Cindy Gardner has taught Swing dance since 1979, and currently reaches over 500 students weekly in classes held throughout the Twin Cities. Trained in ballet, jazz and ballroom dance, she focuses her talents on swing because, "It’s the most fun, creative and energetic of the social dances. Its roots are in American history, and it’s great for social interaction, self-expression and aerobics." Emerging as a teacher of national stature, Cindy conducts regular workshops throughout the Midwest in such locales as Milwaukee, Madison and Eau Claire (WI), as well as more far-reaching venues including Tulsa (OK), Remus (MI), and Gambier (OH), where she taught with Lindy Hop master Frankie Manning. Several of her students have gone on to teach and perform in their own right, including Rhythm & Swing members Terry Gardner, Will  & Alice Ribbens, Debby Filler, Michelle Shaw and Land o’ Loons Lindy Hoppers instructors Steve & Sue Mascioli and Amy Kirkpatrick,

CHOREOGRAPHER/DIRECTOR In 1995, Cindy formed Rhythm & Swing, the swing dance performance team, which she serves as director and principal choreographer. The high-energy ensemble has appeared several times on the KARE-11 Today television program, Saint Paul’s "A Capital New Year," the Minnesota State Fair, and Confederate Air Force Hangar Dances. They have also performed at numerous area festivals, including the Wheatland Traditional Arts Festival. Rhythm & Swing performs with live bands, such as the Wolverines, the Senders, the Hot Head Swing Band and others. Cindy has also choreographed for the Moorhead State University Dance Ensemble and Macalester College’s production of 1940s Radio Hour.

Terry Gardner grew up on traditional big band and swing music, which was his father’s favorite style. A music lover from the start, in his youth Terry focused his interests on the rock’n’roll music that was most popular with his generation. He never lost his interest in swing, though, and has closely studied its growth and development during its current resurgence.

Terry has traveled to many camps around the country and is influenced by Frankie Manning (NY), Ryan Francois & Jenny Thomas (London), Kenneth & Helena Norbelie (Sweden), Steven Mitchell (Germany), Eddie and Eva Jannsen, Lennart Westerlund & other members of the Rhythm Hot Shots (Sweden).

PUBLISHER Terry is the creator and author of www.tcswing.com, Minnesota’s most popular swing website, which serves as a resource for Twin Cities dance classes and events, CDs & bands, dance apparel, accessories, and more. As the website’s primary contact, Terry now receives recognition from national swing bands for CD reviews and touring referrals.

Instructor/Performer Terry began partnering Cindy in her teaching late in 1997, and currently instructs with her locally and regionally. His understanding of partnered movement coupled with an upbeat, encouraging teaching style has made him a popular instructor. In the spring of 1998, Terry joined Rhythm & Swing, a swing dance performance team, which performs throughout Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.

Competitor   Terry competed in the Open Showcase division of the American Lindy Hop Championships as well as the Ultimate Lindy Hop Championship.  He also competed at the Minnesota State Fair Talent Contest where he & his partner Heidi Coe won 1st place in their semi-final allowing them to compete at the Grandstand Show.

DJ  Terry is a popular DJ in the Twin Cities and spins weekly at Late Night Swing at Tapestry Folkdance Center.  He also spins for private functions and other events.  His specialties include Big Band, Jazz and Jump Blues.

emcee  Terry is the emcee for the American Lindy Hop Championships held annually in Stamford, Connecticut.