DJs & Instructors
Alan Annicella
A little known fact about Alan is that he was tricked into dancing. His first experience with partner dancing was at a country western bar and a free lesson. It was 2-Step, he didn't get it, and wasn’t going to come back for the rest of the class series. But, the 50 something English woman that he got partnered with stated that if he did not come back, she would have no one to dance with. Her guilt trip made him come back the following week. That was in 2000, today, he is still dancing.
Even though he started with country western and line dancing, he most closely associates with the West Coast Swing dancing. In addition to West Coast Swing, he also enjoys the energy, passion, and enthusiasm of the Lindy Hop world.
Alan enjoys teaching west coast swing. His goal is to have each and every student walk away from each class with a greater understanding of the dance, the movements, and the music. Dance has been a tremendous influence in his life and he wants to share his passion for dance with you!
Stacy Zellner
Stacy began dancing at age 3, learning ballet, tap and jazz. At age 14, her mom took her to a country bar where they were having family night and teaching line dancing. Stacy was immediately hooked and not only learned several line dances but also the two step, cha cha, polka, east coast swing, west coast swing, triple two step, and the waltz. At 19, she started competing in these country western dances.
While West Coast Swing was not immediately her favorite dance, it soon became her passion. In 1999 Stacy formed a dance partnership with Jimmy Mulligan. Both Stacy and Jimmy moved to Atlanta where they continued their dance partnership and won the US Open Championships in the Strictly Swing Division in 2001.
Together in 2003, Jimmy and Stacy started the Atlanta Allstars Swing Dance Team, which later became Swing Shift. Stacy was captain of Swing Shift for 2 years and during that time, the team consistently placed in the top 5 at national competitions, including the US Open in 2004.
Soon after the 2004 US Open, Stacy retired from Swing Shift to start focusing on Lindy Hop and Balboa. Over the next few years, Stacy competed in Lindy Hop with Peter Zellner, and in Balboa with Alan Annicella. Even while learning and competing in Lindy Hop and Balboa, she remained in love with West Coast swing and has been an active teacher and club member for the Atlanta Swing Dancers Club since 2000.
Outside of the club, Stacy is married to Peter Zellner, and has a daughter, Hayley May. In her spare time she teaches private lessons and workshops. Stacy looks forward to competing again...