Our Instructors

Our West Coast Swing instructors are a versatile and experienced group of dancers.

Robert Nelson - 2155 Ballroom & Events Owner and Instructor

Robert Nelson

Robert currently competes at the Masters level of West Coast Swing competition and is 2155’s owner together with his domestic long term partner Adele Husband. It wouldn’t be the same without Adele’s non wavering support.  From 2155, previously known as Sandunga / The Sandbox, several quality groups and events have birthed. Wild Wild Westie (W3) started out of 2155 and of recent, we have a budding Westie Remix HD.   Our Dallas West Coast Community is very fortunate to have a local hub that’s so supportive to our growing dance community!

Britni Weaver

Britni competes as an advanced follow and an intermediate leader on the WSDC circuit. She’s avid in both roles in West Coast Swing switching roles with ease. She also travels the circuit as a DJ. (DJ 2 eyes)  Britni and 2 other dancer friends are the  directors and soul of Westie Remix HD- a group committed to  supporting growth and inclusion in the West Coast Swing community.

“Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance. Great dancers are great because of their passion.”
Martha Graham

“If you look at a dancer in silence, his or her body will be the music. If you turn the music on, that body will become an extension of what you’re hearing.”
Judith Jamison

WCS Instructors Joel & Amanda Gorman

Amanda & Joel Gorman

Joel and Amanda have been studying West Coast Swing for over 20 years. They compete at the Advanced level and have taught for Texas Classic for many years. They love the Dallas community and are eager to find ways to give back and help to grow the Dallas “Westie” scene. The Sandbox (2155) is where they learned to dance in their twenties, and now 2155 is becoming a second home to their  son, Michael. They believe that you can always learn and improve your dance and they regularly study and work with some of the best in the industry to continue to hone their craft.

“Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance. Great dancers are great because of their passion.”
Martha Graham

“If you look at a dancer in silence, his or her body will be the music. If you turn the music on, that body will become an extension of what you’re hearing.”
Judith Jamison

Keerigan Rudd

Keerigan dances on the All Star level on the WSDC circuit. He also has a background in a rock band!  He is also  one of our local JT  Swing Dallas team directors. JT teams are located throughout the West Coast Swing Community across the world , with overall directors 11x world champions Tatiana and Jordan.

Haley individually
JT Dallas 2023
Keerigand and Haley Superbowl Sun
Remix directors

Haley Hauglum

Haley has been dancing practically her entire life with a background in many different styles such as jazz, tap, ballet and modern dance. While living in Boston she found a love for ballroom dance, as well as West Coast Swing, both socially and competitively. Haley competed all over the Northeast before moving home to Texas and is excited to continue bringing West Coast Swing to the community. She competes at the All Star level. Haley is also 1 of the 3 Westie Remix HD directors. She is also our local JT  Swing Dallas team director. JT teams are located throughout the West Coast Swing Community across the world , with overall directors 11x world champions Tatiana and Jordan.

Felicia Hoeppner

Felicia currently dances at the All Star level on the WSDC circuit. She has a background in country competition, gymnastics, cheerleading captain, and childhood summer ballroom program too. She started dancing when she moved in with her Grandma and began helping/travelling with the  shoe store- Karizmah Dance Shoes, when she was  around 9/10 yrs old. She also has a light background in competitive choir and enjoys painting as well!

Judy Megaffin - 2155 Dance - Instructor

Judy Megaffin

Judy began West Coast Swing dancing and competing in 1996 in Tulsa, OK, then moved to the DFW area in 2007. She has competed 30 different routines around the country and continues to keep her WCS teacher and judging training current. She competes at Masters level.  Judy teaches all levels of WCS at 2155.

CJ Caraway

Avid competitor, accomplished instructor, skilled DJ, professional judge, and seasoned event director (W3), CJ began his dance career as a Swing-out dancer in 2003. It was through his participation in S-Factor, a competitive dance team, that introduced him to West Coast Swing. CJ began competing individually in 2010. Since then, he has placed top 3 in more than 100 competitions. He currently competes at the All-Star Level and Masters on the national West Coast Swing circuit.

Maria Bileychik

Additional West Coast instructor: Fridays with Maria.

Maria has an extensive background in ballroom dance, having trained in her home country of Balarus. She found a new home in Dallas in 2020 and lives here with her young family. Her passion for West Coast Swing shines  through in all her movements. Maria also competes on the WSDC circuit in the All Star level.

 

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