Stan Yen

Despite both parents being ballroom dancers, it wasn’t until 1997 that a convoluted series of events led Stan from an unhealthy obsession with the Squirrel Nut Zippers to an unhealthy obsession with swing dancing. He is exceedingly grateful that he can say his interest in dancing predates the infamous “Gap Ad.” Stan’s teaching draws on his experience as a lifelong athlete, fencing instructor and coach, and training as a licensed massage therapist. He loves the connection aspects of the dance — between the lead and follow and between the dancers and the music — playing with musicality and sharing the joy of the dance with each new partner. When he’s not obsessing about his connection, Stan enjoys running, chasing after flying plastic discs in an organized team environment, and standing on buoyant boards as they are propelled on water by natural tidal forces. Preferably in tropical climates.