Nelle Cherry
Nelle has been a dancer her entire life with professional training in ballet, tap and jazz. However, it wasn’t until she was introduced to swing dancing, particularly balboa, in the spring of 2006, that dancing truly became a passion. Soon after diving into the follower role, she also pursued a clearer understanding of the leader role. Since then, competitively she has won, placed, and made finals around the world in both strictly and mix and match competitions. Within the classroom, she shares her passion and experience with her students, encouraging partnership, musicality and generating a improvisational atmosphere. Nelle also values the benefits that come from co-teaching with a range of partners within both roles.
While not on the dance floor, she lives in Northeastern Massachusetts and works as an In Home Therapist.
Valerie Salstrom
One of America’s busiest Lindy and Balboa teachers, Valerie has a reputation for her finesse on the dance floor. She emphasizes musicality and connection regardless of the style of swing. Valerie is the organizer of the ‘All Balboa Weekend’ held annually in her home town of Cleveland. This Weekend event first started in 2001 and was the first major dance camp dedicated solely to Balboa. Valerie is enthusiastic about passing on her love and passion for dance and she brings a fresh, interesting, and lighthearted attitude to both the dance floor and the classroom. Valerie teaches all over the United States, Canada and Europe and runs a dance studio in her hometown of Cleveland, OH.