Nothing brings Irina (she/her) more joy than sharing a dance and building community. Since discovering Lindy Hop at 15, she has been a lifelong lover of social dancing — a passion that grew to include Balboa, Collegiate Shag, Solo Jazz, and West Coast Swing. Raised in Southern California, she feels fortunate to have learned in a scene shaped by some of the world’s finest dancers, teachers, and musicians.

Irina’s dancing has since earned recognition at Camp Hollywood, the International Lindy Hop Championships, the California Balboa Classic, and All Balboa Weekend, and she is honored to be a member of both the Camp Hollywood Hall of Fame (2019) and the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame (2022). She has also taught across the U.S., Asia, Europe, and Australia.

Just as meaningful is her work in Salt Lake City, where she co-leads Salt City Swing with her partner in both dance and life, Anthony Chen. Investing in her local scene — teaching, organizing, and creating space for others to connect — has been one of the most rewarding parts of her journey.

As a teacher, Irina strives to be patient, encouraging, and approachable. Her goal is to inspire students to value the foundations and culture of these dances while also celebrating individuality, expression, and confidence through movement.

Shawn Carter has been called a walking time machine. A purist in Hollywood Style Dean Collins Swing-outs, Collegiate Shag, and Balboa. This dancer has been personally critiqued from the greats: Hal Takier – a legendary swing and balboa master for over 75 years; George Christopherson; John Mills; Maxie Dorf; Willy Desitoff; and Bart Bartola to name a few. These influential dancers where part of Shawns core learning years.

When Collegiate Shag had a comeback in the 90’s,  Shawn Carter won the first Camp Hollywood contest for shag in 1998. The following year he took home 3rd place in the Lindy-Hop Strictly at Camp Hollywood and 2nd place in Shag. The list continues:  ALHC 1999 Lindy 3rd , Jitterbug Ball 2000 Shag 1st, BeBop 2000 Lindy 1st, CH 2000 ( all contests 1st ) lindy, shag, JnJ. ALHC 2000 Lindy 1st, CH 2002 Lindy 4th, Lemonfest 2003 Lindy 3rd, CH 2015 Shag 5th, CH 2015 Shag 4th, CH 2018 Shag 2nd, Plus the Original Camp Hollywood Hall of Fame 2007.

He has also been part of carrying swing dancing through history by showcasing his talents in film, some include: Steve Holy – Please don’t make me beg 1999 , Keeping up with the Kardashians mom’s 60th birthday party ( feature dancer ) season 11 Episode 13 - 2015, Master chef ( feature dancer and eater ) season 11 episode 14 - 2016, The Bachelorette featured dancer in swing dance date episode 2016, Sia – Cheap Thrills ( featured dancer ) 2016, Jive Aces – hot Rod Gang 2017, “Teachers” season 2 - ( TV show ) 2017

Today he spends his time spreading the dance through teaching. His most recent: Collegiate Shag and Hollywood style Lindy Hop at the LA Shag Festival.

Julie Roman is a Phoenix-based artist. 

As a classically trained concert pianist/vocalist (with a past career as a certified music educator and private vocal coach), she is passionate about pursuing excellence and spreading a love for the arts.

She enjoys working with people to find the aspects of dance that inspire them most so they can identify and pursue the spaces and skills that bring them joy. Julie also loves exploring the technical skills that give people mastery over their movement so they can embody the music in whatever ways they choose. 

You can find Julie collaborating with vintage swing dancers from around the world to compete, teach, choreograph, and perform. While she studies and competes in as many Jazz dances as she can, she is especially in love with Collegiate Shag, Balboa, and air steps.