VISCOUNT DANCE STUDIOS INSTRUCTORS:

SELENA BEKAKIS: (Hip Hop) Selena has danced throughout her life, in love with the expression because of its highly independent and self-contained nature: no props,
no tools, just oneself. The enchantment she finds in dance inspires not only her choreography, but spills over into the rest of her life... "a thing like dance is best when you allow it to take over; let it have its way, let it consume you. the relationship that is generated is one that will be with you always."

After six years of teaching, Selena appreciates most the practice of remaining a student of her craft. "In order to continue teaching, I must continue to learn." She feels that, just as dance evolves, so too does the role of those who teach it. Most her weeknights are spent in the studio as a student of other choreographers and dance forms.

After many years on the Portland dance scene, Selena is ever-grateful to the dancers and choreographers who make the community. Many, many special thanks to Evie Graham who has had faith in Selena's ability, provided opportunity after opportunity to her, for all the love and support that Evie gives and has given to everyone she encounters.

CHRIS JONES: (West Coast Swing)
Chris has been dancing since 1980. He has competed and taught extensively on the national country and swing dance circuits. He is a U. S. Open Swing Dance Championships finalist and a Country Western Grand Champion as well as winner of numerous Jack and Jill Championships. Chris judged the first Country Western World Championship in Nashville, Tennessee. He also owned and operated the popular Southern California dance studio, Dance Magic. While living in California, he was nominated for recognition by the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame. Because of his unique style, he has been ffectionately called "No Bones Jones," and was very influential in the acceptance of West Coast Swing by the country dance community.

GEORGE CACERES (Salsa & Latin Dance):
George is one of Portland's true Salseros and Salsa pioneers. Originally from New York, he grew up in a family where dancing Salsa was as natural as learning how to walk. His smooth and unique style of Salsa is comprised of influences from New York, Los Angeles, Puerto Rico and the Cuban influence that he found in Portland when he arrived in 1994. George is currently the Artistic Director of Sabor Latino Dance Company, Portland's premiere salsa dance company which has been representing Portland, Oregon on the international salsa scene with performances at the 2000 Salsaweb Convention in Toronto, Canada, the 2002, 2003 and 2004 World Salsa Congresses in Los Angeles, California and three full-length dance concerts in Portland and Salem. George's dance instruction includes, Salsa, Mambo, Casino Rueda, Cha-Cha and Merengue. His focus is on making his partner the center of attention when dancing. His motto in Salsa is, "A couple should be like a rose. The man is the stem allowing the woman to bloom on the dance floor." If you ask anyone that has danced with George, the first thing they will tell you is how smooth he leads you across the dance floor. It's as if you are dancing on air.

SARAH RIDDLE (Salsa & Latin Dance & Studio Manager): Sarah Riddle has been an active member in Portland's salsa dance scene since 1997. As co-director of Sabor Latino Dance Company, Sarah has performed in events ranging from International Salsa conventions (L.A. Salsa Congress 2002, 2003, 2004 and Toronto Salsa-Web 2000), nonprofit fundraisers (Multnomah County Library, Perry Center Auction...etc.), commercial programs (Liz Claiborne, Fred Meyer, Camel), and three full length dance concerts (Hollywood Theater, Dolores Winningstad Theater, Chemeketa Community College Theater). Sarah has been teaching salsa in Portland for five years; independently, at the Viscount Ballroom, with Viscount Studios, and through Sabor Latino events/workshops. With over fourteen years training in ballet, modern dance, and jazz, Sarah has a developed a unique style of salsa that has been described as 'Fossie meets Flamenco', but with a true mambo flair.

Having learned salsa from "native" salsa dancers, in combination with her own dance background, Sarah has a great appreciation for style variation, and the individuality of dance expression. She has also been a school teacher for nearly a decade which makes her an exceptional instructor for all learning types. For these reasons, her classes are fun, energetic, and non-intimidating for all levels!

GUY WALLMAN (Lindy Hop & Vintage Swing Dances): While Guy learned the basics of Swing in Los Angeles he is Oregon born and raised. He has performed with The Swingline Cubs and has been teaching in Portland since 1998. Guy has won awards in numerous dance competitions and has appeared in a music video for a local Swing band. Guy has brought his unique style to the Portland area and has taught and danced socially at among other places, The Crystal Ballroom, The Temple Ballroom, Berbati's Pan and The Viscount Ballroom. Guy has also performed with BoogieBack Productions Swing Dance Performance Troupe.

MELISSA ROANE : Melissa studied tap, jazz, and hip-hop before falling in love with Lindy Hop, and she fell hard. The music, fashion, dancing, and even the movies of the 1930s and 40s are a huge part of her life and really inspire her style. She began learning Lindy Hop in 1999 in the Washington, DC area, and danced socially three to four times a week. As the trend in swing was leaning toward a smoother version of Lindy Hop known as Hollywood, she learned some of this styling from international champions Steve and Carla. Here in Portland, Melissa zips across dance floors blending smooth Lindy, East Coast swing, and balboa. She began teaching in 2003 and has performed at various events around town. If you're lucky, you may catch a glimpse of her famous swivels.

Janine Tebeau-Jemerson/Roland Jemerson (Zydeco): Zydeco is the blues and dance music of the French Speaking Creoles of Southwest Louisiana. Zydeco music and dancing is hot and fun! No longer just isolated in the southwest regions of Louisiana and Texas, this hot and infectious music and dance has reached around the world. The Pacific Northwest is no exception, the music and dancing has found a home. For over eight years Roland Jemerson and Janine Tebeau-Jemerson have been dancing their style of Zydeco across Oregon and Washington. They have taught this dance for Cascade Zydeco around Oregon and at Portland State University. They have been featured dancers at both large and small events including the Waterfront Blues Festival. Their philosophy about teaching Zydeco is based on a strong foundation that advanced through intermediate, advanced and free style steps, but foremost, Zydeco should be fun! Janine and Roland are dedicated to furthering Zydeco’s popularity and having a great time with this hot dance from Louisiana.Et Toi’!

KEVIN O'BRIEN (Lindy Hop & Vintage Swing Dances & Owner): A highly visible member of the Portland Swing Dancing community for the past 10 years, Kevin comes to the Viscount Dance Studios with a great deal to share. He served as Board President, choreographer and dancer with BoogieBack Productions and has traveled extensively during the past few decade in his pursuit for top notch Lindy Hop education and late night dancing. As a result, he has studied and danced with some of the world's most famous Lindy Hoppers.
A competitor as well as a performer, Kevin placed 3rd in the Northwest Regionals, Strictly Lindy division and 2nd at The Bridgetown Swing Boogie.

Kevin's other teaching experience comes from teaching Shotokan Karate and Physics while in graduate school.

Rashad Henry (Salsa) - Rashad first started salsa dancing in 1998. Quickly acquiring a deep passion for the rhythms of Salsa and Latin Jazz he has been a regular in Portland's salsa scene ever since. Through hard work and persistence he has developed a smooth style, with an emphasis on subtle fluid body movements.

He is currently a member of Portland's premiere Salsa dance troupe, Sabor Latino Dance Company.

Beto Guimaraes (Samba) - Beto Guimaraes was born in the historic town of Olinda (UNESCO heritage City),in the northeast of Brazil. Olinda is worldwide known for its vibrant carnaval,and welcomesevery hundred of thousands of visitors from all over the world,that comes to participate in this one of a kind cultural celebration of dance an rhythms. For the past 15 years Beto has dedicated to the study,performance and teaching of comteporary Brazilian Dance,and hasperformed locally,Nationally and internationally. Beto have spaecial carnaval appearances in Rio de Janeiro,Salvador (Bahia),Recife and Olinda. Beto delivers his dance
instruction with contagious enthusiasm and caring for his students. His yearly workshops at the California Brasil Camp in Cazadero, California are a huge success and leave people exhausted and delight at the same time. Beto can bring together a variety of traditional Brazilian Dance rhythms such as: Samba,Samba reagee, Maracatu ,Samba de Roda, Coco de Roda, Frevo, Pagode and more...

Beto teaches private lessons,workshops and he is also available for performances. betoguimaraes.org

TIFFANY MATESKI SLOTTKE(Belly Dance):
Tiffany fell in love with Middle Eastern dance in 1995. She was attracted by the artistic expression, physical fitness, and elaborate costuming, that make up this exciting dance form. Tiffany is an active member in the Bellydance community and performs at many local venues. With her experience as a Licensed Massage Therapist, Tiffany brings her knowledge of the human body into the classroom. Encouraging safe and proper warm-up, and technique. Tiffany prides herself on dancing with energy and grace and encourages her students to do the same, while providing a fun and community oriented environment to learn in.
You also find Tiffany at her web site www.tiffanybellydancing.com

Carrie Whipple (Argentine Tango) : It was while still in high school that Carrie taught her first dance class . . . to a group of energetic 9 year olds wearing exciting tap shoes. Predictably, it was a complete disaster. Rising to the challenge, she learned over the years to teach many different dance forms (Argentine tango, swing, blues, and salsa) with simple explanations, playful exploration, and a friendly sense of humor.

Since becoming captivated by the intense beauty of
Argentine Tango in 2001, Carrie has led the charmed
life of a tango bum, traveling, teaching, assisting,
and performing internationally with several amazing
partners, including Homer Ladas, Tomas Howlin, Jaimes
Friedgen, Alex Krebs, and Robin Thomas.

With complete awe for the intimate connections of
tango, Carrie brings compassion, open communication,
and a great love for the music to both her
partnerships and the classroom

Dominic Bridge (Argentine Tango) : A dancer of immense talent, Dominic has, in an incredibly short amount of time, risen to be one of the most sought-after dancers in the country. Since 2005 he has been dancing almost every day and every night. In 2007 he spent several months in Buenos Aires, studying the finesse of old milongueros on the crowded dance floors, as well as embracing the contemporary styles of ground-breaking innovators like Mariano 'Chicho' Frumboli and Gastón Torelli. He has also received much inspiration from the elegant styles of tango masters Pablo Verón and Javier Rodriguez.

In the US, Dominic has studied with the highly-acclaimed Jaimes Friedgen, and he will be forever grateful to Portland's Carrie Whipple and Amy Piasek-Kluge for coaching him through countless tandas while he was still a beginner.

Dominic now teaches full-time in Portland. In his teaching, Dominic is dedicated to nurturing the creativity of the student and providing a supportive environment so that creativity can develop and bloom into the student's own individual style.

Malik Delgado aka Bboy Ruckus (B-Boy), I have been bboying for 4yrs and have a background in hip-hop and freestyle. I have been competing and performing since I started. I have attended battles such as Reed/ The Foundation, Rose city revival, Ashes to Ashes, Bustin hoffman, Mighty 4

Currently I teach at East Portland Community center, Alice ott middle school

Rachel Litskog (Ballrooom) : A professional dancer, singer and choreographer, Rachel has been teaching dance since 1989. Her Ballroom Dancing career began during her second year of college, as a part-time job/apprenticeship with Arthur Murray Dance Studios, while attending Lewis and Clark College. An Honor's student, her Biology Premed studies were eventually placed on the back burner to pursue a greater love, her passion for dance. Awarded a Bronze medal at the 1992 Las Vegas Fred Astaire National Ballroom Competition, she has since traveled the globe for training, teaching and competing in destinations such as Argentina, Cuba, Canada, France, Holland and Sweden, as well as many cities throughout the US. Known for her versatility, Rachel's dance knowledge includes a broad repertoire of styles. All the American Ballroom dances (Smooth & Rhythm), Country Western, East Coast Swing, West Coast

Swing, Nightclub 2-step, Hustle, Lindy Hop Swing, Salsa, Cuban Casino Rueda & Argentine Tango. Most recently, Rachel and her professional partner, Greg Krolicki, were awarded a Bronze Medal in the January 2005 World Championships for Country Western and Swing, 6 dance Classic Crystal Division.

In addition to partner dancing, Rachel has a strong foundation in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Flamenco, Irish, Hawaiian, Yoga and Gymnastics. Her Musical Theatre Performance credits include the leading roles of "Nellie" in South Pacific, "Dorothy" in the Wizard of Oz, "The Ghost of Christmas Past" in Scrooge, "Stupefying Jones" in Lil' Abner and "Old Devil Moon" in On With the Show, and a principal dancer, chorus singer, in Oklahoma, South Pacific, Annie Get Your Gun and Cabaret. Rachel's choreography credits include 2 years with Newberg High Schools Show Choir, as well as choreographing Newberg High schools musical production of Guys & Dolls, a community theater production of Haddasah, and Forest Grove High schools production of Brigadoon.

A firm believer that everyone who dreams to dance can, and should, do so, regardless of perceived limitations such as age, natural ability and the proverbial "two left feet." Rachel desires to share the beauty and benefits of dance with anyone who has ever wanted to float across the floor, as a Fred or a Ginger, or felt the need to pulse out a rhythm and tap their happy feet. Her warm and genuine teaching style encourages people of all ages and abilities to simply show up, and begin to experience the joy of dance.
Rachel can be found teaching weekly group classes at Portland State University, the Laurelhurst Club, Metro Family YMCA, Portland Community College, and the Sesame Club. Her private lessons are taught by appointment at Ankey Street Studio. She is the hostess of her own dance, the Dance For Joy Dance, held one Saturday each month.

"Dance is a most amazing and universal language, the beauty of which allows us to bridge our cultures and communicate with people of every race around the world. Regardless of levels of performance, the joy of dance is a precious gift, celebrated in the present moment, and shared by us all. It is this gift, spending time with my friends and dance family, that I am most grateful for." ~Rachel

The following Guest Instructors also join us from time to time:

MEGAN PINGREE (Argentine Tango): Megan was studying ballroom and swing dancing when she unsuspectingly took the first Argentine Tango class ever offered at Clay Nelson's Dance Studio, in 1993. Having been among the initial wave of Portlanders to take an interest in the dance, she has enthusiastically studied in Seattle, LA, San Francisco, Boston and the Netherlands. She has made the pilgrimage several times to Buenos Aires to take intensive "professional teacher" trainings. Megan has become one of Portland's most experienced, responsive, and "enabling" tango dancers. She has been teaching regularly (with other local teachers and solo) for several years, and was Clay Nelson's principal teaching and dance partner for two years, performing with him in "Tango Nights" at the Aladdin Theater in November 1999. She is often asked to partner visiting Argentine instructors. Particularly adept with multiple styles of tango, Megan has been influenced by a broad range of Argentines, including Luciana Valle, Julio Balmaceda and Corina de la Rosa, Lucia Mazer, Fabián Salas, Gustavo Naveira, Lorena Ermocida, Daniela Arcuri, Marcelo Solis, Fernanda Ghi, and Susana Miller. Megan's teaching emphasizes a comfortable connection between partners, good navigational skills, musical sensitivity and organic lead and follow.

BILL ALSUP (Argentine Tango): Bill has obsessively pursued tango for over five years and has studied with nearly three dozen visiting Argentine masters, some of them several times! He has been most influenced by Fabian Salas, Graciela Gonzalez, and
Susana Miller, and most inspired by Mariano "Chicho" Frumboli and Cecilia Gonzalez. Bill's two decades as a professional French hornist contribute to his awareness and interpretation of the music. He coordinates and is one of the teachers at the Sunday afternoon practica at Viscount Dance Studios.Bill has facilitated the local workshops of Argentine tango masters Graciela Gonzalez, Mariano "Chicho" Frúmboli, Cecilia Gonzalez, Jean-Sébastien Rampazzi, Brigitta Winkler, Rebecca Shulman, and Brooke Burdett. Along with Gillian Leichtling, Bill danced in six acclaimed performances of Jenny Levison's Yiddish tango show "Shtil, Mayn Corazon" in December, 2000.

Jennifer Olson (Argentine Tango): Starting her tango career in Portland (OR), tango has now taken Jennifer all over the world: to Europe, to Argentina and Uruguay, and throughout the United States and Canada.

Without a home and constantly on tour for the last two years, Jennifer is happy to be back where it all started once again. During her travels, she taught at festivals and gave workshops in places such as Buenos Aires, Argentina (where she lived for five months); Montevideo, Uruguay; Berlin, Germany; London, England; Edinburgh, Scotland; Toronto, Canada; Montreal, Canada; Portland, OR; Seattle, WA; Denver, CO; New York City, NY; Washington D.C.; Atlanta, GA; Boston, MA; Princeton, NJ (at Princeton University); New Haven, CT (at Yale University); and St. Louis, MO just to name a few.

Jennifer's dance is characterized by her desire to strive for versatility. Since tango is a social dance, she believes it is integral to master not only close and open embrace, but also everything in-between. Furthermore, after having a connected and comfortable embrace, nothing is more important to Jennifer than the music. This is transmitted in her teaching, as she
approaches every class with a strong command over the music.

Please check out www.myspace.com/tangojennifer for more information or
contact Jennifer at tangojennifer@gmail.com or (971) 219-7075.

ANN MARIE HATHAWAY (Lindy Hop & Vintage Swing Dances) : Studied Jazz with world famous Choreographer Michael Rooney in Santa Monica. She now performs with a multicultural dance troupe "Mythobolus", with modern dance troupe, "Nexus",and with "BoogieBack". She is Secretary of The Dance Coalition of Oregon, and performed in the 2005 Blue Sky Concerts, Featuring Northwest Choreographers.

In 2005 she was the featured dancer in a music video produced in the Portland area.

Ann Marie's style of Vintage Jazz is reminiscent of the "Golden Era" but with a "new twist".

She now teaches dance to children at Camp Willowbrook in Tualatin, Newberg High School, and Whitford School in Beaverton. Dance Instructor at "Madison High School of Portland", and
"Bolton Elementary School of West Linn"

Dance Competition:
2002 - Spokane, NW Regional, Lindy Hop Teams - 1st Place
2004 - Portland, Salsa, Jack and Jill - 2nd Place
2004 - Seattle, Lindy Hop, Jack and Jill - 3rd Place
2005 - Portland, Oaks Park, Lindy Hop - 1st Place