WCS

How Kelly Supports the Dance Community

With decades of experience as a champion, judge, and educator, Kelly Casanova is dedicated to helping dancers grow—on and off the floor. Her work spans teaching, judging, and mentoring, with a focus on skill, confidence, and community.

Classes & Instruction

Judging & Chief Judging

Mock Judge Training Intensives

Workshops & Seminars

Coaching & Mentorship

Advocacy & Community Leadership

WCS

About me

Champion, Hall of Fame Inductee, and Leader in Swing Dance Education

Kelly Casanova is a two-time US Open Swing Dance Champion and a Hall of Fame inductee recognized for her lasting impact on the swing dance community. With over four decades of experience, she has taught, judged, and led at major conventions across the U.S., and currently serves as Chair of the Chief Judge Committee for the World Swing Dance Council.

A pioneer in inclusive dance practices, Kelly has helped reshape competition standards by promoting role flexibility and eliminating gender bias. Today, she focuses on mentoring the next generation through her Mock Judge Training Intensives, open to dancers of all levels.

wcs

A Lifetime Dedicated to Dance

My mission is simple: to help dancers grow with skill, confidence, and respect for the craft—while building a more inclusive and supportive community.

Classes

Open Champion

Years of teaching, judging & mentoring

Dancers, judges & events

our clients

Check our best clients & partners

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Testimonials

What people say

“Kelly’s mock judge training program is an incredible opportunity!
She was incredibly generous offering her expertise and
experience, and the program gave me new strategies to efficiently
and accurately judge, prompted me to think more carefully about
my priorities and values, and taught me what’s expected of
professional judging staff.”

Sarah Rempel

“An all around excellent experience – learned so much from Kelly!”

Elizabeth Wyke

“Changed the way I watch competitions.”

Nan Turner

“An extraordinary workshop”

Kelly Robinson

“Great comprehensive information about what judging is beyond
just the competition itself.”

John Su

“Kelly’s judges program is a high quality, exceptional experiential
training, to further your knowledge and grow connections. I’m
going to sign up again”

Shelly Callaghan

“Absolutely unreal course that far exceeded my expectations!! I
would recommend this program to anyone even a little interested
in learning how to judge, but also as a brilliant way to further your
WD+CS knowledge from someone who’s been in this business
for over 40 years!!”

Ashley Testerman

“Attending Kelly Casanova’s Judging Intensive was a truly unique and enriching
experience. Kelly is not just an expert in West Coast Swing—she’s a living historian who
has played a pivotal role in shaping the culture of the dance. Her deep knowledge and
engaging storytelling make every session feel personal and impactful. What stood out
most was how she tailored the intensive to fit the needs of the group, taking the time to
really listen and adapt as we went. Beyond just sharing information, Kelly emphasizes
the importance of autonomy and helps guide each participant in defining their own value
system within the judging world. It’s rare to find a space that’s both educational and
empowering, and this intensive absolutely delivers on both fronts”

Abigail Baker

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