About the Hepcats

The Hepcats is a community-focused organization dedicated to the furtherance of the original swing dances of the 1930’s and 40’s and the original swing music of that great era! These dances include the Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston and Collegiate Shag. For music, we like to dance (and listen) to a variety of musical genres, but especially the music of the great Big Bands, such as Duke Ellington, Jimmie Lunceford, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Chick Webb, Artie Shaw; and the jump blues music of artists such as Louis Jordan,
Big Joe Turner and Wynonie Harris; just to mention a few!

What makes the Hepcats really unique is our efforts in creating a community of swing dancers through classes, workshops and swing dances.

In keeping with that goal, the Hepcats promote swing dancing in the Lexington/central Kentucky area, to include awareness and appreciation for the swing era as a historical and cultural asset. We believe you can't separate the dance from the music -- ask anyone that has attended a Hepcats event: we have the best music in town! We are proud of our collaborations with local, regional, and national musicians, but especially so with the University of Kentucky School of Music and the Kentucky Jazz Repertory Orchestra! The Hepcats want to share all the great things about swing dancing and swing music with you!

About Mike & Mary:

Mike & Mary Richardson have been teaching swing dancing for over 7 years. They are the most experienced swing dance instructors in the Lexington/central Kentucky area and are passionate about sharing all the great things about swing dancing and swing music!

They began dancing in 1999 and quickly discovered their 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, Mike & Mary 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.

Mike & Mary's love of swing dancing has created a teaching style that is based on learning, laughter and fun! They believe that solid fundamentals in movement, connection and technique are key in partnered swing dancing. They break down individual steps and patterns in an easy, step-by-step manner that allows each student to not only learn the move, but also understand how it works.

If you're a beginner, Mike & Mary's teaching style will provide you that initial solid foundation and self-confidence so you can shine on the social dance floor! You'll also develop the skills necessary to continue to learn more intermediate and advanced step and patterns.

For swing dancers with more experience, Mike & Mary can help you take your dancing to the next level, to include learning more complicated material, developing musicality in your dancing, and even preparing for competitions.

Don't wait! Get started and join the Hepcats for great dancing, music and fun!

For questions or information about Hepcats activities, contact Mike Richardson,
Email, info@Luv2SwingDance.com; or 859-420-2426.