Meet The People that will make this happen!
DJ's
Head DJ |
Larry Edwards: Deejay since 1984. Played every SOS since Fall 1985 (51 straight) Deejay National Shag Dance Championships - 1989 Deejay at USA Grand National Dance Championships - 1998 - 2010 Head Deejay at USA Grand National Dance Championships - 2005 - 2010 Inducted into Beach Deejay Hall of Fame - 1995 Inducted into Swing Deejay Hall of Fame - 2005 President - Association of Beach and Shag Club Deejays - 2003-2005 President - Shag Archives Records and CD's (Duck's 1,2,3,4,5,&6; Smoothies 1,2,3,&4; Good Times 1&2; Hot-Taw-Mighty 1,2,&3; Old Friends, R&B, and Honeydrippin' Daddy) Played numerous shag and beach events throughout the Southeast US Head Deejay Junior SOS 2006 to present |
Shag Djs
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Butch Metcalf: Butch Metcalf has been a serious collector of beach, shag and R&B music for over 40+ years. He was born in High Point North Carolina and raised in the traditions of the shag dance and its music. He has played beach and shag music in clubs and dance events all over the US. Butch was inducted into the Beach Music DJ Hall of Fame in 1991. He was instrumental in the inception and formation of The Association of Beach & Shag Club DJ’S. Butch won the 1997 Shell Award for “Favorite DeeJay” given away at the USA Grand Nationals He had played 100’s of SPA/CSA sanctioned dance contest and was the DJ for the National Shag Dance Championships in 1992, 1993, 2004, 2009, 2010 and played the USA Grand National Dance Championships in Atlanta; in 1995, 1997, 1998, 2000 - 2006, 2008,2009,2010. |
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Judy Collins: Judy Collins is from Myrtle Beach SC. She grew up in the music business and now owns Judy's House of Oldies on Main St. in North Myrtle Beach. She has been a DJ all over the country for many years. Judy is a Member of the DJ Hall of Fame and is excited to be returning as DJ at the USA Grand Nationals. |
Swing Djs
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Victor Loveira: Victor has been a DJ since 1980, he started djing at West Coast Swing events in 1996. Victor's djed at his first national swing event in 1996, the Texas Classic which was held in Dallas, It has since become Americas' Classic. From that point on, he has had the good fortune of djing many of the countries top swing events. Including, The US Open, Dallas DANCE, Boogie by the Bay, USA Grand Nationals, Americas' Classic, Liberty Swing, Swing Diego, Swing Fling, Summer Hummer, Tampa Bay Classic, Capital, Mad Jam, Worlds and Phoenix 4th of July. In 2005, Victor was honored with the AllswingDJ of the Year award. Victor has also been a finalist for the last 3 years for the AllswingDJ Hall of Fame award. When Victor is not in the DJ booth you can catch him competing in Jack & Jill's and Strictly Swings at the All-Star division. |
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Cher Peadon: Aka "MsL8nite" is based in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Music is an integral part of Cher’s life and remains a powerful influence with her present endeavors. Her passion for music and the dance community is felt when she spins. Cher is also the Event Director of Americas Classic Championships and Creator of Global Swing DJs Assoc. |
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Ruby Lair: Ruby began DJing for the west coast swing dance community in 2008 at the Melody Club in Houston, TX and continue to DJ there most Friday nights. Her love of music is only rivaled by her love of dancing. She spends countless hours seeking out new music to share with west coast swing dance community. Ruby loves to see a floor packed with dancers and playing the music people love dancing to. Her music sets contain a mixture of swing, blues, pop, r&b and more. Ruby has been recently honored as the 2010 DJ of the Year by the AllSwing DJ group. She was also nominated for a WAG Award as 2010 DJ of the Year. She is a current member of the AllSwing DJs Group and Global Swing DJs Group. She frequently DJs parties, dances, and competitions locally and nationally. This is her first year deejaying at GNDC. |
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Arjay Centeno : When he is not dancing, he enjoys deejaying. Arjay likes creating eclectic mixes to suit different situations, moods, themes and crowds. In the past few years he’s deejayed many dances, dance events, dance classes and practices. He prides himself on playing a variety of music to keep a party going. |
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Robert Cordoba : A powerful showman on the swing dance circuit, Robert Cordoba is an inventive; professional swing dancer and instructor. A 7-time U.S. Open Swing Dance Champion, Robert is a veteran dance competitor, first appearing on the swing dance circuit in 1990. When he is not dancing, he enjoys deejaying—especially late night. This is Robert’s second year deejaying at GNDC. |
Instructors
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Mario Robau Jr.: Mario Robau started dancing at the age of sixteen. He won the Southwest Regional title for the first time at the age of seventeen and began teaching professionally in 1986. For the last twenty years, Mario has traveled at least 40 weekends per year judging, teaching, deejaying, and emceeing at various dance workshops and conventions throughout the United States and Canada in the swing, country western, and shag dance circuits. Mario's Competitive credentials include: 2 time U.S. Open Classic swing dance champion; U.S. Open Team Champion and co-choreographer; 10 time Dallas Dance champion; 6 time Southwest Regional champion; 10 time Texas State champion; 10+ City Houston Championships; undefeated slow whip champion; 4 time Grand National Champion; 2 time Phoenix Jack and Jill Champion; Dallas Dance Hall of Fame; Youngest person inducted into Swing Dance Hall of Fame. |
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Charlie Womble and Jackie McGee: Charlie and Jackie started dancing the Carolina Shag in 1980 and have competed and taught the dance since that time. Jackie McGee is a ten-time Overall National Shag Dance Champion, and her husband Charlie Womble is a nine-time Overall National Shag Dance Champion. In 1989 they introduced the Carolina Shag to the U.S. Open and started teaching Shag workshops across the country. They became the first Shag instructors to be endorsed by the SOS organization, and are still actively teaching locally and across the country. More importantly, Charlie and Jackie are the founders and former event directors of the USA Grand National Dance Championship (founded in January 1994, with the first event in May 1995.) They have served on the Competitive Shaggers Board of Directors; hosted local charity and fund raising dance competitions in Atlanta, GA and Myrtle Beach, SC; and created the first scholarship to assist Junior Shaggers in the Shag community. Charlie and Jackie have been inducted into the Shaggers Hall of Fame, Virginia Living Legends, and the World Swing Dance Council Swing Dance National Hall of Fame. |
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Robert Cordoba and Debra Szekely: Robert and Deborah have been a Dance force for 14 years. They are 4x GNDC as well as 7x and 5X US Open Champions. Robert and Deborah still Travel all over the world teaching. Currently, Robert resides in Florida and Deborah resides in Houston, TX where they both have successful group dance classes. When Deborah is not travelling with Robert she is competing and practicing with her 3 partners, Robert Cordoba, Robert Royston, and Michael Norris as she absolutely loves dancing and wants to stay on the floor. |
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Brennar Goree and Torri Smith: Brennar Goree and Torri Smith are very excited to be on staff at Grand Nationals for the second time. They are very grateful and humbled to be teaching at the event that has become so sentimental to them over the years. The fusion between Carolina Shag and West Coast Swing certainly defines their partnership in many ways. They have competed nationally in west coast since 2007 and since have won many coveted competitions in the Junior and Professional Classic divisions. Also, in 2009 they were excited to partner up in Shag and to compete in the National Shag Dance Championships and at the Grand Nationals. |
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Benji Schwimmer: Always the " tortured artist ", Benji is on a constant quest for new ways to grow, understand, teach, inspire and create in the field of dance. Whether it's choreographing, competing or performing, dance has been an integral role in Benji's life for over 25 years. From top TV shows to music videos to film, Benji's work can be seen from the likes of some of Hollywood's brightest, bringing West Coast Swing to the mainstream. Benji is the lead singer/songwriter of the band, The Weekend Forest. Their debut album, " Sun, Doubt and Scenic Routes " is now available on iTunes. When not dancing, Benji enjoys working with several non profits ranging from feeding the hungry to animal rights. |
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Robert and Nicola Roystonr: Robert and Nicola Royston are USA Grand National Cabaret Champions, UCWDC World Champions in the Showtime Div, US National Cabaret Champions, Many Time Showcase Swing Champions, Top 5 NASDE finishers, Div 1 Country Grand Champions, UCWDC Star Award winners, Champion Strictly Swing and Jack n Jill dancers! They also Produce and Choreograph for Stage, Film and Television for artists like Taylor Swift, The Band Perry, and shows like One Ride, Swango and more. Robert was recently inducted into the World Swing Dance Council Swing Dance National Hall of Fame. Proudest achievement is being parents to Bobby and Summer. |
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Brent and Kellese Key: Brent and Kellese have accumulated Superlative Dance Resumes over the Years. Brent and Kellese were the Leaders in the Era of "Swag" fusing "West Coast Swing" and "Carolina Shag" together... and through it all, they managed to make a Beautiful Family with two Phenomenal Boys. Brent and Kellese Together have Won 3 US Open Championship Titles along with many others along the way. Brent decided to Retire from routines back in 2004, however continues to teach, choreograph, judge and party at many National and International events with his life partner, Kellese. Kellese has continued to compete and has maintained US Open Championship titles in both classic and showcase divisions while also teaching, choreographing, judging and parting along side her life partner and now begins her latest venture with "Swank Dance Fitness" in an effort to combine fitness with the pleasure and joy of partner dancing! Her mission is to take West Coast Swing, easily her favorite dance on earth, turn it into a household word and make it simple and easy to learn! Brent and Kellese have an unmatched connection/chemistry on and off the dance floor. Their passion for life and dance Infect this entire community around the globe! |
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Sam and Lisa West: Sam and Lisa West are from Hamlet, NC. They are popular shag teachers throughout the US. Sam is a 10-time National Shag Dance Overall Champion and Lisa is a two-time American Swing Dance Champion. This past November they became the US Open Sophisticated Swing Champions. One of the things they are most proud of is taking home the Entertainer of Year award from Grand Nationals three times. Sam is the current president of the Junior Shag Association and wants to invite everyone to Jr. SOS this summer at North Myrtle Beach. They have three children that keep them busy and Sydney,16, Mack, 8 and Billy, 5. |
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Myles Monroe and Tessa Cunningham: Myles Munroe and Tessa Cunningham are Canada’s West Coast Swing Champions, ranked in the top 5 in the world. Myles’ 21 years of diverse dance training includes 6 UCWDC World Championship titles. Tessa brings academic expertise to the partnership, with university degrees in both Human Kinetics and Education. As performers, they are known for their cutting-edge artistic choreography, positive youthful energy, and enviable musical expression. Their extensive teacher training and experience and loveable delivery of correct foundational technique inspires and empowers students of all levels. They are ambassadors for modern, euthentic West Coast Swing: teaching, judging, performing, and competing all over the world. www.canadianswingchampions.com |
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Gary McIntyre and Susan Kirklin: Gary is a many-time UCWDC World Champion and Susan is a US Open Swing Dance Champion. They are US Finalists in American Smooth & were just crowned the current UCWDC Classic Masters Champions. They have also won the World's Invitational Showcase Swing and Showtime Divisions. Swing is a true passion for them and they feel very privileged to be here at Grand Nationals. |
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Scott Stuart and Melina Ramirez : Scott Stuart and Melina Ramirez have been burning up the international floor world wide. Scott Stuart is Australia's highest ranked dancer. He has been dancing WCS for 5 year and in that time has rapidly progressed to being a highly respected competitor and teacher throughout Australia and now internationally. Being a regular competitor on the U.S WCS circuit , Scot has become the first Australian to ever make the prestigious Greater Phoenix WCS Invitational, the Capital Swing Dancers Invitational division and the U.S Swing dance Championships Classic Open finals. Melina Ramirez is no Stranger to the WCS circuit, with her first U.S Open Swing dance Championship title at the age of 12. Since then Melina has accumulated 3 U.S Open titles , 2 time California Swing Dance Hall of Fame nominations, 5 Years invited into the Phoenix Champion of Champion Invitational, 6 years invited into the Capital Swing Champions invitational, Champion of Champions Jack n Jill title at Capital Swing and is a World Swing Dance Championship Winner. Melina is now ranked as one of the top WCS swing dancers in the world. Together they make a dynamic team currently traveling all around the world to teach, judge, perform and compete. Dedicated to teaching, Scott and Melina are known for bringing out the most in their students and taking them to greater heights. They are currently event Coordinators of The Australian Open Swing Dance championships are passionate about growing WCS around Australia and the world. They are extremely excited about being apart of the Grand Nationals 2012 team! |
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Arjay Centeno and Jennifer DeLuca : WCS is a very familiar world for these two Champion dancers. Their partnership may be new but already they are burning it up worldwide! Arjay... Known primarily as a Champion West Coast Swing dancer, Arjay competes, performs, teaches, choreographs and coaches in many styles of partner dancing, including International Standard and Latin Ballroom. Jennifer... I'm an artist at heart...dancer by trade. I travel the world on the weekends teaching, judging and competing on the West Coast Swing Circuit. |
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Matt and Crystal Auclair : He's back!! Matt Auclair was at the first 5 grand nationals where he competed in the junior division. He is with his beautiful wife and dance partner, Crystal. Together they successfully compete and teach both nationally and internationally. They truly bring there love for the dance and each other on the floor, and are excited to share it with everyone this weekend. |
Emcees
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Mario Robau Jr.: Mario is a 2 time U.S. Open Classic swing dance champion; U.S. Open Team Champion and co-choreographer; 10 time Dallas Dance champion; 6 time Southwest Regional champion; 10 time Texas State champion; 10+ City Houston Championships; undefeated slow whip champion; 4 time Grand National Champion; 2 time Phoenix Jack and Jill Champion; Dallas Dance Hall of Fame; Youngest person inducted into Swing Dance Hall of Fame. Mario has traveled at least 40 weekends per year judging, teaching, deejaying, and emceeing at various dance workshops and conventions throughout the United States and Canada in the swing, country western, and shag dance circuits. Mario has been an emcee at the USA GNDC for more than 10 years. We look forward to welcoming him as the "Master of Ceremonies". |
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Robert Royston: US Open Swing Champion, World Country Dance Champion, USA Grand National Champion, UCWDC Hall Of Famer, and Emcee for many top events. He is also a Producer, and Choreographer of Film, Stage, TV, and Music Video’s, working with Amy Smart, Taylor Swift, Sugarland, The Band Perry, Gerard Butler, and more. Plus Daddy to Bobby and Summer! |
Volunteers
