Past Events

📍 Multiple Venues, Albuquerque

WCS Champions Courtney Adair and John Kirkconnell are coming to town! For the weekend of October 17th, they'll have 3 All-Levels Workshops as well as several activities for competitors. Registration will open at 7 pm on Monday, August 31st.

Courtney (she/her) is a professional West Coast Swing dancer, judge, and instructor with over 15 years of experience. She is also a professional therapist and holds a 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training certification with special training in teaching Trauma-Informed Yoga. She brings a unique blend of expertise in both the world of dance and the field of mental health.

John (he/him) is a Canadian WCS Champion who has been dancing West Coast Swing for 25 years and has been teaching for 23 in over 21 countries! A two time Classic Division US Open finalist, John prides himself on his sense of dynamic connection and ability to focus on the finer details.

The weekend's activities include 3 All-Levels workshops that build on each other and focus primarily on connection as a theme, and a Competitor's Retreat ($110 base, $55 for students with scholarship) comprising: a 1-hour workshop on preparation, mindset, and strategies for approaching Jack & Jill prelims and semis; a mock Jack & Jill to implement what you learn in a low-stakes environment; a follow-up workshop on areas of improvement Courtney and John observed; and individual feedback sessions where each couple performs a spotlight dance and receives detailed feedback on their strengths, weaknesses, and how to address them — drawing on the spotlight dance, all dances in the mock Jack & Jill (4 minimum), and social dancing observations.

There will be several slots for private lessons with either John or Courtney. They also give the option to have a group private class if there's a topic you and a few others are interested in. Please contact Allen Erickson for availability.

Scholarships (Competitor's Retreat Pass only): Students may apply for a 50% discount, bringing the price to $55. All that is required is verification of your student status. The application is embedded into the registration form.

Volunteering (non-students): A limited number of positions are available. Each position will refund $15 of your ticket, paid to you at the start of your shift. Apply within the registration form. Positions will be filled on October 3rd based on the stated financial need of the applicants.

Note: This schedule is subject to change. All-levels workshops are optional add-ons for Competitor's Pass holders.

📍 Lloyd Shaw Dance Center — 5506 Coal Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108

Join us for a special workshop weekend with guest instructor Lizzy Spann! The weekend features beginner and social dancing, workshops, a guided practice, a competitors' retreat, private lessons, and a board game night.

Private lessons are available Friday and Saturday. To book a slot, email southwestiesabq@gmail.com or text (480) 292-6023. Lizzy's rate is $120 per 45 min, paid directly to her.

Registration for RSVP-required events (guided practice, board game night, and competitors' practice) are open! Checkout the links in the schedule below!.