San Diego ‘N’ Line Dancers is a non-profit organization based in San Diego, California. As a member of the International Dance Association of San Diego County, we are sponsored by the San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation.
2022-2023 Board Of Directors
![](https://www.sdnld.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/mb_swikard-1.png)
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.
![](https://www.sdnld.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/julie_blakeley-1.jpg)
![](https://www.sdnld.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Carole-Bennett.jpg)
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.
![](https://www.sdnld.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/tom_wood-1.jpg)
![](https://www.sdnld.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/john_knapp-1.png)
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.
![](https://www.sdnld.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/jim_wellnitz.jpg)