Kevin and Carla's Swing Dance DVDs offered by TC Swingin' Hepcats! DANCE&SHINE!

Joel Plys

More information on Joel.

All of Joel DVDs|Balboa|Shim Sham|Tranky Doo|

Since their marriage and move to San Diego, CA in mid-2002, Joel and Alison Plys have made quite a name for themselves. They have a high quality, energetic approach to the dance which makes every lesson with them a blast! As regular teachers at major events all over the world, Joel & Alison’s down to earth, enthusiastic attitudes are contagious and offer a very personal learning experience.

Joel & Alison have a full knowledge and understanding of various styles that they share in their instruction. To 'preserve' a dance, you must understand the technique and characteristic fundamentals of that dance. For a dance to 'evolve', you must be open to everyone adding creative elements to that dance. They encourage students to study and be open to “differences” so that they can make the dance their own.

Joel & Alison embody these qualities in their instruction and their dancing while remembering the true reason we dance - for FUN!

They have taught all over the US (24 states and counting) as well as Australia, Canada, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Scotland and Sweden. They are one of few couples that can truly offer instruction in all areas of authentic Swing and are recognized as two of the best Charleston, Balboa, Lindy & Shag instructors in the world.

As promoters of the dance: Joel co-created the popular All Balboa Weekend in Cleveland, OH - the first ever ALL Balboa event. Joel & Alison are the creators of the BALBOA RENDEZVOUS - simply the greatest gathering for Balboa instructors and dancers. They also organize the CATALINA JAZZ DANCE FESTIVAL - a weekend in the most beautiful ballroom in the world, and SWINGIN' THE NEW YEAR - San Diego's laid back Lindy exchange and New Year's celebration. They are huge supporters of communities and promoters working together to help each scene prosper and grow. After eight years of running weekend workshops, they know what it takes on all sides for a successful event.

As competitors:
Their emphasis is on quality instruction versus competitive placement, yet they have their share of accomplishments:
They have competed and placed at the following events:
American Lindy Hop Championships (ALHC)
American Classic Balboa Championship (ACBC - All Balboa Weekend in Cleveland)
National Jitterbug Championships (NJC)

And some more on each of them individually:

JOEL PLYS began his swing dance career in the summer of 1998 on a date in Chicago.
Joel taught swing full-time out in Cleveland, OH for 4 years (1999-2002) and started Get Hep Swing, LTD
He co-created the very first All Balboa Weekend with Valerie Salstrom (June 2001) He moved to San Diego with his wife Alison, and they traveled the globe from 2002-2008 sharing their love of Swing dancing.

Joel has a high quality, energetic approach to the dance that makes every lesson with him and any partner a blast! As a regular teacher at major events all over the world, his down to earth, enthusiastic attitude is contagious. He has taught all over the US (24 states and counting) as well as Australia, Canada, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Scotland and Sweden.

He has a full knowledge of various styles from years of study that he shares in his instruction of Balboa, Lindy, Charleston, Collegiate Shag, Jazz Movement, and Pre-Swing dances (Texas Tommy, One Step, etc)

To 'preserve' a dance, you must understand the technique and characteristic fundamentals of that dance. For a dance to 'evolve', you must be open to everyone adding creative elements to that dance. Joel encourages students to study and be open to “differences” so that they can make the dance their own.

He embodies these qualities in his instruction and dancing while remembering the true reason we dance - for FUN!

Besides teaching all over the world, Joel also has a passion for organizing amazing dance events, including:
* Swing Camp OZ (held each January in Australia)
* Balboa Rendezvous (held each April in San Diego)
* Catalina Jazz Dance Festival (held each June on Catalina Island)
* Steven & Virginie in Chicago (held each November in his hometown of Chicago, IL)
* Swingin' the New Year (San Diego's laid back lindy exchange and New Year's Eve celebration)
Joel is a big supporter of communities and promoters working together to help each scene prosper and grow.
After 10 years of running weekend workshops, he knows what it takes on all sides for a successful event.

Joel has a unique employment history, and draws on these skills to provide exceptional instruction & events:
* Traveling educator for Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity - 1993
* Business process consultant for Anderson Consulting (now Accenture) - 1994 to 1999
* Part-time COMPUSA computer class instruction - 2001 to 2003
* Part-time Barnes Tennis Center summer camp instruction for kids - 2003 to 2005

ALISON PLYS began her swing dance career in 1998 in Akron, OH.
She taught part-time in Cleveland, OH for 3 years (2000-2002) and began her national teaching debut in 2002.
She is one of the best follower instructors in the world with the ability to break down the feel of the dance while
inspiring other female dancers with her styling and overall joy on the social dance floor.

As a certified yoga teacher and therapist, Alison now pursues her passion for assisting others in their goals toward well-being.
She enjoys offering therapeutic yoga classes and private consultation while continuing to teach dance on the side.

Alison has a unique employment history and draws on these skills to provide exceptional yoga & dance instruction:
* Volunteer life skills instructor for women with alcohol and drug addiction - 1993 to present
* Co lead singer of Full Blown Kirk - 1995 to 1998
* Began pursuing a degree in special education - 1998 to present
* Treatment specialist/program coordinator for children with severe behavioral disorders - 2001 to 200

Click here for all of Joel and Alison's DVDs.

This Swing, Swing, Swing (In a Ring) site is managed by Wendy Jo.
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