Sara Deckard, though never classically trained, has been dancing since her mother taught her how to “mash potatoes” as a little girl. In 2004, she fell in love with Lindy Hop and all dances of the Jazz Age such as Charleston, Balboa, Shag, Drag Blues and others. She began competing and performing in 2005 and has since won titles in Lindy Hop, authentic jazz, and blues dance at events around the world. As much as she loves to show off, Sara is a true street dancer and is happiest on the social dance floor, or connecting with students in a relaxed workshop setting.
As a teacher, Sara is spirited and encouraging. She emphasizes staying true to the spirit of Swing and creating authentic, organic movement while maintaining one’s own creative voice and, of course, having as much fun as possible. She strives to give her students the confidence to get out and let their spirit move, experiment with new steps and celebrate happy accidents. Sara has taught at many workshops around the world, including the acclaimed Herräng Dance Camp in Sweden. Sara is also an instructor for cmDance’s school outreach program, which fosters the next generation of jazz babies in Denver, CO.
As a performer, Sara is inspired by the ladies of the Jazz Age, such as Josephine Baker and Mable Lee, but also by the go-go girls and shake dancers of the 60s and 70s. She has performed in cabaret-style shows at various dance festivals in the United States and Europe, and was featured in the music video for Caravan Palace’s song “Dramophone”.
From early 2011 to the end of 2012, Sara has choreographed, coached and performed with Denver’s premier all-girl dance troupe, The Diamond Dolls. Their repertoire covers everything from classic 1920s Charleston, chorus lines and fan dancing, to go-go, disco and even synchronized swimming (on skateboards!) The troupe is headed by Becky Vigil, and performs at dance and music festivals, as well as corporate events all over the US.
Sara lives in Denver, Colorado.