Instructors
BAL&HOP 2025 Workshop Instructors.
Frances Fancy Dougherty
Hailing from Los Angeles, California, Fancy (a birth name) fell in love with Lindy and Shag in 2008, with Balboa trailing not far behind. She's been hooked ever since, constantly endeavoring to improve her technique on a never-ending quest for connection, improvisational freedom in social dancing and the true jitterbug spirit. She has performed, competed in and taught Lindy, Balboa and Shag all over the world, was inducted into the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame in 2014 and is a five-time winner of the National Jitterbug Championships in the shag division. She loves to dance with new people and beginners, so be sure to ask her to dance!
Vasu Sharma
Vasu discovered Swing Dancing at the University of Florida and has been hooked ever since. His dedication to the art takes him around the globe to dance socially, perform, compete, and teach in Lindy Hop, Balboa, and Collegiate Shag. Renowned for his precise technique and enthusiasm for swing dancing at any tempo, Vasu loves pushing the boundaries with unconventional rhythms, shapes, and connections. With a special affinity for Pure Balboa, he constantly seeks to innovate and redefine traditional dance partnerships. Whether he's dancing all night on the social floor or rigorously training for competitions and performances, Vasu's passion for swing dancing is evident. A lifelong learner, he is equally passionate about sharing his extensive knowledge with others.
Michael & Natasha
Michael fell in love with swing dancing in 2016, captivated by the magic of two strangers seamlessly connecting through movement. Specializing in balboa, Michael shares his passion for partner dancing, focusing on the art of melding two individuals and the interplay of lead-and-follow. Michael has won major titles at The Snowball, Bal Love, BalWeek NYC and the California Balboa Classic, with notable appearances at ILHC, Camp Hollywood, and more. Beyond dance, his third-degree black belt in Taekwondo informs his unique teaching approach, blending principles across different movement backgrounds. With over 21+ years of partner dance experience, Natasha brings a deep passion for comfort, play, and connection to her teaching. She is dedicated to fostering a supportive dance community, inspiring students to explore their creativity and find joy in movement and partnership. Her accomplishments in the swing dance world include prestigious wins at the California Balboa Classic, Camp Hollywood, BalLove, The Snowball, and BalWeek NYC, along with notable placements at the International Lindy Hop Championships and Hot Rhythm Holiday. She has also appeared on prominent television platforms such as Dancing with the Stars and PBS’s America’s Ballroom Challenge. Additionally, Natasha has performed on stage with SW!NG OUT on tour and in A Very SW!NG OUT Holiday during its 2024 two-week run at the Joyce Theater. Natasha is excited to share her love of dance with you.
Taiga & Asuka
Taiga and Asuka are a dynamic dance duo based in Japan, known for their elegant style, musicality, and dedication to all three core Swing dances: Lindy Hop, Balboa, and Collegiate Shag. Since forming their partnership in 2019, they have developed a unique chemistry rooted in simplicity, connection and flow. Their journey began with Lindy Hop and Authentic Jazz in Tokyo, where they immersed themselves in the vibrant swing scene. Their exploration soon led them to the intricate world of Balboa and the energetic rhythm of Collegiate Shag, deepening their understanding of the diverse roots of SoCal swing culture. Embracing the identity of 'Triple Threat' dancers, they now actively perform, compete, and teach all three styles. One of their most distinctive features is their passion for role-switching—regularly dancing both as leads and follows in all three dances. They believe this approach makes them better teachers by allowing them to understand and explain both perspectives more clearly, helps them connect with a wider range of dancers and make more friends on the social floor, and most importantly, brings them a tremendous amount of joy Together, Taiga and Asuka have earned numerous accolades in Asia, Europe, and the U.S., showcasing their versatility and artistry. They are also passionate about community building, co-hosting an annual dance camp in Tokyo that draws dancers from across Japan and beyond. Whether as competitors, instructors, or social dancers, they aim to create a joyful and welcoming experience for everyone they meet.