Nick Buchanan
Dance Instructor, Choreographer, Manager
Born in Michigan, Nick grew up listening to Polkas, Motown, Metal, R&B, Gangster Rap, and Hip Hop before discovering the magic of jazz music through NPR. Falling in love with the music, it was only a matter of time before he found the popular dance of the swing era, Lindy Hop. Nickolas has studied American vernacular dances, including Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa, East Coast, Collegiate Shag, Solo Jazz, and Blues, for 10 years and has taught for about 7 years.
Nickolas has traveled across the US and Europe, sharing his passion for American vernacular dance. He is thrilled to be part of CMDances school program where he teaches everything from basic motor skill movement and dance to pre-school through 3rd grade students and more complicated choreographies to middle and high school students.
Elena Hofer
Preschool Dance Instructor, Choreographer
Elena graduated from the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri at Kansas City in 2010, where she obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in modern dance performance. While at the Conservatory, she was privileged to study under and perform in various pieces by Jennifer Medina, DeeAnna Hiett, Sabrina Madison-Cannon, Paula Weber, Rodni Williams, Mary Pat Henry, and Ronald Tice. During the last several years she has attended summer intensive programs at The Ailey School in New York City; Jennifer Medina’s Common Thread Contemporary Dance Company in St. Louis, Missouri; and Cleo Parker Robinson in Denver.
Elena also holds an Associate of Applied Science in Small Business Management. Currently, Elena choreographs, studies salsa dancing, and teaches dance for both English and Spanish-speaking classes in the Head Start program through cmDance. She hopes to use dance and choreography as a tool to build self-esteem and create a positive self-image for young children and growing dancers, especially those who come from difficult backgrounds.
Freeman Bacon
Dance Instructor, Choreographer, Manager
Freeman Bacon began working with children at his first job at Joy Burns Ice Arena at the University of Denver in 1995. After leaving for several years, he returned to mentor skaters ages 4 through adult who were new to the ice rink at the university’s Learn-to-Skate program.
Freeman’s teaching focus expanded to include dancing in the winter of 2009, when a friend showed him his first Lindy Hop step. Freeman has studied many vintage partner dances, including Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing, Balboa, Collegiate and St. Louis Shag, and Blues. He also samples other dance forms such as hip hop, Latin, and ballroom to add to his repertoire and to inspire his other dancing. He has performed with multiple teams, dance groups, and companies in Denver.
In the fall of 2010, Freeman brought his teaching talents to cmDance, expanding his skill set to teach pre-school age children. Freeman’s high energy level and dedication to his classrooms enables him to relate easily with those in the program and positively impact both students and teachers. Through his methods, he facilitates growth in the children’s motor skills, physical expression, and creativity.
Sara Deckard
Dance Instructor, Choreographer, Manager, Coordinator
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 CM Dance’s school outreach program, which fosters the next generation of jazz babies in Denver, CO, where she currently resides.