A’lan brings over two decades of experience to the dance floor, specializing in close-embrace dance forms such as Blues, Fusion, Tango, and Micro. A prominent figure in the national fusion scene, A’lan is known for his insightful teaching that emphasizes connection, consent, safety, and clear communication. He frequently travels across the US, teaching and DJing at various dance events.
S1E10 Mark Carpenter (Bay Area) Founder AllThatJazz and Fusion Academy
Mark, an internationally acclaimed Fusion dance instructor, DJ, and event organizer, has been shaping the global dance scene for more than a decade. Based in the SF Bay Area, he founded the Fusion Dance Academy and has studied multiple dance styles, including Lindy Hop, Blues, Tango, and many more. Mark's innovative approach to teaching and his fluency in two languages have made him a sought-after instructor and facilitator worldwide.
As the visionary behind notable events like AllThatJazz, the SLO Exchange, and Fireside Fusion, Mark continues to push the boundaries of what partner dancing is and can be. Mark stands at the forefront of defining and evolving Fusion as an artform and movement, inspiring dancers across the globe with his creativity and expertise. Mark is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and exploration of both Fusion and continually strives to make the impossible look easy, and the easy look impossible.
S1E8 Joe Russo (New York City)
Joe Russo started swing dancing in the late 90s but not because it was cool. He kept doing it after it was no longer cool, and if you do something long enough, eventually you get decent at it. These days Joe focuses primarily on fusion and blues dancing, but mostly doesn't care what style you call it as long as it was fun. He hosts a regular fusion house party in NYC.
S1E7 Alfredo Melendez (New York City) Instructor
Alfredo Melendez (he/him) has been teaching partner dancing for almost 25 years. He has taught a multitude of dance styles all over the world and has focused the last 11 years on fusion and American blues. The heart of his teaching is on the power and beauty of connection and the conversational aspect of a good partner dance experience. He currently resides in his birth barrio of The Boogie-down Bronx.
S1E6 THE Jenny Sowden (New York City) Instructor+DJ+Founder of Brooklyn Swings
Instructor Bio
“You are truth in motion when you dance, Ms S.” - Jason
Jenny Sowden is an award winning, full-time, international dance instructor based in New York City where she is the founder and director of Brooklyn Swings. Jenny has been training in dance for over twenty-five years and teaching for over twenty, with a BA in Dance and Theater from San Diego State University. She has studied 34 different styles of movement including Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, West African, Capoeira, Aikido, Tango, Salsa, Lindy hop, Balboa, and Blues. Her background influences her teaching and general style through musicality, variety, expression and an understanding of body mechanics. Jenny believes the dance floor is a ‘World of Yes,’ where by constantly accepting and being inspired by what happens, creates an amazing place to be. We then take classes in a ‘World of Intention’ to expand our ‘World of Yes.’ Find out more at JennySowden.com.
To book her or schedule a private lesson please Contact Jenny
DJ Bio
"I know when you DJ I'll go on a journey and be taken care of on the way" - Shira
Meet Jenny from the block, in NYC. She is an award winning international DJ and instructor who loves to create a party with music whether with Blues, Swing, Fusion, or just House Party Style incorporating vintage, 'classic' and modern eras. Enjoy the jams as she will be surprising and make you say 'what is that song?!" Get ready to be inspired to create in your next dance. More info at JennySowden.com
S1E5 Brendan Patrick McGlynn (New York City) Co-founder of The Pearl Dive
Brendan McGlynn grew up social dancing to Motown tunes at his family's house parties. During college, he toured with an international folk dance ensemble. Brendan learned the Lindy Hop hanging out with the legendary Frankie Manning, and later taught the dance at New York City's leading dance schools, including DanceSport and You Should Be Dancing. He has performed on numerous occasions, including at Radio City Music Hall with Tony Bennett, at the Rainbow Room with Nell Carter, and at the Mohegan Sun Casino with Ben Vereen. Brendan believes in the healing power of dance, and revels in sharing his love of the art form with all those around him.
S1E4 Arielle (New York City) Founder of The Pearl Dive
Arielle is a multifaceted artist whose inspiration constantly seeks its equilibrium among visual, sonic, and physical elements. An avid fusion dancer, her experience includes ballet, tap, modern, contact improv, Luigi jazz, modern/contemporary, salsa, tango, zouk, blues, swing, ballroom/latin, flamenco, and American square dancing. With multiple degrees from the Juilliard School (music) and Fashion Institute of Technology (fashion design, haute couture), Arielle explores the convergence and interdependence of many art forms - especially dance, music, and fashion/costume design - while striving to achieve fluidity and flow in every collaboration. Arielle is a 2021 recipient of the City Artists Corps Grant for her multidisciplinary work. For more info, on Arielle’s other pursuits, please visit www.arielleharp.com.
S1E3 Kathleen Evans (New York City) Founder NYC house parties and Fusion Exchange Performer
Kathleen (DJ Katalyst) discovered fusion in 2012 after building a background in blues, salsa, contra, and bhangra. She got hooked at the Las Vegas Fusion Exchange and became a DJ to recreate the excitement of that incredible weekend. For the past 5 years she's honed her craft spinning at blues and fusion events in NYC, where she runs a monthly fusion house party. Kathleen enjoys exploring and cross-pollinating with other scenes, and she has played at events like DJX Fusion Weekend, Motley Hue, High-Fidelity Fusion, Mission Fusion, and DoubleShot. She enjoys creating a mood for dancers to play with – whether playful or intense, sexy or soulful. She loves discovering new artists, and she can never resist a good cover."