Evin Galang

Evin, formerly of Blue Moon Groove, is a fantastic follower with a masters understanding of connection and musicality. She teaches all levels of dancing and is inspirational to watch and to learn from.

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About Big City Swing Swing, Lindy Hop, Wedding, Ballroom and More Founder - Julee Mertz Julee Mertz discovered the small Lindy Hop scene in Chicago in 1997. Instantly hooked by the music, the sense of community and the energy of the dance, her adored hobby fast became a full time job Having traveled the country to learn from the best, Julee now travels herself, teaching the dances of the swing era. Known for her dynamic styling and musicality, she has been a featured instructor at many workshops across the country and around the world. In September of 2001, Julee was asked to join the cast of "Swing! The Original Broadway Musical" and toured nationally from Sept 2001 to February 2002. After completing the tour, she was asked to return to NYC to train the next touring cast of "Swing!". Back in Chicago, Julee has formed a collective of the most talented dancers and teachers in the city. The troupe teaches and performs Swing and Lindy Hop at schools, festivals, corporate and city sponsored events. Julee and members of Big City Swing have also been seen on stage and screen... Film Credits include: Road to Perdition (Dreamworks), Betaville (Independent) TV Credits include: Oprah (ABC), Early Edition (CBS), Jenny Jones (NBC), Wild Chicago (WTTW), CBS/NBC/ABC Morning News Festivals include: Dance Chicago, Taste of Chicago, Dance for Life, Chicago's Summer Dance Julee also tours with her teaching partner Bill Borgida. For more information on national and international workshops, please click on Inter/national Workshops and www.billborgida.com. Andrew Twiss Andrew has been teaching and performing with Big City Swing since it was founded in 1997. Andrew's keen sense of connection and incredible creativity has awarded him an international reputation as a fantastic dancer. Andrew is also a performance team coach. Dave Rentauskas Dave has been performing with Big City Swing since 1999 and is now one of the performance coaches. Together, he and Julee developed the wedding dance curriculum. Dave is also a fantastic DJ who spins the second Tuesday of every month at Swingin' at the Studio. Bridget "Roxy" Ryan Roxy began swing dancing in Chicago in 1998. Over the years she has taught for Dance New Orleans and at schools including Tulane University, Loyola New Orleans, University of Chicago and DePaul University.She is a new member of Big City Swing's performance team and teaching staff and is excited to share her love of dancing with all of you.

Christopher Aubin Chris is a true product of the Chicago Swing scene. Chris has studied extensively with the top dancers in Chicago since 1999 and has taught at DePaul University, The University of Chicago, Summerdance, and the Willowbrook Ballroom. As a teacher Chris brings an educated historical perspective to his classes and most importantly, he's funny.

Jenna Stworzyjanek Jenna began her teaching at the University of Chicago and joined Big City Swing's team in 2005. She specializes in Swing, Lindy, Balboa and Wedding Dance. She is also a rising star on the performance team. Her teaching is concise and powerful and her supportive nature instills confidence in all of her students.

Adeoye Mabogunje Adeoye also began teaching at the University of Chicago. After completing our performance and teacher training course at the top of his class, we quickly put him into the schedule. Adeoye uses a great combination of technique and pacing, ensuring each lesson with him is a fun and educational experience.

Louis Parks

Everyone who begins dancing with Big City Swing gets to meet Lou. Lou is the incredible Swing I instructor for our downtown location. He has a wonderful rapport with the students and a great ability to break the movements down into understandable and doable chunks of information. And he dances with all the ladies on graduation night.

Mary Anne Zmaczynski

Mary Anne came to Big City Swing after 10 years of the corporate world of consulting. Because of her keen sense of organization and amazing memory, Big City Swing has grown into the business it is today. Please contact Mary Anne with any scheduling or enrollment questions; she is truly the mastermind of operations.