Charlotte Westies Instructors
Instructor Experience Makes a Big Difference
One of the major benefits of what Charlotte Westies offers both new and seasoned dancers is the quality and extensive experience of our Professional West Coast Swing Dance Instructors. Everyone on our instructor staff has been active in West Coast Swing for at least 15 years, and some of them more than 30 years. With this comes wisdom and insight that only comes from experience. It’s true – you may be able to pick up a pointer or two on YouTube or from a friend, but the only real way to properly learn this dance is through lessons from instructors who are truly qualified. That’s why their experience level matters.
Group classes at our Charlotte Westies weekly dances led by the instructors on this page are a great way to learn, and we highly encourage regular participation. If you want to elevate your dance to an even higher level vs. what group classes offer, there is no substitute for private instruction. The Charlotte area is very fortunate to have such a fantastic group of talented and highly-accomplished professional instructors available for private lessons. Listed below IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER (by last name) are Charlotte Westies’ official West Coast Swing Instructors who teach at our weekly dances. Please feel free to contact them directly for details on their availability and rates for private lessons.
Whitney Bartlett
Whitney is an All-Star level West Coast Swing competitor who began partnered dancing at age 10. With experience across multiple dance styles, she brings a fun, upbeat approach to teaching that is welcoming to all levels. Whitney focuses on helping dancers build confidence, musicality, and connection while sharing her love for West Coast Swing.
CONTACT DETAILS: Direct Message on Facebook | Direct Message on Instagram
Availability for private lessons: Limited availability
Paul & Marta Canfield
Paul and Marta Canfield have been active in WCS since 1998. Prior to moving to the Charlotte area they owned and operated a dance studio in New York’s Finger Lakes region. They have directed a JT Swing Team for multiple seasons, traveled nationally to teach and compete at WCS events, and are especially passionate about teaching and welcoming new dancers to West Coast Swing.
CONTACT DETAILS: Email: CanfieldDanceArts@gmail.com | Direct Message on Facebook
Availability for private lessons: Limited availability
Elise Herman
Elise has done some form of dancing since age six and fell in love with how West Coast Swing blends so many styles. She has been active and competing in WCS since 2008 (currently in the All-Star division), and enjoys traveling the world to experience new dance communities. Her passion is to work with new dancers and help them to discover the joy that this dance brings.
CONTACT DETAILS: Email: dr.elise@gmail.com | Direct Message on Facebook
Availability for private lessons: Yes
Michael Kiehm
Michael Kiehm is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading instructors and judges in a variety of dances including West Coast Swing. Considered a legend in the West Coast Swing world, he relocated to Charlotte in 2017 from San Diego. Michael teaches at select Charlotte Westies’ Wednesday night and Saturday night dances.
CONTACT DETAILS: https://michaelkiehm.com/contact/
Availability for private lessons: Limited availability
Jason & Annmarie Marker
The Magic Markers specialize in teaching all levels of dancers, both competitors and non-competitors alike. Their teaching philosophy emphasizes strong fundamentals and connection while delivering unique styling and musicality. Their goal is to deliver information in such a way that you’ll leave class feeling buoyant and ready to dance the night away!
CONTACT DETAILS: https://www.themagicmarkers.com/#Contact
Availability for private lessons: Limited availability
Stephanie Risser
Stephanie has a broad dance background including performing and teaching Hustle, WCS, Ballet, Ballroom, Modern, Jazz and Latin. Stephanie is a Hustle dance champion and competes in West Coast Swing at the All-Star level. She is proud to share her versatility, personal style and dance knowledge with anyone who wants to learn!
CONTACT DETAILS: Phone 267-303-5277 | Email info@stephaniedance.com | Web: https://www.stephaniedance.com/
Availability for private lessons: Yes
Patty Vo
Patty Vo is widely-regarded as one of the top female WCS dancers in the world. She is a distinguished international instructor, judge, competitor, and a U.S. Open Swing Champion. She is known for her musicality, footwork and styling abilities, and her open approach to teaching and coaching to fit any level of dancers’ needs.
CONTACT DETAILS: Direct Message on Facebook
Availability for private lessons: Limited availability
Chris Wrigley
Chris has been active in WCS since 2012 and has competed in the All-Star division for more than a decade. West Coast Swing helped shape who he is and he wants to help others discover the joy of the dance along with the confidence, friendships, and experiences that come with it. He is passionate about helping beginners since WCS has had such a positive impact on his life.
CONTACT DETAILS: Direct Message on Facebook
Availability for private lessons: Limited availability
Nicole Zwerlein
Nicole began dancing West Coast Swing in 2009. She dearly loves the dance and firmly believes anyone of any age, background or experience can excel at and enjoy WCS. Nicole has dedicated a lot of her time to coaching and private instruction, in addition to traveling the WCS event/competition circuit where she competes at the Champion level.
CONTACT DETAILS: Web: https://nicolez.dance/ | Direct Message on Facebook
Availability for private lessons: Yes
