Jason, from Quebec City, has been gold medallist at the Canadian Swing Championships, and he has been seen on a number of podiums across North America. As coach of the Quebec City Balboa Team, he shares a passion for Balboa and a desire to spread the dance. He also organizes the Canadian Balboa Championships in Quebec City that will be taking place October 3-5, 2008. But beyond competition, he’s hardcore social dancer and energetic teacher that stress technique and finesse.

In last the year, he most recently took 1st Place in Open Classic at The Eastern Balboa Championships, 2nd Place in the Champions Balboa Division at The American Lindyhop Championships, 2nd Place in the Pro Balboa Division at Camp Hollywood and 2nd Place in the Open Balboa Couples at the Canadian Swing Dance Championships. Furthermore, he has been invited to teach all across the US, Canada and Europe.

One of America's busiest Lindy and Balboa teachers, Valerie has a reputation for her finesse on the dance floor. She emphasizes musicality and connection regardless of the style of swing. Since 2002 Valerie has taken home the 2003 National Jitterbug Championships (NJC) Grand Slam Championship, became both the 2004 NJC Balboa Champions and the 2004 American Lindy Hop Championships (ALHC) American Showcase Champions and most recently, (in 2005) she returned to ALHC to place 2nd in the same competition. She was also recently the 2008 International Balboa Championships (IBC) Champion.

Valerie is the organizer of the 'All Balboa Weekend' held annually in her home town of Cleveland. This weekend event first started in 2001 and was the first major dance camp dedicated solely to Balboa. It features the American Classic Balboa Championships (ACBC), one of the nations most respected and sought after Balboa competitions. www.AllBalboa.com.

Valerie also played a major role in organizing (and participating in) the Guinness World Record breaking 'Heart Health Hop' event sponsored by St. Joseph Aspirin, which broke the record for the 'Longest Dance Party'. From July 29-31 (2003), 41 participants danced at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, for 52 hours and 3 minutes...smashing the old record! www.guinessworldrecords.com (search "longest dance party")

Valerie is enthusiastic about passing on her love and passion for dance and she brings a fresh, interesting, and lighthearted attitude to both the dance floor and the classroom.

Valerie teaches all over the United States, Canada and Europe and runs a dance studio in her hometown of Cleveland, OH.

Check out Valerie's website: www.gethepswing.com