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Alec Fisher
Beginner Standard Alec first learned about ballroom dancing when he joined Badger Ballroom as a graduate student and teaching assistant at UW-Madison, and while graduate school is now far behind him, his loves of dancing and teaching endure. In addition to ballroom, he has expanded his dance repertoire to embrace as much of Madison's vibrant dance community as possible, including west coast swing, salsa, and bachata. He met his co-instructor Kaitlin upon his return to the team in 2023 and has since enjoyed practicing and occasionally competing with her, and he is thrilled with the opportunity to share his love of dancing with his students. Pictured with Alec is his dance partner, Hayley Boigenzahn.
Outside of ballroom dancing, Alec designs scientific instrumentation as a systems engineer by day and works on perfecting his culinary prowess as a cook and baker by night, and since he bakes far more cookies and cupcakes than he can healthily consume himself, his fellow dancers frequently get to reap the rewards of his efforts. He also holds a special place in his heart for his rescue cats, Zeus and Pringle, and will flaunt their cuteness on any occasion.
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Kaitlin Durnen
Beginner Standard When Kaitlin was a freshman at the UW-Madison, she signed up for every student organization that mentioned dancing, which she believes is a great way to stay active while having a blast with friends. She even enrolled in Ballroom 101 in 2021; wanting a head start, Kaitlin tried some group lessons with Badger Ballroom. She was immediately hooked and hasn't stopped since! Fun fact: at Minnesota Ballroom BLAST 2021, she and her partner were the only couple on the floor for Newcomer Latin Jive.
She has partnered with Alec for a few competitions; together, they teach some of the same group lessons that originally got her hooked. Pictured with Kaitlin is her dance partner, Eric Johnson.
Outside of the ballroom, Kaitlin is an instructor for Madison Swing, and she frequents Madison's lively Latin dance scene. She says that she enjoys being outside when it is not too cold, but the team knows that she would go outside in any condition—and even jump in freezing cold water—for a good cause.
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Hailey Hardin
Beginner Latin Hailey started her journey to dancing in elementary school, learning hip hop, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and modern styles. In college, Hailey joined Madison Swing after signing up at the student org fair and later joined Badger Ballroom in Spring of 2023. She took Ballroom 101, a social dancing class through UW-Madison and fell in love with ballroom. Hailey served as council treasurer for the 2024-2025 semesters and is currently the council secretary. Hailey continues to dance because it brings her joy to always have something new to learn and grow from. She has met some of her closest friends through dance and greatly appreciates the social connections dancing has offered her.
Hailey graduating in spring of 2025 from UW-Madison with degrees in Neurobiology and Spanish. She is currently working during her gap years and plans to apply to medical school in the future! Outside of dance she enjoys reading a good book, sailing on Lake Mendota in the summer, and traveling to as many places as possible. She enjoys visiting national parks and spending time with friends and family. Pictured with Hailey is Eric Einerson, our other instructor for beginner Latin and Hailey’s competition partner! |
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Eric Einerson
Beginner Latin Eric joined Badger Ballroom in the spring of 2016 following a foxtrot lesson with our sister organization, the Ballroom Association of Madison (BAM). He was encouraged and initially welcomed by former member BJ Achim and has made many lasting friendships on the team.
Eric continues to dance because he loves the limitless potential for incremental improvement while working toward a shared goal with a partner, and he lists ballroom dance as one of several positive contributors to his emotional, mental, and physical health, the others being strength training and IFS therapy. When he is not dancing, he likes haunted houses and corn mazes and follows tennis and football.
Eric has also trained with the Fred Astaire Dance Studio (FADS) in Madison and Colorado Dancesport in Littleton, CO. Pictured with Eric is Hailey Hardin, our other instructor for Beginner Latin and Eric’s competition partner!
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Henry Johnson
Intermediate I Standard Henry graduated from the UW-Madison in 2025 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. Prior to that, he served as the captain of the Badger Ballroom for two years. He was introduced to ballroom dance through the Ballroom Association of Madison (BAM), Badger Ballroom's sister organization. Pictured with Henry is his dance partner, Anna Baeb.
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Emmalee Ciriacks
Intermediate I Latin and Intermediate II Latin Emma started dancing in elementary school, learning ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical. She started ballroom dancing when she joined Badger Ballroom in 2022. When asked why she continued, she said that ballroom dance is "the perfect combination of socializing, being part of a team, competing in a sport, and exercise!" When not dancing, Emma can be found in the audience of various comedy shows in the area. Pictured with Emma is her partner, Stephen Brown.
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Heather Jennings and Yubing Hou
All-Levels Standard Technique Heather and Yubing have been competing together since 2012, focusing on the international standard dances. Together they have been finalists at many amateur and collegiate competitions in the U.S., including Wisconsin State Dance Championships, where they twice claimed the open amateur championship titles, as well as USA Dance National finalist. Their teaching focuses on technique, efficiency, and consistency.
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Bobbi Yogatama and Heather Hellenga
Intermediate II Smooth
Intermediate II Smooth
No bio available
Kaitlin's, Eric's, Hailey's, and Henry's photos are courtesy of David Tsai Photography.
Emmalee's photo is courtesy of Julie Durnen.
Emmalee's photo is courtesy of Julie Durnen.
Historical Instructors
Spring 2026
Beginner Standard: Alec Fisher and Kaitlin Durnen
Beginner Latin: Eric Einerson and Hailey Hardin
Intermediate I Standard: Henry Johnson
Intermediate I Latin: Emmalee Ciriacks
All-Levels Standard Technique: Heather Jennings and Yubing Hou
Intermediate II Latin: Emmalee Ciriacks
Intermediate II Smooth: Bobbi Yogatama and Heather Hellenga
Beginner Standard: Alec Fisher and Kaitlin Durnen
Beginner Latin: Eric Einerson and Hailey Hardin
Intermediate I Standard: Henry Johnson
Intermediate I Latin: Emmalee Ciriacks
All-Levels Standard Technique: Heather Jennings and Yubing Hou
Intermediate II Latin: Emmalee Ciriacks
Intermediate II Smooth: Bobbi Yogatama and Heather Hellenga
Fall 2025
Beginner Standard: Alec Fisher and Kaitlin Durnen
Beginner Latin: Eric Einerson and Hailey Hardin
Intermediate I Standard: Henry Johnson
Intermediate I Latin: Emmalee Ciriacks
Intermediate II Standard Following: Heather Jennings
Intermediate II Latin: Emmalee Ciriacks
American Smooth: Henry Johnson
Beginner Standard: Alec Fisher and Kaitlin Durnen
Beginner Latin: Eric Einerson and Hailey Hardin
Intermediate I Standard: Henry Johnson
Intermediate I Latin: Emmalee Ciriacks
Intermediate II Standard Following: Heather Jennings
Intermediate II Latin: Emmalee Ciriacks
American Smooth: Henry Johnson
Summer 2025
Beginner Standard: Alec Fisher and Kaitlin Durnen
Beginner Latin: Emmalee Ciriacks
Intermediate I Standard: Shayne Wadle and Savannah Olson
Intermediate I Latin: Emmalee Ciriacks
Intermediate II Standard: Liam Tomson-Moylan
Intermediate II Latin: Liam Tomson-Moylan
American Smooth: Henry Johnson
Beginner Standard: Alec Fisher and Kaitlin Durnen
Beginner Latin: Emmalee Ciriacks
Intermediate I Standard: Shayne Wadle and Savannah Olson
Intermediate I Latin: Emmalee Ciriacks
Intermediate II Standard: Liam Tomson-Moylan
Intermediate II Latin: Liam Tomson-Moylan
American Smooth: Henry Johnson
Spring 2025
Beginner Standard: Alec Fisher and Kaitlin Durnen
Beginner Latin: Matt Elissa and Raina Elissa
Intermediate I Standard: Shayne Wadle and Savannah Olson
Intermediate I Latin: Emmalee Ciriacks
Intermediate II Standard: Michael Busche
Intermediate II Standard: Liam Tomson-Moylan
American Smooth: Michael Busche
Beginner Standard: Alec Fisher and Kaitlin Durnen
Beginner Latin: Matt Elissa and Raina Elissa
Intermediate I Standard: Shayne Wadle and Savannah Olson
Intermediate I Latin: Emmalee Ciriacks
Intermediate II Standard: Michael Busche
Intermediate II Standard: Liam Tomson-Moylan
American Smooth: Michael Busche
Fall 2024
Beginner Standard: Jason "Jameson" Ocker and Kaitlin Durnen
Beginner Latin: Matt Elissa and Raina Elissa
Intermediate I Standard: Shayne Wadle and Savannah Olson
Intermediate I Latin: Emmalee Ciriacks
Intermediate II Standard: Yubing Hou and Heather Jennings
Intermediate II Latin: Liam Tomson-Moylan
American Smooth: Michael Busche
Beginner Standard: Jason "Jameson" Ocker and Kaitlin Durnen
Beginner Latin: Matt Elissa and Raina Elissa
Intermediate I Standard: Shayne Wadle and Savannah Olson
Intermediate I Latin: Emmalee Ciriacks
Intermediate II Standard: Yubing Hou and Heather Jennings
Intermediate II Latin: Liam Tomson-Moylan
American Smooth: Michael Busche
Summer 2024
Beginner Standard: Eric Johnson and Kaitlin Durnen
Beginner Latin: Emmalee Ciriacks
Intermediate I Standard: Liam Tomson-Moylan
Intermediate I Latin: Jacob Denson
Intermediate II Standard: Yubing Hou and Heather Jennings
Intermediate II Latin: Michael Busche
Beginner Standard: Eric Johnson and Kaitlin Durnen
Beginner Latin: Emmalee Ciriacks
Intermediate I Standard: Liam Tomson-Moylan
Intermediate I Latin: Jacob Denson
Intermediate II Standard: Yubing Hou and Heather Jennings
Intermediate II Latin: Michael Busche
Spring 2024
Beginner Standard: Matt and Raina Elissa
Beginner Latin: Matt and Raina Elissa
Intermediate I Standard: Liam Tomson-Moylan
Intermediate I Latin: Jacob Denson and Aletea VanVeldhuisen
Intermediate II Standard: Yubing Hou and Heather Jennings
Intermediate II Latin: Michael Busche
Beginner Standard: Matt and Raina Elissa
Beginner Latin: Matt and Raina Elissa
Intermediate I Standard: Liam Tomson-Moylan
Intermediate I Latin: Jacob Denson and Aletea VanVeldhuisen
Intermediate II Standard: Yubing Hou and Heather Jennings
Intermediate II Latin: Michael Busche
Fall 2023
Beginner Standard: Nettie Dellheim
Beginner Latin: Jacob Denson and Aletea VanVeldhuisen
Intermediate I Standard: Liam Tomson-Moylan and Heather Hellenga
Intermediate I Latin: Matt and Raina Elissa
Intermediate II Standard: Michael Busche
Intermediate II Latin: Michael Busche
Beginner Standard: Nettie Dellheim
Beginner Latin: Jacob Denson and Aletea VanVeldhuisen
Intermediate I Standard: Liam Tomson-Moylan and Heather Hellenga
Intermediate I Latin: Matt and Raina Elissa
Intermediate II Standard: Michael Busche
Intermediate II Latin: Michael Busche
Summer 2023
Beginner Standard: Nettie Dellheim
Beginner Latin: Matt and Raina Elissa
Intermediate I Standard: B Li
Intermediate I Latin: Liam Tomson-Moylan and Anne Amen
Intermediate II Standard: Michael Busche
Intermediate II Latin: Michael Busche
Beginner Standard: Nettie Dellheim
Beginner Latin: Matt and Raina Elissa
Intermediate I Standard: B Li
Intermediate I Latin: Liam Tomson-Moylan and Anne Amen
Intermediate II Standard: Michael Busche
Intermediate II Latin: Michael Busche
Spring 2023
Beginner Standard: Jason "Jameson" Ocker
Beginner Latin: Matt and Raina Elissa
Intermediate I Standard: B Li
Intermediate I Latin: Liam Tomson-Moylan and Anne Amen
Intermediate II Standard: Michael Busche
Intermediate II Latin: Michael Busche
Ballet: Katie Edwards
Beginner Standard: Jason "Jameson" Ocker
Beginner Latin: Matt and Raina Elissa
Intermediate I Standard: B Li
Intermediate I Latin: Liam Tomson-Moylan and Anne Amen
Intermediate II Standard: Michael Busche
Intermediate II Latin: Michael Busche
Ballet: Katie Edwards
Fall 2022
Beginner Standard: Jason "Jameson" Ocker
Beginner Latin: Matt and Raina Elissa
Intermediate I Standard: B Li
Intermediate I Latin: Liam Tomson-Moylan and Anne Amen
Intermediate II Standard: Michael Busche
Intermediate II Latin: Michael Busche
Beginner Standard: Jason "Jameson" Ocker
Beginner Latin: Matt and Raina Elissa
Intermediate I Standard: B Li
Intermediate I Latin: Liam Tomson-Moylan and Anne Amen
Intermediate II Standard: Michael Busche
Intermediate II Latin: Michael Busche
Summer 2022
Beginner Standard: Matt and Raina Elissa
Beginner Latin: Liam Tomson-Moylan and Anne Amen
Intermediate I Standard: Lorenz Vargas
Intermediate I Latin: Lorenz Vargas
Intermediate II Standard: Yubing Hou and Heather Jennings
Intermediate II Latin: Michael Busche
Foxtrot: Jason "Jameson" Ocker, Rebecca Johnson, Anna Nadon, and Raina Elissa
Beginner Standard: Matt and Raina Elissa
Beginner Latin: Liam Tomson-Moylan and Anne Amen
Intermediate I Standard: Lorenz Vargas
Intermediate I Latin: Lorenz Vargas
Intermediate II Standard: Yubing Hou and Heather Jennings
Intermediate II Latin: Michael Busche
Foxtrot: Jason "Jameson" Ocker, Rebecca Johnson, Anna Nadon, and Raina Elissa
Spring 2022
Beginner Standard: Colin Richter and Taylor Treadway
Beginner Latin: Matt and Raina Elissa
Intermediate I Standard: Lorenz Vargas
Intermediate I Latin: Lorenz Vargas
Intermediate II Standard: Michael Busche
Intermediate II Latin: Michael Busche
Beginner Standard: Colin Richter and Taylor Treadway
Beginner Latin: Matt and Raina Elissa
Intermediate I Standard: Lorenz Vargas
Intermediate I Latin: Lorenz Vargas
Intermediate II Standard: Michael Busche
Intermediate II Latin: Michael Busche
Instructors below may be missing or incomplete.
Spring 2020
Beginner Standard: Colin Richter, Jason "Jameson" Ocker, and Anna Nadon
Intermediate I Standard: Rebecca Johnson
Intermediate I Latin: Gunnar Thompson and Raina Petersen
Intermediate II Standard: Rebecca Johnson
Intermediate II Latin: Anna Nadon
Beginner Standard: Colin Richter, Jason "Jameson" Ocker, and Anna Nadon
Intermediate I Standard: Rebecca Johnson
Intermediate I Latin: Gunnar Thompson and Raina Petersen
Intermediate II Standard: Rebecca Johnson
Intermediate II Latin: Anna Nadon
Fall 2019
Beginner Standard: Jason "Jameson" Ocker and Emily Koo
Beginner Latin: Colin Richter
Intermediate Standard: Rebecca Johnson
Intermediate I Latin: Gunnar Thompson and Raina Petersen
Intermediate II Practice Session: Anna Nadon
Beginner Standard: Jason "Jameson" Ocker and Emily Koo
Beginner Latin: Colin Richter
Intermediate Standard: Rebecca Johnson
Intermediate I Latin: Gunnar Thompson and Raina Petersen
Intermediate II Practice Session: Anna Nadon
Spring 2019
Beginner Standard: Jason "Jameson" Ocker and Alex Demers
Beginner Latin: Colin Richter
Intermediate I Standard: Raina Petersen
Intermediate I Latin: Anna Nadon
Intermediate II Practice Session: Anna Nadon
Beginner Standard: Jason "Jameson" Ocker and Alex Demers
Beginner Latin: Colin Richter
Intermediate I Standard: Raina Petersen
Intermediate I Latin: Anna Nadon
Intermediate II Practice Session: Anna Nadon
Fall 2018
Beginner Standard: Lance Hartung and Mina Ma
Beginner Latin: Jason "Jameson" Ocker and Alex Demers
Intermediate I Standard: Gunnar Thomson and Raina Petersen
Intermediate I Latin: Catherine Anderson and BJ Achim
Intermediate II Standard: Anna Nadon
Intermediate II Latin: Anna Nadon
Beginner Standard: Lance Hartung and Mina Ma
Beginner Latin: Jason "Jameson" Ocker and Alex Demers
Intermediate I Standard: Gunnar Thomson and Raina Petersen
Intermediate I Latin: Catherine Anderson and BJ Achim
Intermediate II Standard: Anna Nadon
Intermediate II Latin: Anna Nadon
Spring 2018
Beginner Standard: Gunnar Thompson and Raina Petersen
Beginner Latin: Catherine Anderson and BJ Achim
Intermediate I Standard: Cassandra Brzycki and Dallas Newton
Intermediate I Latin: Lisa Milter and Ziqing Lin
Beginner Standard: Gunnar Thompson and Raina Petersen
Beginner Latin: Catherine Anderson and BJ Achim
Intermediate I Standard: Cassandra Brzycki and Dallas Newton
Intermediate I Latin: Lisa Milter and Ziqing Lin
Fall 2017
Beginner Standard: Raina Petersen and Emily Tomforde
Beginner Latin: Lisa Milter
Intermediate Standard: Dallas Newton and Cassandra Brzycki
Intermediate Latin: Dallas Newton and Cassandra Brzycki
Beginner Standard: Raina Petersen and Emily Tomforde
Beginner Latin: Lisa Milter
Intermediate Standard: Dallas Newton and Cassandra Brzycki
Intermediate Latin: Dallas Newton and Cassandra Brzycki
Fall 2016
Beginner Standard: Nicole Gile, Crystal Wespestad, and Dillon Hanson
Beginner Latin: Alex Pinto and Alissa Milonczyk
Intermediate Standard: Jake Skebba
Beginner Standard: Nicole Gile, Crystal Wespestad, and Dillon Hanson
Beginner Latin: Alex Pinto and Alissa Milonczyk
Intermediate Standard: Jake Skebba
Fall 2015
Beginner Standard: Sophia Blitz and Dillon Hanson
Beginner Latin: Alex Pinto and Alissa Milonczyk
Intermediate Standard: Crystal Wespestad and Eric Whaylen
Beginner Standard: Sophia Blitz and Dillon Hanson
Beginner Latin: Alex Pinto and Alissa Milonczyk
Intermediate Standard: Crystal Wespestad and Eric Whaylen
