Big Daddy

Drew started swing dancing while he was an English teacher in Seoul, South Korea. A friend invited him to a swing club where the instructors spoke with a mixture of English and Korean. Consequently, he learned mostly by watching and observing all the great dancers in Seoul.

He enjoyed the challenge and the community, but mostly he fell in love because swing dancing is playful. He says, “Unlike some dance styles, there aren’t really ‘rules.’ The goofier you are on the dance floor, the better you look dancing. I love Lindy Hop because the point of the dance is to be creative and have fun— not to execute movements in a technical or robotic way.”

Even through attending events like Camp Jitterbug and Pusan Summer Swing Festival Drew maintains that philosophy. He mostly finds inspiration by watching videos of his favorite dancers like Skye Humphries and Frida Segerdahl on YouTube and practicing moves with his partner Catherina.

Since moving to Eugene, Drew has gone from student to teacher, performer, choreographer and ambassador. He has partnered with Catherina to create Eugene Swing. Together, they teach lessons, create instructional and dance videos, perform at events and look for new ways to get others excited about swing dancing. They are also the Blue Skies Big Band official dancers.

Drew’s advice for new or continuing dancers.

Dance, dance, dance, but also get on YouTube and watch some videos of great dancers. Find a dancer whose style you really like and try to incorporate some of their movements. Eventually you’ll be making your own style and playing around with creating movements all your own.

How Does Drew Volunteer for ELLA?

• He teaches with Catherina every third Wednesday of the month.