Meet Our Pros
Robert Royston
8× U.S. Open Champion • Hall of Fame Inductee • World-Class WCS Educator
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Robert Royston is a defining figure in modern West Coast Swing — a legendary educator, celebrated performer, and mentor whose influence spans decades and continents. Known for his sharp clarity, trademark humor, and ability to break down complexity into lightbulb moments, Robert has shaped more dancers and teachers than almost anyone in the genre’s history.
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With eight U.S. Open Swing Dance Championships, six World Country Dance Championships, and inductions into the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, UCWDC Hall of Fame, and the World Swing Dance Hall of Fame, Robert’s competitive career is unmatched. But beyond titles, it’s his teaching that has left the deepest mark.
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As the creator of the Royston Method, Robert blends technique, physics, musicality, and partnership dynamics into a clear, structured framework used globally by dancers and instructors alike. His approach develops dancers who don’t just execute moves — they understand movement, timing, energy, and connection at a foundational level.
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Robert’s creativity extends far beyond the ballroom. He has choreographed for film and television, starred in Broadway’s “Swing!”, and appeared in major productions such as Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” music video. For over two decades, he has also been the charismatic voice and host of the U.S. Open Swing Dance Championships, loved for his wit, presence, and effortless stagecraft.
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Insightful, engaging, and endlessly generous, Robert Royston elevates dancers of every experience level — from brand-new students to seasoned competitors.
Technique. Clarity. Mastery.
Robert doesn’t just teach dance — he teaches understanding.
PJ Turner
NASDE & WSDC Champion • International WCS Instructor • Social Dance Icon
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PJ Turner is one of West Coast Swing’s most beloved Champion dancers, known for his grounded movement, effortless groove, and the kind of social dancing that makes every partner feel confident, comfortable, and inspired. A NASDE Tour Champion and global instructor, PJ brings decades of experience, heart, and joy to every class he teaches.
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PJ’s dance journey began at age 10 with clogging, soon followed by line dancing and then partner dancing at 14 — taught by the woman who would one day become his wife. His first national breakthrough came with his appearance on the TV show “Club Dance,” a three-year run that allowed his grandmother, who was ill at the time, to watch him dance from home — a moment that shaped his lifelong love for sharing joy through movement.
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His West Coast Swing career took off at Peach State, eventually leading him to Team Joe, where he taught and competed across the Southeast U.S. In 2012, PJ earned the title of NASDE Tour Champion, along with multiple social dance awards that cemented his reputation as one of the best and most generous social dancers in the world. His partnership with Tashina Beckmann King brought multiple US Open finals, standout routines, and a performance run in the Off-Broadway production “Swango.”
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Today, PJ travels the world teaching, judging, and performing — guided by the motto that defines both his dancing and his life:
“Just make her smile.”
Warm, down-to-earth, and packed with wisdom, PJ’s teaching helps dancers discover not just how to move — but how to enjoy every moment of the dance.
Skill. Groove. Connection. Heart.
PJ doesn’t just elevate your technique — he elevates your joy.
Larisa Tingle
x4 US Open Finalist • WSDC Champion • Musicality & Movement Specialist
Larisa Tingle is one of West Coast Swing’s most elegant and expressive Champion dancers, known for her refined movement quality, deep musicality, and that unmistakable classy-yet-sassy style. Whether she’s competing, teaching, or performing, Larisa brings a presence that is equal parts precision, artistry, and charisma.
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A four-time US Open Classic Division finalist with numerous top-five placements in Champion Jack & Jill and Strictly divisions, Larisa has established herself as a technical and artistic force on the global circuit. Her lifelong background in violin and vocal performance gives her a uniquely musical approach to WCS — interpreting phrasing, texture, and emotional tone with exquisite sensitivity.
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As an instructor, Larisa blends clean mechanics with expressive detail. She helps dancers develop movement finesse, grounded connection, and the kind of musical styling that feels natural rather than forced. Her teaching empowers dancers to look polished, feel confident, and express themselves with authenticity.
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When she’s not traveling the world teaching, judging, and performing, Larisa is based in San Diego, California, where she owns and operates Starlight Dance Studio, a welcoming home for local dancers and a hub for top-tier instruction and community growth.
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Warm, intuitive, and deeply musical, Larisa doesn’t just teach technique — she teaches dancers how to bring their true artistic voice to the floor.
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Elegance. Musicality. Expression.
Larisa helps you dance beautifully — and dance beautifully as yourself.
Wee Tze Yi
WSDC Champion • Multi-Genre Dance Champion • Founder of ZiggyFeet Academy
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Zee is one of Asia’s most versatile and accomplished modern West Coast Swing dancers, with over 20 years of experience across WCS, Salsa, and Bachata. Known for his rhythmic precision, grounded movement, and dynamic musicality, Zee brings a rare combination of technical mastery and multi-genre fluency to every dance floor he touches.
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A trailblazer in the region, Zee made history as the first Asian dancer to compete in the WSDC Champions Division, and was also the first Singaporean to win the Asian leg of the World Salsa Championships. His accomplishments reflect not only competitive excellence, but a deep understanding of movement, rhythm, and partner connection across styles.
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As the founder of ZiggyFeet Academy, Zee has developed a clear, structured methodology that has taken students from complete beginners all the way into top-level competition. His teaching goes beyond steps and technique — he emphasizes partnering mindset, adaptability, musical expression, and the ability to connect effortlessly with dancers of all backgrounds and styles.
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Warm, approachable, and highly analytical, Zee is known for breaking down complex ideas into simple, practical tools dancers can use immediately. His classes are engaging, grounded in real mechanics, and infused with the joy of social dancing.
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A respected figure across Asia and beyond, Zee continues to elevate dancers with his passion, clarity, and lifelong dedication to the art of partner dancing.
Rhythm. Connection. Elevation.
Zee doesn’t just teach movement — he teaches dancers how to move with purpose.
Dalena Lee
International WCS Instructor • Styling & Musical Play Specialist
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Dalena Lee is one of Asia’s most expressive and dynamic West Coast Swing dancers, known for her sexy styling, playful musicality, and effortless ability to connect with any lead. With a foundation in ballet, Chinese dance, and cheerleading, she brings a rare blend of control, elasticity, and creative flair to every dance — making her instantly recognizable on floors worldwide.
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A prominent figure across WCS, Salsa, and Bachata, Dalena has represented Singapore and Asia as a performer, competitor, judge, and instructor at major international events. She is widely regarded as one of the top followers in the Asian community, admired for her quick spins, clean lines, and ability to adapt seamlessly to different partners and styles.
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As an instructor, Dalena is warm, attentive, and deeply empowering. She pairs clear technique with personal coaching, helping dancers refine their following skills, sharpen their movement awareness, and explore a more expressive, musical, and confident version of themselves. Many of Asia’s rising dancers credit Dalena for the breakthroughs that launched their growth.
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Thoughtful, inspiring, and full of creative energy, Dalena helps dancers unlock not just how to move — but how to shine.
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Play. Expression. Freedom.
Dalena doesn’t just elevate your technique — she elevates your personality in the dance.
Chuck Brown
Champion Dancer • Chief Judge • International WCS Instructor • Connection & Technique Specialist
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Chuck Brown is one of West Coast Swing’s most respected educators, with over 25 years dedicated to the dance as a Champion-level competitor, Chief Judge, master teacher, and community builder. Known for his clarity, calm precision, and biomechanics-driven approach, Chuck has helped shape the technical foundation of dancers and scenes across the world.
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A global force in WCS, Chuck has taught, performed, and judged in over 30 countries, pioneering the growth of the dance far beyond its roots. He is the founder and co–event director of The After Party (TAP) and the creator of several influential training experiences — including his Out-of-the-Box retreats, Emotion in Motion master classes, and the widely respected EyePower Judges Training, which continues to elevate standards for competitors and adjudicators worldwide.
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Chuck’s teaching blends physics, musicality, and partnership mechanics into a clear system that empowers dancers to move with intention and connect with confidence. Thoughtful and highly analytical, he focuses on giving students the why behind movement as much as the how, leading to breakthrough moments that transform both social and competitive dancing.
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Insightful, methodical, and endlessly generous, Chuck helps dancers replace tension with understanding — and replace habit with true partnership intelligence.
Clarity. Connection. Intelligence.
Chuck doesn’t just refine your technique — he refines how you think about the dance.
Lauren Jones
International WCS Instructor • Movement Quality & Musical Expression Specialist
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Lauren Jones is one of West Coast Swing’s most elegant and expressive modern dancers, known for her fluid movement, refined shaping, and deeply musical interpretations. Her dancing blends technical precision with lyrical softness — creating a style that feels effortless, emotive, and uniquely her own.
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With years of international teaching, performing, and competing across North America, Europe, and Asia, Lauren has built a reputation as a dancer who brings both artistry and intelligence to the floor. She is admired for her clean lines, grounded control, and the way she transforms musical phrasing into movement that feels natural, textured, and emotionally connected.
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As a teacher, Lauren is warm, insightful, and exceptionally clear. She focuses on helping dancers develop body awareness, movement quality, and expressive confidence — guiding students to not just follow patterns, but to inhabit the dance with shape, intention, and musical nuance. Her classes often create breakthrough moments for dancers seeking smoother connection, richer styling, or a more personal artistic voice.
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Gentle, expressive, and artistically grounded, Lauren helps dancers discover movement that feels authentic — and expression that feels true.
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Elegance. Expression. Intention.
Lauren doesn’t just teach you to follow the music — she teaches you to feel it.
Jesse Lopez
Co-Creator of the Body Language Curriculum • International WCS Educator
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Jesse Lopez is one of today’s most influential modern West Coast Swing educators, known for his clean technique, deep musicality, and calm, articulate teaching style. A respected Champion, he’s recognized worldwide for helping dancers elevate their connection, clarity, and expressive control.
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His signature Body Language Curriculum (BLC) is a breakthrough system that teaches dancers to communicate through intention, tone, and micro-movement — not just patterns. Many dancers describe working with Jesse as the moment the “language of WCS” finally clicks.
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At MY Swing 2026, Jesse brings this curriculum to Asia in a focused, transformative way. His workshops give you practical tools to improve signaling, responsiveness, and partnership quality — changes you’ll feel immediately on the social floor. Whether you’re a social dancer, a competitor pushing your edge, or an instructor refining your craft, Jesse delivers insights you simply won’t get anywhere else.
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Clear principles. Clean mechanics. Real transformation.
Jesse’s classes don’t just improve how you move — they change how you understand the dance.
Ariel Peck
Co-Creator of the Body Language Curriculum • International WCS Instructor & Performer
Ariel Peck is one of the most expressive and intuitive modern voices in West Coast Swing, blending decades of dance training with a rare ability to help dancers move with clarity, confidence, and emotional authenticity. With a foundation in ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, tumbling, and modern dance, she brings a movement depth that few instructors in the WCS world possess.
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Ariel discovered West Coast Swing in 2014 — and quickly became a respected competitor and performer on national and international floors. Her background gives her a unique approach to musicality, shaping, and flow, making her classes deeply impactful for dancers who want more than technique — dancers who want artistry.
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As co-creator of the Body Language Curriculum (BLC), Ariel teaches WCS as a language of intention, tone, and micro-movement. Where Jesse brings clarity and structure, Ariel brings expressiveness, refinement, and emotional intelligence. Together, they offer one of the most complete approaches to partner communication in the dance today.
Her teaching style is warm, encouraging, and deeply attuned — perfect for dancers of all levels who want to unlock more freedom and artistry in their dancing.
Artistry. Awareness. Authentic connection.
Ariel doesn’t just teach movement — she helps you feel your dance in an entirely new way.
