Our Instructors
Our teaching staff is dedicated to dance, the art of teaching, and folding you into the wide world of swing. Whether you’re looking to try something new, become a skilled social dancer, or compete around the globe, our instructors have the experience and know-how to help you accomplish your dancing dreams.
Instructors are available for private lessons.
Elaine Buchignani
Background: Elaine is a certified dance addict and the co-founder of Swing Dance SCT. She’s dived deep into the worlds of ballet, modern, circus, and ballroom, but nothing captures her heart like swing and jazz dancing. She’s known for her keen eye for body mechanics and dramatic dance style.
Specialties: Lindy Hop, Solo Jazz, Slow Dance
Favorite Song: “Basin Street Blues” by Louis Armstrong
When she’s not dancing, Elaine spends most of her time entertaining her demanding Shiba Inu, Chio.
Stefan Huynh
Background: Stefan started out with ballroom dancing in high school, but he really fell headfirst into dancing when he discovered swing. He’s known for his dynamic dance style, clarity of instruction, and detailed pedagogy. He is a co-founder of Swing Dance SCT along with his wife, Elaine.
Specialties: Lindy Hop, Slow Dance, Balboa
Favorite Song: “Take the A Train” by Duke Ellington
When he’s not dancing, Stefan enjoys playing tennis and video games.
Ben White
Background: As a full-blown swing addict since 2004, Ben has studied under masters from the original swing era and worked with top dancers from all over the world. He’s known for his relentless passion and deep knowledge of all things Lindy Hop and jazz.
Specialties: Lindy Hop, Solo Jazz, Tap, Balboa
Favorite Song: “Bottoms Up” by Illinois Jacquet
When he’s not dancing, (which is rare), Ben is off exploring new places and trying new foods.
ariel Goh
Background: Ariel walked into a swing dance lesson on her first day at UW in 2010, and never looked back. She’s taught swing, balboa, and solo jazz in 10+ countries around the world, and hopes to add more! Her specialties are followers' expression, physics-based partner connection, dance fitness, and musicality. She’s a playful powerhouse on the dance floor, but still trips over her own feet when there’s no music playing.
Specialties: Lindy Hop, Solo Jazz
Favorite Song: “Such Sweet Thunder” by Duke Ellington
When she’s not dancing, she's playing D&D, riding her motorcycle, or rocking out to Taylor Swift.
Casi Goodman
Background: Casi is an artist of many mediums. Her background in music, performance, and visual arts all inform her musicality and playful dance style. As a teacher, she emphasizes comfortable technique and individual expression.
Specialties: Lindy Hop, Solo Jazz
Favorite Song: “Shiny Stockings” by Count Basie
When she’s not dancing, she is running her fine art and paper goods business, drinking coffee, and snuggling with her dog Theo.
Jack Swiggett
Background: Jack fell in love with Lindy Hop in college, where he directed his university’s swing dance performance troupe. He’s known for his conversational dance style, precise instructional style, and musicality informed by a lifetime of playing jazz piano.
Specialties: Lindy Hop, Balboa
Favorite Song: “Bill Bailey Won't You Please Come Home” by Ella Fitzgerald
When he’s not dancing, Jack is exploring the outdoors or practicing his bass ukulele.