About us

who is river city
swing out?

RCSO strives to create a safe, fun, and inclusive place to learn and teach swing dance here in St. Louis. Our team is focused on introducing students to the history, culture, and joy of swing, while cultivating a love of jazz and developing well-rounded lindy hoppers.

Through classes, dances, and social events, River City Swing Out is all about having fun on and off the dance floor! From our instructors to the organizers, we are a community focused team who are excited to meet you and welcome you to the world of swing dancing. Join us!

oUR TEAM

THALIA DIMITRIOU (SHE/HER)

Photo by Jerry Almonte

  • Thalia has always been an avid dancer—from tap and jazz to Hellenic folk dancing, she hasn’t stood still since the age of 4! Her passion for music and dancing found a new home in the swing dance community in 2015, and it was love at first sight. As she went from social dancer, to organizer, and eventually teacher, Thalia continues to find joy in the creativity and unique forms of expression that swing dancing offers on and off the floor. Every dance presents an opportunity to learn, adapt, and have the most fun non-verbal conversation with friends old and new.

    As a teacher, Thalia enjoys finding the “ah-ha!” moment with dancers. Whether it’s Lindy or Balboa, she loves to help people find their own voice within a partnership.

INSTRUCTOR & ORGANIZER

Brent Hrebec (HE/Him)

  • Brent’s dance journey began reluctantly in 2017, due to the persistence of several college friends. But after he traveled to his first workshop weekend, he was hooked and began teaching shortly thereafter. As he has grown, Brent has loved exploring creative ways of connecting with his partner and the music. Solo movement is at the center of his dancing; if he’s not dancing with a partner, you will likely see him solo jamming right in front of the band.

    Recently, Brent’s love of jazz has also extended into learning to play swing-era guitar, which has given him a new perspective that informs his teaching. Helping students find their confidence and place in the Lindy Hop community is his favorite part of the teaching adventure!

INSTRUCTOR & ORGANIZER

JONY NAVARRO (HE/THEY)

Photo by Samantha Kunz

  • Hablo Español

    Jony fell in love with jazz in early 2011 and has since never been the same. He has a constant drive to make art completely his own, which is fueled by a desire for learning. His fascination began with dancing, moved onto jazz music, then continued to Black history and culture and beyond.

    From the very beginning, Jony has always had very unique ideas when it comes to making art. He excels at inspiring others to think about dance in a different way than they’re used to, often expanding on familiar topics. While conceptual learning drives a lot of his classes, movement and technique play a large part in the learning environment he creates.

    Solo movement of every kind has been a staple in Jony’s dancing since they began. Their first love was Charleston, then grew into more of the solo jazz dances. Their love for movement did not stop at jazz, They also cross-trained in tap, ballet, modern, salsa, bachata, and hip-hop, mostly in college courses. Jony encourages everyone to come get weird with him as we explore all the possibilities jazz has to offer.

INSTRUCTOR & ORGANIZER

Christina Cacciatore (SHE/HER)

  • Christina's dance adventure started in her Nani and Papa's kitchen long before she can remember. When she found Lindy Hop (again) in college, she found joy in connecting with her peers and more deeply with her family history. In the 12 years that have passed since her first formal lesson, Christina has continued to find connection and belonging in the dance - as well as a true love for teaching.

    Christina's primary focus is in teaching first time dancers and inspiring them to learn, explore, and play more in the dance. Her primary focus as a dancer is creating conversation within partnered dance and moving authentically while dancing solo. Let's explore and play in class!

INSTRUCTOR

Patricia Goettler (She/Her)

  • Patricia has loved dancing since she can remember. From dancing around her house to ballet, Poms and high school dance team. Dancing took a backseat in college until her senior year when she was invited to her the local Swing Dance club and has been hooked ever since. “I love swing dancing because of the connection I get to feel with the music and another person. You can find communities of dancers all around the world and have an instant connection.” She has been most influenced by her 2 years in Australia where she took part in Melbourne’s vibrant swing dance scene. She is excited to share that same feeling of community and love of swing dancing she’s experienced in her travels here in St Louis.

INSTRUCTOR & ORGANIZER

Josh baumgartner (he/him)

  • Hey there! I'm Josh Baumgartner, a Lindy Hop enthusiast with a passion for teaching and spreading the joy of music and dancing. I've been sharing my love for Lindy Hop since 2012, helping students find their rhythm and groove on the dance floor.

    Beyond the dance floor, I hold a master's degree in education, which fuels my dedication to effective teaching methods and creating a supportive learning environment.

    When I'm not dancing, you can find me on stage. As a saxophonist, I've had the pleasure of playing in multiple bands around the STL area, soaking up the vibrant music scene and sharing my love for music and dance with audiences just like you!

    Join me in the dance studio or catch me on stage, and let's keep the rhythm alive!

INSTRUCTOR