Mr. Mitten has been dancing for more than 20 years and is glad to have found a home at Ridgeview sharing his love of social dance with the students.
He was first drawn to swing dancing after watching the movie Swing Kids in high school, but he did not begin dancing until college. In 2004, while earning a degree in economics at Loyola University Maryland, he took his first social dance class.
In his twenties, Mr. Mitten spent three years teaching full-time at Towson Dance Studio, north of Baltimore. He taught more than ten styles of social dance and prepared students for social dances, showcases, and competitions. While teaching, he earned associate and licentiate certifications from the United States Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing in International Style waltz, tango, foxtrot, quickstep, and Viennese waltz, styles in which he competed for four years.
After leaving the studio, he worked as a math teacher, assistant dean of students, and registrar at Georgetown Preparatory School in North Bethesda, Maryland, and later practiced as a tax accountant for eight years.
When an opening to teach social dance at Ridgeview appeared, he saw a natural fit between his experience in secondary education and his background in social dance.
Mr. Mitten grew up in Rockville, Maryland, and moved to Colorado in 2018, drawn by Denver’s swing dance scene and the natural beauty of the state. In Colorado he met his wife, Dr. Sarah Mitten. They have two young children and regularly go swing dancing as a family.
Q&A with Mr. Mitten
Where were you born and where have you lived?
I was born in Rockville, Maryland and have lived in Baltimore, Maryland as well and Denver and Fort Collins, Colorado.
Where did you attend university or college?
I have a degree in Economics from Loyola University Maryland. I also have my associate and licentiate certifications with the United States Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing.
What kind of reading do you most enjoy doing?
I particularly like reading biographies, and my favorite author is Jack London.
What are the small essentials that make life more comfortable?
A sprung dance floor in my basement and a garden in my background.
What are your favorite snacks?
Baked goods: muffins, donuts, cinnamon rolls, etc.
What do you do to unwind?
Dance!
How could a parent volunteer help you most?
No help needed at the moment!
