McKenna Johnsen & Sara Lee Conners

Meet McKenna and Sara

STAR: McKenna Johnsen

Life Skills Teacher at High Desert Middle School

McKenna is a spunky middle school teacher in the Bend-La Pine School District. She has a passion for working with children and helping families in need. McKenna is honored to join the Swinging With the Stars team this year as a star dancer!

As a local teacher, McKenna loves the chance to work alongside middle school students and support them as they grow from children into mature teenagers! She loves her students’ witty humor and curiosity about the world. She also loves when they teach her trendy phrases such as “no cap” or “bet”, although she can’t promise that she can use them correctly in a sentence.

A native Oregonian herself, McKenna moved to Bend from the Portland area during the Covid-19 pandemic and absolutely fell in love with all Bend had to offer. She spends her free time hiking, running, paddleboarding, and most importantly, dancing at the Cross-Eyed Cricket country bar. McKenna is excited to dance the night away at the Tower Theater this fall to support the Sparrow Club and all of its wonderful families!

PRO: Sara Lee Conners

Sara Lee Conners has loved exploring Central Oregon the last four years as a new resident of Bend. She came from Boise, ID where she fell in love with social partner dancing, particularly Lindy Hop Swing! She has almost 10 years of dance experience in various partner dance styles including Blues, Balboa, Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing and West Coast Swing.

Sara Lee has a Masters Degree in education and is an elementary school teacher in Bend. When she’s not dancing or teaching, she is enjoying the beautiful outdoors with her two daughters (ages 13 and 10) and a rambunctious Goldendoodle. Her favorite activities include paddle boarding, hiking, and traveling to far-off places.

Frankie Manning, the Father of Lindy Hop said, “I’ve never seen a Lindy Hopper who wasn’t smiling. It’s a happy dance. It makes you feel good.” Sara Lee couldn’t agree more and is thrilled for the opportunity to participate in the Swinging with the Stars event to support Sparrow Clubs and to share the happiest dance around!

Credentials include 1st place competition awards in Solo Charleston, Lindy Couples, and Jack and Jill, at Boise City Swing, as well as 1st place in Solo Blues at Salt Lake LindyCon. She currently competes regionally in the Pacific Northwest in West Coast Swing in both dance roles (leading/following).

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