sparked a lifelong passion for both the music and the dance. After 35 years in San Francisco, Rob now calls Palm Desert home, where he is a founding member and instructor at Dance Ranch Palm Springs. He has taught at major events including Emerald City Hoedown, Hoedown in the Dunes, and LA Wrangler Weekend, and continues to teach regularly at Sundance Saloon. Rob's classes are as fun as they are skill building. He's especially known for his shadow classes, where his clarity and creativity have introduced thousands of dancers to shadow dancing through lessons that are both engaging and highly informative, leaving students hooked on sexy shadow dancing.
Emily Webb
She/Her ~ Bay Area
Emily helps dancers unlock effortless connection, powerful technique, and a deeper understanding of how their bodies move. With nearly three decades of experience across Tango, Fusion, Swing, Salsa, and Blues, she blends technique, biomechanics, and embodied connection into a teaching style that makes dancing feel both grounded and electric. Thousands of students across the U.S. and Canada have benefited from her dynamic, interactive approach. Known for her adaptability and targeted drills, Emily creates high impact learning for dancers of all levels, making complex movement simple and building skills from the ground up so students can learn faster, move with confidence, and create dances their partners won't forget. Emily is the co-founder of Mission Fusion and Mission Fusion Campout, and has taught at nationally recognized events since 2012. Beyond dance, she is a certified Holistic Health Coach, biomechanics specialist, and certified instructor of Krav Maga, Yoga, and Gravity Yoga, and holds a BS in Equine Science with a specialty in teaching.
Ari Levitt
He/Him ~ Seattle
Ari Levitt is an award winning dancer, teacher, and performer with over 30 years of experience across the Greater Seattle area and around the world. His expertise spans a wide range of styles, including Lindy Hop, Swing, Balboa, Waltz, Blues, Ballroom, Salsa, Tango, Latin, West Coast Swing, and Fusion. A pioneer in Lindy, Blues, and Fusion, Ari has helped shape innovative partner dance forms such as Fusion Waltz, Fusion Swing, and Fusion Night Club 2-Step, which he teaches internationally. He has taught in over 40 countries and is the co founder and artistic director of Worldwide Dance Adventures, creating immersive dance travel experiences. He also co founded several renowned international dance camps, including Waltz Week in Vienna and the Mexico Dance Retreat. Beyond dance, Ari is a physician and a leading voice in social dance therapy, integrating movement and connection into patient care. He serves as Director of Experiential Medicine at NextMed Health and has contributed to forward-thinking health initiatives, including co-founding two COVID era companies focused on emerging technologies.
Riley
They/Them ~ Bay Area
Riley began their West Coast Swing journey 16 years ago after discovering the dance while working at a local studio. What started on the sidelines quickly became a lifelong passion, evolving into a career as a competitor, choreographer, coach, and teacher. In 2016, they founded Do Your Own Swing (DYOS), now a cornerstone of the Bay Area scene known for its welcoming, community-driven vibe. They also run Explore Community Space in Oakland, and teach, compete, and offer private lessons nationwide. Riley is the creator of Swing Reports and Restorations, a program dedicated to improving safety and accountability at dance events. At the core of their work is a deep commitment to developing dancers and building inclusive, intentional community spaces.
Ron Jenkins
He/Him ~ Bay Area
Ron's love of country western dance began in Chicago in 1993 and has been going strong ever since. A familiar face at Sundance Saloon since its opening in 1998, he has spent decades on the floor as both a dedicated dancer and a trusted teacher. Alongside his longtime dance partner, Photis Pishiaras, affectionately known as "Photon," Ron competed in same sex ballroom for 18 years, earning numerous titles across California, North America, and the Gay Games. He is also a founding member and co director of Vima Vice Squad, a dynamic all male ballroom formation team that has lit up stages at shows and fundraisers alike. Whether teaching, performing, or simply sharing a dance, Ron brings warmth, experience, and a genuine love of connection that makes everyone feel right at home. He will be teaching intermediate and advanced SF Style Two Step.
Rosemary Whitson
They/Them ~ Southern California
Rosemary Whitson is a Southern California based West Coast Swing dancer and All Star competitor known for their musicality, versatility, and dynamic presence on the floor. A true switch dancer, they bring creativity, connection, and bold expression to both leading and following. A regular on the national circuit, Rosemary shares their experience through workshops, competition, and performance bringing a fresh, innovative voice to every space they dance in.
Sheba Thone
She/Her ~ Rhode Island
Sheba Thone began line dancing in 2011 and has been lighting up floors across the country ever since. She attends and teaches at conventions throughout the U.S., building a deep well of knowledge and experience to the queer club scene through Rain Country where she quickly became a beloved presence. Sheba moves seamlessly between the queer club, circuit, and soul communities, bringing a rich, cross-community perspective to her teaching. She’s also known for introducing the much loved Run Me Like a River to Emerald City Hoedown in 2017.Rosemary Whitson is a Southern California based West Coast Swing dancer and All Star competitor known for their musicality, versatility, and dynamic presence on the floor. A true switch dancer, they bring creativity, connection, and bold expression to both leading and following. A regular on the national circuit, Rosemary shares their experience through workshops, competition, and performance bringing a fresh, innovative voice to every space they dance in.
Flynn Bickley
He/Him ~ Seattle
Flynn was quickly indoctrinated into gay country western dancing with Rain Country Dance Association during Pride 2019. He recalls experiencing a unique sense of welcoming and family from that first day. He was hooked and has not looked back since; it was love at first step. Since then, Flynn has found a deep passion for line dancing, teaching, bringing in new dancers, and supporting his home club with programming and beyond. In 2026 at the Emerald City Hoedown, he was honored by his community with the Ruby Slipper award for service to the club. Flynn believes in the magic of LGBTQIA people dancing together: every time we dance together, we grow more powerful. He was deeply touched to be asked to teach Nothing Wrong With You, a beautiful dance to a song about trans folks being perfect just the way they are.
Jonno Liberman
He/Him ~ Los Angeles
A former Olympic roller skater, Jonno stumbled into the world of line dancing at the Sundance Saloon in 2012. He soon began creating his own line dances, which have earned several awards, including two UCWDC World titles. Some of his most popular line dances include "The Wolf" and "Little Sucker." Today, he is part of the choreography team for the L.A. Wranglers. He has currently choreographed 55 dances, of which 30 have been co-choreographed.
Rick Dominguez
He/Him ~ Los Angeles
Rick Dominguez has been a club and mobile DJ for over 40 years, bringing rhythm and energy to dance floors across the country. His long-standing residency at the iconic Oil Can Harry's in Studio City became a true home base for 26 years, continuing until the venue closed in 2020. A celebrated line dance instructor and UCWDC World Champion choreographer, Rick is widely recognized for a catalog of crowd-favorite dances that have traveled far beyond their original floors. His work includes hits such as Crossing the Border, Call Me Senorita, Bambalam, Sweet Tea - Southbound, Dance Like Yo Daddy, Do Si Do, Loosen Up My Buttons, Blue Jeans On, You Look Good, Ex's & Oh's, Giddy Up (We Don't Want To Miss the Twain), Tequila Snaps, The Door (Show Me), and Help! (I Had Some). Beyond choreography, Rick continues to DJ and teach line dancing nationwide, collaborating with clubs and organizations including IAGLCWDC. His choreography portfolio spans 54 published dances, 23 of which are co-choreographed. His first stepsheet appeared on CopperKnob in November 2013 with So Done, and his most recent release, Honky Tonk Twister, arrived in August 2025.A former Olympic roller skater, Jonno stumbled into the world of line dancing at the Sundance Saloon in 2012. He soon began creating his own line dances, which have earned several awards, including two UCWDC World titles. Some of his most popular line dances include "The Wolf" and "Little Sucker." Today, he is part of the choreography team for the L.A. Wranglers. He has currently choreographed 55 dances, of which 30 have been co-choreographed.
Samantha Buckwalter
She/Her ~ California
Raised on the dance floor and shaped by legends, Samantha Buckwalter was practically born into West Coast Swing. From tagging along to conventions as a kid to becoming a global Champion competitor, her journey is as deep as it is dynamic. She began competing in 2001, trained under some of the best in the world, and rose through every division to dance among the top Champions today. A California Swing Dance Hall of Fame inductee once in 2012 and again in 2022. Samantha brings both legacy and innovation to everything she does. Her teaching is rooted in versatility, precision, and true partnership equally fluent in both leading and following, and a powerful advocate for dancers exploring both roles. Come ready to level up and maybe surprise yourself a little.
Michael Metzger
He/Him ~ Bay Area
Since stepping onto the floor in 2005, Michael Metzger has been fully locked in finding his people, his rhythm, and his unmistakable joy in dance. Within just a few years he was teaching, choreographing, and quietly building a catalog that now includes almost 30 original dances. From his first published stepsheet, Ain’t No Other Man, to the iconic Leave Britney Alone! Michael’s work spans styles, vibes, and difficulty levels, all with one goal: there’s something here for you. Michael doesn’t just teach steps. He creates a space where dancing feels like play. Where you can laugh, mess up, try again, and somehow leave better than you came in.
Shin Aoki
He/Him ~ Bay Area
Shin Aoki has been dancing West Coast Swing for 20 years. He started teaching WCS in 2010 at Sundance Saloon, and began teaching regularly when he co-foundned SwingOut!, the first LGBTQ and allies West Coast Swing dance in the Bay Area.
Shin has participated in numerous WCS competitions and performed several routines. He loves West Coast Swing because he feels that every dance is an opportunity for him to help his partner express the best in themselves.
Stefan Warmuth
They/Them ~ Bay Area
Stefan has focused nearly 20 years of their life on understanding the mechanics of partner dance. Though they are mostly active in the ballroom, swing and fusion communities, they dance some 40 odd distinct dances with polar examples including Mazurka, Contact Improv and Schottische. This broad perspective has led them in a quest to understand all the deep principles partner dance is built on. Some principles are straight forward, others require putting names to arcane principles on paths rarely trodden. Come learn not just the dance of the day but also the knowledge that lurks underneath it all: The understanding of how these dances work.
Johnny Q.
He/Him
A former NASA AI scientist and best-selling author of 4 books, Johnny Q. has spent much of his career trying to predict what happens next. This turns out to be surprisingly useful when DJing for dancers. So when Johnny says dancing isn’t rocket science, he probably means it.
This weekend, he’ll be DJing a Saturday late-night Blues & Soul room, where the music will be soulful, the hours unreasonable, and you should absolutely come prepared to dance later than planned. Bring your feet & your heart. He will also be teaching two classes, spilling secrets from a completely different point of view than you’ll ever get at traditional group classes. Guaranteed to shake up your dance!
Lindsey Castillo
She/Her ~ Los Angeles
Lindsey Castillo has been dancing all her life, training in ballet, jazz, tap, gymnastics and hip hop. Starting at 8 years old she danced professionally for Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World, and she eventually became a dance teacher at 16 years old for children of all ages. Her dancing has been featured in TV shows, commercials, music videos, and backup dancing for various artists at live concerts.
After moving to Los Angeles, she found line dancing and immediately joined the community. Joining The LA Wranglers in 2013 and becoming Dance Captain in 2015, Lindsey has performed at Stagecoach, Disneyland, numerous Pride events & rodeos, and has been featured in 5 music videos. In 2024, Lindsey co-created Plaid With Pride, a YouTube channel featuring line dance tutorials & demos, which showcases Lindsey’s love for dance instruction. You can find Lindsey teaching regularly with Bootleg, an L.A. based queer line dance group that features POC & body positivity.
Terence Ng
He/Him ~ Atlanta, GA
Terence first started country dancing in Atlanta in 2013 after a chance visit to Heretic’s Country Night with some friends. After it stirred his old memories of watching his parents’ ballroom dancing hobby, he was hooked and quickly picked up line dancing too! He began teaching line dancing to his fellow dancers at DanceOut Atlanta in 2019, including hosting virtual lessons during the pandemic, and has been teaching ever since!
He is so proud to be a part of the legacy of queer country dancing in Atlanta and what DanceOut Atlanta means to its many members as a space for queer community and connection. He is one of the directors of Hoedown South, a queer country dance convention in Atlanta that debuted in the summer of 2026.
He is excited to attend and teach at Fogtown Hoedown in their debut year!”
Klint Kendrick
He/Him ~ Upper Midwest
Klint Kendrick (he/him) started country-western dancing nearly two decades ago when a man mistook his cowboy hat for dance ability and dragged him onto the floor for a spin. After taking several months to recover from that trauma, he found that others mistook the cowboy hat for dance ability and asked him to explain certain moves. The ever-present cowboy hat has lulled enough dancers into a false sense of security that Klint now gets the chance to teach others that a cowboy hat and a smile can get them mistaken for experts too.
Jim Drew
He/Him ~ Seattle
Jim has been dancing country-western for over 35 years and teaching for nearly 30 years. He is a regular instructor and DJ for Rain Country, and he has taught workshops at the Emerald City Hoedown, Sundance Stompede, Dance Ranch, and at several IAGLCWDC annual convention hoedowns. He has performed with and choreographed for several dance teams, including the San Francisco Saddletramps and the Rhythm Riders (Seattle). He competed in line dance at the World OutGames in Montréal, Copenhagen, and Miami, winning two gold medals in Copenhagen.
He is co-director of Programming for Emerald City Hoedown and has served on the Rain Country board of directors and the Emerald City Hoedown committee since day one. He is also Vice-Chair for the IAGLCWDC.Klint ts too.