Two-Step Instructor
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Event Director & Two-Step Instructor
With over 20 years of dance experience spanning Two-Step, West Coast Swing, and Country Swing, Steven began his journey as an 18-year-old seeking self-esteem and a sense of belonging, which he ultimately found through country dance.
This motivated him to create Forever Country, a vibrant community focused on fostering genuine relationships and helping others grow—on and off the dance floor.
Under Steven's leadership, Forever Country has flourished, hosting weekly group and private lessons, as well as premier events like the Forever Country Dance Fest and Forever Country Dance Jam. 🏆🎶 These events draw dancers from across the nation, offering opportunities to learn, compete, and connect.
Steven's mission is to inspire others, build community, and encourage growth through the medium of dance. His commitment to these values has made Forever Country a hub for dancers of all levels, fostering a welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Beyond his organizational achievements, Steven is a sought-after coach and instructor, renowned for his ability to inspire and elevate dancers. His dedication to the dance community led him to found the National Country Dance Circuit, further solidifying his impact on the growth and recognition of country dance nationwide. We are excited to learn from his wealth of experience and continue building a vibrant dance community together!
Haley brings 13 years of country dance experience combined with 10 years of ballet experience and teaches group and private lessons in country, line, and west coast swing. You can find her teaching at SGD Studio and Bushwhackers Saloon in Portland, OR, and teaching, judging, competing, and performing at events around the country. She also serves on the Country Two Step Tour (CTST) board and is the Two Step Program Coordinator for YESSS.
Haley is a CTST All Star follow with the MOST first place wins in the highest division in the past decade. She is also a West Coast Swing and Country Swing Advanced dancer. She was the Inaugural CTST Annual Points Champion and began her competition journey on the United Country Western Dance Council (UCWDC) circuit dancing in Couples. However, her heart is anchored in the social country scene where she first started.
Haley dances Two Step, West Coast Swing, Country Swing, Line, Night Club Two Step, Waltz, Cha Cha, Polka, and Triple Two Step - but her favorite is Two Step. Come to one of her classes and find out what "Make Two Step Great Again" is all about! #maketwostepgreatagain
Line Dance Instructor
Tara began her dance journey at the age of three, mastering styles like ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop. Her passion and talent took her to competitions across the Southeast, where she earned multiple scholarships in tap and hip hop. By 15, she was already sharing her love of dance by teaching hip hop to kids—a role she held until she discovered her true calling: line dancing.
Based in Austin, Texas, Tara has built a thriving career teaching and choreographing line dances that inspire and connect communities. Her impressive choreography, including collaborations with Kenzie Keister, has earned three podium finishes at UCWDC Worlds and even claimed the number-one spot on CopperKnob for weeks!
Tara’s passion for line dancing goes beyond the studio—she’s worked with artists to create dances for their songs, performed on stage with them, and brought the joy of line dancing to music festivals and events nationwide.
Whether she’s teaching in Austin or sharing her expertise on the road, Tara is dedicated to keeping the spirit of line dancing alive. We can’t wait to see the energy, creativity, and community she brings to Forever Country Dance Jam!
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West Coast Swing Instructor
Tre’Von’s dance journey began 9 years ago in the country bars of Houston, but his passion for dance quickly expanded far beyond. Traveling between Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas, his talent caught the attention of the dance world, opening the door to new opportunities.
While training and teaching at Country Dance X under the guidance of Anthony Lewis, Tre’Von mastered a variety of dance styles: Two-Step, Polka, East Coast Swing, Cha Cha, Foxtrot, Waltz, and his personal favorite, West Coast Swing, which has now become his professional focus.
With coaching and mentorship from some of the best—Damon D’Amico, Deon Harrell, KP Rutland, and Maxence Martin—Tre’Von has made remarkable strides on the competitive circuit. In just 2 short years, he’s steps away from achieving All Star status, with ambitions to become a champion. His achievements include being awarded a Swing Diversity scholarship and starting WSDC judge training to give back to the dance community.
We’re thrilled to have Tre’Von on the Forever Country Dance Jam team, where his passion, skill, and drive will inspire dancers of all levels. Catch him at the event and don’t miss your chance to learn, connect, and share the dance floor with him!
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Night Club Two-Step Instructor
Amy brings a wealth of talent and experience to our team, with an impressive dance career spanning multiple styles and disciplines:
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15 years of classical ballet and studio dance performance/production experience
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3 years of competitive ballroom dance as a Pro-Am American Smooth and International Latin Finalist
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2021 ACDA National Pro-Am and Couples Open Champion
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2021 & 2022 UCWDC World Champion, Couples Open Division
Amy’s dedication to dance and her stellar achievements make her an incredible addition to our Forever Country Dance Jam staff. Her passion, precision, and artistry will inspire dancers of all levels.
Don’t miss the chance to learn from and dance with Amy at the event—her expertise and energy will elevate your dance journey!
Two-Step Instructors
Meet Michael & Rachele Eads, World title-holding Country Western dancers and Champion West Coast Swing performers, each with 25+ years of experience in the vibrant world of dance. Their incredible journey began over two decades ago when they collaborated on a two-step routine that led to a friendship, partnership, and eventually marriage in 2024.
The Eads have traveled the country as instructors, coaches, judges, and competitors, sharing their expertise in Country Western, West Coast Swing, Hip Hop, jazz, and more. Their passion for dance shines in every performance and teaching session, inspiring dancers of all levels to explore their full potential.
Now, with three children adding joy and energy to their lives, they’re excited to bring their enthusiasm and expertise to the Forever Country Dance Jam! Their mission? To entertain, educate, and ignite a spark of joy for dance in everyone they meet.
Get ready to learn from, dance with, and be inspired by this dynamic duo. Don’t miss your chance to connect with Michael & Rachele at the event—they’ll leave you smiling and dancing all the way home!
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Country Swing &
West Coast Swing Instructor
We’re beyond excited to welcome back Kenzie Keister, a celebrated dancer, choreographer, and social media star, as one of our Country Swing and West Coast Swing instructors!
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2023 Open Rising Star Champion
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Two-time Worlds DH Line Dance Champion
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WSDC All-Star and 6th place in the Professional Showcase Division
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Undefeated in line dance and country swing Jack and Jill competitions since 2022
Kenzie’s dance journey began in the studio, teaching and mastering various styles by the age of 14. After high school, she found her heart in the country dance community, where her talent and drive have made her a standout both on and off the dance floor.
Off the floor, Kenzie shares her passion for dance through private lessons in Simi Valley, CA, and Gilbert, AZ, as well as on social media. With over 298,000 TikTok followers and a growing audience on Instagram at @kenziekeister, she continues to inspire dancers everywhere.
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Country Swing &
West Coast Swing Instructor
We’re excited to have Jaden Pfeiffer returning as part of our incredible staff! Starting his dance journey at just 9 years old in Arizona, Jaden has grown into one of the most accomplished young talents in the world of West Coast Swing and Country Swing.
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4-Time US Open Champion, including his recent win in the Rising Star Division with partner Kenzie Keister, becoming the youngest American to ever claim the title.
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One of the youngest WSDC All-Stars, competing, judging, and teaching across the U.S.
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President of Arizona State University’s West Coast Swing Club.
Jaden continues to compete in the WSDC Showcase Routine Division, earning 6th place this past November with Kenzie Keister, while also teaching and judging on both the West Coast Swing and Country Swing circuits.
Off the floor, Jaden enjoys football, MMA, and spending time with his family.
We’re thrilled to have Jaden back for Forever Country Dance Jam, ready to inspire, teach, and share his passion with dancers from across the country. Make sure to catch him at the event!
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Dips & Tricks Instructors | Country Swing & Two Step Mentors
We’re thrilled to welcome back Chris and Sarah Ivey of Red Dirt Dancing as returning staff! These two bring a perfect mix of fun and finesse to the dance floor, combining dancehall roots with studio technique to inspire dancers everywhere.
Chris began his dance journey in 2008 while at Texas A&M University (Whoop!), creating Red Dirt Dancing in 2018 to share reviews, lessons, and his journey through dancehalls and competitions. Sarah’s journey started at Texas A&M University (Whoop!), and took off in 2019/2020 when she joined the Austin dance community. The two met on the dance floor in 2020, and the rest is history!
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1,800+ group and private lessons taught
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Hosted multiple competitions and corporate events
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Performed at festivals, choreographed weddings, and appeared in country music videos
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Choreographers of the movie "Side Step"
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90+ dance wins across Texas, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Arizona
Chris and Sarah have trained with numerous World Champion dancers and continue to embrace life-long learning. Their dedication to teaching and building dance communities has taken them across the U.S., where they’ve helped cultivate thriving dance scenes.
We can’t wait to see what Chris and Sarah bring to Forever Country Dance Jam this year—don’t miss your chance to learn, dance, and connect with this dynamic duo!
Line Dance Instructor
At just two years old, Fleeta began dancing and never looked back. With a degree in Dance & Theatre from Chapman University and a career spanning decades, she has performed in over 40 dance productions, including West Side Story, The Nutcracker, Fame, Pippin, and more. As a former member of the Jazz Spectrum Dance Company in California, her experience is both vast and inspiring.
Since moving to Texas in 2021, Fleeta has become a key part of the Texas Line Dance Mission, teaching theatre, dance, and color guard while choreographing and directing musicals. Her expertise has taken her to conventions like The Edge Dance, Dance XL, Forever Country Dance Festival, and YESSS, where she has judged and instructed line dance. She has also judged for the prestigious USDLCC and creates engaging line dance videos with @bootscootin.
We’re thrilled to have @dancewithfleeta join the Forever Country Dance Jam team, where she’ll share her passion, experience, and love for line dance. Don’t miss your chance to learn, dance, and connect with Fleeta at the event!
West Coast Swing Instructor
We’re excited to have Morgan Hearrel returning to Forever Country Dance Jam! Based in Dallas, Texas, Morgan began her partner dancing journey six years ago at Cowboys Red River, and her passion for dance has only grown since.
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First place in the inaugural Red River J&J and Austin Country Jam J&J competitions.
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Competitor at the All-Star level in West Coast Swing, traveling across the U.S. to showcase her talent.
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Certified judge with 14+ hours of judges training, bringing expertise to WCS and country bar competitions.
Morgan’s love for Two-Step runs deep, but her versatility and dedication to the art of dance make her a standout on any floor. This year, she’s thrilled to share her knowledge through teaching and judging at Forever Country Dance Jam.
Get ready to learn from Morgan’s wealth of experience and catch her on the floor for some unforgettable dances!
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Country Swing & West Coast Swing Instructor
We’re thrilled to have Juan returning to Forever Country Dance Jam! Based in Phoenix, AZ, Juan is a celebrated Country Swing instructor and competitor who has been instrumental in building the Country Swing community. From performing on prestigious stages like the Stagecoach Country Music Festival to sharing his expertise at events across the country, Juan continues to make his mark on the dance world.
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Renowned Country Swing instructor and performer
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Over 50 points in the WSDC All-Star Division in under a year
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Dedicated to expanding his dance knowledge by cross-training, teaching, and competing in multiple dance styles
Juan’s passion for dance shines through in everything he does, whether it’s inspiring others on the dance floor or pushing himself to new heights in competition.
Make sure to catch Juan at Forever Country Dance Jam, where he’ll bring his expertise, energy, and love for dance to the floor. Don’t miss the chance to learn, connect, and dance with him!
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West Coast Swing Instructor
Meet Cami Johnstonbaugh, a passionate and experienced dancer who’s been exploring the world of dance for over 15 years. From dabbling in a variety of styles to mastering her favorites, Cami brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the floor.
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A dedicated Country Swing instructor, teaching since “before there was a method to the madness.”
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A competitive West Coast Swing dancer at the All-Star level.
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Focused on helping dancers improve their technique, have fun, and create better dances with their partners.
Cami’s mission is to inspire dancers of all levels to grow in their skills while enjoying every step of the journey. We’re thrilled to have her join the Forever Country Dance Jam staff, where her energy and expertise will shine!
Catch her at the event for an unforgettable class—or ask her for a dance!
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Night Club Two-Step Instructor
We’re thrilled to introduce Alex "Prine-Time" Prine as a new instructor at Forever Country Dance Jam! With a decade of experience, Alex’s dance journey began as a social bar dancer, eager to learn. After earning his Master’s from Baylor, he moved to Austin, where he immersed himself in the local dance scene, training at Mavericks, Austin City Dance Club (ACDC), and discovering his love for West Coast Swing and competitive country dance.
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13 consecutive competition wins & 4 Belt Buckles, including Cowboys Red River Freestyle and a Double Buckle at Electric Cowboy
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Back-to-back world titles in Open Divisions 4 & 3 with partner Amy Sullivan-Caillouett
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8 consecutive world titles across multiple divisions with Laura Thrash
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Professional competitor & dedicated coach, helping amateur dancers refine their skills
Alex’s journey from a social dancer to a professional competitor is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for country dance. With coaching from Greg & Laura Thrash, he has reached incredible heights, and now he’s committed to growing the sport and inspiring the next generation.
We’re so excited to have Alex bring his expertise and energy to Forever Country Dance Jam—be sure to catch his class and learn from one of the best!
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Country Swing Instructor
We’re honored to have Gabriel Dubois join the Forever Country Dance Jam Teaching Staff, bringing his passion for Country Swing and his commitment to refining the dance into a structured, teachable art.
Gabriel’s journey began in 2011 when he joined the United States Army, specializing in Military Intelligence. While stationed in Alaska, he was first exposed to Country Swing at a local bar in Fairbanks in 2014. When home on leave, he continued practicing at Denim and Diamonds, learning alongside friends and family—but quickly realized that Country Swing lacked structure and a common language for dancers to connect universally.
Determined to change that, Gabriel sought out West Coast Swing instructors who provided structure and technique, but he still saw a gap in Country Swing education. Instead of waiting for someone else to figure it out, he took on the challenge himself.
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Co-Founder of Country Nomads alongside Kacee Crandall & Joel Bartlett
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Creator of the Nomads Method, a globally recognized teaching system for timing, footwork, and structure in Country Swing
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Dedicated to building a common language for Country Swing dancers worldwide
Gabriel’s work has helped shape the way Country Swing is taught and learned across the globe, ensuring that dancers of all levels can communicate, connect, and grow. We’re thrilled to have him sharing his expertise at Forever Country Dance Jam—don’t miss the chance to learn from one of the best!
Country Swing Instructor
We’re thrilled to have Kacee Crandall returning to the Forever Country Dance Jam Teaching Staff! In addition to being a proud mom, weekend treasure hunter, and avid book collector, Kacee is one of the most influential leaders in the Country Swing community today.
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Co-owner of Country Nomads, WYLD, and YESSS!!
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Founder of YESSS!! Dance Convention—the largest national Country Swing event
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Studio owner of Nomads Studio in Arizona, teaching Country Swing 6 days a week!
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Led 1,000+ classes, judged 1,000+ competitions, and hosted 50+ dance events across the U.S., Canada, and France
Since 2014, Kacee has transformed her dance journey into a mission—creating opportunities for dancers to learn, grow, and connect. Her education-first approach helps dancers understand the “how” and “why” of each move, ensuring immediate progress and clear paths forward. Known for sparking light bulb moments, she adapts her teaching to help every student find their voice and confidence.
Beyond the dance floor, Kacee is dedicated to mentoring new competitors and guiding dancers toward building lifelong friendships in this community. She may be busy, and her RBF might fool you, but trust us—she’s always excited to dance, chat, and hear what you love about the Country Swing community!
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Country Swing Instructor
Line Dance Instructor
We’re excited to have Gabe Sebastian join the Forever Country Dance Jam staff! With a dance journey that started at just 11 years old, Gabe has explored and mastered multiple styles—from breakdancing (bboy) and hip-hop competitions to Country Swing and West Coast Swing.
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Discovered Country Swing in 2020 and has been traveling, teaching, and judging across the country.
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All-Star West Coast Swing dancer, continuously learning and evolving in his craft.
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Passionate about mentoring instructors and building thriving Country Swing communities.
Gabe’s love for dance goes beyond just competing—he’s dedicated to growing the dance scene, inspiring new dancers, and supporting instructors to help them flourish. We’re thrilled to have him bring his unique style, energy, and expertise to Forever Country Dance Jam!
Make sure to catch him on the floor, learn from his dynamic approach, and be part of the movement he’s helping build!
Country Swing Instructor
We’re excited to welcome Kat Nichols to the Forever Country Dance Jam Line Dance Teaching Staff. Based in Portland, OR, Kat is a Line Dance & Country Swing instructor dedicated to helping dancers of all levels connect with their bodies and the dance floor.
With over 20 years as a competitive figure skater, Kat brings a unique perspective to country dance, blending precise body mechanics and technical expertise with a deep understanding of movement. Since 2016, she has been a dedicated instructor, specializing in technique, body awareness, and creative expression.
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Holds a Master’s Degree in Teaching, allowing her to tailor instruction to different learning styles
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Founder of the PNW Stompeders and PNWSDF, building community within country dance
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Passionate about choreography, stepsheets, and creative expression in dance
Kat is committed to making the dance floor a welcoming space for all dancers, regardless of experience level. Her expertise in breaking down movement, fostering confidence, and encouraging creativity makes her an incredible addition to the Forever Country Dance Jam team.
Follow her at @linedancingwithkat and @pnwstompeders to stay up to date with her latest classes and events.
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Two-Step Instructor
Krista brings an extraordinary mix of talent, experience, and passion to our team as one of our Country Swing and West Coast Swing instructors. With a lifetime dedicated to dance, gymnastics, and cheerleading, Krista’s expertise spans an impressive range of styles:
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Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical/Contemporary, Hip Hop, Latin/Ballroom
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Country Swing, Line Dance, and West Coast Swing
She’s been perfecting her Country Swing and Line Dance skills for nearly a decade and climbed to the All-Star WSDC division in just over a year of dancing West Coast Swing. Her competitive spirit has earned her State and National championship titles and top placements in All-Star, Instructor, and Professional Country Swing and Line Dance divisions.
When she’s not competing, choreographing, or coaching her high school cheer team, you can find Krista teaching at local bars in Arizona, traveling to events across the country, and sharing her passion through private lessons.
We’re thrilled to have Krista on board at Forever Country Dance Jam, where she’ll be instructing, judging, and dancing with amazing people from all over the country. Be sure to catch a class or grab a dance with her at the event!
Welcome Back, Damon D'Amico, to the Forever Country Dance Jam Staff as an Instructor and Mentor!
We are thrilled to announce the return of Damon D'Amico to the Forever Country Dance Jam team, where he will continue to inspire and mentor our dance community with his extensive expertise and passion.
Damon D'Amico is the esteemed owner of D'Amico Dance, a premier dance studio in Houston, Texas, renowned for its comprehensive instruction in Ballroom, Latin, Country, Swing, Hustle, and Salsa. Under his leadership, D'Amico Dance has been recognized as the Top West Coast Swing Studio in the World, reflecting his commitment to excellence and innovation in dance education.
As a Country and West Coast Swing Champion, Damon has achieved both National and World titles in the Pro-Am divisions, showcasing his dedication and skill in the dance arena. Beyond his competitive accolades, he is also celebrated for his roles as a Professional Dancer, Coach, Choreographer, Emcee, Public Speaker, Promoter, and Lover of Life, enriching the dance community with his multifaceted talents.
Damon's enthusiasm for nurturing emerging talent aligns perfectly with our mission at Forever Country Dance Jam. His return brings a wealth of knowledge and an infectious passion for dance that will undoubtedly inspire both new and seasoned dancers alike. We are fortunate to have him back and look forward to the growth and excitement his mentorship will bring to our community.
Please join us in extending a warm welcome back to Damon D'Amico! Let's get ready to dance, learn, and grow together!
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West Coast Swing Instructor
Devin’s dance journey began in the legendary dancehalls of Texas, where he quickly discovered a love for competing. After conquering a few bar competitions, his passion led him to the West Coast Swing circuit, where he soared to Allstar rank in under two years!
A standout moment in Devin’s career came in 2024, when he earned 3rd place in the Rising Star routine division at the prestigious Open Swing Dance Championships, competing against some of the best dancers in the world.
But for Devin, dance is about so much more than competition—it’s about teaching, connecting, and spreading joy. He has taught at events, studios, and dancehalls across Texas, inspiring dancers of all levels.
While West Coast Swing is a major part of his repertoire, Devin’s heart remains firmly rooted in country dancing, where his passion truly shines. You can often find him teaching or tearing up the floor at Texas dancehalls!
We are thrilled to have Devin join our teaching staff and can’t wait to see the energy, talent, and heart he brings to our community.