:: eric b jacobson ::

Eric has been dancing since the winter of 2000. He has not only mastered technique, connection and partner communication, but he also brings an innate sense of musicality and soul to his dancing. With his roots in lindy hop and competitive ballroom, Eric began an intensive study of West Coast Swing (WCS) with national champion Donna Roesel in the summer of 2002. He immediately found success in swing competitions and rapidly moved up through the ranks, placing in Jack & Jills, Strictly Swing contests, and routine divisions. Today he is an All-Star level swing competitor who continues to study WCS with champions from around the country, keeping his moves and style on the cutting edge of the dance. Found spinning tunes at local and national events, Eric is also a highly sought-after DJ whose mix of soulful and inspiring music gets dancers on their feet.

As well as being an accomplished competitor and DJ, Eric is an experienced and insightful instructor. He began teaching swing and ballroom lessons at the University of Pennsylvania and Catholic University of America before teaching group lessons, workshops, and intensives in the DC area. For two years, he was a resident West Coast Swing instructor at Dance Manhattan in New York City, teaching group classes, private lessons, and workshops. From November 2008 through August 2010, he taught group classes weekly in the Boston area at Arlington Elks Lodge and other venues. He has been invited to teach workshops in various cities, and now teaches weekly in the San Francisco Bay Area. Eric has also been invited to teach, judge, and DJ at national swing dance events.

Eric is well known for his fun and flexible teaching style and his ability to effectively communicate with all kinds of students. While he emphasizes a strong foundation in technique and connection, he always infuses important aspects of the social nature of swing into his lessons, including musicality, improvisation, and especially partner communication. Eric once said, "Partner dancing is about three partners - the two dancers and the music - and the best dancing is that which involves all three equally." He believes that anyone can be taught to dance, and that swing in particular is an excellent tool for learning how to express yourself, how to communicate with others, and for discovering new aspects of yourself.

In May 2007, Eric was featured on Good Morning America, as part of a segment called "Dancing With The Moms." Four moms were selected from thousands of entrants to dance with professional dancers in a three-day competition. Eric trained and choreographed for one of the contestants, Sy Schapp, a physical therapist from Edgerton, MN. Despite the fact that she had no prior dance experience, together they took 2nd place and put on a great show.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
10th Place (out of 23) - Classic - SwingDiego 2011
3rd Place - Advanced/All-Star Strictly Swing - Swingin' New England 2010
4th Place - All-Star WCS Jack & Jill - Swingin' New England 2010
2nd Place - All-Star WCS Jack & Jill - New Year's Dancin' Eve 2009
4th Place - All-Star WCS Jack & Jill - Swingin' New England 2008
5th Place - All-Star WCS Jack & Jill - Boston Tea Party 2008
1st Place - Advanced Strictly Swing - Tampa Bay Classic 2007
2nd Place - Rising Star Division - Tampa Bay Classic 2007
3rd Place - Advanced WCS Jack & Jill - Swingin' New England 2007
1st Place - Advanced Strictly Swing - Swing Niagara 2007
2nd Place - Advanced WCS Jack & Jill - Swing Niagara 2007
2nd Place - Rising Star Division - Swing Niagara 2007
2nd Place - Rising Star Division - Summer Hummer 2007
2nd Place - Advanced WCS Jack & Jill - Summer Hummer 2007
2nd Place - Rising Star Classic - Swing Fling 2007
2nd Place - Classic Division - Liberty Swing Dance Championships 2007
4th Place - Advanced WCS Jack & Jill - Liberty Swing Dance Championships 2007
3rd Place - Advanced WCS Jack & Jill - Boston Tea Party 2007
2nd Place - All-Star WCS Jack & Jill - New Year's Dancin' Eve 2007
2nd Place - Open WCS Jill & Jack - New Year's Dancin' Eve 2007

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT ERIC

"Eric's style of teaching is fun, humorous, and well-organized. I have taken privates and group classes from Eric for a year and have really appreciated that he is able to phrase, or rephrase if needed, concepts and technique into understandable terms. From attending his classes you can see that he truly has a passion for what he is saying and teaching as well as the individuals attending the class enjoying and understanding. Eric also has a great way of explaining musicality and has helped me to explore different ways that I can move. His open-mindedness to technique is also insightful as it gives the student the ability to almost pick and choose what would work best for him or her. Oh, and he is fantastic leader, so dance with him!"
-Natalie Fisher

"Just wanted to drop you a note to say that I really enjoyed our private lesson and for the 1st time in about 5 years I felt as though I was hearing something that I could apply immediately, instead of what I have been getting. (Same story, new version and I don't agree with most of it). This time I felt as though I did NOT have to start over or change my dance completely, I heard and understood everything that you said and enjoyed applying your knowledge of physics and body technique TO MY BODY AND MOVEMENT. I also appreciate that you took the time to 'hear my story' which I think allowed you to assess what I actually wanted and needed. I would love to work with you more and will definitely book another private on your June trip."
- Dawn Degrushe

"Eric has the uncommon ability to quickly identify what needs to be corrected, how to correct it, and how to make what needs to be corrected understandable to the student. His eye for precision does not overwhelm a very relaxed, comfortable teaching style."
- Eleesa Perez

"Eric has been the only person who's ever made me feel like I could actually BE a good dancer, like it wasn't really all that difficult, like I was capable. And as a result of working with him I think I have become a much better dancer and person. I owe him so much. Self confidence is not something one usually expects to get from a teacher (at least in my experience, it hasn't been). So, he is more special than I think he knows, and I appreciate him more than I can say."
- Jen Hocko

"Again, thank you very much for the private lesson. It has been very helpful to me to gain the knowledge that you so graciously give to your students such as I. Your patience is appreciated as there is so much to learn the techniques of the West coast dance. As we talked about during the lesson, anybody can learn a pattern but the important part is to learn the technique that leads you into & helps you to do the pattern the right way. You have taught me that, I thank you."
- Rich Forshee

"I can't thank Eric enough for what he has been doing for the Dance Thing Juniors and for ME personally as a dancer as well as an instructor. His sincerity comes through with every word and every action - he believes in ME and that I will understand what he has to offer. That makes me believe in myself and makes it a joy to work at improving my dance and my ability to teach. I have seen him do this with every student as well - what a gem! Wish we could have him permanently in St. Louis - everyone knows about MY overbooked and overwhelming schedule - I'd still figure out a way to get with him at LEAST once a week, if not more, he's that good."
- Maria Blackwell

"Fresh, fun, encouraging, advantageous, caring, and talented! These are only a few words that come to mind when I hear the name Eric Jacobson. The creative ideas and concepts that he relates so naturally to dancers, including myself, has changed my dancing forever. Not only are they wonderful ideas, but they are given in a way I can understand and I am able to start applying them NOW! Eric is a very encouraging teacher as well. His encouraging attitude brightens the whole room and could make even the most inexperienced dancer feel right at home."
- Hope Kulkielski