Natsuko - Mii mii

After only two years of dancing experience, Natsuko's smooth hollywood style and natural following talent has landed her a spot in the Junkie gang.   Frequent molestation of the males on the team has made her a favourite with the guys, even though her ability to tuck-in for aerials may cause the occational back injury. From cliff diving to sky diving to aerials, Natsuko is no stranger to the big air required by the Jitterbug Junkies. Dispite her shy demeanour, Natsuko is very eager to learn and continualy improve her dancing in all forms of swing (Balboa, Charleston, Shag, West Coast, Blues, and of course Lindy!). Recently, Natsuko picked up Salsa, which has reduced the frequency of her signature move 'the orbiting spin'. Now, her big smile keeps everyone on the team pumped and energized. Oh yeah, Natsuko's Engrish is improving.

Kitty Kat,

 Not at all threatened by the proposal of a group shower, Kat instantly felt at home when she joined the jitterbug junkies in the summer of 2004. It was her love for the music that initally brought her through the door, and having found a venue to display her little outfits, she found it impossible to leave. Before discovering swing dancing you could not drag her onto the dance floor, now on a good night, have fun trying to drag her off. That is if she's not flying off to some beach down in the carribean for 'work' as she calls her position as a flight attendant. But she aways loves coming home, cause although the beaches are great, nothings quite as much fun as being tossed around the dance floor... or stealing Lulu's men.

Ron a.k.a. MVD (Most Valuable Dancer)

Ron started swing dancing in 2000 mainly because of his love for big band swing. He has a diverse background in a variety of sports such as ice-hockey, boxing, football, and 12 years of ice-dancing in which he partnered that other junkie Loraine (Lulu). Ron was given the title of Most Valuable Dancer (MVD) due to his calm disposition and ability to adapt to change at a moments notice without any nagging, complaining, or whining. Being a renaissance man, he is willing to try anything with anybody, as long as he has Lulu's permission.

Salamander

Since the age of four when ‘Salamander’ dressed as a butterfly and danced to John Denver’s ‘Fly Away’, she was hooked! In fact, the only thing that has torn her off the dance floor is her equal love of photography (www.amandaabrams.com) A photographer by day, and a ‘junkie’ by night, Amanda has studied various forms of swing dancing such as Lindy Hop, Shag, and Balboa since June 2000. Amanda has enjoyed learning new moves, performing, and developing new friendships with the amazingly talented people that make up the Jitterbug Junkies.

Lulu

Loraine works as a dance teacher in a secondary school in Surrey. She is certified by the Canadian Dance Teacher Association and a member of the B.C. Dance Educators Association. She has been dancing since the age of 4 and spent some time training at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. There is nothing that she loves more (except maybe Ron and their kids) than dancing.  Loraine is one of the original founders and the primary choreographer for the Jitterbug Junkies which gives her nagging rights.  There hasn't been a rehearsal yet where she hasn't yelled, "Stop, it's all wrong!"

K-while (The Geek)

In 2001, Kyle jumped back into the world of dance taking salsa, ballroom and swing all at the same time, but fell in love with swing. Enjoying the high flying energy and excitement of all the forms of swing Kyle pursues expanding his understanding and enjoyment of swing through learning, performing, choreographing, and teaching. Earlier as Kyle started with the Junkies, he was dubbed the apprentice, learning the smooth hollywood style of swing (among other things), but little did the Junkies know, they were actually Kyle's apprentices. The majority of the Junkies are now young paddawan's of geek-ness learning and becoming geeks like Kyle.

With always having the dream of being a professional dancer, Krista is well on her way to star in Hollywood’s next latest swing dance musical! Kidding aside, Krista thinks of herself as a jack-of-all trades, yet master of none.  She has dabbled in many different activities over the years, but has stuck with swing dancing because she loves the music, and gets to wear flowy skirts.  She hopes to one day master not only swing dancing, but maintaining perfect posture while standing! Krista is super excited to learn from such a great group of dancers and hopes to not be dropped on her head in aerials practice.

Teresa has an extensive background in health and fitness with a degree in Kinesiology and a diploma of technology in Electroneurophysiology. Growing up she was very active in Track and Field. She now has two businesses, an online fashion store Swing Candy Fashion and a professional organizing business Clutter Conquerors.While she had taken jazz dancing during high school she only took up Swing dancing including; Lindyhop, Balboa, Balswing, Collegiate Shag, Carolina Shag, Charleston, and East Coast, about 11 years ago. She also began teaching the various forms 8 years ago. On the dance team she is known as the girl most likely to cause premature pecking and always loves to ‘fly’.

 Gumby

After years of playing in swing and jazz bands, Travis switched from the stage to the dance floor in 2005 after seeing a swing bomb in the Student Union Building at the University of British Columbia. Despite being “gifted” with two left feet, he was instantly hooked, and in those early days could often be found practicing late at night after class in parkades (whenever cars weren’t driving by at least). A new addition to the Jitterbug Junkies, Travis is excited to take his dancing to the next level, and hopes inspire other people to get hooked on swing, just like happened to him.