Roger Nielsen
      Roger understands what it means for a dance to be fun and energetic,and seeks to inspire a heart of joy and athleticism through Swing Dancing.
      Growing up in Texas, Roger was exposed to show business at an early age through the theater, acting school, and the family costuming until later in life, he has always been athletically and musically inclined. His alter-ego as a hard core geek took him to school in Massachusetts to study engineering. There, he learned that he loved the big band musical sound and was inspired by the famous high flying Gap commercial. First learning aerials (because aerials are awesome!) he specialized in fast-paced East Coast Swing and Jitterbug. He soon found that other people wanted to learn this type of dance, and was soon teaching small groups in the basements and dining rooms around campus.
      In 2001, Roger began his training in Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston, and other forms of Swing primarily in the Orange County, CA. This solidified his footwork and lead/follow techniques and soon he was hooked on the social dance that is Lindy Hop. He has been an active dancer ever since. Over the years he has been teaching private lessons, wedding events, church groups, and loving every minute of it. He had the pleasure of meeting a lovely lady while dancing, and they have since married and have two amazing boys.

Amanda Lorenz
     Amanda can tell you all about the joy of swing dancing. She loves the spirit or freedom found in the music as well as the anything-goes street style of dancing. Just think about it - There is no other form of dancing where it is acceptable to end a dance laughing hysterically with your partner!
     Amanda grew up in Escondido where she learned numerous folk and ballroom styles of dances from her local community. These multi-generational dances full of family and friends taught her that dancing is for everyone and can unite communities together in a very powerful way. She remembers being first introduced to East Coast swing in a friend's garage and wondered where she could find more of these 'swing dancers.'After this, she went to the US Naval Academy, where she joined a performance group for ballroom and tango and performed at several military balls. She found other swing dancers in this group, and they were soon learning and dancing all different styles of swing, including West Coast Swing, Balboa, Lindy Hop, and Charleston. Of course, they couldn't keep the word quiet too long and she was holding lessons each week on campus.
     Amanda became stationed at 32nd Naval Base in 2007 and is enjoying her next several years in San Diego. In 2008, she discovered the underground Blues community and learned that she really enjoys dancing to the groovier side of swing. Throughout the week, you'll find her all over San Diego hanging out with friends and sharing the joy of blues and swing!