BHAII Panelists

We’re not just dancing at BHAII - we’re talking and learning together. Join us for two engaging community panels during lunch on Saturday (1:30 - 3 pm) & Sunday (12 - 1:30 pm).Lunch is on us! Come learn, share your perspective, and be part of the conversation.

Saturday Panel

More than the Soundtrack: Music at the Heart of Our Swing Dance Community

The music isn’t just there to keep time - it’s the heartbeat of our shared culture. This panel explores how we can become more engaged listeners, honor musical traditions, and make music knowledge, DJing, and live playing more accessible to our communities. Through conversation, song clips, and possible live demos, we’ll consider how our music choices shape a more welcoming, connected, and inspired dance floor.

Maurice Fields III (Discussion Leader)

Chelsea Hughey

Alina Lusebrink

Shelby Johnson

Zoe Shepard

Sunday Panel

Building Beautiful Bridges: How to Cultivate and Sustain Meaningful Relationships in Your Swing Dance Community

Healthy communities are built on strong relationships, and those relationships take work - especially in a space where we’re bound to both literally and metaphorically step on each other’s toes. In this panel, we’ll discuss how to cultivate meaningful connection, maintain trust over time, and thoughtfully navigate conflict and repair - both between individuals and across scenes. Together, we’ll explore how stronger relationships can create more welcoming and resilient dance scenes.

Desiree Roffers (Discussion Leader)

Dylan Devotta

Shannon Varner

Sean Vitale