2025 Personnel
Emcee – Daniel Verdon
Daniel fell in love with swing dancing over a decade ago, mesmerized by the healing power of dance. After several years as a dancer, he first starting giving back to his scene by DJing and then learning how to teach dance. He has spent the last several years as an organizer for his hometown scene in Cincinnati and is the proud co-owner of Queen City Swing Dance.
As an Emcee he loves to promote swing bands and deejays and share the energy and joy that dancing gives him. PittStop is one of his favorite events, and he cannot wait to serve at the event this year!
Photographer – David O’Brien
Event photographer with a passion to capture your heart-felt and candid moments. David’s photos are all over this website!
Check out David’s website for more: https://www.dobrienphotography.com/portfolio/swing-dance
Or view his images from PittStop ’24 HERE!
Beginner Lindy Hop Instructors
Val Kutchko (they/she) has been swingin’ out since 2016 and is the current Curriculum Coordinator of Pittsburgh’s local Lindy Hop scene.
Julia Roberson (she/her) is a local swing dancer who is excited to be teaching at PittStop again!
John Dzikiy (he/him) started dancing in 2009, and has been teaching Lindy Hop for over 8 years.
Social Media Takeover – Sydney Cooney
Surprise! We’re giving our organizers a little break by letting a professional take over our social media! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date!
Sydney believes dance and music are life-changing, which is why she founded Swing Out Social Media, the world’s first social media agency dedicated to helping swing and jazz communities grow by boosting their social media presence. When she’s not on the dance floor, she’s capturing the magic of lindy hop through videography and strategic content creation. She’s excited to attend her first ever PittStop and help run the social media for the event!
Check out Sydney from Swing Out Social Media to see all of her amazing work!
Harlem Shoes
Harlem Shoes is coming to PittStop ’25!!
They specialize in custom shoes as well as providing both barefoot shoes and zero-drop! This is a long weekend of dancing so you have to protect your feet! Wear shoes that fit well!
They’re bringing 70+ pairs of shoes so people can see, touch, and try on the shoes to see the quality. They will be there to s; there are also vegan options available.
Why dancers choose Harlem Shoes?
We are pleased to offer customized shoe solutions for people with unusual foot characteristics. We examine each foot individually before starting shoe production.
Plus! There will be a discount code for any online orders from Harlem’s website.