WCSParty

Teaching Staff

Sam Vaden & Margie Tuttle

Sam Vaden, based in Los Angeles, is an All-Star West Coast Swing dancer who began dancing in 2015. He won the Rising Star Tour in 2024 and is a 2025 Open Classic finalist, and also teaches, judges, and emcees events.

Margie Tuttle, based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, grew up in the West Coast Swing community and is a Champion-level West Coast Swing dancer and full-time instructor who travels worldwide to teach, compete, judge, and DJ. She is also a personal trainer specializing in strength training and barre.

Together, Sam and Margie share a strong connection on the dance floor, bringing joy, fun, and musicality into both their dancing and teaching, while building connection and community for dancers of all levels.

PJ Turner

PJ Turner is a Champion West Coast Swing dancer, instructor, judge, and performer based in Knoxville, Tennessee. His dance journey began with clogging and line dancing before discovering West Coast Swing, the dance style that would become his passion and career.

Since turning professional, PJ has become one of the most respected instructors on the international WCS circuit. His achievements include winning the NASDE Tour Championship in 2012, reaching multiple US Open Classic finals, and performing in the Off-Broadway production Swango.

Beyond his competitive success, PJ is known for his approachable personality, practical teaching style, and ability to make complex concepts easy to understand. His classes combine clear technique, musicality, and plenty of humour, creating an environment where dancers of all levels can learn with confidence.

Karin Kakun & Ludovic Pelegrin Pardou

Karin Kakun has been dancing all her life. She holds a university degree in dance and has been teaching for more than 14 years. Before discovering West Coast Swing, she was the Israeli Salsa Champion. Today, she teaches West Coast Swing, Hip-Hop, and stretching, choreographs performances, and directs a West Coast Swing school in Israel. Since beginning her WCS journey in 2014, she has progressed to the Champion division while teaching regularly throughout Europe.

Ludovic Pelegrin Pardou discovered West Coast Swing in 2010 and quickly immersed himself in the international scene, travelling across Europe to learn from the world's best instructors. He began teaching in 2011 and has since become known for his structured teaching, exceptional musical knowledge, and generous approach to sharing his passion. Today, he teaches workshops throughout France and Europe.

Together, Karin and Ludovic combine strong technical knowledge, musicality, and years of teaching experience to create classes that are both inspiring and accessible. Their clear, structured approach helps dancers build confidence, improve partner connection, and deepen their understanding of West Coast Swing.