Instructors

Blaise Hartley

Sabrina Barry

Jennifer Girard

Christopher Smith

Chris Smith began dancing his freshman year here at RPI in 2006 after he and a group of friends attended a dance where the Biolermakers Jazz band was playing. That night he was hooked and has spent countless hours since working on his Lindy Hop. He attends workshops weekends and dance exchanges whenever he can in the Northeast and is always looking to spread the joy of the dance to others.

Ellie Hanus

Ellie Hanus began dancing in 2003, starting with Ballroom and then moving smoothly into Lindy Hop. Her love of expressing herself to jazz and blues music has kept her interested ever since. Ellie was co-leader of the local performance group The Atomic Lindy Machine and has performed for Lindy Hop legends such as Frankie Manning and Dawn Hampton. Attending dance events and workshops around the US and Canada, she is passionate about spreading her love of Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz to anyone willing to learn.

Claire Vivo Bio and Dario Da Silva

Claire has over 20 years of dance experience. She was primarily trained in Modern Jazz in Paris, France. Curious of other dance forms, she was also trained is Samba, African dance, Tap and Salsa. Later, when she moved to San Francisco, CA in 2000, Claire discovered Flamenco. She was trained for 3 years with "La Cochu" and performed all over the Bay Area. Moving to Albany, NY, Claire discovered Argentine Tango with Dario Da Silva. She was intensively trained for a year, her previous dance background allowing her to become Dario’s partner. They began teaching together in the Capital region and built a strong Tango community in Albany and Woodstock. Claire also teaches on her own at RPI and the Saratoga Savoy (Saratoga Springs, NY), as well as organizing a weekly practice and a monthly milonga in Albany, NY.

Claire and Dario are the heart of tango in upstate NY and have built a solid and respected community. They are known for their knowledge of the technique, kindness, and good energy, and they know how to communicate their love for the dance.

Claire and Dario are part of the "Tango Fusion Dance Company" and perform all around Northeast as a couple. They also participate in Tango festivals, shows and many other events.

Besides having a passion for dancing, Claire has a PhD in Cell Biology.