B'ham Hop

Mark Mendonca – Tap Dance

On Broadway, Mark danced in the Tony Award winning production of “Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk,” and has performed at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Davies Symphony Hall, the Biennale de la Danse, the Joyce Theater, Jacobs Pillow, The Tiger Palast in Frankfurt, Germany and the ApolloTheater, among many others. He has had the honor of sharing the stage with the late tap masters the Nicholas Brothers, Jimmy Slyde, Charles ‘Honi’ Coles, Eddie Brown, Steve Condos, Chuck Green, Bunny Briggs, Jeni LeGon, Lon Chaney Buster Brown, Arthur Duncan, and Lavaughn Robinson and has made numerous appearances with friend and mentor Gregory Hines, appearing with him in “A Gala for the President at Ford’s Theatre,” and in “The Kennedy Center Honors,” both televised on ABC. Mark’s dancing was featured in the Emmy Award nominated documentary, “Juba: The Masters of Tap and Percussive Dance,” aired on PBS, and in “The Summit of the Americas,” which aired in Canada.

Read Mark’s full bio and watch his performance reel here.

Jovon Miller – Tap Dance and Hip Hop

Jovon Miller is a dynamic and multi-talented artist, dance educator, musician, and professional choreographer hailing from Seattle, Washington. Recognized for his creativity and versatility, Jovon has established himself as an award-winning dancer and choreographer with expertise in tap, contemporary, and jazz dance. Jovon is dedicated to creating meaningful artistic experiences for aspiring dancers. His mission extends beyond technical dance training, aiming to cultivate well-rounded artists by providing performance opportunities that are both challenging and transformative. Through his productions, he emphasizes valuable life skills such as discipline, resilience, and self-expression, inspiring his students to grow both as dancers and individuals.

Read Jovon’s full bio and watch his performance videos here.

Hannah Lane – Heritage Jazz Dance

Hannah Lane is a dancer and researcher from Baltimore, Maryland. Since stumbling upon the Mobtown Ballroom in 2012, Jazz music, dance, and history have been deeply important parts of her life. Throughout her journey, Hannah has developed a strong curiosity about the lives and dancing of artists such as Marie Bryant and Mable Lee. She is passionate about exploring movement that is personal, authentic, and that feels good.

As a research archivist at the Maryland State Archives, Hannah focuses on the history of slavery and resistance to slavery in Maryland during the 17th to 19th centuries. In her free time, she also researches the histories of Jazz music and dance in Baltimore; Shake Dancers; the development of entertainment legislation and licensing, and their impact on African American nightclubs and dance halls. Hannah wishes to support archiving initiatives in the Jazz dance community, and hopes to help deepen the community’s collective understanding of African American history. Hannah serves as a board member in the organization, Collective Voices for Change and is currently a member of the Next Generation Program.

Jon Tigert – Heritage Jazz Dance

Jon Tigert is a world recognized Swing Dancer and musician. Specializing in Vintage dances such as Lindy Hop, Balboa, Blues, and Charleston, he has won titles from the International Lindy Hop Championships, The Canadian Swing Dance Championships, Lindy Focus, and many more. Swing Dancing since 2005, Jon has made a home in the swing community as a teacher, an MC, a performer, an organizer, and a musician. As a teacher, Jon is well known for his historical and musical knowledge, clear and concise communication, and endless supply of terrible dad jokes.

Jon now lives in Baltimore where he teaches at the Mobtown Ballroom and sings and plays drums with The Corner Pocket Jazz Band.

Rae a aka Bboy Burn Up – Breaking

Been breaking since the age of 2, 2001. Competing at a high level for a year. 

Started teaching and re-building breaking scene in Bellingham 2023.

Competed at legendary events such as Red Bull Lords of the Floor and Massive Monkees 25th Anniversary.

I break to find freedom.

To defy what the human body can do and what the mind can push itself to create. I love music and being able to combine the movement and sound together. That’s what inspires me to keep going.

Doug Barber – Heritage Jazz Dance

“Put the music inside you and see what wants to happen.”

Doug started Lindy Hopping 12 years ago in his 40s and has been an avid social dancer, performer, and competitor ever since. As passionate about solo improvisation as he is about partner dancing, he also loves the opportunity for heightened awareness that competition and battling brings.

He’s taught hundreds of classes and focuses on creating encouraging spaces for dancers to discover and develop their individual voices. Based in Vancouver, Doug continues practicing his basics while exploring creative frontiers (and still hasn’t learned not to watch inspiring dance videos right before bed). He’s excited to return to B’ham Swing Jam.

Bailey McCully – Heritage Jazz Dance

Bailey has taught and performed across North America and internationally. While traveling and dancing with new communities is a wonderful part of the job, Bailey happily calls Bellingham, Washington home where she teaches dance to movers of all ages. Bailey always aims to create a class culture in which students feel safe to try, fail, and learn to become the best dancers they can be. Dancing with a partner or dancing solo, Bailey radiates the joy of jazz with every step.

Damian Cade – Heritage Jazz Dance and Tap Dance

Damian grew up in a multiracial household infused with jazz and is descended from jazz musicians. He has spent his adult life in the Swing and Tap dance communities- researching, listening, performing, teaching, and celebrating. He presents Jazz dance in its historical and cultural context, and connects it back to its African American roots. He considers the connection that can take place in dance – with the self and with the community – to be sacred. He competes regionally and abroad, and his awards include ‘Favorite Competitor’ from the Lindy Hop Championships in Western Canada.