From JT Swing Team to Emily Huang: What’s Coming to Utah West Coast Swing

Utah’s West Coast Swing community has an exciting few months ahead. This Friday, September 25, come support our local JT Swing Team dancers at UPLIFT at Gio DanceWorld, followed by visiting champions, Friendsgiving, holiday celebrations, UPLIFT’s first anniversary, and an incredible weekend with Emily Huang in February. There are so many opportunities to learn, dance, connect, and find your people this season.

There is something really special about watching your friends step onto the dance floor and share something they have worked so hard for.

This Friday, September 25, our local JT Swing Team dancers will be performing at 9:15 PM at UPLIFT at Gio DanceWorld, and I would love to see our Utah West Coast Swing community there to support them.

Not just come watch.

Come cheer.

Come celebrate them.

Come be part of the community that has helped make their journey possible.

Because for me, this night is about so much more than a performance.

It is about friendship.

It is about mentorship.

It is about the people who have invested their time and energy into West Coast Swing over the years.

And it is about what can happen when dancers decide to show up for one another.

That is one of the things I love most about West Coast Swing.

It is the dancing, of course.

But it is also the people.

And as I look at everything coming up over the next several months in Utah, I feel really excited about where our dance community is headed.

We have local dancers stepping onto the floor to perform. We have visiting champions coming into Utah to teach and dance with us. We have opportunities to gather around a table and share a meal. We have holiday celebrations. We have the first anniversary of UPLIFT. And in February, UPLIFT and Gio DanceWorld are bringing Emily Huang to Utah for a very special weekend.

There is a lot to look forward to.

But before we get there, I want to start with this Friday.

The JT Swing Team Has a Special Place in My Heart

The JT Swing Team has such a special place in my heart.

Jordan Frisbee and Tatiana Mollmann have had such an influential role in the West Coast Swing community, and I’m so grateful for the vision they have created and the way they have brought this team experience into communities across the country.

There is something beautiful about what happens when dancers come together around a shared experience.

You have people to practice with.

People to learn from.

People to encourage you when something feels hard.

People to celebrate with when something finally clicks.

And sometimes, you find friendships that last far beyond the dance floor.

That is part of what I see when I look at the JT Swing Team here in Utah.

I see dancers who have put in the work.

I see people who have grown.

I see people who have challenged themselves.

And I see a group of people who have chosen to invest in one another.

When my good friends Camie and Matt Webb decided to bring JT Swing Team to Salt Lake City, I was so excited.

The Webbs and I go way back.

I remember practicing together in our little homes while their toddlers ran around. We were just dancing, learning, trying things, figuring things out, and enjoying the process.

And when I look back at those days, it makes me smile.

Because you never really know where those little moments are going to lead.

Over the years, I have watched Matt and Camie pour an incredible amount of time, energy, and heart into the Utah dance community.

They have invested in local dancers.

They have created opportunities.

They have encouraged people to keep learning.

And they have helped create a place where dancers can find their people.

So many of our local dancers have been part of JT Swing Team and have been impacted by what it represents.

And I think that is what I really want to celebrate this Friday.

It is not just about a performance.

It is about community.

It is about showing up for each other.

It is about celebrating the work someone else has put in.

It is about being proud of your friends.

When those dancers walk onto the floor at 9:15 PM on Friday, September 25, I don’t want them to feel like they are performing for a room full of strangers.

I want them to look out and see their friends.

I want them to hear people cheering.

I want them to feel the support of the Utah West Coast Swing community behind them.

So if you are part of our local dance community, come early, bring your friends, and be there by 9:15.

Come support your fellow dancers.

Come cheer loudly.

Come celebrate them.

And then stay and dance with us.

A Night of Dancing at UPLIFT

Of course, we are going to have a great night of dancing before and after the performance.

I’ll be kicking off the night at 8:00 PM with our Advanced Deep Dive focused on rhythms.

I’ve been having so much fun exploring rhythm, and I’m excited about this one.

Rhythm can completely change the way you experience your dancing.

It’s not just about getting the counts right.

It’s about hearing what is happening in the music and learning how to let that influence your movement.

How do we recognize rhythm?

How do we play with it?

How do we communicate it with our partner?

How can rhythm change the way a familiar movement feels?

Those are the kinds of things I love exploring in the Deep Dive.

Then at 8:30 PM, we’ll have Fundamentals, where our newer dancers will be working on their whips and push breaks and continuing to build those foundational skills.

And then at 9:15 PM — JT Swing Team!

After the performance, we’ll hit the dance floor and keep the night going.

This is what I love about a night like this.

We learn.

We support each other.

We celebrate.

And then we dance.

You Don’t Have to Build Your Dance Journey Alone

I think this is something we sometimes forget.

Especially as adults, it can be easy to think we have to figure everything out on our own.

Our lives get busy.

Our kids grow up.

Our careers change.

Our priorities shift.

We move through different seasons of life.

And sometimes we realize that we want something that is just for us.

Something that gets us out of our heads and into our bodies.

Something that gives us people to look forward to seeing.

Something that challenges us while also bringing us joy.

For so many of us, dance becomes that place.

You don't have to show up already knowing everything.

You don't have to be the best dancer in the room.

You don't have to have a partner.

You don't even have to know anyone when you walk through the door.

You just have to be willing to take that first step.

And then, little by little, you find people.

You find teachers.

You find friends.

You find your confidence.

You find new things to work on.

And sometimes, you find a part of yourself that you didn’t even realize you were looking for.

That is one of the reasons I care so much about creating spaces around dance that feel welcoming and connected.

Because you don't have to build your dance journey alone.

We get to do this together.

And There Is So Much More Coming

As excited as I am about this Friday, it is only the beginning.

When I started putting together everything that is coming up over the next several months, I realized just how many opportunities there are going to be for dancers throughout Utah to learn, connect, dance, and belong.

And I love that.

I love seeing different studios, teachers, organizers, professionals, and dancers creating opportunities throughout our community.

We don't all have to dance in the same room every week to be part of the same community.

There is room for all of us.

Different studios.

Different events.

Different teachers.

Different styles.

Different friendships.

And when we support each other, the entire Utah West Coast Swing community has more opportunities to grow.

So here is a little look at what is coming.

October 16–18: Alexis Garrish Comes to Utah

October brings another exciting opportunity with Champion Dancer Alexis Garrish.

From October 16–18, Alexis will be teaching workshops and dancing at DF Dance Studio and Westie Hive.

I love having visiting professionals come into Utah because it gives local dancers the chance to step outside of their normal routines and learn from someone new.

Every teacher sees something a little differently.

Every professional has experiences and perspectives that can give us something to think about.

Sometimes you learn a new technique.

Sometimes you hear something that completely changes the way you think about a movement you have been doing for years.

And sometimes you simply leave inspired and excited to dance.

That is what I love about these weekends.

They give us a reason to get out of our normal routine and immerse ourselves in dance.

So keep October 16–18 on your calendar.

November 14: Friendsgiving

Then in November, we get to slow down and celebrate something that I think is just as important as the dancing itself:

Friendship.

On November 14 at 6:00 PM, we’ll gather for Friendsgiving in Sandy. Thanks to Danielle Neal for organizing.

Food.

Friends.

Dance.

Good people.

That’s really what this one is about.

One of the things I have noticed over the years is that some of the best friendships come from simply spending time together outside of class or the social dance floor.

You get to sit down.

Talk.

Laugh.

Eat.

Get to know each other a little differently.

And then, of course, dance.

I want UPLIFT to continue creating those opportunities because community is such a huge part of why I love this dance.

So start thinking about who you want to bring with you.

Come hungry.

Come ready to connect.

And come ready to dance.

December 11–13: Jessie Lopez & Ariel Peck

December is bringing another exciting weekend to Utah with Jessie Lopez and Ariel Peck.

From December 11–13, they will be teaching workshops and participating in socials at Premier in Layton.

Again, this is something I really love seeing within the Utah dance community.

Different studios are creating opportunities for dancers to learn from incredible professionals without having to leave the state.

And I think that is something worth celebrating.

We don't have to compete with one another to create something amazing.

We can support one another.

We can send our dancers to each other's events.

We can cheer each other on.

We can dance together.

And we can continue building a community that gives dancers more opportunities, not fewer.

And Be Looking for the Dance To Uplift Christmas Party

And then, of course...

Christmas at Dane to UPLIFT.

We are going to have a special Dance To Uplift Christmas Party in December, and I am already looking forward to it.

I’ll be sharing the date and details as we get closer, so keep an eye out for the announcement.

I want this to be one of those nights where we can step away from the busyness of December for a little while.

Get dressed up.

Gather our friends.

Laugh.

Dance.

Celebrate.

And simply enjoy being together.

More details coming soon.

January 22: Uplift Turns ONE

And then we arrive at something that feels a little surreal to me.

January 22, 2027 — UPLIFT’s One-Year Anniversary.

One year.

When I started UPLIFT, I had a vision for creating a different kind of social.

A place centered around more than just dancing.

A place where people could move, connect, and belong.

And now we are getting ready to celebrate an entire year of doing exactly that.

Our anniversary will be at Gio DanceWorld in Pleasant Grove, and I want this to be a celebration of the people who have helped make UPLIFT what it is.

The dancers.

The teachers.

The DJs.

The people who keep showing up.

The people who walked through the doors for the very first time.

The people who have been there month after month.

The friends who have helped spread the word.

The people who have made new friends on the dance floor.

One year of dancing.

One year of friendships.

One year of connection.

One year of building something together.

I cannot wait to celebrate this one with you.

February 26–27: Emily Huang Comes Back to Utah

And then...

Emily Huang.

I am especially excited about this one.

On February 26–27, 2027, UPLIFT and Gio DanceWorld are bringing Champion Dancer Emily Huang to Utah for a special weekend of workshops, social dancing, a Followers Studio, dinner, and connection.

Friday night will include two workshops followed by social dancing at Gio DanceWorld.

Saturday will bring a special Followers Studio from 3:00–5:00 PM, followed by a Followers Dinner from 5:30–6:30 PM.

There will also be opportunities to schedule private lessons with Emily, and those spots will be limited.

I love that this weekend gives dancers different ways to experience the event.

Not everyone learns the same way.

Some people love a workshop.

Some people thrive in a smaller studio environment.

Some people love sitting around a table at dinner and getting to know other dancers.

Some people want to dance socially until midnight.

And some people want that one-on-one time with a professional where they can really dig into their own dancing.

There is room for all of it.

Emily’s weekend is going to be a really special opportunity for our Utah dance community, and I am so excited that UPLIFT and Gio DanceWorld are bringing her here together.

February 26–27, 2027.

Save the date.

Same Dance. Bigger Community.

When I look at everything coming up, this is what excites me the most.

Not simply the number of events.

Not simply the visiting professionals.

Not simply the workshops and socials.

It is the opportunity to keep building community.

Because West Coast Swing has given me so much over the years.

I’ve been dancing this dance for nearly three decades, and some of my favorite memories aren’t necessarily from competitions or big events.

They are the little moments.

Practicing in someone’s living room.

Laughing when something goes completely wrong.

Finally getting a movement you’ve been working on.

Having a conversation between dances.

Watching someone who was once brand new become a confident dancer.

Seeing a friend take a risk.

Watching someone discover a part of themselves through movement.

Finding friendships in unexpected places.

Those moments are why I believe dance can be so much more than dance.

It can be a way to connect.

A way to play.

A way to express yourself.

A way to find your people.

And sometimes, it can be a place where you come home to yourself.

That is what I want UPLIFT to continue to be.

A place to move with meaning.

A place to connect.

A place to belong.

And I love that we can celebrate that alongside the larger Utah West Coast Swing community.

If You’ve Been Looking for Your People, Come Dance With Us

Maybe you have been dancing West Coast Swing for years.

Maybe you used to dance and are feeling the pull to come back.

Maybe you have always wanted to try it but have been nervous to walk into a social by yourself.

Maybe you are an experienced dancer looking for new people to dance with.

Maybe you are simply at a point in your life where you are ready for something that is fun, social, creative, and just for you.

Wherever you are, there is room for you.

You don't have to have it all figured out.

You don't have to be perfect.

You don't have to know the steps before you arrive.

You just have to start.

And sometimes the first step is simply showing up.

So come to a class.

Come to a social.

Come watch your friends perform.

Come to Friendsgiving.

Come to a visiting pro weekend.

Come celebrate with us at the UPLIFT anniversary.

Come spend a weekend with Emily Huang.

Whatever feels like the right first step for you, take it.

Because you don't have to build your dance journey alone.

Come Be Part of It

So, if you have been looking for West Coast Swing in Utah, this is such a fun time to jump in.

There is so much happening.

But first...

This Friday, September 25.

Come to UPLIFT at Gio DanceWorld.

Come at 8:00 PM for the Advanced Deep Dive on rhythms.

Stay for Fundamentals at 8:30 PM.

And most importantly, be there by 9:15 PM to cheer on our local JT Swing Team dancers.

Bring your friends.

Bring your dance shoes.

Bring your loudest cheering voice.

Come support the people who have been putting in the work.

Come celebrate the people who have poured their hearts into this dance.

And then come dance with us.

I am really looking forward to this night.

And I’m even more excited about everything we are building together in the months ahead.

Same dance. Bigger community.

I’ll see you on the dance floor.

Shalay - Live in Love. Move with Meaning. Play Passionately.

Upcoming West Coast Swing Events in Utah

September 25, 2026

JT Swing Team Performance at UPLIFTGio DanceWorld • Pleasant Grove, Utah8:00 PM — Advanced Deep Dive: Rhythms8:30 PM — Fundamentals9:15 PM — JT Swing Team PerformanceSocial dancing afterward

October 16–18, 2026: Alexis Garrish

Workshops & socials at DF Dance Studio & Westie Hive

November 14, 2026 • 6:00 PM: Friendsgiving

295 E. 8800 S. • Sandy, UtahFood • Friends • Dance

December 11–13, 2026: Jessie Lopez & Ariel Peck

Workshops & socials at Premier in Layton

December 2026: Dance To Uplift Christmas Party

Details coming soon

January 22, 2027: Uplift One-Year Anniversary

Gio DanceWorld • Pleasant Grove, Utah

One year of community, connection, and dancing with meaning

February 26–27, 2027: Emily Huang in Utah

Gio DanceWorld • Pleasant Grove, UtahFriday: 2 Workshops + SocialSaturday: Followers Studio + Followers DinnerPrivate lessons available

There is a lot to look forward to.