Meet your Instructors

Ryan's favorite apples are honeycrisps.  He will never let you down.  He also loves puns.  Be sure to tell him your favorite the next time you see him!

One of the original members of WVU Swing Dance Club, Ryan has been swing dancing for 19 years and teaching for most of that time. In addition, Ryan has been an avid fencer for 22 years and currently teaches with the WVU Fencing Club.  

Ashley has been dancing since she was three and swing dancing since she was… younger than she is now. She is inspired by Sid Cerise, Alice Mei, and big band music; when not dancing, she enjoys cats, writing, and seeing how many colors she can get away with wearing at the same time. Ashley favors a bold approach to social dance and wants her students to feel confident enough to take risks on the dance floor. 

Amy was working a hum-drum office job when she discovered the joys of swing dancing. Recalling the Swing Era sounds after a night of dancing had her tapping her toes beneath her work desk with a song in her heart.  Amy’s approach to life and Lindy Hop is centered on bringing individuals together – She aims to create a positive community space that facilitates healthy approaches to interpersonal communication and meaningful human connection.

Amy has been swing dancing for 18 years and has competed, placed and won in regional competitions. A passionate scene builder, she co-founded Morgantown Swing in 2014 which today runs as a community cooperative. Her favorite guest teaching opportunities have been Augusta Heritage Festival Blues & Swing Week (Elkins, WV) and The Thang Affrolacchian On-Time Music Gathering (Nasons, VA).

David wants to teach you how to lindy hop. When he first started dancing 16 years ago, it took him 3 full months of lessons to feel confident enough to try and social dance. His teaching style focuses on teaching students how to be good social dancers by learning how to execute moves in ways that maximize their partner’s comfort and fun. He wants his students to feel confident and comfortable in their rhythm and creativity while social dancing.

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Alex McOsker is a medical student by day and an avid swing dancer by night! Alex discovered lindy hop as a freshman at William & Mary, when a now-dear friend invited her to join the school’s club. Since that day her love for swing blossomed, and her life would never be the same! Alex believes that chasing happiness and connecting with other humans is the key to finding meaning in this big wide world. She find joy in spontaneous movement and celebrates the exuberance of partner dancing. 

Before Morgantown Swing, Alex led and taught William & Mary Swing Dance Club. For three years, she used her creativity to innovate how members connect through the pandemic and later re-build in-person curriculum and club experiences. She was also a member of Orchesis modern dance company in Williamsburg (2018-2022). As President of WVU Swing Dance Club she leads lessons on campus throughout the semester.

Emily has always loved dancing, and lindy hop is easily her favorite kind of social dance. She started ballet when she was six and enjoyed contra dance group through high school. Swing dance brought rhythm, community, and a lot of joy to her adult life.

She's passionate about the way social dance teaches communication and builds confidence. Her favorite swing step is - of course! - the swing out. Emily wants her students to enjoy moving, laugh at themselves and feel supported to reach their social dance goals.