2022 West Coast Swing Competition Recap

Last year I put out a somewhat bold post stating my intention to more actively pursue my dance goals: competition, DJing, judging, teaching, and choreography. I had no idea where the remainder of the year would take me, and although I had confidence in my capabilities, I did not know what kind of timeline I would be looking at to see any kind of "success".

I'm humbled to say that the remainder of 2022, as well as the start of 2023, has been nothing but a whirlwind of positive reinforcement from the community in support of the goals I put out in the world. I don't do any of the things I listed for myself. While I get a lot of fulfillment from being given the chance to practice these skills, I do all of these things purely because I feel that the community genuinely wants me to do them and that what I have to offer adds to others' enjoyment or appreciation of this dance in some way.

Some competition highlights from the year: finaling at MADJam for the first time in any division; dancing in the All-Star/Champion Strictly finals at City of Angels; finaling at SwingTacular, an event I was ecstatic to make semis at just a few years prior; taking 3rd in the All-Star J&J at Boogie by the Bay; taking 3rd place in the All-Star J&J at the US Open after reaching a heartbreakingly close 1st alternate in 2019; winning 1st place in the All-Star/Champions J&J at Budafest 2023.

On the teaching side, I got to coach students of all levels and share knowledge that I wish I'd been given at an earlier point in my career. I swear I would charge $0 for private lessons if the market allowed for it. I just genuinely enjoy sharing knowledge and helping people understand things that I struggled with in the past.

I received opportunities to judge at multiple events this year, which has been an incredibly educational and humbling experience. Being on that side of the floor gives you a perspective on the dance that's impossible to get any other way, and I'm grateful for every chance I get to serve the community in that capacity.

Going into 2023 and beyond, the goal stays the same: keep growing, keep giving back, and keep saying yes to the opportunities this community offers.