Larisa Tingle & Za Thomaier / Dancing Feats

Summer is winding down, but we’ve got one last big workshop weekend to send it off with a bang! We’re thrilled to welcome Larisa Tingle & Za Thomaier to Boston for the first time 🥳 Za is a recent transplant to San Diego from Seattle, while Larisa has called southern California home for many years; together, they’re a powerhouse of Northwest creativity and Cali technical precision that lights up the dance floor. As active WSDC champions, Larisa & Za travel the world sharing their love of west coast swing. They also both have deep roots in their local communities, with Larisa serving as the owner of Starlight Dance Studio and Za originating the Seattle WCS Teams program. Boston is their next stop- will we see you there?
We have residential neighbors at our Saturday venue who appreciate their sleep and their resident-only parking spots. Please monitor your volume outside of the venue and take care not to park in marked resident spots or on the left-hand side of the garage (the right side is safe after the hours posted on the signs).
FRIDAY SCHEDULE
VFW Post 529, Somerville
7pm-9pm Spintensive w/ Larisa & Za (int+ WCS)
SATURDAY SCHEDULE
VFW Post 529, Somerville
2:00pm-5:00pm Intensive w/ Larisa & Za (int+ WCS)
5:00pm-7:00pm Dinner break
7:00pm-9:00pm Drop-in workshops w/ Larisa & Za (int+ WCS)
8:00pm-9:00pm Beginner WCS class w/ Megan Souza
9:00pm-12:00am Social dancing with DJ Maxwell Thew
*Classes marked as intermediate+ require dancers to have a solid grasp on basic west coast swing (side passes, push break, tuck, basic whip, inside & outside turns, starter step, etc.). If a class is not designated as int+, all dancers are welcome!
PRICING
Full Weekend Pass
$110 early bird until August 9th
$125 full price
Includes all Friday and Saturday activities
Saturday Full Day Pass
$80 early bird until August 9th
$100 full price
Includes Saturday afternoon intensive, 2 evening workshops, & social dance
A La Carte Passes
$85 ($70 early bird) Saturday intensive only
$75 ($60 early bird) Friday Spintensive only
$40 ($30 early bird) Saturday evening pass (2 evening workshops, dance)
$20 Beginner workshop & social dance
$15 Saturday dance only
Online registrations include a small processing fee to help offset PayPal and Stripe fees.
ABOUT LARISA & ZA
Larisa Tingle has always called the arts home. Her journey began as a classical violinist, with more than two decades of musical training, followed by 10 years as a vocal performer. She eventually found her greatest passion in dance, where she now brings over 20 years of experience to the floor.
Her West Coast Swing journey began more than 15 years ago, and she quickly rose through the competitive ranks in California. Today, Larisa travels internationally as a professional West Coast Swing Champion, sharing her expertise as a coach, instructor, judge, and performer. Known for her technical precision, musicality, and ability to inspire dancers at every level, she is passionate about helping students build both confidence and connection in their dancing.
Based in San Diego, Larisa continues to teach, compete, and perform around the world alongside her partner Za Thomaier. Whether on the competition floor, in the classroom, or on the social dance floor, she believes dance is a powerful way to connect, express yourself, and create meaningful experiences with others.
Dance has always been part of Za’s story. Coming from a family of dancers, he discovered his passion for partner dancing and went on to train, teach, and compete in more than 24 dance styles built on a ballroom foundation. His West Coast Swing journey has taken him to the Champion division, while his love for Zouk and social dancing continues to shape his approach on and off the floor. With over a decade of teaching, coaching, and competing, Za is known for his engaging instruction, musicality, and ability to connect with dancers of all levels. Recently relocated to San Diego, he now partners with professional West Coast Swing Pro Larisa Tingle. Beyond teaching and competing, Za is an event producer, DJ, community leader, and co-founder of Late Night Swing and the West LAB, helping grow and inspire dance communities wherever he goes.

HEALTH & WELLNESS POLICY (short version)
Masks optional but welcome
Please stay home if you are feeling sick, test positive for COVID-19, or have been exposed to COVID-19
Full Health & Wellness Policy available on our website