The Stunningly Attractive Swingers



The past members/alumni are numbered and ranked in order of greatness here.

2009 Officers

Captain Saras Windecker
Communications Director Krista Engle
Operations Manager Chennery Fife
Public Relations Catherine Dierkes
Financial Manager Tony Vergara
Webmaster Kelly Finnigan



2009-2010 Swingers

Vets
Alison Mora: Alison burst onto Penn's swing troupe with an enthusiasm and passion for dance that can only be described as sweeettt. She's bringing her original downtown sculpted style back on campus, so watch out for this spicy fireball both on and off the stage, or straight up hanging with the rest of the crew. (by Derek)
Sean Madigan: Sean is a nerdy old grad student. But he's also a swing dancer! It's amazing how these things work. Now in his fourth of n years (n approaches infinity) of grad school, Sean spends much of his time in the lab, if he's not dancing of course. So if his advisor asks what Sean's doing every Tuesday night, let him know he'll be at LaB--just don't mention that this is the local swing dance venue.
Chris Arasin: There are not enough words to describe Chris's love of swing dancing.
Rachel Amalo: Rachel on top of being in Wharton, a member of the business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi AND President of the Wharton Actuarial Science Club is a star swinger. I think it should also be acknowledged that she has one of the best looking smiles around campus. In fact, it was her smile and friendly personality that got me through try-outs as she diligently helped me learn how to do a proper basic. And whether she's dancing at the house, teaching a routine or showing off her talents at LAB, Rachel always has a smile for everyone, and for this, I want to say MERCI!!!
Rebecca Aaberg: Rebecca may spend countless hours running Harnwell and directing/playing in Penn Band, but her real passion is for the dance floor. Charleston or lindy, this devoted swinger never misses an opportunity to social dance. Our favorite things about Rebecca are her pretty dresses, crazy facial expressions, and of course, her amazing baking skillz!
Sandra Mazlagic: Ever since she was a little girl in Bosnia, Sandra dreamed of being a West Philly Swinger. She learned the French Horn and played for change on the streets to make enough money to buy a row boat and row to the USA. Eventually she stumbled onto Franklin Field where the Penn Scrambling Band was rehearsing. Now a member of the Penn community she could finally make her way to tryouts. Now Sandra can be seen happy as a clam, with her curly pigtails bouncing around on the dance floor. From her now bubbly personality, you would never know the mountains she had to overcome to achieve her dream. (by Mike)
Andrew Trees: Andrew Trees is not new to the swinging scene. This happy-go-bouncy trunk of a man hails from San Diego, which is Spanish for "Swing Dancer". Fresh off a semester in Italy, Trees makes pasta in his spare time. This junior's jubilance quickly attracts friends, who all soon discover themselves wanting to be a "Tree-hugger".
Tony Vergara: No one is really sure where Tony Vergara came from. Or where he goes. You could even say that he comes and goes. Like the wind. But only if the wind had ridiculously sweet dance moves and greeted people with, "sup, yo." Not only does Tony love the troupe and everyone in it, he's always got a hug in store, just for you. And you. And especially you. Also, the only real word his name rhymes with is "macaroni", which is why this isn't a limerick. (By Nirav)
Oat Naviroj: Oat is the deceptively cute swinger from Thailand. When you first see him bouncing on the dance floor it's hard to resist his adorable charm, his amazing dance moves and ability to sweep a girl off of her feet. He's every follow's dream. However, don't let this fool you. He's a jokester too. Be careful when he explains Thai traditions to you--you may end up with a bottle of water poured on your head. But either way you just can't resist a cuddle from Oat! (By Kristen)
Chennery Fife: Chennery came to Penn from Denver with over two years of experience swinging and it certainly shows! Fusing her Denver rhythm to Philly grooves has created a dancer that exudes confidence and flair. With a swivel that'll knock you away, Chennery gets way down low and channels the music into her dancing. The most common thing you'll hear this dancer say is that she "just loves dancing!" Boundless enthusiasm and love of dancing makes Chennery a strong flavor on the dance floor. (By Saras)
Grace Lin: Infected by the dancing bug while an undergrad in the Midwest, Grace started med school at Penn in search for a cure - but look where that got her. Now when she's not running around in a white coat or buried alive under a heap of books, dancing keeps her sane and her feet on the ground (in the figurative sense, of course). This hep kitten comes with a built-in swivel step and a lifetime warranty for cutting a rug!
Lindsey Allwine: Growing up on the streets of Washington (state), Lindsey often found herself running with a tough crowd. A lover, not a fighter, she instead turned to dance as a form of self-defense. The next time a gang threatened her, she busted out her moves, hoping to keep them stunned for long enough to run away. Her plan worked too well, though, as she literally blew their minds. She came to Pennsylvania (not state) to learn to save people, and continue practicing dancing, and running. (By Hal)
Saras Windecker: Hailing from the Middle East, our smallest swinger, Saras, thought she was joining a troupe and found instead she’d joined a family. This blonde bombshell steals the hearts of those around her both on the dance floor and in the kitchen. If you catch her triple stepping her way around campus, pretend to be a gust of wind and sweep her off her feet. You won’t regret it. (By Chennery)
Sharon Her: Sharon is only coordinated while dancing and playing volleyball. Or so she claims- her, and the coffee stains on my favorite dress shirt. Thanks, Sharon. A sophomore in the College, she enjoys stalking little kids, I mean... working as a camp photographer, making out with dough and inhaling baked goods. When she isn’t busy with these or eyeing Chris’ latest lingerie choice, this crazy Californian can be found charming chums with her bangin’ bodyrolls and vivacious voice. Who else has a last name that’s also a pronoun but Her? Sharon Her. (By Sam)
Wendy De La Rosa: For years, Wendy had been fighting the great force of swing. Her powers proved too weak against the force and after years of ignoring her true calling, she succumbed. Wendy decided to follow her instinct and give swinging a chance this semester and hasn’t looked back since. This little 5’1’’ dancer burns up the dance floor with her Latin Heat. She might study in the Wharton School, but when she really gets down to business, it’s all about the swing.
Winston Wey: Looking for a new way to get social with the ladies after discovering that they didn’t like to be tossed around with judo throws (outside the bedroom), Winston joined Swingers. A brief but memorable introduction to swing dancing in his last year at high school hooked him like crack, and he’s been fighting the addiction ever since by getting his swing on with the troupe and every swinger in New England. With his Triple-Crown Champion physique, Winston can show you that although judo means “the gentle way” – and he is graceful on the floor – he can be anything but... if you want it, honey.
Christina Vinton: Christina Vinton, whether swing dancing or saving lives, always manages to look more fabulous than at least 78% of the rest of the swingers. She makes all those around her look like scrubs as she sports her medical garb, swiveling her way across the stage. From her humble beginnings in east Africa (yes, really) to her current studies at the University of Pennsylvania, this nurse knows that stethoscopes are the new pearls and that white isn't just for before Labor Day. Of course, the perfect accessory to her ensemble is that delightful smile dancing its way into the hearts of her patients just as she glided into the troupe as a newbie this year.
Dalton Banks: Dalton is NOT a lazy swinger.
Kelly Finnigan: Kelly comes from upstate New York, where all she knew about was boring, singles dancing. After coming to Penn, she found out that it not only takes two to tango, but to lindy-hop all day long...and she wouldn't have it any other way. Whether she's at rehearsal, participating in a cuddle session, or dancing the night away, Kelly has the time of her life when she's around her fellow swingers. Her major may be undecided, but she has definitely decided where the party is at: on the (swing)dance floor.
Kelly Siderio: Kelly is a lazy swinger.
Kristen Rocha: Beware when you meet Kristen.... her suave charisma along with her cute irresistible charm can melt your soul. Her warm smiles project so much love you wouldn't know how to handle it. Sometimes, you just have to close your eyes and run away! Despite these cautions, her positive energy truly brings a ton of smile and laughter to the troupe. (By Oat)
Lauren Amira: Hailing from the tough streets of New York, Lauren Amira will sing,dance, or simply piledrive her way into your heart. You can find herstalking through the night, decked out in her purple scarf, protectingthe city from boring dance numbers. When she takes time off from beingthe Scarfed Crusader of Philly, you can find her dazzling spectators onstage with the Penn Singers, enjoying a mean cup of Grasshopper Pie(that's an ice cream, just so you know), or swingin' the night away.Don't underestimate her mad skillz, yo. (Written by Sho)
Lauren Tillery: Lauren Tillery, from Louisiana has been dancing all of her life...literally since she was a baby. It wasn't until high school, however, that she actually learned how to do it right. She joined a ballroom dancing club and learned how to do a lot of amazing moves. When she got to Penn she had to search long and hard for a troupe to fit her unique needs. She was going to join another ballroom dancing troupe until she heard about this AMAZING swinger troupe. She went to check them out and fell in love with their breathtaking moves and sweet vibe. She hopes to continue the rest of her time at Penn with this fabulous troupe! NEWBIES Fall '08!!!
Nathan Watkins: Swinger Newbie ladies swarm to Nathan in droves ever since he joined the troupe this year as a freshman. First there was smiling Sarah, who couldn't resist Nathan's Southern drawl and chiseled yet delightfully lanky body. At one Swinger party, she reacted all too typically to seeing Nathan on the dance floor, claiming to be 80% overcome by his sheer Swinger sexiness. Then there was the cuddly Kristen; Nathan was her first kiss. Although Nathan isn't spicy enough for her palate, he still holds a large spot in her heart. Sorry, Kristen, but neither you nor the lovely Lauren Amira will be able to find out Nathan's secret. He may swing out with sultry Sandra or tuck turn sexy Lexi, but even older women can't tame the beast within.
Nirav Sanghani: Nirav "Guac-o-clock" Sanghani came to Penn from H-Town, Texas armed with little more than his sweet hugs and peaceful demeanor. As both a full-time "southern gentleman" and junior in the Engineering school studying Digital Media Design, he managed to go completely unnoticed by West Philly Swingers for two entire years. Now that we've finally roped him in, he's got swing fever, and the only cure is more dancing. (By Tony)
Sarah Sterling: Sarah Sterling joins the West Philly Swingers as a soon-to-be canoe-rowing specialist. Her wilderness adventures have taken her to the tops of mountains, through forests, and out of the comfort zone of most of the other dancers. After a brief encounter with untamed tourists in Virginia, Sarah branched out, seeking new lands and uncharted territories. Twelve years and several hundred pairs of hiking boots later, she realized that satellites had already captured images of all parts of the globe and Dr. Livingstone had been presumed dead for over a century. Relentless in her pursuit of the new and exciting, Sarah pushed forward through the herds of Whartonites to join her fellow English majors at the University of Pennsylvania last year. Swing dancing lured Sarah as another undiscovered diversion from the monotony of city life, and she has used her energies to survey the dance floor...and then start a fire with it.
Shoham Bhadra: Shoham Bhadra is from North Brunswick, NJ, but don't hold that against him because he's super cool. This year, Shoham officially fulfilled his dream of being in every kind of PAC group--he was in Glee Club (SMAC), Penn Players (TAC-e), Chord on Blues (ACK), and we are thrilled to have him in West Philly Swingers (DAC) now! And though the other groups weren't able to keep him, we plan to hold tight to this multitalented performing arts butterfly. He's even planning to choreograph something outrageous for us next year, like dancing Westie to Korn! PS--if you really love him, meet him outside with some heath bar crunch ice cream! (Written by Lauren A)
Timothy Nielsen: Timothy is a freshman in the College and is still enjoying being undeclared. He is new to the troupe, so it's quite understandable if he looks unfamiliar. Timothy danced just enough swing in high school to develop a few bad habits (that he has hopefully gotten rid of . . .) Timothy is excited about his first performance with the West Philly Swingers and hopes you enjoy it as much he does. He wants to thank the vets for all their help, his roommate for putting up with odd rehearsal hours, and his parents for their love (and tuition money!)
Zoe Plantevin: West Philly Swingers is honored to have amongst its ranks, a true English rose in the form of one, Zoe Plantevin. Hailing from London, Zoe's charming accent, great attitude and impressive moves have definitely made her a favorite on the dance-floor. She will captivate you with her swivels and serenade you with an 8-count...in French! Did I mention that she's pretty to? It's just not fair!!!! (By Rachel)