I am originally from Southern California, but currently reside in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul, MN area. My musical background before swing dancing consisted simply of ballet, but I played the violin and piano during my childhood and high school years. I was introduced to swing dancing in 1994 by Tyoni Martin while line dancing with some friends at a country club. She was teaching West Coast Swing and encouraged us to give it a try. I'm very grateful she did, because I couldn't imagine my life today without dance in it, let alone the amazing people and experiences that have come from it.

In 1998 I moved to Nashville, TN primarily because of my 9-5 job. At the time there was a small swing dance scene, so I rarely had many opportunities to social dance, let alone progress any further experience-wise. It wasn't until 2001 when I moved to Minneapolis and met my current dance partner, Jason Barnes, that I started to take it more serious. Since teaming together, we have enjoyed a successful competitive and teaching partnership, and have been lucky enough to meet the most wonderful people during our cross-country travels.

My constant goal with dance is to have as much fun as possible. I look forward to growing as a dancer, whether it's within West Coast Swing or other dances such as Lindy Hop, Balboa, Shag, etc. I've had the pleasure of taking weekend/week long intensives with some of the best, including Skippy Blair and Mario Robau Jr. These experiences have had a major impact on my understanding of dance, and I've gained a wealth of knowledge from them.

In my free time away from dance, my hobbies are very similar to most women…shopping, going to the lake/beach, and spending time with friends. I am a big sports fan and enjoy watching most of them, particularly football, basketball, and golf. I have a blast playing Fantasy Football with my friends as well. Besides sports and dancing, some of my other passions include: traveling to new places; experiencing new foods, people, and activities; ping pong; horseback riding; corvettes; blues music; soul music; southern food; french fries; peppermint ice cream; chocolate; wine; the winter holidays and all the positivity they bring; good conversation; optimistic attitudes; passionate people.


* 5-time U.S Open Classic Finalist, 04-08
* 08' U.S Open Classic Division - 6th place
* 08' Swingtime in the Rockies Champions Jack n' Jill - 3rd Place
* 08' Seattle Easter Swing Invitational Jack n' Jill - 4th Place
* 08' MadJAM Pro-Strictly Swing - 2nd Place
* 08' MadJAM Invitational Jack n' Jill - 3rd Place
* 08' America's Classic Pro Jack n' Jill - 2nd Place
* 07' Summer Hummer Invitational Jack n' Jill - 2nd Place
* 07' Seattle Easter Swing Pro-Strictly Swing - 2nd Place
* 06' Phoenix All-star J&J - 1st Place
* 06' Swingtime in the Rockies All-star J&J - 1st Place
* 06' Boogie by the Bay All-star J&J - 1st Place
* 05' Capital Swing All-star J&J - 1stPlace
* 05' Swingtime in the Rockies All-star J&J - 1st Place
* 05' Boogie by the Bay All-star J&J - 1st Place
* 04' U.S Open Champion, Team Division - 1st Place