Rich Werden
Rich Werden has a Master's Degree in Jazz Studies from Indiana University and plays a variety of instruments. While this doesn't really mean a whole pile of beans in the grand scheme of the universe, it does mean he gets to sound "all high falootin`" when talking about music and dance.
Rich first learned swing dancing at a folk festival in 1998, and got his first exposure to Balboa and Collegiate Shag in 2003. While he did win the 2008 California State Same Sex Swing Championship (a fact that is so absurd it cannot be made-up), he has placed terribly poorly in more competitions then you'd care to know including 26th in the 2007 ALHC Open Division Jack&Jill - an accomplishment which he is most proud of.
Fortunately, what he lacks in competitive prowess is more than made up for in the ability to analyze and explain the theory & mechanics of both Jazz music and Jazz dance as well as impart his love and joy for all things that swing.
Additionally, Kirk&Co. keep him around 9:20 Special to do the updates to this here website.
For upcoming classes with Special Guest Instructors, check the calendar »
