In fact, they are among the best Dancers and Instructors in the world: knowledgable, experienced and qualified in the history, development, techniques and annotation of many Social Dances, as well as principles of individual movement, critical timing and musicality.
They are also among the loveliest, most popular and most influential individuals in the West Coast Swing community.
Please see below for more information about each of these delightful and inspiring Dancers and Instructors; coming soon to Adelaide.
Sarah's Dance career began in 1986. Sarah dabbled in Ballet and danced Jazz for six years before discovering Swing. In 1998, Sarah placed 3rd, with fellow GSDTA Specialist (Champion Dancer) Tatiana Mollman, in the first Female West Coast Swing Team:
Double Vision at the US Open Swing Dance Championships. In 1999, with the inclusion of fellow GSDTA Specialist (Champion Dancer) Jessica Cox, the team won the competition again. In 2008, Sarah and Warren D'Aquin won the Masters Division of the US Open Swing Dance Championships.
Now, Sarah assists her mentor and great friend Skippy Blair (with whom she lives, studies, practises and works) in the teaching and promotion of West Coast Swing and other contemporary Social Dances.
Sarah is widely respected for her work with Skippy Blair, which includes lecturing in various universities, including the prestigious Stanford University; teaching GSDTA Intensives throughout the U.S.A.; and assisting in the administration of the GSDTA.
Sarah will administer both Preliminary and Registered (highest) Teachers Exams, for eligible individuals, at the 2012 GSDTA Intensive - Australia.
Mary Ann Nuñez:
- Two-time US Open Swing Dance Showcase Champion (1983/84)
- US Open Swing Dance Championships Legends of Swing Inductee
- World Swing Dance Hall of Fame Inductee
- California Swing Dance Hall of Fame Inductee
- Three-time Feather Award Winner (Most Outstanding Female Dancer in the United States)
- Three-time Dancers' Choice Award Winner (Favourite Female Dancer)
- Featured on television's Dance Fever: In the Swing and in many television commercials
Mary Ann is one of the most influential Dancers in the history of West Coast Swing. She is currently the highest awarded Jack & Jill West Coast Swing competitor in the world, according to the World Swing Dance Council.
Mary Ann continues to win Jack & Jill competitions at the most prestigious West Coast Swing conventions, and is a popular and admired favourite among her peers and audiences worldwide.
Mark Scheuffele:
One of the most popular Leaders on the floor, Mark’s ability to showcase and empower his Follower is unrivalled! - His intellectual understanding of that art is awe-inspiring!
Mark enjoys dancing with everyone... of all abilities! Followers seek Mark when they want to dance with abandon; move in ways that they didn't know that they could; or simply have a nice Dance with a nice man... It’s no wonder he received a "People’s Choice” award as favorite Social Dancer. (He was exceedingly popular in Adelaide in September 2011!)
For over 2 decades, Mark has been an active competitor; winning and placing in Jack and Jill, Strictly, Classic, and Showcase West Coast Swing competitions. Mark’s Showcase routine to Peel Me A Grape with former partner Beata Howe is an all-time community favorite.
Mark’s expertise and experience in weight support moves, lifts, leverage and partnering, and his keen eye, make him a sought after Judge and "Rules Referee.” Mark has proved himself a perfect fit in this position, acting as "Ref” at Swing Diego, Boogie by the Bay and the US Open Swing Dance Championships, among other events.
