Bio & Awards
Michael “Dargoff” Darigol has been dancing and performing in the swing dance community since 2003. Throughout the past 5 years his interest and dedication to lindy hop, jazz and blues has grown immensely and led Michael to competitions and events worldwide. With a clear passion and love for the dance he has volunteered his time to promote lindy hop locally, nationally and internationally, and serve as an organizer for multiple events. Since 2007, Michael has been teaching dance in the Seattle area. His instruction ranges from Lindy Hop and Charleston, to Solo Authentic Jazz, Blues and Balboa. In 2008, he was asked to teach with Sugar Sullivan and Barbara Billups at Herräng dance camp and again at Century Masters of Lindy Hop and Tap ’08 and ‘09.
Michael’s first lindy hop lessons were at Swing Out Nowhere and Michael was fortunate enough to take classes from the one and only Frankie “Musclehead” Manning. Other events Michael has attended are Herrang Dance Camp, Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown, Rhythmic Arts Festival, Frankie 95, Camp Jitterbug, Savoy Swing Jam and various Lindy Exchanges. While at those events, Michael trained under world class instructors such as Sugar Sullivan, Barbara Billups, Norma Miller, Lance Benishek, Fatima Teffahi, Lennart Westerlund Daniel Heedman & Åsa Palm, Hanna & Mattias Lundmark, Michael Faltesek, Skye Humphries, Frida Segerdahl, Andy Ried & Nina Gilkensen, Peter Loggins and Rob & Diane Van Haaren to name only a few.
Although Michael has spent a great deal of time and effort training and practicing, it’s regular social dancing that keeps his dancing tuned. While on the social floor, Michael displays passion, joy and silliness. If you’re not smiling, you’re not doing the lindy hop.
Along with exemplifying the true love and spirit of lindy hop, Michael
like to compete. His accomplishments include:
1st Place – All-Star Jack & Jill at Lone Star Championships 2011
1st Place – Strictly Blues at Lone Star Championships 2011
2nd Place – Advanced Strictly Lindy at Lone Star Championships 2011
Semi-finalist – Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown 2010
1st Place – Team Division at ULHS 2010
2nd Place – Partner Blues at ULHS 2010
3rd Place – Couples Lindy Hop at Camp Jitterbug 2010
Finalist – Solo Charleston Competition at Camp Jitterbug 2010
2nd Place – Open Strictly at Savoy Swing Jam 2010
2nd Place – Authentic Solo Jazz at Savoy Swing Jam 2010
Finalist – Harvest Moon Lindy Hop Contest at Killer Diller Weekend 2009
Semi-finalist – Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown 2009
Finalist – Partner Blues at ULHS 2009
2nd Place – 30 Second Showcase at Savoy Sing Jam 2009
1st Place – Open Jack & Jill at Camp Jitterbug 2009
1st Place – Hellzapoppin’ Competition at Harlem Nights 2009
1st Place – Harvest Moon Lindy Hop Contest at Killer Diller Weekend 2008
2nd Place – Open Jack & Jill at Camp Jitterbug 2008
1st Place – Featherweight division at Lindy Bout III
1st Place – Interregional Jack & Jill at Lindy Bout III
Finalist – Harvest Moon Lindy Hop Contest at Killer Diller Weekend 2007
1st Place – Endurance Contest at Killer Diller Weekend 2007
1st Place – Fast Dancing at Battle of Swing