Our Mission
Our Mission
Our Mission
Our Mission
Mission Fusion has an all levels/intermediate class before each dance.
Our goal is to provide quality instruction that creates a fun and interactive learning enviroment. You are welcome to come solo or with friends. Either way Mission Fusion classes are a great way to learn Fusion dance as well as meet new dance partners.
Group Classes
- MFC 2023 Teachers -
Click here for class descriptions
Andrew Sutton
Andrew has been teaching Fusion since before we had a name for it and is often considered one of the founders of the Fusion movement (although he’d say our “d’ancestors” have danced Fusion since the dawn of time). He was the creative director for the very first Fusion Exchanges, the creator of the definition, Fusion = fusing your movement with your partner(s) & the music, and vice World Lindyhop Champion. When you take Andrew’s lessons, you'll improve your ability to fuse your dancing with everyone (not just those that took a similar class) & all music (not just the music in your scene)...so you can make every dance more amazing!
CC Wagner
CC’s first introduction to the Fusion community was in January of 2011, at the Boston Fusion Exchange. Coming from a Latin Dance background, dancing fusion was the first time CC experienced enthusiastic encouragement to explore social partner dancing without the restriction of a particular genre of music, movement aesthetic, or pattern of steps. Free to focus on the fundamental principles of partner communication and musical interpretation, she relished the depth of connection and understanding that can be passed between friends and strangers who might have completely disparate dance backgrounds. Always eager to learn and share, CC’s teaching style aims to incorporate these core concepts and ideologies.
Emily Webb - Dancing Through Love & Life
In 1996 Emily Webb began her love affair with partner dance. Through the years Emily has studied Tango, Swing, Salsa, Blues, and Fusion dance with some the top instructors in the world. Today Tango and Fusion remain Emily's greatest dance loves.
Thousands of students across the US and Canada have benefited from Emily's dynamic and interactive teaching style. Emily's adaptability to student needs, knowledge of body mechanics, and specialized drills create high impact learning for students of all levels. Through her years of teaching experience Emily has learned to make even the most complex movements simple and build them from the ground up. This means you will not only look good while you dance, but feel great to your partners too!
Emily Rose - Partner Acrobatics
Emily has been dancing, playing, and getting upside down all her life. Her first big fusion event was the Portland Fusion Exchange in 2009. She loves micro fusion more than anything, and organizes dances for Bay Area micro Fusion (returning soon!). She's also an acrobatics and handbalancing coach, and will be teaching a partner acrobatics class at MFC.
Eleanor Chen - Communicating Across Difference
Eleanor Chen is has been facilitating group workshops on social justice, anti-racism, and community since 2018. She created and ran Fusion Discussion in Portland, OR and the SF bay area to support the fusion scene in having productive conversations and greater individual awareness. In addition to privately consulting various leaders and teams, Eleanor has led workshops at fusion events such as Mile High Fusion, Portland Underground Exchange, Champagne & Roses, and European Micro Fantasia. Eleanor is completing a master's degree in Transformative Social Change to bolster her compassionate and intuitive methods with knowledge and skills from the world's history of civil activism. Her facilitation approach is grounded in emergent strategy, transformative justice, autonomy, and trust.
Angel Kim Spicer - Do Cool Sh*t...
Freelance artist, dance nomad, and all-around chaos gremlin, Angel cavorts up, down, and across the US dancing, teaching, performing, organizing, DJing, and generally raising hell. They also direct and produce their own artistic abomination, “Chaotica,” a highly chaotic neo-burlesque variety show based out of Seattle, WA. You can keep up with whatever havoc they’re currently wreaking at @AngelKimSpicer.
Sarah de Ugarte - 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗼-𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗵𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗺𝘀
Sarah is a California-based instructor, musician, and DJ who has devoted her life to music and movement arts. She fell in love with partner dancing via the NYC tango scene in 2013, and has danced fusion in the Bay for 7 years—with technique rooted in tango, lindy hop, and urban kiz. She creates a nurturing, challenging, and engaged class environment, and believes in learning lineage and cultural context alongside movement skills.
John Vigil
John Vigil is an internationally renowned dance instructor based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He has extensive training in various dances, including Blues, Latin, Fusion, and Swing, from recognized instructors throughout the country, and has a love for dance and movement that extends to additional genres such as Hip-Hop, Soul, R&B, Funk, House, and EDM. John's teaching career began in 2011 at the local, national, and international levels, but his passion for dance far predates this-- springing from boyhood, into adolescence, and beyond.
John's pure love of music and dancing is apparent in his movements. He embodies the soul of dance and inspires his students accordingly. His vast experience of several decades worth of dancing to a wide variety of music genres gives him a breadth of knowledge and flexibility to meet the needs of students of all backgrounds.
Jeannie Lin
Jeannie Lin is a masterful shapeshifter dancer who is able to effortlessly adapt, blend, articulate and draw from a myriad of different dance forms and experiences. Her early training included gymnastics, ballet, and modern dance, while her later years included formal study in over 30 styles of partner dance at the Ballroom Dance Teacher's Academy where she graduated with high honors. Simultaneously while teaching ballroom and latin dancing, she was also out at late-night clubs and bars all over the city dancing salsa, bachata, west coast swing, blues, and argentine tango. Now she happily resides in the worlds of fusion and argentine tango, where she weaves in her other dance styles together seamlessly, integrating concepts and creating hybrid movements with grace and unmatched fluidity. Recognized for her nuanced and effective teaching style, she's been invited to teach internationally at fusion festivals and workshops, including in Spain, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Poland, Hungary, and various parts of Canada.
Elias Travers and Ashe Jordan
Elias Travers and Ashe Jordan are a dynamic duo in the world of dance and movement arts. Together, they bring a unique and holistic approach to their teachings that combines the practices of Brazilian Zouk, Yoga, Dance, and Mindful Movement.
Elias Travers is a certified Brazilian Zouk dancer with over 7 years of experience in the dance. His teachings focus on the spiritual and mental aspects of movement, helping students to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Elias specializes in body mechanics, flow state, and connection with a partner, and is dedicated to the transformative power of dance on the mind, body, and spirit.
Ashe Jordan is a dedicated teacher and practitioner of Yoga, Dance, and Mindful Movement, with a profound understanding of the body-mind connection. Her classes are designed to create a safe space for individuals to express themselves, release tension and stress, and tap into their own power and potential. Ashe has also trained extensively in partner dance, specifically Brazilian Zouk, and has become the Vice Champion of the Brazilian Zouk World Championships 2022.
Together, Elias and Ashe bring a unique blend of movement, fusing together the practices of Brazilian Zouk, Dance, and Mindful Movement to create a holistic approach to movement. They are passionate about helping students to tap into their full potential through the transformative power of dance and movement arts.
Practica Teachers -
We are bringing you an all star cast of teachers to answer your most burning dance questions in the practica!
Jeannie Lin
Jeannie Lin is a masterful shapeshifter dancer who is able to effortlessly adapt, blend, articulate and draw from a myriad of different dance forms and experiences. Her early training included gymnastics, ballet, and modern dance, while her later years included formal study in over 30 styles of partner dance at the Ballroom Dance Teacher's Academy where she graduated with high honors. Simultaneously while teaching ballroom and latin dancing, she was also out at late-night clubs and bars all over the city dancing salsa, bachata, west coast swing, blues, and argentine tango. Now she happily resides in the worlds of fusion and argentine tango, where she weaves in her other dance styles together seamlessly, integrating concepts and creating hybrid movements with grace and unmatched fluidity. Recognized for her nuanced and effective teaching style, she's been invited to teach internationally at fusion festivals and workshops, including in Spain, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Poland, Hungary, and various parts of Canada.
Justin Riley
Justin is an internationally celebrated dance instructor with over two decades of dance training and teaching across the globe. He has explored and mastered a diverse range of dance styles in over 30 countries, bringing a nuanced and international flair to each class, DJ set, and performance.
Justin's passion for Blues and Fusion dance began in 2004 and has since led him to become a world-renowned instructor, community organizer, and founding member of the Fusion dance community. His classes are distinguished by their innovative classroom pedagogy, centered around Blues-based partnership, and a core emphasis on personal expression.
As an educator, Justin offers his students a complex understanding of body mechanics, enabling them to explore new avenues of movement and self-expression. He incorporates imagery and kinesthetic techniques adapted from leading methods such as Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais, and the Franklin Method, enhancing his students' dynamic understanding of movement both on and off the dance floor.
A'lan Abruzzo
A'lan is a founding member of the fusion community and has been an integral part of the scene since its emergence. He is a skilled DJ, accomplished teacher, and lover of all things fusion. His dance journey began with traditional ballroom, Swing and Blues. But his desire to move to modern music led him to fusion, which proved to be a natural fit thanks to his mastery many dances. A'lan takes great pleasure in teaching all levels of partner dance and honing in on the subtle techniques of each move. His instruction encourages leaders to lead with heart and purpose, while also encouraging followers to explore their own surrender and vulnerability. His classes prioritize self-awareness and body positivity, encouraging students to become in tune with their bodies both on and off the dance floor. Through understanding their own desires and deepest sensual connections, students gain confidence and fulfillment. As students explore the emotional blocks that partner dancing can expose, A'lan urges them to approach the process with gentleness and curiosity. To stay current in the partner dance world, A'lan regularly attends classes across genres and is currently deeply studying Tango. He contributes regularly to the local San Francisco and Los Angeles scenes as both a teacher and DJ. He is forever grateful for this community and the opportunity to share what he's learned.
Angel Kim Spicer - Do Cool Sh*t...
Freelance artist, dance nomad, and all-around chaos gremlin, Angel cavorts up, down, and across the US dancing, teaching, performing, organizing, DJing, and generally raising hell. They also direct and produce their own artistic abomination, “Chaotica,” a highly chaotic neo-burlesque variety show based out of Seattle, WA. You can keep up with whatever havoc they’re currently wreaking at @AngelKimSpicer.
Sarah de Ugarte
Sarah is a California-based instructor, musician, and DJ who has devoted her life to music and movement arts. She fell in love with partner dancing via the NYC tango scene in 2013, and has danced fusion in the Bay for 7 years—with technique rooted in tango, lindy hop, and urban kiz. She creates a nurturing, challenging, and engaged class environment, and believes in learning lineage and cultural context alongside movement skills.
Andrew Sutton
Andrew has been teaching Fusion since before we had a name for it and is often considered one of the founders of the Fusion movement (although he’d say our “d’ancestors” have danced Fusion since the dawn of time). He was the creative director for the very first Fusion Exchanges, the creator of the definition, Fusion = fusing your movement with your partner(s) & the music, and vice World Lindyhop Champion. When you take Andrew’s lessons, you'll improve your ability to fuse your dancing with everyone (not just those that took a similar class) & all music (not just the music in your scene)...so you can make every dance more amazing!
Class Descriptions
Partner Acrobatics - Emily Rose
Explore connection and balance while we play with different shapes we can make together in small groups. For every body and experience level. Bring a yoga mat and wear something you can stretch in.
Communicating Across Difference - Eleanor Chen
How do we navigate disagreement and conflict with others? When and why should we engage? What kind of approach can we take during a disagreement, and what skills do we need? Through discussion, written reflection, and embodied awareness, we will be exploring how we might have challenging conversations more responsibly. Come get reflective and consider ways we can work together even when we think we’re worlds apart.
Do Cool Sh*t / Make The Dance You Want to Have - Angel Kim Spicer
Incorporate solo movement and styling choices into the context of partnership! Learn how to have nuanced, two-way conversations, practice active speaking and listening while leading or following, and throw in your own movement and styling choices without disrupting the connection point or your partnership - unless you want to! Take agency and ownership over what you can control in your own dancing and have the fun, creative, and expressive dances you want - regardless of the skill, imagination, or movement choices of your partner.
𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗼-𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗵𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗺𝘀 - Sarah de Ugarte
What would a fusion floor look like if more of us were familiar with these rhythms? In this class we’ll integrate tresillo, habanera, and rumba into our existing dance skillset, explore new movement, and learn about lineage. Using core principles from kizomba and tango, we'll develop a style of walking that fuses seamlessly with afrobeats, milonga, dancehall, and more.
Dancing Through Love & Life - Emily Webb w/ Live music by M'Gilvry Allen
Experience love in all its facets through play, dance and connection. This workshop will open your heart and shine light on your relationships in dance and in life. The wonderful M'Gilvry Allen will be accompanying us on this transformational journey with live music!
Dance Lab - Emily Webb
This lab will be a facilitated workshop to get new ideas, lots of feedback from your peers and practice in a safe and positive container. Get ready to grow your dance and have lots of fun!
Contact Fusion - Andrew Sutton & Cc Wagner
Contact Fusion is a collective dance/game that allows you to dance with the entire room in one song! During a single song, you will organically swap between dancing solo, dancing with a partner, leading one partner while following another, and/or dancing with a group of people all naturally leading and following each other. Take this class to learn the techniques that allow you to smoothly transition between partnerships and naturally create your own spontaneous dance canvas with everyone else in the room. And good news, all the techniques in this class will also drastically improve your partner dancing too!
Co-Creation and Evolution - John Vigil
This class reframes connection by transcending traditional leading and following concepts to allow more room for co-creation in your dance. We will move beyond habitual movement and embrace a more balanced and conversational approach. We'll also foster seamless co-creation by exploring solo movement, tone, musicality, and techniques like stretch and compression. By delving into these kinesthetic aspects, you'll unlock fluidity and creativity, creating a joyful, music-driven relationship where each dance is an exhilarating, ever-evolving experience.
Zoukphoria - Elias Travers & Ashe Jordan
A guided Zouk inspired journey. Where a class isn’t just a class, it’s an experience. We will be guiding you and a partner through a movement journey to find your inner creativity and playfulness. This experience will focus on creating Zouk inspired movements and expression to the lyrical aspects of a song.
Hugsolations - Ashe Jordan & Elias Travers
We will be exploring the infamous Zouk hug and all the isolations that come with it. This class will be a close contact class that will focus on close embrace and deep connection. Get prepared for kinetic intimacy.
Rebound Your Dance - Jeannie Lin
This class is all about changing and redirecting your core energy, creating dynamic and yet compact ways of driving through the floor with confidence and style. Rebounds will give us that sweet connection to the ground as we change powerfully from one foot to the other. With the help of tango and single-axis turns, we’ll be weaving these rebounds in and out of each other to to create elegant and beautifully twisting sequences.