STEVE BAILEY: I started dancing somewhere in the mid-nineties because occasionally it was a cool way to take a girl on a date and have some fun. I was usually the guy at the club that stands off to the side and wonders how exactly I was supposed to be shaking my "booty". Not that I think that there is anything wrong with club dancing, but it is just not my cup of tea.

Anyway, in January of 1997, I read an ad in the paper for a dance instructor at a ballroom studio and it read, "No experience necessary". So, I went for the interview and took the job. At the studio, I was trained in all American smooth and Latin ballroom dances to the full bronze level (some to the silver level). I taught basic ballroom for about four months and then decided that it was cool, but not the total Biz-am! (that is a DC word for all you Bostonians)

In September of 1997, I took my first intermediate class and basically decided that Lindy is the coolest. Half way through my first set of lessons, Ann Bailey and I decided to compete in the 1997 Virginia State Open. We took 2nd place in the amateur showcase division and lost to Eric C. and Carolyn. We were pleased because we had about a two months of lindy between the two of us and we really had a good time.

Since then I have danced with various dancers performing and teaching all around the country.   For those of you who love stats scroll to the bottom of this page...for the rest of you:   Dancing is AWESOME and I hope to spread the fun and excitement everywhere I travel.

Sara Fajkowski: Way Back in 1997, a friend of mine asked me if I wanted to go out swing dancing with her and at the time I had no idea what she was talking about (this was pre- "Gap" ad...currently it is post- "Gap" ad).  Seeing that at the age of 16, my choices were either this or Chucky Cheese, I said sure...like, totally!! We headed out to America Restaurant where I took the free beginner lesson and I loved it! I was hooked from that night on. 

For the next few years I danced every night I could, usually six,  seven, and sometimes eight nights a week (figure that one out...). I even convinced my older brother and younger sister to learn. After the addiction set in and I graduated high school, it was time move up to Boston and attend university. Once up New England, I quickly found the scene and danced as much as my schooling would let me. I have been dancing in Boston ever since and love it like hot fudge on an ice cream sunday. 

Memorable Performances:

  • In January 2001, Steve was a featured performer at Carnegie Hall in NYC with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra.
  • Featured in the IRS E-File commercial that airs during tax season on national network television
  • Perform regularly with Aretha Franklin (including places like Orchestra Hall in Detroit, Foxwoods in CT, and Wolf Trap in VA)
  • 1998, 1999, and 2000 National Memorial Day concert on the Capital lawn accompanied by National Symphony Orchestra. During these performances Steve did some dancing and AERIALS with Rita Moreno and danced along side Nell Carter.
  • Featured in a Time/Life Commercial for the CD: "Jump, Jive, and Swing" 
  • Featured performers with maestro Erich Kunzel and various Pops orchestras including Naples, Detroit, Cincinnati, Buffalo, and the National Symphony.

 

Awards (starting with most recent) :
Steve compete with the Hop Swing and Jump Lindyhop team from NY and currently holds all three national team titles including 2000 American Lindyhop Championships, 2000 US Open Swing Dance Championships (the first time a lindy team has won ever!!!), and  2001 North Atlantic Dance Championships