Your instructors for the
Big Apple

Mary Richardson & Owen Richetti

About Mary.  Mary began dancing in 1999 (with her husband Mike) and quickly discovered her true love was the original swing dances of the 1930’s and 40’s:  Lindy Hop and Balboa.  Unable to find any instruction in Lindy Hop or Balboa in the Lexington area, Mary & Mike began to teach themselves, view vintage films and movies, and attend regional and national level workshops and competitions. 

By attending Lindy Hop and Balboa workshops, competitions and events all over the U.S., they have taken lessons and learned from many of the best instructors (and some of the original swing dancers!) in the swing dance community.

Mary Richardson have been teaching swing dancing for over 10 years.  She is one of the most knowledgeable swing dance instructors in the Lexington/central Kentucky area and is passionate about sharing all the great things about swing dancing and swing music!   Not only has Mary taught thousands of people to dance, she has also taught at numerous local and regional swing dance workshops and events.  

Mary & Mike believe that learning to swing dance is a journey, not a destination.  They often travel to out of town swing dance workshops and dances to improve and hone their skills.  They also compete in Couples, Jack & Jill and Performance Group competitions.  Mike & Mary have won and placed in the finals at numerous local and regional Lindy Hop and Balboa competitions.  They also compete at the national level.

Mary's musical theatre background and love of swing-era music, movies, fashion and clothes (especially shoes!) is the catalyst for her creativity, not only on the social dance floor, but as the choreographer for the Rhythm Cats performance group, and the "Razz Ma Tazz" (a 1920's Charleston "Flapper Girls" performance group).

Mary willingly shares her knowledge of swing-era fashions with local swing dancers.  In addition, she has also provided her expertise on swing-era clothes, hairstyles, make-up, and dancing to area musical theater groups.  Mary is a good source of information on where to obtain swing-era clothes, shoes and accessories.

About Owen. Owen Richetti began swing dancing in January 2008 by taking the Hepcats Swing Dance Club’s beginner class and quickly exhibited the skills, technique and energy of much more experienced Lindy Hoppers.  Within 9 months, he was not only a member of the Hepcats Lindy Hop performance group, the Rhythm Cats, but had also established himself as one of the most talented Lindy Hoppers in the Lexington/central Kentucky area.

Despite a busy work schedule and personal life, Owen likes to competes as much as his schedule allows.  He has won numerous local competitions, to include the couples contest at Swingin’ on Main for the last two years.  Owen consistently places in the top three of Couples and Jack & Jill contests and is often sought out by other swing dancers for advice on how to compete and perform at a higher level.  If you see a Jam Circle, you’ll see Owen, he never meet a jam circle he didn’t like!

Owen, along with fellow Rhythm Cats Laura Sparkman and Emily Sward, volunteered to choreograph the Rhythm Cats latest routine for 2012, performed to Chick Webb’s song, “Who Ya’ Hunchin'”.  This routine reflects great energy, footwork and musicality, which is also a reflection of Owen’s personality and his Lindy Hop dancing style.

Owen has been a consistent and loyal friend and supporter of the Hepcats Swing Dance Club.  He has taught at Hepcats Monday night classes, weekend workshops and participated in numerous demonstrations and other Hepcats outreach activities. 

The Hepcats sincerely thank Owen for teaming up with Mary Richardson to teach the Big Apple class and look forward to his continuing contributions to the Hepcats in the future.  (Keep an eye out for the Hepcats Aerials class, to be taught in Fall 2012, by Owen and other Rhythm Cats!).   

Why Learn to Swing Dance with the Hepcats?

• We teach the original swing dances of the swing-era, accept no substitutes!

  •• The Hepcats have literally taught thousands of people to swing dance - and we can teach you! 
The Hepcats Beginner Class is designed for learning, laughter and fun.  Give it a try!

•• Learn Balboa! To be a well-rounded and versatile swing-era swing dancer, you need to learn
- and embrace - Balboa! Plus it's really cool to dance effortlessly to 200 bpm while other dancers
just watch and wonder how you do that!!
• It's a great way to meet people.
• Dancing will help you stay
physically active.
Men's Health magazine named Lexington the least active city in the nation.
Obviously they haven't been to a Hepcats event!
• Learn from instructors with the knowledge, experience and expertise
to get you out on the dance floor, looking cool and having fun!
• The Swing Era = great dancing and great music!

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