Brendan Souvenir's Dancing Experience
Brendan Souvenir started his dance journey in 2011 with Argentine Tango. After experiencing Ballroom and Latin dances with Sheryl Bentz-Sipe at DanceTales in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, he moved down to the University of Idaho to join the Univ. of Idaho Ballroom Dance Team.
During his years at U of I, Brendan discovered West Coast Swing from Maxwell Thew, Morgan Douglas, and Eric Allen. He then went on to make WCS his predominant focus, and continues his education in that today.
He has trained numerous dancers into confident, safe social dancers, as well as dedicated, well-rounded performers that are prepared to conquer any stage or dance floor.
Mission Statement and Organization Culture
Souvenir Swing is dedicated to bringing safe, entertaining partner-dancing to people who normally would not have access to dance. It is our focus to build an inclusive-community where people of all walks of life feel comfortable engaging.
Our company stands behind the abbreviation REACH, because we all believe that we should REACH to be better than we currently are:
Respect: the boundaries that we each set for ourselves and others.
Empathy: Everyone is at a different place in their dance (or life) journey.
Accountability: Each person controls their own actions. No one makes you do anything, and each person will be held accountable for their actions in this community.
Consent: Ask for consent for how you may dance with a person. You have no idea what physical or emotional boundaries each of us may have. Be vocal with your boundaries so you can be safe while engaging in our community.
Honesty: Be honest with yourself, where you're at, and how your actions affect others.