Dance Instruction
Michelle Richter has been dancing and studying dance as a discipline for over 20 years. Her background in ballet and modern dance has inspired her to focus on technique combined with creative movement in her teaching style. She has studied the movement of the human body in many forms of dance, including African-Caribbean, Jazz, Contact Improvisation, Salsa, Belly Dance, Hip Hop, Tango, and various Ballroom styles. Michelle also enjoys performing and creating choreography. For the last 16 years, her main focus has been Lindy Hop and Blues dancing. Her teaching focuses on connection, attitude and self-expression, proper body mechanics, and one-on-one attention. As a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist, Michelle’s extensive knowledge of anatomy/physiology compliments her dance instruction in a unique way.
Michelle teaches classes locally in San Francisco and has taught at national events and workshops of various cities including Ft. Lauderdale, Fl; Orlando, Fl; Hilo, Hawaii; Blues Rising (San Francisco, CA); bluesSHOUT (Chicago, IL); Austin Blues Party (Austin, TX); Down Home Blues Festival (San Francisco, CA); BamBLOOZled (Washington, D.C.); Los Angeles, CA; Sacramento, CA; San Luis Obispo, CA; Mile High Blues (Denver, CO); Blues Blaze (New York, NY); Purdue Night Train (Purdue University, IN); SOL Fest (St. Olaf Univ, MN); Sweet Georgia Blues (Atlanta, GA); Snowbound Blues (Rochester, NY); and Tobacco Road Blues (Durham, NC).
*Blues Shout Invitational Jack and Jill Division Champion 2007, 2008
*Blues Shout Strictly Ballroom Blues Division Champion 2007, 2008, 2010 partner Dexter Santos