Honored to Be Inducted into the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame

On Saturday, September 26, 2026, I was inducted into the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame as a Rising Star in West Coast Swing. The 36th Anniversary Awards Gala at Mission Viejo Country Club was a beautiful ceremony filled with friends and mentors from all over.

The Hall of Fame honors people who have helped carry swing dancing forward. I loved seeing the West Coast Swing and Lindy Hop communities together, and seeing dancers of all ages recognized for their contributions and given a moment to share their joy in the dance.

The next day, I attended Carlito Rofoli’s memorial service at DanScene. It reminded me how much one person can mean to a community. Carlito inspired so many of us to dance with one another without worrying about level or experience. His simple phrase, “I’m just a beginner,” captured that spirit. I want to remember it: no matter how long we’ve danced, there is always more to learn and experience. I was grateful to see him recognized at the gala with a Stellar Star honor, alongside other dancers our community has lost in the past two years.

Congratulations to everyone inducted that night, in every category. A special shoutout to my friends in this year’s Nova and Rising Star categories. Putting on our impromptu demo together was so much fun. I’m grateful we shared that night, and even more grateful for all the dancing and friendship that brought us there. I hope we keep finding each other on the social and contest floors.

Learn more about the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame and its work preserving the history of our dance and honoring those who have contributed to swing dancing in California.