Grace Babbes’ Biography: 

Grace grew up in a family of actors and musicians and has been performing since the age of four. With a lifelong love of swing music and vintage art and fashion, she was instantly hooked when she discovered her first Lindy Hop class in 2012. Soon after, she became a fixture on Southern California’s social dance floors—dancing Lindy Hop, Balboa, Collegiate Shag, and Solo Jazz up to five nights a week. Now a full-time international instructor, Grace teaches across the United States, Europe, and Asia. She is also a seasoned competitor, with titles from events such as ILHC, Camp Hollywood, and Hot Rhythm Holiday. In addition to teaching and competing, Grace is a sought-after DJ and vocalist, known for playing and singing classic tracks that inspire dancers of all levels to connect with the music, its history, and each other.

Grace brings passion, playfulness, and deep respect for the roots of swing dance to every class she teaches. She encourages joy, delight, and a drive for excellence in her students. Heavily inspired by original swing dancers—especially those from Southern California—she frequently studies and shares vintage clips to spark fresh ideas. Grace’s teaching blends deep technique with joyful connection – leaving dancers empowered, grounded, and inspired. 

Patrick Stephanoff’s Biography:

Growing up with a love of jazz, soul, and funk music, Patrick instantly took to Lindy Hop when he joined his high school swing dance club in 2016. After the first few trips that Patrick took with his club-mates to the famous ballrooms around Southern California, he was hooked; there’s no chance you’d catch him at home if there was an opportunity to be dancing. Shaped by the immense talent and culture in his home scene, Patrick has gone on to compete and win awards from prestigious events such as Camp Hollywood, Hot Rhythm Holiday, and the Camp Jitterbug. Now teaching at Atomic Ballroom, he is helping to shape the next generation of dancers and carry on the legacy of those before him.

For Patrick, culture and history are the most important aspects of the dance. Not only does he love to study old clips, he actively seeks out stories about the old timers to further understand them and their dancing. Along with teaching fundamental technique (such as grounded-ness, pulse, and flow), he brings a softer skillset of injecting humor, playfulness, and performance to help dancers feel like they have the means to truly dance like themselves.