Shelby Johnson's Jazz Dance History Talk

Shelby Johnson started swing dancing in Orlando, Florida in 2011 as a member of the University of Central Florida Swing Knights. A short 2 years later Shelby found themselves as the first instructor for the Stetson University Hatters Swing Dance Club. Though that stint only lasted one class due to Shelby moving to Dallas, Texas in June of 2013, the vision was set for Shelby to develop as a teacher. Over the past 7 years Shelby has honed his teaching skills as a personal fitness coach and hosting a number of practice groups in his home and teaching private small group lessons for Lindy Hop, Balboa and Solo Jazz. After going to Herrang Dance Camp in 2016 as a Frankie Manning Ambassador, Shelby now enjoys creating an environment for students to explore not only technique but also creativity, partnering and music. Along with that, he provides storytelling and historical elements to give life to the dance that he's teaching. Shelby is dedicated to keeping the historical roots of Lindy Hop, Jazz and Jazz dancing attached to the learning process and openly speaks about how to create a more culturally and racially diverse dance scene. That dedication was recognized at the 2018 Camp Jitterbug and The Northwest Lindy Hop Championships, where he was awarded the Spirit of Lindy Hop Award . Shelby is an instructor ready to bring guidance, history and enthusiasm to the classroom for a positive classroom experience.