2025 Information coming soon!

David "Butts" Carne

Charleston, SC

David was one of the many youths coached by the famous Mama Lu Parks in the 50s with the goal of keeping the legacy of Lindy Hop alive for future generations.  He was later a leader of her dance troupe, the Parkettes.  The Parketts performed worldwide, served as cultural ambassadors to Africa, and performed for the 1968 Olympics in Mexico.
David won the 1962 Harvest Moon Ball with Betty Silva.  He danced and performed for many decades, often seen telling the band they weren't playing fast enough.  

Jon Tigert

Baltimore, MD

Jon Tigert found swing dancing at the tender age of 15 and never looked back. Now, somewhat older than 15, Jon shares his knowledge of the dance all over the United States and the World. You may know him from his roles at events such as Lindy Focus, Lindy Fest, The Canadian Swing Dance Championships, The Chinese Lindy Hop Championships, Herrang Dance Camp, The International Lindy Hop Championships and many more. 
Known for his concise language, historical knowledge and and infinite supply of dad jokes, Jon's classes are immensely informative and entertaining. Beyond teaching, Jon is often seen behind the microphone as a well known MC and host, behind the computer as a DJ, or behind the drum kit playing and singing with various bands. 

Kelly Arsenault

Knoxville, TN

Kelly, from Knoxville, TN, has been dancing as long as she can remember. As a child she took ballet and jazz, but she was especially drawn to modern dance. At age 11, Kelly joined the Tennessee Children's Dance Ensemble. She was with the modern dance company for 6 years, performing around the globe including Taiwan, Singapore, and Indonesia
Kelly attended the University of Tennessee from 1997-2001, during which time she was a member of the UT Dance Company. She was also a dancer and choreographer for Circle Modern Dance Company. In 2003, Kelly moved to New York City where she continued her modern dance career performing with Von Ussar Danceworks and MAD About Dance. When she met Mickey in 2004, she discovered her love for balboa and lindy hop; and so began their amazing friendship and partnership.

Will Brown

Charleston, SC

Will found dancing in college and now basically only does the bare minimum amount to survive so he can continue dancing. He has always had an interest in the swing dancing history of the Carolinas and spends his free time searching for more information on the region. Ask him about it!

Join us in Knoxville March 28 - 30, 2025

Dive into a weekend of vintage jazz dancing where the Southeast meets the Midwest in a beginner and advanced friendly atmosphere. We're back for another year of fantastic classes, teachers, music and dancing in the heart of the TN Valley! 
​site images by Jeff Liu-Leyco, Gabi Rosenthal Photography, American Vernacular and JBrantley Photography