iSwingTokyo Instructors
Professional, Fun and Friendly…
Senior Instructors:
About Shawn
iSwingTokyo Director “In Absentia”
Director of iSwingTokyo dance school, Rebel and Lindy Hop badass: Shawn is a well-known promoter of Dance and Jazz Music in Asia. Shawn is involved in the creation and promotion of Events, Lessons, Festivals, Performances, Workshops and Parties focusing on the American Jazz dances. He has put Japan on the international Lindy Hop map by teaching, dj-ing, dancing, judging competitions around the world and bringing world-champion dancers to Japan. Besides promoting, Shawn is a consummate dancer, choreographer and instructor. He is in demand as a teacher and clinician of dance and body movement. Each year, he travels to teach numerous workshops in dance and martial arts as well as choreographing routines for dance troupes and music videos. Shawn has made a name for himself world-wide with his passion and dedication to Lindy Hop as a “lead and follow dance.” He uses his extensive knowledge of body movement, body mechanics and connection to teach and inspire people to dance and become better at Lindy Hop. Shawn’s teaching focuses on the fundamentals of Lead and Follow using rhythm and natural body movement as the basis of the dance. Shawn’s style has been described as playful, solid, clear and musical. His dancing and philosophy have won the respect of many of the top dancers and instructors in the USA, Canada, Europe and Asia.
About Sachiko
The owner and manager of iSwingTokyo. Involved in Swing Dancing for only a short time, Sachiko continues to make a name and place for herself in the Japanese Swing Dance World and abroad. Sachiko’s humble and social personality enables her to help bring the joy of dancing to the many people who come to iSwingTokyo classes. Her explanations are clear and often humorous, her movement easy to see and understand.
Sachiko is perhaps the most “pure” follower in Japan. What you put in (with your lead) is what you get out, not more, not less. Her style focuses on simplicity and grace of movement. Her ability to follow and read her leader’s lead allowed her to take 1st place in the Novice Jack and Jill at the Northeast Lindy Hop Championships.
About Chieri
Chieri has studied numerous partner dances including Swing, Argentine Tango, American Style Ballroom, Hussle, Theater Arts, and Jazz. So why did she chose Swing? “It’s all because of Jazz…” she says.
“I hear Jazz music wherever I go, and that makes me want to dance. So, even when I’m not out to go dancing, I still end up Swinging! That’s what I love most about Swing dancing. “ Chieri always looks for new ways to dance more effortlessly. Her advice to students: “Don’t think too much about it! Just go for it! As you progress, you’ll learn how to make it work for you.”
Credits
Events/Shows: “Dance Party Time”, Belforet Salsa Libre, Chacott Dance Night, Tokyu Dentetsu Event, Bridal Fair, Yokohama Pan-Pacific Hotel Show, Guest Appearance at the Philippines Embassy, Tokyo Retirement Home, and others
TV Appearances: “Mecha-Mecha Ikiteru” and others
Instruction: Aerial Workshop – Assistant Instructor, others
Competition: National Jitterbug Championship, Showcase Division
North East Lindy Hop Championships: 2nd Place, Intermediate Jack and Jill
About Yusuke
Yusuke has a clear passion for all things Jazz! He is a Jazz drummer and most recently has become quite an accomplished dancer. Although he has only been dancing for a short time, he has fully embraced the philosophies and techniques of iSwingTokyo and uses them in his own dancing and teaching. Yusuke uses his knowledge of Jazz music and rhythm to create his own unique and fun style on the dance floor. You can find Yusuke teaching lessons for iSwingTokyo and social dancing at events. Look for the guy with the big smile! When not dancing, you will most likely find him onstage being the heartbeat of the Ezer Swing Five and other Jazz bands around Tokyo.
Junior Instructor :
Instructor Assistant :
About Jason
Master of all things Legal, Jason is our resident solicitor. A lawyer by trade, Jason trades his lawbooks at night for dance shoes and cuts it up on the dance floor. Jason can be found assisting iSwingTokyo event lessons where he helps people learn to lead and follow with their bodies, not just their arms. Jason has danced all over the world and brings his fun and enjoyable style to iSwingTokyo. His emphasis in his dancing is “to have fun!” Dance with Jason and you will see what we mean. You cannot help but have a big smile on your face.
