Robert Royston’s professional career began on the competitive couples dance circuit in 1989. Quickly ascending the ranks, Robert successfully secured eight (8) “U.S. Open Swing Dance Championship titles,” six (6) different “World Country Dance Championship titles,” and two (2) “USA Grand National Championships Titles.” In addition, he holds national titles in Hustle, Salsa, and Cabaret. Inducted into the “California Swing Dance Hall of Fame” in 1999, Robert continued his rise as a dance legend becoming the youngest person inducted to the “UCWDC Country Dance Hall of Fame” in 2007. His inductions into the “World Swing Dance Hall of Fame” and the “Living Legends of Dance Society” in 2011 make him the only dancer ever inducted into all of these organizations. Robert’s exciting, high energy original work gained the attention of producers of the Broadway musical, “Swing!” This led to his appearance for 1-1/2 years in the 7 time Tony nominated musical as a principle dancer performing his own choreography. He later became the assistant choreographer for the first National Tour of the production. Royston’s work was highlighted in the production of “Gypsy of the Year on Broadway” at New York’s Palace Theatre, as well as “Destination Groove”, a Choreographer’s Showcase. His choreography again drew attention in the New York workshop production of “Urban Cowboy,” a production in which he also performed.

In 2002, Royston created and produced the critically acclaimed show “SWANGO: The Musical.” The show ran in New York as a cabaret, leading to a full show with performances in NYC. Four-time Tony Award winner, Rupert Holmes, joined the creative team to write the script for the productions. Other stage shows in which Royston performed or choreographed include Neil Bergs’ “100 years of Broadway,” “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” “Cheer, The Musical” (workshop), “Fashion the Musical,” and the RDC production of “StreetSwing,” as well as Royston’s newest show “One Ride,” which he directed and choreographed to critical acclaim in NYC.

Royston’s next journey led him into the music video world as a choreographer. Taylor Swift’s “Love Story,” which was choreographed by Royston, won the 2009 CMA and CMT Videos of the Year. Some other highlights of Royston’s music video career include: Steel Magnolia’s “Last Night Again,” nominee for 2011 CMT Best Video, Gloriana’s “Wanna Take You Home,” The Band Perry’s “Hip To My Heart,” The Mavericks’ “Born to be Blue,” The Bellamy Brothers’ “Shine Them Buckles,” and Roger Brown’s “Swing City.” Following the success of “Love Story,” Royston choreographed Taylor Swift’s sold out, record breaking 2009 “Fearless” Tour. Subsequent to “Fearless” Royston’s career as a sought after performance coach, live tour director, and choreographer has skyrocketed. His latest tour work involved the staging of Carly Rae Jepsen’s 2013 “This Kiss” tour. Robert’s staging for award shows includes artists: Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Sugarland, Miranda Lambert, John Fogerty, Brooks and Dunn, Rascal Flatts, and Charlie Daniels. Royston also stays busy working with new artists like The Band Perry, Katie Armiger, Hudson Moore, Steel Magnolia, Madison Cain, Eden’s Edge, Greg Bates, Laura Bell Bundy, and many others. Presently, many artists are touring whose live performances Royston has directed, coached, or choreographed. In 2013, his choreography was again highlighted during the “Dance Y’all” presentation in Rascal Flatts’ World Tour.

Royston worked as the producer and choreographer of the feature film, “Love n’ Dancing” (starring Amy Smart, Billy Zane). Lakeshore Entertainment’s two feature films, “Gamer” (starring Gerard Butler and Michael C. Hall) and “Crank 2 High Voltage” (Starring Jason Statham and Amy Smart) were choreographed by Royston, as well as the unreleased 2014 Disney Film “Million Dollar Arm” (Starring Jon Hamm).

Additional credits include: Choreography for the 2008 CMA Awards show on ABC, the 2009 and 2010 ACM Awards shows on CBS, and the 2010 ACA Awards show on Fox. Additionally, Royston works with 7-time British Ice Dance Champions and Olympians, The Kerrs, as well as current British Ice Dance Champions Penny Coomes and Nick Buckland who Royston coached through the 2014 Olympics. Appearances on TV include: E! Networks 2012 season of “Opening Act” as a performance coach, 2010 season of CMT’s Next Superstar as a Judge and mentor, The Today Show, The Rosie O’Donnell Show, The View, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1999 and 2000, and the 2000 Tony awards. He also created and produced the World Championships of Country Dance on GAC Network.

Lastly, Royston is an internationally recognized MC. Having been the Voice of the US Open for 10 years, he created the Social Networking “Shout Out” for Viewers online, making the world feel part of the event! At the USA Grand Nationals his MC work has twice earned him the People’s Choice Award “Entertainer of the Year”. With his current schedule Royston acts as emcee at over 18 events worldwide. Royston received his Bachelor Degree of Dance in 2005 and remains a longstanding member of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science, and achieved a Professional Dance Instructor Association Master certification. Royston also teaches his Intensives on Dance Physics all over the world in addition to judging and teaching 27 different styles of couples dancing while also running his own Production Company, RoRo Productions in NYC. Above all, he is most proud of his children and feels being a Dad is his greatest journey.

John and Alyssa are a dynamic, exciting partnership! They became partners five years ago and have taught all over the world. John started dancing West Coast Swing over 14 years ago and quickly became one of Canada’s best dancers and instructors. All his students love his playful personality and the connection he makes with the music.

Alyssa started West Coast Swing about 9 years ago, and immediately fell in love with the dance, especially the creative aspect drawn from other dances. She uses her experience in Lindyhop, Hip Hop, Ballroom, Jazz, and Ballet to enhance her West Coast Swing. Living in the San Francisco Bay Area has also given her many opportunities to teach and grow in her own dance.

Both John and Alyssa compete on the Swing Circuit in the Champions division. Together they have traveled around North America, Europe, Asia and New Zealand spreading their personal love for Swing. Their partnership emphasizes musicality and connection.

Markus & Trendlyon are one of the most dynamic, inspiring and fun loving couples that are hard to take your eyes off of, even on a crowded floor! Markus and Trendlyon are both Swing Dance Champions. Together they travel across the United States and internationally teaching, competing, judging, and performing at National Swing Dance events, in addition to volunteer and community outreach activities. They both routinely place among the top 5 in professional competitive divisions and as performers, their entertainment value is one of kind!

Markus Smith is an accomplished and award winning dance competitor, choreographer and instructor. He is one of the most talented, popular and photogenic dancers on the National Swing Dance Circuit. With the unique styles fused from Hand Dance, Hip Hop and West Coast Swing, Markus is quite capable of creating a masterpiece on the floor at any moment. Markus has been featured on Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance”, BET’s “106 and Park” program, and the movie Love N’ Dancing.

He was a co-host of DC DANCING TEENS, a youth hand dance show that has been seen on Globaldancetv and shown on DCTV channel 95 in Washington DC. He is currently the 3rd vice president of the National Hand Dance Association Youth and Young Adult Affairs division. Markus is most passionate about sharing the gift of dance with others. His energy, style and charismatic presentation, leaves Markus in a class by himself.

A native of Louisiana by way of Texas, Trendlyon discovered her love for dance while she was in junior high. She and her sister were choreographing hip hop dance routines to enter dance competitions and walked away with several wins! While living in Texas, Tren was introduced to swing by a coworker. She took a dance class and was bit by the bug. She has been dancing and competing ever since. Tren’s distinctive dance style makes you stop right in your tracks to observe the preciseness of her moves, her animated smile, energy and enjoyment of the dance.

She has competed and placed within the top 5 of some of the most recent Champion Jack and Jill and Strictly Swing competitions in the country. She is also a member of the National Hand Dance Association in Washington, DC. Her talent and love for the dance has led her to teaching hand dance and west coast swing to youth and adults.

Helen Tocco is a vibrant, popular swing DJ for competitions and social dance alike. She DJs regularly at local dances in and around her home in Los Angeles, California, as well as many national events, including Wild Wild Westie, 5280 Westival, Jack and Jill O”rama, Swingtacular, TOSHC, and many more. Before moving to California in 2007, she could be found spinning tunes and teaching lessons weekly in Maryland and the DC area. She now has over 15 years of experience teaching and DJing west coast swing, and is excited to be part of the Swingesota team for the 2nd time!

Doug has an extensive background in musical theater, having held the positions of Actor, Director, Choreographer, Conductor and Producer for many productions. This background comes out in full force in Doug’s contributions to the West Coast Swing world, in which he is the creator and director of much-loved events and competitions – including the new Swing 16 tournament tour, offered at UDC since 2016. Initially a musician, Doug’s formal training in dance began when he stumbled upon West Coast Swing in 2001. Since then he has won numerous titles across the country, including US Open Champion. He taught many forms of dance full time from 2005 to present, including ECS, Hustle, Salsa, Night Club 2, Country 2 and of course West Coast Swing.