Our Staff
Mark Kihara
Instructor, swing/lindy
Ever the passionate and energetic swing dancer whether on the social dance floor, the performance stage, or in his classes. He can light up a room with his contagious energy. Mark also DJs, emcees and judges dance events around the globe. Mark has been teaching for Dance It since 2007. For more information, visit Mark’s Web site.
Darla Weideman
Instructor, swing/lindy
Award-winning Lindy Hopper, Darla has performed with Sister Kate and Jackson Street Lindy Hoppers, and teaches at the Century Ballroom. Her enthusiasm and approachability go with her whether on the dance floor or the grocery store aisle. Darla joined Dance It in 2010.
Michelle Badion
Instructor, all styles
Seattle’s mistress of swing, salsa, and argentine tango, she teaches group and private lessons, performs all over the world and is an accomplished choreographer. Michelle taught the very first Dance It class in 2006 and has been instrumental in its success. You can find her on the dance floor most every night of the week. For more information, visit Michelle’s Web site.
Kevin Buster
Instructor, swing/lindy
Jazz, swing, and blues dance instructor, musician, DJ, and entertainer. Kevin has been dancing and DJing since 1998, and playing music since 1994. Kevin joined Dance It in 2010. For more information, visit Kevin’s Web site.
Lizzy Boyer
Instructor, swing/lindy
Young and vivacious, Lizzy is a talented swing dancer, teacher, perfomer, musician, singer and DJ. Besides teaching for Dance It since 2007, Lizzy helps with our event management and programming. Lizzy’s smile and energy light up any room. For more information, visit Lizzy’s Web site.
Jodi Fleishman
Instructor, all styles
Dance Goddess of Left Foot Boogie, founded the Eastside’s premier dance studio in 1999, the same year she won the first-ever Pacific NW Lindy Hop Championship. Jodi has been teaching a variety of partner dances around the globe since 1997. For more information, visit Jodi’s Web site.
Lise Baadh
Program Director, social dancer
Lise founded Dance It in 2006 when her two children were at Shorewood High School. She is proud that her efforts behind Dance It is enriching Seattle’s young community. When Lise is not running Dance It or dancing herself, she’s painting. For more information, visit Lise’s Web site.
Laura Livingston
Photographer, social dancer
Laura Livingston is responsible for many of the pictures on our site. Laura has been a Teaching Assistant for NW Dance for over 13 years. She is known in the Seattle dance community for her pictures of dancers in action out on the floor. Laura is currently studying photography at Photographic Center Northwest. For more information, visit Laura’s Web Site.