Biographies of the Instructors

Peter Strom

Peter originally learned to dance almost exclusively on the dance floor, but has since studied under the biggest names in Lindy Hop. He teaches regular classes with the Lindy Movement in Minneapolis, of which he is a founding member. At the American Lindy Hop Championships, he was the Classic Champion in 2000 and third in Showcase in 2001, and has consistently placed high in national competitions. He has taught workshops throughout the U.S. as well as in Sweden, France and Singapore. Peter is driven by his love of social dancing and works to create an easy flow with the music and between partners.

Ramona Staffeld

Ramona is known internationally for her wildly graceful style and spontaneity on the dance floor. She was only 14 when legendary swing dancer Frankie Manning introduced her to New York at the Mid-Summer Night Swing series at Lincoln Center. Since then she has been teaching and performing all over the world. In 1998 and 1999, she placed first at the American Lindy Hop Championships in the junior division. As a founding member of Minnie’s Moochers, she taught and performed in Singapore in 2000. That same year she also performed in Tokyo representing Swing Dance America. In 2002, Ramona became a World Lindy Hop Champion in Stockholm, Sweden. In addition to swing, Ramona is skilled in classic and modern dance techniques having recently completed the Professional Studio Program at the José Limon Institute. Ramona has taught at The Julliard School, Skidmore College, Bard College and the Joffrey Ballet school. She is an experienced artist in education teacher doing residencies with children in schools across the country. Ramona continues to explore the intersection between lindy and modern dance, recently staring in sight specific spectacle Agora 2 at McCarren Park Pool in Williamsburg Brooklyn. Currently, Ramona is a member of the Vanavar Caravan, a contemporary dance company specializing in modern, clogging and ethnic dance. Additionally, she dances with the Silver Shadows, a lindy hop and jazz dance group. She lives in New York City, but you will most frequently find her teaching or performing at Lindy Hop festivals from Houston's The Great Southwest Lindy Fest to Sweden's Herrang Dance Camp!