SDVA Instructor - Anthony Sham - THE SWINGDANCEVEGAS ACADEMY

Anthony Sham

@childish.shambino

When Did you Start dancing?

Hip-hop: 2010
East Coast Swing: November 2013
Lindy Hop/Charleston: September 22, 2017
Balboa: early 2018
Collegiate Shag: October 2019

How did you start dancing?

I began dancing Hip-hop during my sophomore year of high school when some friends introduced me to MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew. Eventually in college, I discovered swing and learned 6-count basics, but was too intimidated to learn past the basics after seeing all the more experienced Lindy Hopper on the floor. It wasn’t until after graduating that I attended a social dance at the Glen Echo Ballroom in Maryland and became more interested in swing. Once I arrived in Las Vegas, I found a social dance with Swing Dance Vegas at dive bar called Boomers, and the rest is history. From then on, I began learning other styles of Swing including Charleston and Balboa. However, in late October 2019, I took a Collegiate Shag class from Julie Roman and Shawn Carter and was forever in love with the style.

What vintage or modern Swing dancer should everyone watch?

Stephen Sayer & Chandrae Roettig Gomez

What swing artist do you recommend new dancers check out?

Jonathan Stout & His Campus Five, featuring Hillary Alexander
Listen to Jonathan Stout & His Campus Five on Spotify and purchase their albums at their online store.

What is one swing album every dancer should listen to?

Durham on Saturday Night by The Mint Julep Jazz Band
Listen to "Durham on Saturday Night" by the Mint Julep Jazz Band on Spotify or purchase the album at their online store.