Instructors & Staff

The Instructors

Image © Devon Rowland Photography

Mike Legenthal (AKA Mike The Girl)

Mike Legenthal is a passionate aficionado of jazz and blues, known all over the world for her friendliness, teaching skills, following, and expression. She embodies vibrant energy and technical precision, and strives to make every social dance the best possible. Whether at residencies, international workshops, or private trainings, she brings preparation and flexibility every time. Her classes can involve students morphing into robots or seaweed, standing on one foot blindly, or analyzing chord changes- always in pursuit of art. Regardless of subject, she always brings abstract and concrete topics, plenty of levity, and homework, to help students improve long after class ends.

Image © Devon Rowland Photography

Dan Legenthal

Dan Legenthal lives in Boston, MA, working on as many vernacular jazz and blues dances as he can. His passion extends to both the social floor and competition. When not competing, he teaches at events like Korea Blues Camp (South Korea), Hot Blues In Toulouse (France), and The Blues Experiment (USA).
Drawing from his degree in Classical Guitar, Dan has unique insight into how to practice and develop one’s skills, and uses that knowledge to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Since dance is experiential, Dan likes to prioritize doing, and treats learning like a sequence of experiments where you can learn as much from failures as from success. This philosophy is anchored on clear, precise language, and a belief that every student is capable of developing their own skill by patient, intentional practice

Photo credit - Jerry Almonte

Julie Brown

Julie’s expressive dancing and dynamic connection are known throughout the blues dancing world. With a background in theatre and solo dance, and an undying desire for continued learning, she is best known for her solo movement, choreography, aesthetics, and killer follower expression.
A hard-working competitor, Julie has won or placed in many national competitions, including Mile High Blues Idiom Solo Riffin’ (1st place), bluesSHOUT! 2018 All Star Strictly (2nd place), Blues Muse 2017 Follower Invitational(1st), North Star Blues 2017 Invitational Cuttin'(1st), and more.
As a teacher, Julie is clear, thoughtful, and earnest. From advanced Struttin’ variations to beginner-friendly intros to lead-follow dynamics, Julie carefully crafts her classes and tailors her material to fit the crowd at hand. Julie has taught blues dancing in San Francisco, Seoul, Austin, Boston, London, Chicago, Zurich, and many places in between. She also teaches regularly in her home-base of Boston. For dance videos, pictures, and more info, check out https://dancewithjulie.wordpress.com.

Spotlight at 6:59

Bobby Green

Bobby received his certificate of Passed from D’Vida Ballroom Dance Teachers College and is the author of the rules and criteria used to judge GrAystone competitors. . He is the Co-owner of Whirl of Entertainment and President of GrAystone Association Los Angeles (G.A.L.A.). Bobby is also an original member and choreographer of the national vocal recording group Enchantment.
Performance History: Don Cornelius's "Soul Train", Dick Clark's "American Bandstand", Nat Morris's “The Scene”, Carnegie Hall, The Apollo Theatre and more.
A knack for dancing from an early age has led to numerous dance awards and recognitions.

Photo credit - Ben Hejkal Photography

Laney Barhaugh

Known for her effervescent presence and upbeat teaching style, Laney has been dancing blues since 2009. She prioritizes empowering you, providing historical context, and keeping class creative and fun. Her primary goal is to help you find confidence and joy moving your body to blues and jazz.

Photo credit - Ben Hejkal Photography

Krystal Wilkerson

Krystal loves living in Huntsville, Alabama, although she is originally from southern Ohio. She has an uncanny energy and enthusiasm for blues music and dancing, and can often be seen at events all over the southeast and the US, closing down late nights, frequently dancing until dawn. She’s been partner dancing various styles since 2007; Blues stole her heart, however, in 2010, and has never let go. She has taught all over the US, ranging from small community -focused events all the way up to national events such as Blues Geek and the Blues Experiment. She’s a fierce competitor, frequently making finals at national blues dance contests, and brings her fervor for connection into all of her dancing and instruction. Her love of the dance is contagious, and she believes in injecting fun into all of her classes.