Meet Our Instructors

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Jake Green

Beginner to Advanced: Swing, Salsa, Line Dance, Lindy Hop, Bachata, Zouk, Salsa Shines, Salsa on 2, Dips and Tricks

 

Jake Greene is a professional dance instructor at Austin Uptown Dance and competes professionally across many partner dance genres. He has competed at the top levels of country and west coast swing and has certifications in Ballroom and Latin. He began dancing in 2009 at Texas Ballroom and began teaching professionally in 2012. He currently competes in the “Masters” division in the United Country Western Dance Council with his partner Hilary Carlson.

 

Why Texas Ballroom?: I love teaching for Texas Ballroom because I get to inspire and facilitate the same joy I had as a new dancer. I’m so grateful for the professional and personal growth I gained from the studio and hope to help more dancers find the same. I really value the lasting friendships I have formed as a TXB member and as an instructor.

 

Links:

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Sherry Reynolds

Beginning to competitive country dances: Two Step, Waltz, Triple Two, Polka, Night Club, Cha, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Viennese Waltz

 

I have been an instructor for Texas Ballroom since the mid-nineties and I cherish the opportunity to share my love of dance with new and returning Longhorns! My teaching style is precise and concise but having fun in an easy and relaxed environment is always my #1 priority!

 

Why Texas Ballroom?: Have you ever wondered what it would be like to float effortlessly around the dance floor to inspiring music with a fabulous dance partner? I did…..30 years ago!! So I took some dance lessons and fell in love with partner dancing. My first love was ballroom, I became DVIDA certified and taught ballroom for many years until I was introduced to competitive country dancing. I loved the music, I loved the relaxed and friendly competition atmosphere and my feet loved not being shoved into 3″ Latin sandals! My love of country dance eventually led me to win a UCWDC world title and to qualify to compete as a master dancer. After retiring from competition, I turned my attention to developing a country program through TXB and eventually becoming a master judge for both UCWDC and ACDA. Of all my accomplishments, I take the most pride in watching young men and women develop a sense of self-confidence and pride as their knowledge and ability increase. This top-notch program has produced 10+ World Champions, earning close to 20 titles between them. I believe all it takes to become the best you can be is hard work and good information…..you work hard for me and I’ll work hard for you!! You could become our next World Champion!!

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Sania Shifferd

Introductory, basic International Latin Introductory, basic International Standard

 

I started dancing at Texas Ballroom and was hooked from the first introductory lesson! I later moved on to outside instruction and to competition in smooth, rhythm, Latin and Standard. I now focus mostly on Latin (Samba, Cha Cha, Rumba, Pasodoble, Jive) and Standard (Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep), as I am fascinated by the expressiveness of Latin and the combination of power, precision and teamwork that is possible in standard — but I still love dancing smooth and rhythm. I love all the aspects of the ballroom – practising, lessons, competition, performances, creating choreography, and teaching.

 

Why Texas Ballroom?: Texas Ballroom is an amazing, supportive organization that happens to teach one of the most fun forms of physical expression – ballroom dancing. They do a brilliant job of combining instructional opportunities with social events and competition, all supported by dancers mentoring one another. Lifelong friendships are formed here. I am very honored to teach for TxB, and to advise on organizing the Austin Open.