Jim Baker

Jim started his West Coast Swing journey in 1998 taking classes with Pat and Kevin Whiteley at Ollie's Roundup. Having started dancing as an adult, Jim has endured the struggle of learning dance well past the years when we learn new material quickly. This experience may give Jim a different perspective on the learning process. Concerning learning to dance, Jim remembers the advice of Skippy Blair of the Golden State Dance Teachers Association (GSDTA), "Find the muscles that make it work." Together with his own learning experience, this quote inspired Jim's definition of dance; mind over muscle in metered time. Operating under this paradigm, learning to dance challenges both mind and body to change in a physical, creative, and visually pleasing way.

 

Since 2003, Jim has gained experience teaching WCS in both private lesson format, and since 2005 in class format with his dance partner, Laura Koch. He has a smooth WCS dance style that engages rolling count, body flight, muscle isolation, and fun musical interpretation. He continues to study, and is passionate about teaching. He pushes himself and encourages his students to gain control of their muscles, make it smooth, and have fun.

Visit my website for more information: JDBaker@SmoothDanceConnection.com

I can also be reached at 303-367-1067 if you have any questions.