Nicholas “Niko” Centino
Nicholas “Niko” Centino (he, him) is a Southern California dancer, educator, DJ and organizer. He fell in love with the dynamic rhythms of swing music as a teenager in the 1990s and began dancing Lindy Hop and Balboa/Bal-swing in Santa Barbara, CA in 2005. Known for his vibrant and expressive movement on the dance floor, Niko draws dance inspiration from a broad scope of influences, from the classic to the contemporary. As a teacher, he fosters a relaxed and accessible class environment through his thoughtful and collaborative approach to learning. A cultural historian by trade, Niko also guides and advises several of the archival projects of the Pacific Swing Dance Foundation (PSDF) as a member of its board of directors.