Rhythm Junction LLC
About
A dance company created by Lindy Hoppers for Lindy Hoppers, Rhythm Junction offers weekly Swing dance classes and socials where the Twin Cities Lindy Hop community come together to share their love for swing dance and vintage jazz.
Michael has been swing dancing for more than 20 years and has traveled the world to teach, compete, and dance with other lindy hop enthusiasts.
He founded two of the largest swing dancing events in the Midwest, the Hawkeye Swing Festival in Iowa City, the Heartland Swing Festival in Des Moines, IA and was an organizer for the Midwest Lindy Fest in Saint Paul. He is always delighted to see the dance floor filled with dances of all ages, and loves teaches new students as they begin their dance journey.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
It always starts with the rhtyhm. Often students will want to get right to the steps. I want to make my students all around better dancers. Feeling the beat and dancing to the music is more important than any step you will learn.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Michael has over 20 years dancing and teaching Lindy Hop, Charleston, Collegiate Shag. He has won several Lindy Hop competitions and has also recevied placements in Ballroom dances including Polka and Merengue.
He studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City and received a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Iowa.
Michael has performed in several shows in New York and Minnesota including several on the main stage at the Chanhassen Dinner Theaters in Chanhassen, MN.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Current rates for private lessons are $60 per hour for up to 2 people. Floor fees may apply.
How did you get started teaching?
With the rise of Neo Swing music in the late 90s, Michael was drawn to the music and the opportunity to meet people in a unique social setting. He took at ballroom dance class for a P.E. credit in college and never stopped dancing. He has learned from some of the best dancers in the world and feels honored to have had the priveledge to meet and take a couple lessons from the "Ambassador of Lindy Hop" himself, the late great Frankie Manning.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught group classes as small as 4 students and as large as 80 students. I have taught students with no dance experience to students that have been dancing for several years. I have been honored to teach several couples that are preparing for their wedding dance.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
The Midwest Lindy Fest. I worked as and organizer, group sales manager, and Contest Coordinator. In 2018, the MWLF was the most well-attended Midwest event with more than 450 dancers from all over the United States.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Relax and have fun! Swing dancing is about having a good time and meeting new people. Don't worry about getting it perfect right away. There are no mistakes, there are only variations.