"Join us on the *first* Saturday in August for our special CincyHop edition of Saturday Swing as we welcome instructors Mark Calkins and Shannon Varner. This two hour Lindy-based workshop can be added to your CincyHop registration at https://cincyhop.squarespace.com/ OR you can register for the workshop via Queen Citys Venmo below:
Cost: $20 in advance / $25 at the door
Venmo: @queencityswingdance
Mark Calkins is a storied dancer in the Midwest Lindy Hop community and has influenced the region for years. He is known for his methodological approach to partner dancing and broad knowledge of jazz music.
As a competitor Mark holds contest awards from Beantown Dance Camp, Nevermore Jazz Ball, SwingIN, Southern Swing Challenge and Lindy Focus. In 2009 he competed in the “World’s Largest Jack and Jill” and advanced into the semi-final round at Frankie Mannings 95th Birthday celebration in New York City.
Shannon Varner discovered Lindy Hop while living in New York City ages ago. Since then shes been fortunate to live in Lindy Hop-centric cities ever since. Whether Washington DC, Chicago, or Columbus, OH, they all have provided rich opportunities to hone her dance skills, and influence her dance styles. She enjoys sharing her passion for these dances with others and truly believes dancing is for everyone.
Shannon has won numerous awards, placing in such competitions as the American Lindy Hop Championships, Beantown Dance Camp, Nevermore Jazz Ball, SwingIN, Southern Swing Challenge, and Midsummer Night Swing in NYC.
Together Shannon and Mark co-founded the award-winning competitive Lindy Hop team SwingColumbus and have produced many memorable dance performances since the very first Dayton Swing Smackdown event. Their continued participation has inspired many others to join in the creativity and camaraderie."