MB Swikard, President

Dancing has been a life-long passion and through my SDNLD club participation I have been able to share that love of dancing- by teaching line dance classes and serving as a board member for SDNLD.

I continue that mission in the coming year by serving as President for the club.

I hope we can continue to grow the club by making line dancing accessible to all levels of dancers and keeping our Socials and Workshops fun for all members. I will continue the mission of seeking more active participation in club activities by the members- the club will only continue to thrive with cooperation and volunteerism.

Julie Blakeley, Vice-President

My name is Julie Blakeley and I am the Vice-President of SDLND. I was born and raised in Vietnam and I am an accountant. My first experience with line dancing began with Diane Rojas, class in April 2011 when I joined for stress relief. Now, I am taking classes with both Diane Rojas and Mary Beth Swikard (MB). I enjoy dancing with all of you at the socials and workshops and look forward to serving as a board member.

Carole Bennett, Treasurer

-Born and raised in New Orleans, LA
-Served one enlistment in the US Navy
-Graduated Mercyhurst College, Erie, PA with a BA in Business
-Worked in Biotech for 20 years

I started line dancing about 2011 and currently attend classes with MB and Carol Stroecker.

As your treasurer, I hope to help make the club activities fun and exciting.

Tom Wood, Secretary

I started line dancing in one of our local country dance clubs in San Diego over 15 years ago. I was first introduced to popular line dance at the 2016 Windy City Line Dance event in Chicago. After searching local groups that dance at the level I saw in Chicago, I discovered San Diego ‘N’ Line Dancers. Since then I enjoy dancing regularly at the SDNLD workshops and socials. I have served as secretary on the SDNLD board since 2020, helping out with our web site, board meetings and social media.

John Knapp, Delegate

My name is John Knapp. I’ve lived in the San Diego area since ’77 courtesy of the USN from which I retired in ’95. I started dancing in ’79 with Israeli Folk Dancing and added International Folk soon after. I am currently on the board of the Folk Dance Center.

I started doing County Western dancing (couple and line) in 2006 at InCahoots then the Wagon Wheel in 2008 and joined the SDNLD’s in 2009 with whom I have participated in many County Fair and IDA festival performances. I currently teach a small line dance class at the Folk Dance Center.

Jim Wellnitz, 2nd Delegate

I started line dancing back in 2012 to meet new like-minded individuals. My first instructor was Diane Rojas then Cathie Lopez with a sprinkling of a few others and finally MB Swikard.

My love of line dancing developed into a three pronged reward: yes I met many wonderful people but the mental challenge as well as physical challenge and the ability to express the love of music with dance brought it all together.

As a former Treasurer of SDNLD (2013-2016) and President in 2017 I’m familiar with the workings of this club. Now being retired after 45 years in the publishing/distribution business I would enjoy giving back to this club that has so richly rewarded me.