Browse teachers
Find out who is coming each week. More teachers still to be announced!
Alexandros has been teaching Lindy Hop and Authentic Jazz since 2016, both locally and internationally. Since 2018, he has been a member of the dance and teaching team at Rhythm Hoppers, one of the top swing dance schools in Athens. He is also the coordinator and choreographer of the authentic jazz team “The Dukes of Rhythm”. His main goal is to inspire students and other dancers to be creative and express themselves through Jazz, while learning more about the culture of this African American art form and respecting the Black American roots of Lindy Hop.
Alexandros is teaching in the "Lindy Hop" track together with Vassia Panagiotou in week 2.
Alice started dancing at the very young age of 4 years old and has explored numerous types of dances until she fell in love with Lindy Hop and solo jazz. She has now been swing dancing for 20 years and continues to be fascinated by the art of improvisation. Alice enjoys expressing who she is and what she hears in the music within the framework she shares with her partner. She has been spreading her passion for Lindy Hop and authentic jazz in more than 30 countries through teaching, performing, competing, and social dancing. Alice loves the diversity of movement and the freedom of expression this dance brings to the world. She hopes to keep learning and inspiring people for as long as possible.
Alice is teaching the "Lindy Hop" track in week 1 together with Remy Kouakou Kouame, as well as the "Solo Jazz" track in week 1.
Anni Skoglund is from Sweden, and she considers herself one of the lucky few to have parents who brought her into dancing when she was a child. The family were part of a local folk dance organisation who would travel to Scandinavian and European folk dance festivals to dance all night, where they let their children play,
eat and sleep with live music as their lullaby. Anni was one of those kids who let dance become part of her nature. Growing up with folk dancers gave her the opportunity to be close to a broad variety of music and practice: steps, rhythms, building momentum, counterbalance, torque, pivot-spins, switching dance roles (leading/following) and dancing as one with a partner. All the time through joyful social activity.
Anni’s main focus is social dancing. With a perspective of equality of roles she is a strong follower with a truth to be told. Since she came to Herräng Dance Camp, swing dancing became a constant companion and main focus.
Arcadia and Konstantin are a dynamic dance duo based in Stockholm, Sweden, who have made a name for themselves as ambassadors of the Mambo & Salsa community in Scandinavia. Their passion for dance and culture has been a part of their lives since childhood, and they have dedicated themselves to keeping the Mambo & Salsa traditions alive in the North. Arcadia and Konstantin's dedication to their craft is fueled by their love of dance and their desire to share it with others. They believe that dance has the power to bring people together and create connections across cultures and languages. Through their work, they hope to inspire others to embrace their love for dance and share it with the world.
Arcadia is teaching the Latin classes of the "Ramble Track" together with Konstantin Pinaev.
An unstoppable energy and dynamism, an unwavering smile and a great spirit : this is Audrey whether in a class or on the dance floor!
Audrey started dancing as a little child. After years of practicing Rock n Roll, Salsa, and Street Jazz, she fell in love with Lindy Hop when she was 18.
She is now a dedicated dancer, instructor and choreographer, teaching Lindy Hop and Vernacular Jazz in her school Jazzy Feet in Paris, as well as across France and internationally. She loves sharing her passion with her students, fostering their progress with joy and kindness. Deeply inspired by African-American female dancers of the 1930s and 40s, Audrey enjoys exploring their movements and styles. Also a competitor, she has made notable appearances in prestigious international Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz competitions such as ILHC, Snowball, Savoy Cup and more.
Audrey is teaching the "Lindy Hop" and "Classic Routines" track together with Sakarias Larsson.
Bianca Locatelli and Nils Andrén are Lindy Hop and Boogie Woogie dancers, choreographers, instructors and performers with a passion for driving the art form forward and have devoted the last decade to teaching, performing, and choreographing. Their true passion lies in Lindy Hop and Boogie Woogie, two vibrant dance styles that have deep roots in African American culture.
They discovered their love for dance at a young age, exploring various styles such as ballet, latin dances, hip-hop, and ballroom. However, it was swing dancing that captured their hearts. Their paths crossed when Bianca moved to Sweden, and they began performing and competing together.
Soon after, they embarked on a performing, competing and teaching career, sharing their passion and vision with audiences and students worldwide.
Bianca is teaching the "Lindy Hop" track and the Rhythm'n'Blues classes in the "Ramble Track" together with Nils Andren in week 2.
Bobby White has taught Lindy Hop, Balboa, and Solo Jazz around the world for over a decade. He has won various championships in all, and with each, Bobby strives to innovate and create a new voice, while still capturing the spirit of the original dancers. He has won almost every major title in the modern Balboa scene, including most recently two back-to-back All Balboa Weekend ACBC Championship titles (2015 & 2016, and 2018), The International Lindy Hop Championships Balboa division (2015), the California Balboa Classic (2016 & 2017) and the National Jitterbug Championships Balboa division (2016) with Annabel Quisao. He is the author of the popular swing dance blog Swungover, and the book Practice Swing: A Choose Your Own Adventure Guide to Getting Better at Swing Dancing. He is the co-founder of The Harvest Moon Hoppers, a New York performance group that specializes in taking inspiration from the Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers. As a dancer, he is widely recognized for his floppy hair, and as a teacher, by his sound effects.
Bobby is teaching the "Balboa" track together with Chisomo Selemani in week 1, as well as the "Lindy Hop" track together with Ursula Hicks in week 2.
Breai Michele is a Baltimore native, activist, dancer, and cultural counselor. A Harvard graduate and 20-year veteran teacher in Baltimore City, Breai is Executive Director of Moving History, a non-profit that teaches the story of African-American people dynamically through instrumental and vocal music, dance, and visual, culinary and martial arts.Upon return to Baltimore in 2002 following graduate school, Breai founded Guardian Dance Company with the mission of practicing, preserving and passing on African American culture. Lindy Hop was one of the Dances added to the company repertoire as a part of this effort. Along with the other members of the company, who were also unfamiliar with the dance at the time, Breai began her deep study of Lindy Hop, determined to see it grow and flourish in the community of its birth.
Some of Breonna’s fondest childhood memories are dancing in the kitchen with her siblings to top 40 radio while dinner was being prepared. Cooking, cleaning, roadtrips - music and dance was a part of everyday life. But it wasn’t until Breonna moved to New Orleans, where she experienced her first taste of live traditional jazz music, that she realized her affinity for the living art form of jazz dance.
She has danced and studied Lindy Hop, along with Vernacular Jazz at many different festivals and workshops around the world. As an emerging New Orleans based dance instructor, she values the connections between music, history, and authentic self expression through movement.
Breonna is teaching the "Lindy Hop" track together with Tyedric Hill in week 2 and week 3.
Dancing since 1974 and a protege of Fayard Nicholas (of the Nicholas Brothers) Chester has been dancing his way around the world. These days he is a dancer, teacher, performer, choreographer, director, stunt man and entertainer. His choreography can be seen in music videos for Boys II Men, Sugar Ray, Teena Marie as well as working with artists such as Savion Glover, MC Hammer, Prince and many more. Also a highly renowned drummer and band leader he has worked with some of the best in the entertainment industry. He has performed with his dance company Black Ballet Jazz, with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, the Count Basie Orchestra and the great Miles Davies. Chester exudes boundless positive energy and passion for dance and is a born entertainer. His contributions have been far too many to name them all. He can only be seen to be believed.
Chester is teaching the "Lindy Hop" track together with Josette Wiggan, as well as the "Tap" track and the "Solo Jazz" track in week 2 and week 3.
Chisomo Selemani is a dance and teaching enthusiast. She loves movement, learning, collaboration, and cultural exchange. Her artistic endeavors in the Swing dances are inspired from her Zambian tradition and Afrobeats. Her teaching methodologies invite you to explore your own style and artistry. When she’s not dancing, she is co-hosting the podcast Integrated Rhythm and is highly involved in global issues and practices in communication sciences and disorders.
Chisomo is teaching the "Balboa" track together with Bobby White in week 1.
Clàudia Fonte explores and embraces all kinds of playful ways in her dancing. Her main source and inspiration is Swing music itself. Taking the classic rhythms and moves as the foundation, she challenges herself to keep them alive through her own perspective and interpretation. Even though considering and admiring the great historical tradition of Swing dances, she believes in its evolution and expansion; respecting but also transforming the roots she explores different ways of communication and expression, as in vernacular jazz also in the partner dance.
Authentic Jazz is where she feels most in her element. Solo jazz enables her to achieve a creative atmosphere of exploration and play where she takes on the challenges proposed by Swing music and finds her own voice and style. Essential to her approach is promoting solo dancing in the context of social dancing. Sharing tools and techniques her objective is to help the dancers to explore and develop a style the most authentic for them. She believes that the dance floor is where everything starts, and the magic happens; where all dancers find their own way of dancing.
Clàudia is teaching the "Lindy Hop" track with Maria Mallan in week 1.
Described as a "modern Renaissance woman," Corina Kwami is a musician on stage and screen. She has performed in countries across the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia with her projects (Corina Kwami Quartet, Jazz Age Dance Bands and Pangea) as well as a featured musician with projects in the UK and globally. Born in New Jersey, USA, to a Ghanaian and Irish family, her inspiration in jazz is flavoured with influences such as stride piano, West African high-life, Irish folk music and soul. She is motivated by the story-telling power of jazz and its potential for connecting people across cultures. Corina’s extended work also includes contributions from the arts to innovation, future cities and sustainability. As a recognized thought leader with a PhD, she has deepened pedagogy in bridging the arts and sciences in order to facilitate exchanges between these worlds. You can see her face on series for the Discovery Channel and Science Channel. She lives in London.
Corina is teaching the "Bring Your Voice" track in week 1.
Damon Frost is a renowned professional dancer and mentor whose career began in 1981. Over the decades, he has made significant contributions to the world of dance, particularly in street dance and hip-hop.
Professional Dance Career
- Jam On The Groove (1996-1997): Damon was a vital member of this influential dance company, which helped popularize hip-hop dance theater.
- BouncE Street Dance Company: As a member, he brought his unique style and expertise to the forefront of the street dance scene.
- Three Style Fusion: Contributing to the innovative blend of various dance styles.
- Raised On Rhythm/Dramaten (2023): Recently performed with this company, showcasing his enduring talent and adaptability in dance.
Teaching and Mentorship
Damon's influence extends beyond performance to education and mentorship. He has taught at several prestigious institutions, including:
- Danscenter Stockholm
- Swedish College of Circus and Dance (DOCH)
- Cullberg Ballet Company
- Ballet Academy
- Swedish Royal College of Music
- Åsa Folkhögskola
His teaching has impacted countless dancers worldwide, helping to shape the future of dance.
Judging and Competitions
Damon's expertise is highly sought after in dance competitions globally. He has judged numerous prestigious events, such as:
- Summer Dance Forever
- Battle Of The Year
- Judge Debout
- Bboy Summit
- Street Star
- Sirkel Underground FunkinStyles
- Ocean Battle Session Taiwan
- Jack Of All Trades Montreal
- Versa Styles L.A.
- HipHop Revolution Sweden
- Wind Zone France
Achievements and Awards
Damon's skill and dedication have earned him numerous accolades, including:
- Winner of Judge Debout Popping (2004)
- P3 Gold Music Award
- Lifetime Achievement Award from Streetstar
- Ganneviks Stipendium (2023)
- Nominated for a Swedish Grammy with music group Hearin' Aid (2005)
Contributions to the Dance Community
In addition to his performance and teaching career, Damon serves on the reference group for Kulturrådet and acts as a mentor for the Attitudes project at Dansekapellet (2024), further showcasing his commitment to advancing the art of dance.
Damon Frost's legacy is marked by his exceptional talent, dedication to teaching, and significant impact on the dance community worldwide.
Dr. Marie N'diaye (PhD) is a Lindy Hop and African American Jazz dance choreographer, performer and educator as well as a dance researcher.
Marie has been dancing almost as long as she has been walking, training mostly in modern Jazz. She fell in love with Lindy Hop and other Jazz dances in 2006.
A true scientist (She obtained her PhD in Neuroimmunology from Karolinska Institute, Stockholm Sweden in 2018), Marie loves history and facts. She has been applying her scientific method and dance education to conduct an embodied practice-based research of Jazz dance through the study of original video clips and collaborations with many established dancers. She has also researched the cultural and social context of the Jazz dance era through literature study and interviews of artists. Her main focus is on the African American Jazz Women and Chorines (chorus girls) of the time. In 2023, Marie completed the Choreomundus Program, an International Master in Dance Knowledge, Practice, and Heritage. This program focuses on dance and other movement systems as cultural heritage and includes Ethnochoreology, Anthropology of Dance, Dance Studies, and Heritage Studies.
Currently, Marie is a board member of the newly founded "Black Lindy Hoppers Fund," an organization dedicated to support African and African diasporic dancers and artists in Lindy Hop and Jazz. She is also leading "Collective Voices for Change" a non-profit organization created together with other dancers and scholars in order to propose a platform to address social issues in the Jazz dance community. The current focus of CVFC is to address the issues of cultural appropriation and racial inequities in the dance scene.
Marie is teaching the "Lindy Hop" track together with Felix Berghäll in week 1 and week 2.
Elice from Stockholm, Sweden has a background as an elite gymnast and modern dancer, and discovered lindy hop at the age of 24. She fell in love with social dancing, the role of self-expression and the acrobatic influences, as well as the rich history of the swing dances. What she appreciates most while dancing is the reciprocity and exchange with her partner — as well as between the dancers and the music — in each millisecond of a dance. Elice recently joined The Hot Shots Swing Dance Company.
Elice is teaching the "Lindy Hop" track together with Sakarias Larsson in week 1. She is also teaching the "Lindy Hop" track and the Early Lindy classes for the "Ramble Track" together with Nils Nygårdh in week 2.
Erol hails from Turkey and is driven by bop music and dance. Learning the lindy in class and jazz dancing outside of the classroom. He shifted his mentality and practice over the years, realizing the history and culture of jazz. He is currently focusing on discovering the links rooted in jazz and challenging himself by focusing on choreographies. He is investing much of his time on researching, listening, and practicing bop style of dancing and its history.
Erol is teaching the "Solo Jazz" track and Bebop classes in the "Ramble Track" together with Serpil Yildirim in week 2, as well as "Lindy Hop" and "Classic Routines" together with Serpil Yilidirim in week 3.
Fatima Teffahi, a jazz tap dancer, entertainer, teacher, DJ and collector. Rhythm is her business!
Fatima started to tap dance in Brussels, her hometown, in the late 80’s. Her style is strongly jazz related and deeply rooted in the African American 30’s and 40’s tap and authentic jazz tradition.
She has lived in Stockholm for more than 20 years now, a still active member of "THE HOT SHOTS - a celebration of HARLEM rhythms" and one of the driving forces behind "CHICAGO swing dance studio".
Fatima is teaching "The Xperience Track" and the "Solo Jazz" track in week 1, as well as the "Classic Routines" track in week 3.
Felipe is a Brazilian Jazz dancer who grew up in an environment where music, dance, and rhythm are a part of everyday life. He came across Lindy Hop while living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and was drawn by the rhythms and the beauty of the social dance culture which reminded him of his own. He started frequenting the vibrant porteña swing dance scene of the time which took him to travel the world following his passion. Currently living in Berlin, Felipe travels the world performing and teaching. His classes focus on the social encounter of Jazz dance, allowing for the exchange of rhythm and the shared experience of Swing.
Felipe is teaching the "Lindy Hop" track in week 1 together with Ursula Hicks.
Felix Berghäll is a Swedish white man who specialises in Lindy Hop and African American Vernacular Jazz. He’s a choreographer, performer and educator as well as a music researcher and DJ. He has studied Sport Coaching and Sport Science at the Swedish School of Sport and Health Science in Stockholm. He has been part of the national team as an athlete in Boogie Woogie and Lindy Hop and is now Co-Head Coach with his partner Mikaela Hellsten for the national team of Lindy Hop in Sweden. He’s has and is been working for the last 5-7 years co-organising one of the biggest events in the world with focus on Lindy Hop and African American Vernacular Jazz.
Felix has been dancing since he was 8 years old, starting with training and competing in the Swedish dance style Bugg as well as Lindy Hop, Boogie Woogie and Double Bugg. All dances derived from Lindy Hop and African American Vernacular Jazz. He was in love from the beginning and was really taken by the music.
Currently, he is also part of leading a new NGO, Collective Voices for Change, along with other dancers and scholars in order to create a platform to address social issues in the Jazz dance community. The current focus of the initiative is to discuss the issues of cultural appropriation and racial injustice
Felix is teaching the "Lindy Hop" track together with Dr. Marie N'Diaye in week 1 and week 2, as well as the "Solo Jazz" track in week 2.
Fredrik Dahlberg was born and raised in Stockholm. Never had he a thought of becoming a dancer. Instead he spent his days listening to Hip-Hop and playing basketball. He moved to the south side and started to show interest in jazz music. One of his friends took him to a lindy hop class and at first he didn't show much of talent, struggling with what was left and right and up and down. Soon after he joined the famous swing dance company The Hot Shots. How was this even possible? With a mind set on nothing else (that is not entirely true) and some luck some might say.
With a big portion of individual style and new ideas he brings something refreshing to the scene. He tried tap (and is still trying), but on the other hand he has advanced in dances like the lindy hop, the charleston and several other vernacular jazz dances which has entitled him several big awards in only a short period of time. He has been teaching in several international events such as Frankie 100, Herräng Dance Camp, Camp Jitterbug and traveled to perform around the globe in such places as Singapore, Greece, Korea, Lithuania, China, Australia, Brazil, Canada, The U.S. and Mozambique among other.
He is also an important part of the puzzle Chicago Swing Dance Studio where he has been teaching, djing, cleaning, providing guests with a smile and dancing at every opportunity he gets. Fredrik is a time optimist and an optimist in general. In his free time, which is almost non-existent, he writes poetry, quotes the Godfather trilogy and watches the NBA. Besides his mother tongue Swedish he also speaks fluent English and practices Portugues. You can contact him through the record store 'runtrunt' where he claims to be working. If he works or not is a good question but at least we know that's where he practices his footworks and crazy ideas. Also he plays trumpet and tries to play piano.
Fredrik is teaching the "Lindy Hop" track in week 1 and the Slow classes in the "Ramble Track" in week 2 together with Frida Häggström Gerdt. He is also teaching the "Lindy Hop" track in week 2 together with Mimmi Gunnarsson.
Frida's love for jazz music started in her early teens, but it wasn't until she discovered Lindy hop at the age of 17 that her passion for dance truly ignited. From the moment she took her first beginner courses, social dancing quickly took over, and soon the dance and everything around it became an extensive part of her life.
She is a well-known face at Chicago Swing Dance Studio in Stockholm, where she spends most of her time teaching, training, dancing or DJ:ing. She is committed to sharing her love for the dance and the music that drives it, and when it comes to teaching as well as dance in general, she greatly values rhythm, simplicity and personal expression.
In 2015 she joined forces with The Hot Shots (formerly known as Harlem Hot Shots) and has been a solid member of the dance company since 2018. Together with the group, she’s travelled to teach and perform both locally and internationally. Besides her passion for jazz and dance, Frida is also a visual artist and freelance graphic designer, and whether it concerns dance, art or design she always has a creative project going on.
Frida is teaching the "Lindy Hop" track in week 1 and the Slow classes in the "Ramble Track" in week 2 together with Fredrik Dahlberg.
Frida Segerdahl started dancing at the age of 5. During her teens she was enrolled at a dance program studying jazz, modern and ballet and much more. When she was 15 she attended Herrang Dance Camp for the first time and fell in love with Lindy Hop. In no time, she was asked to join the world's foremost jazz dance company, the Rhythm Hot Shots and stayed active in the company until she had her second child in 2014. She has performed and taught at all ends of the world. Besides her skills in Charleston, Lindy Hop and Jazz Dance, she is also now part of the board of the famous Lindy Hop dance camp that she first attended back when she was 15, the Herrang Dance Camp in Sweden.
Frida is teaching the "Lindy Hop" track together with Skye Humphries in week 1 and the "Solo Jazz" track in week 3.
Gašper grew up with his mom and grandparents in Slovenia in the times when dancing was still a big part of cultural activities and socialising. When they were baby-sitting him, his grandparents usually brought Gašper to social dances, and held him while waltzing through the dance floor. That dancing feeling and the flow that he became aware of, became essential to Gašper’s perception of what dancing is all about. It triggered his general interest in dance, along with all physical activities such as team sports and martial arts. Gašper's dancing path went from classic social dancing, to world competitions in Hip-Hop and Breakdancing, and from the first
Swing-out in Ljubljana, to a professional career throughout Europe. Needless to say, the search for that “magical” flow from his youth continues to this day, and if you ever danced with Gašper, you know what we’re talking about.
Gustav grew up in a family dedicated to dance but he was more into sports growing up. As an adult he went to Herräng Dance Camp with his sister to try Lindy Hop and he was lucky enough to have one of his first classes with Frankie Manning as a teacher. He fell in love with the dance right away and since then, he has been dedicating a lot of time to learn more about this amazing dance.Born in Sweden, Gustav now dances and teaches in Barcelona, where his teaching is focused on rhythm and flow. He is constantly working to improve his movement by taking Tap classes and practicing Solo Jazz movement as well as Lindy Hop. He likes to perform and compete and has been successful at events such as ILHC, ESDC, Lindy Shock, The Snowball and lately ILHC Europe where he ended up in second place together with his partner Laia in the All Star Strictly.
Helena Kanini Kiiru is a young dancer and teacher from Zagreb, Croatia, currently based in Amsterdam. Her enthusiasm for music and dancing has been evident since her childhood when she started playing piano at the age of 7. Having Kenyan roots in her family, Helena has always been exposed to African music, which stimulated her sensibility for the rhythm. Very early in her life she began developing interest towards dances like Hip Hop and Dancehall. After 8 years of exploring various Street dance styles, she fell in love with Jazz and it's power to trancend body, spirit and music. Helena is currently on a mission to spread her aspiration and passion for African American Jazz dancing in hopes of contributing to its contemporary existence and development. Her huge wish is to connect Jazz and Street dance communities and bring this dance to street jams and clubs!
Since 2006, she has been teaching various lindy hop classes with new ideas, aiming for the growth of Korean swing dance scene, as well as competing internationally to acquire various titles. Especially, her name became known to others by winning the 1st place in “Hellzapoppin contest, Frankie 100”
She continues to show her unique character in workshops and events all around the world. She is a passionate dancer who strives to better express herself, and her delightful dancing gives positive energy to everyone who watches her dance.
Jimmy Yudat is a dancer, choreographer and activist both in the French and International underground scene for 20 years.He is renowned for his performances in hip-hop battles and is invited all around the world to share his knowledge. Founding member of the "YUDAT" group, he is also now the CEO of the Hip Hop dance media "HIPPOH" a media made by hip-hop activists for the hip-hop culture.
Considered as one of the best Hip Hop dancers of his generation, he is also one of the most charismatic MC’s and a source of knowledge regarding the hip hop culture.
Jimmy is a powerhouse on his own! His positive energy and his special Groove are something you don’t want to miss in Herräng!
Josette is teaching the "Tap" track in week 2 and 3. Furthermore she is teaching the "Lindy Hop" track in week 2 and 3 together with Chester Whitmore and the "Solo Jazz" track in week 1 and week 3.
Katja Završnik started dancing at the age of 5 and through the years studied various forms of dance such as Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Ballroom, Gymnastics and Acrobatic Rock and Roll for 9 years.
Since 2005 she has focused on early American dances from the Jazz age and Swing era, such as the Lindy Hop, Swing, Balboa, Charleston, St. Louis Shag and Authentic jazz. Her knowledge of (almost) all swing dances allows Katja to adapt her dance to any type of dancer. Which places her on the market among one of the best followers understanding connection and reactivity.
She is an elegant dancer. At first, you’ll be seduced by her style based on subtlety and finesse. But if you look a little closer you’ll be surprised by her musicality and footwork. Her focus on musicality and connection makes her one of the most sought after followers in the scene.
Her shyness – as probably her Slovenian origin as well – gives at first a “cold” feeling. But don’t make any mistake : she loves to laugh, to party and simply have fun. During a dance, she is one of the few followers to never refuse a dance and also often the last to leave the dance floor.
Currently living in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Katja travels doing special weekend workshops and festivals. In the past 11 years she has taught and performed all over Europe, Asia and USA.
Katja is teaching the "Balboa" track together with Peter Loggins in week 1.
Arcadia and Konstantin are a dynamic dance duo based in Stockholm, Sweden, who have made a name for themselves as ambassadors of the Mambo & Salsa community in Scandinavia. Their passion for dance and culture has been a part of their lives since childhood, and they have dedicated themselves to keeping the Mambo & Salsa traditions alive in the North. Arcadia and Konstantin's dedication to their craft is fueled by their love of dance and their desire to share it with others. They believe that dance has the power to bring people together and create connections across cultures and languages. Through their work, they hope to inspire others to embrace their love for dance and share it with the world.
Konstantin is teaching the Latin classes in the "Ramble Track" together with Arcadia Astorga.
Korantema is a dancer born and raised in London. She was put in tap, ballet and modern jazz classes after getting heat stroke from dancing too hard at her fifth birthday party. After going to her first social in 2014, Korantema very quickly fell in love with African American Jazz Dance. She performed in a chorus line troupe for five years, co-leading and choreographing for two years up until 2020. Since then, Korantema has enjoyed focusing on embodiment and the cultural traditions of jazz dance. She trains with Cookie and her Black Mambas, a collective led by Lindy Hop legacy holder Angela Andrew. When she's not dancing, Korantema works as a Curator of Anthropology and is a zine maker, usually exploring the cultural experiences of Black women.
Korantema is teaching the "Solo Jazz" track in week 2.
Bessie Award winner and New York Times critically acclaimed Breakout Star of 2021 and Best Dance 2021 & 2022 LaTasha Barnes is a multi-hyphenate Tradition-bearer of Black American Social Dance from Richmond, VA. A dynamic educator, performer and choreographer Barnes is globally celebrated for her musicality, athleticism, and infectiously joyful presence throughout the cultural traditions she bears: House, Hip-Hop, Waacking, Authentic Jazz, and Lindy Hop among them. Her expansive artistic, competitive and performative skills have made her a frequent collaborator to Dorrance Dance, Singapore based Timbre Arts Group, Ephrat Asherie Dance and many more. Her leadership and business acumen have placed her in positions of service as Chair of the Board of Trustees for Ladies of Hip-Hop FestivalⓇ, Vice President of Marketing & Outreach for the International Lindy Hop ChampionshipⓇ, Co-director of the Black Lindy Hoppers Fund, and HellaBlackLindyHop performance troupe, Board Member of the Frankie Manning Foundation and a contributing member to the NEFER Global Movement Collective.
Expanding the scope of impact for the communities she serves, Barnes completed her self-designed Master's in Ethnochoreology, Black Studies and Performance Studies thru New York University Gallatin School (2019). Her thesis and continuing research are working to bridge the gap between communities of practice and academic cultural dance research, performance, preservation and pedagogy as well as expand the reach of dance as a healing tool for US military veterans like herself. In concert with these efforts she is deeply honored to be a part of the Brain Trust developing the ground-breaking stage production SW!NGOUT, bringing the passion and power of Lindy Hop and its community to the concert stage. She is also honored to be the visionary and Artistic Director of the intergenerational and intercommunal cultural arts experience ‘The Jazz Continuum’ supported by Guggenheim Works & Process and Jacob’s Pillow in 2021. This two time Bessie Award winning exploration has recently been presented by the Joyce Theater (2022), Celebrity Series Boston (2023), Bates Dance Festival (2023) and awarded a NEFA National Dance Project grant. In support of the dialogue surrounding cultural art forms, Barnes is a contributing author to the 2022 National Dance Education Organization Ruth Lovell Murray Book Award winning text Rooted Jazz Dance: Africanist Aesthetics and Equity in the Twenty-First Century - Univ. FL Press (2021). Ensuring future artists and dance scholars maintain authentic cultural context as they move through the world bearing forth Black dance traditions Barnes is honored to serve on the faculty of Arizona State University School of Music, Dance & Theater as Asst. Prof of Dance.
Across all her efforts Barnes' eternal purpose is to inspire fellow artists and arts enthusiasts to champion æffective artivism through cultivating an authentic sense of self and intention in their creative expressions and daily lives.
Laia started to dance when she was six years old and danced Ballet, Contemporary, Flamenco and Ballroom dancing all through her youth. Her parents brought her to a Swing concert when she was 19 and she was hooked instantly. She is based in Barcelona, where she combines her day job as a science teacher with dancing and community building. Her teaching is focused on getting followers to participate actively and with a strong rhythm in the dance. She is constantly trying to improve by taking Tap and Afro Fusion classes to complement her practice of Solo Jazz and Lindy Hop. Laia likes to perform and compete (often with her partner Gustav Jakobsson) both in Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz and has had good results at events such as The Snowball, ILHC, Lindy Shock and lately at ILHC Europe. Laia has been dancing Lindy Hop for 15 years and she is eternally grateful for the opportunities this dance gives her, traveling to many countries, teaching, competing and sharing her love for this African American dance form for the last 10 years.
Lizette is a dance teacher and a member of the famous swing dance company the Hot Shots. Swing dancing has been part of her life for a long time as she started dancing at the age of nine in her home town Borås. Todays she is based in Stockholm, Sweden and travels the world to perform, dance and teach various dance styles from the swing era. Lizette puts a lot of value into personal style and a solid rhythm.
Lizette is teaching the "Lindy Hop" track together with Patrik Pettersson in week 2 and week 3.
Hello, I'm Maka. I dance stuff and I play way too many instruments. I also teach loads of classes and workshops about musicality. Plus, I DJ in numerous festivals. And my blood type is 0-. Could be useful. And I enjoy writing stuff totally unrelated to the classic descriptions requests (Sorry Marie!). But most importantly, I have immense respect for the rare individuals who actually read musicians' bios on websites! Seriously, who does that?! So, if you approach me with the secret code 'dogmatic squid', I'll make sure to crack a joke as a salute to your noble action. That said, see you on the dance floor!
Maka is teaching the "Bring your Instrument" track in week 2.
Malkom is a House dancer that has earned a dazzling reputation amongst the House Dance community through his personal style.
Dancer, choreographer and performer, he started with B-Boying in 2001 before pursuing with Hip Hop in 2007. But it’s House Dance that helped him explore his creativity and originality by using and combining influences. That allowed him to impose an identity to his own dance, which earned him to enter the “Serial Stepperz” crew in 2008.
Within this group, Malkom specializes in House Dance. He has brought together a number of victories in the biggest competitions (Juste Debout, Summer Dance Forever, Bust A Move, Funkin Stylez,…).
Malkom is now one of the key figures in the dance competition game and continues to grow constantly, always imposing his own style which now has a name: the « Ground Control ». This style is defined by a creative and extensive research of movement using the floor… because for him, the only limit in dance is imagination.
His sensitivity to music, which is a huge part of his dance’s originality, brought him to become a DJ in 2018. Through music, Malkom is able to express a new side of his creativity.
2/3 of the DJ collective Museik 1st, Malkom & Remy will be in charge of connecting the Jazz sounds to the more modern Hip Hop, House and Afro sounds.
Malkom loves transmission. So come and meet him and his contagious energy in Herräng!
It was more than 16 years ago that she discovered dancing and since then she hasn’t stopped; every day at least for 6 hours she dances - giving and preparing classes, practicing, discovering and helping others to explore, as well. She has madly fallen in love with Lindy Hop and her devotion has become stronger through the years. What attracted her the most and still fascinates her in Swing dancing is the freedom this dance allows to the dancer, as much in the individual as in the partner dance, to find their own voice and ways of expression that make each dancer unique. Even though she feels that knowing the history of Lindy Hop, the most important dancers and the classic moves enable greatly the development and improvement of a dancer and to find their own, individual way of dancing, she does not believe in set aesthetic patterns and norms to live up to and to fulfil. Her strength is musicality and flow. Moreover, a cornerstone of her methodology and dancing is being present in the moment and she tries to emphasize this in every aspect of her dancing and teaching, as well.
Maria believes that each dance is vivid and full of life. Being present at the moment gives the opportunity and creates the ability to be open and flexible; to adapt to the music and to the partner at the same time and follow where that moment takes us.
Maria is teaching the "Lindy Hop" track together with Clàudia Fonte in week 1.
Markus Rosendal started his journey in to the swingdance community back in the late 90s. Starting out as a competition dancer at the age of 9 he soon came in touch with dances such as Lindy Hop, Boogie Woogie and traditional Swedish dances.
Joining the national team in the early 2000s brought Markus to various places and competitions floors around Europe. In 2006 he got invited to teach internationally for the first time and have been doing so since then.
Alongside his dancing his always have had an interest for music and especially the music that has been accompaning the dances, since about 2012 he started to venture out much more in discovering music that is less known but deserves recognition, he has spent countless hours and $ in doing so and to play the music out!
Markus is a strong believer in being in the moment when he's on the dancefloor or behind the decks, creating a memory instead of documenting it is his melody!
Markus will be teaching in the "Lindy Hop" track together with Sandra Klack in week 2.
Mel, known for bringing his enthusiasm and charisma to any dance floor, is a dance instructor who dedicates his time to encouraging swing dancing in the United Kingdom. He began as a break-dancer and DJ in his teenage years in Canada and has been dancing and competing in swing events across Europe and the United States since 2002. Having experience with Lindy Hop and Blues, Mel's current passion lies in mastering Balboa and Bal-Swing - a journey of continuous learning.
He has been teaching Balboa in Europe since 2011 and his technical, "down-to-earth" and positive approach to learning helps to make the classes he teaches not only informative but also a fun experience. Mel's aspiration to be an ambassador for Balboa stems from a drive to continuously learn and share his passion of Balboa to enthusiasts alike.
Mel is teaching the "Balboa" track in week 1 together with Sylvia Sykes.
”Her feet run the floor like fingers over the keys of a piano—with clear intentions and deep sound. Rhythms are tight, movements fresh and joy unmistakable.” - Swingzine.com
Mimmi is a dancer filled with energy and joy. A true student of the dance, in love with the raw and wild style of dancers in Harlem in the 30s and 40s. Her inspiration though, is gotten from everywhere which she with care and ease incorporates into her own style.
As a breath of fresh air from a time that past, she makes the dance her own every time she swings by the dance floor.
Starting off as a social dancer, she soon found the passion for performing - since 2012 as a member of the famous dance company Harlem Hot Shots. Besides teaching regularly at Chicago Swing Dance Studio in Stockholm, Mimmi has travelled to teach and perform in all continents of the globe. Countries such as Australia, US, Brazil, Singapore, Korea, South Africa and Mozambique just to mention a few - And of course frequently all around Europe.
Mimmi will be teaching in the "Lindy Hop" track together with Fredrik Dahlberg in week 2.
Nando has danced since he was a very young and has worked as a professional dancer and choreographer for many years. He is a former member of the well known dance company Milorho and is one of the founders and choreographers of the recognized company, Hodi Maputo Afro Swing.
Nando is a strong, talented and versatile dancer. His expertise is in the traditional Mozambican dances but he also has great knowledge in modern urban dances such as Afro-House as well as in contemporary dance and the swing dance Lindy Hop. He was proudly chosen to be an Ambassador in Mozambique for the Frankie Manning Foundation.
As a dance teacher Nando has long experience both in teaching adults and kids. He is very appreciated for his pedagogic way of teaching, his humble attitude and how he always fills his dance classes with positive energy.
Nando is teaching the African Dance (Traditional Mozambican) classes in all tracks (week 1-3), as well as the African Dance (Traditional Mozambican) Beginner Weekend.
Bianca Locatelli and Nils Andrén are Lindy Hop and Boogie Woogie dancers, choreographers, instructors and performers with a passion for driving the art form forward and have devoted the last decade to teaching, performing, and choreographing. Their true passion lies in Lindy Hop and Boogie Woogie, two vibrant dance styles that have deep roots in African American culture.
They discovered their love for dance at a young age, exploring various styles such as ballet, latin dances, hip-hop, and ballroom. However, it was swing dancing that captured their hearts. Their paths crossed when Bianca moved to Sweden, and they began performing and competing together.
Soon after, they embarked on a performing, competing and teaching career, sharing their passion and vision with audiences and students worldwide.
Nils is teaching the "Lindy Hop" track and the Rhythm'n'Blues classes in the "Ramble Track" together with Bianca Locatelli in week 2.
Nils Nygårdh, hailing from Mora, Sweden, discovered his passion for dancing in his late teens. Moving to Stockholm he delved deeper into the world of swing dancing. With his love for tap dancing and the energetic and acrobatic style of Lindy Hop, Nils became a member of The Hot Shots Swing Dance Company (formally known as Harlem Hot Shots) in 2015. Alongside his dancing career, Nils showcases his musical talents as the drummer for the jazz band Siberian Hot Heads. Additionally, he channels his creative vision as a film producer, specializing in music videos and commercials.
Nils is teaching the "Lindy Hop" track and the Early Lindy classes for the "Ramble Track" together with Elice Fällström in week 2.
Dancer and choreographer specializing in Hip Hop and House Dance, Odile has always been immersed in the cultural and musical universe of the West Indies, which strongly inspires her dance.
She began her training with Modern Jazz and then Hip Hop. Trained in Hype and New Style by Francis Mbida, she then discovered House Dance and began to practice and perfect it by herself as an autodidact.Member of the "Paradox-Sal" crew, Odile evolves as a dancer and interprets both in competitions and on stage. She has also worked with choreographers like Anne Nguyen in Paris and Laure Courtellemont in Los Angeles.
In recent years, Odile has collaborated with Ousmane Sy on various projects, including the creations “Queen Blood” and “One Shot” as an assistant choreographer and performer. She also danced in the pieces “Fighting Spirit”, “Bounce” and “Basic” by the same choreographer.
Come meet this beautiful soulful dancer in Herräng!
Humorous and dynamic, keen, full of heart and a touch of the anarchic, Pamela was spellbound by Lindy Hop energy and community at the age of sixteen when she started her first classes at Lindyhop.lt Club in Vilnius. Despite her young age Pamela has already brought herself to light constantly learning anything related to dancing, be it music, psychology or anatomy.
In 2009, Pamela began working at Hoppers’ Dance Studio in her hometown of Vilnius, Lithuania. Today she dances and teaches with the top leaders in the international Lindy Hop scene. Having no constant partner has given Pamela space to bring a lot of variety to her dance - no wonder dancers call her one of the most exciting followers in recent years.
As a dancer Pamela cherishes individuality and freedom. For her Lindy Hop is not as much about impeccable technique as it is about musicality and awareness. As a teacher she shares her values and encourages people to find their own way of dancing: “Learn to be ok with the way you are and how your body moves. It’s all about you.”
Nietzsche once said “You need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star”.
By Migle Ravnialicevaite
Pamela is teaching the "Lindy Hop" track in week 3 together with Tadas Vasiliauskas.
Patrik is a dance teacher and member of the famous swing dance company The Hot Shots. Patrik happiest on stage, which is obvious when you see his famous smile and surprising agility. It is impossible not to notice his love for all music that swings, as soon as he sets foot on the dancefloor. He gets inspiration from the big dancers of the 30’s like Al Minns and Leon James, although he makes his moves his own.
Patrik is teaching the "Lindy Hop" track together with Lizette Rönnqvist in week 2 and week 3.
Peter Loggins brings a first hand historical approach to his classes sharing what was handed down by legends of the past including National Charleston champions, Harvest Moon Ball Lindy Hop winners and 1930's Swing Champions.
Peter not only travels worldwide as an instructor, lecturer, performer and competition judge but he has also been featured in television and film such as Beverly Hills 90210, Marilyn Mansion Mobscene video, Royal Crown Revue's Zip Gun Pop video and Films such as Mulholland Drive, and the 13th Floor.
Aside from having a down to earth street approach to teaching, his expansive knowledge of the cultures along with the music that drove social dancing allows students to learn the history of these dances and how they've evolved through the years.
Peter is teaching the "Balboa" track together with Katja Zavrsnik in week 1.
Remy Kouakou Kouame has always lived his life surrounded by music and/or dance.
Growing up within the Hip Hop culture as a DJ, he also developed his dance specialty within the Swing dance community.
Traveling the world to either perform, teach and/or compete in the context of Vernacular Jazz and Lindy Hop, he loves to share his dance and to help people find their unique voices.
In recent years, Remy felt the urge to (re)align with himself and connect all of the aspects that makes him the artist he is. This is how the project “The Xperience” started. Remy believes that a bridge has to be reinforced - if not (re)created - between the vintage and the modern Street dances.
He is therefore beyond excited to bring his vision in the concept of “The Xperience” to Herräng and share it with the Swing community!!!
His classes are a reflection of what this magical journey has brought to him : rhythm, music, connection… and tons of groove!!!
2/3 of the DJ collective Museik 1st, Remy & Malkom will be in charge of connecting the Jazz sounds to the more modern Hip Hop, House and Afro sounds within "The Xperience Track".
Come meet him in Herräng!
Remy is teaching the "Lindy Hop" track with Alice Mei, "The Xperience Track" and the "Solo Jazz" track in week 1.
Rikard sees himself as a lifelong student of rhythm, music, communication and culture. He couldn’t be more thankful forwhat jazz dancing has given him and he will always continue learning as well as sharing to inspire others to get deeper into communication, the process of jazz, and all the beautiful moments and learning it comes with.
Rikard believes the most important part of the job as a dance teacher is to inspire others to challenge themselves to learn in an unselfish way. He loves providing tools and exercises needed to grow as dancers and humans. Together is strong!
“Dancing should bring people together and if it’s not, we are doing it wrong”.
Besides dancing, Rikard is a passionate jazz piano player and enjoys photography, deep conversations and good coffee.
Rikard has been teaching in Herräng since 2008 and looks forward to being back this summer!
Sakarias "The Champ" Larsson was born and raised in Frufällan, on the west side of Sweden. He watched jitterbug contests as a kid and there were some things with the music and the aesthetics of the dance that spoke to him and he decided to learn. One thing led to another and already at sixteen he started practice with The Rhythm Hot Shots (now called The Hot Shots). That was 20 years ago and he's been with the group ever since.
The amount of hours he's spent in the rehearsal studio is probably beyond sane. The recent past years he's focused on sharing what he knows with the younger generation of Harlem Hot Shots. He finds motivation from his friends in the group, they keep him young.
Sakarias is on a never ending world tour in the name of lindy hop with probably 1000s of shows, teaching gigs and competitions. Apollo Theatre, Frankie 95 and 100, Basie Centennial, Last Bounce, Jazz Jam, ULHC, several tours in USA, Asia, Australia and Europe (only to name a few). He made it to the finals in Sweden's Got Talent and out of 100s of dancers he was casted among the top 20 to enter the reality tv dance show Floor Filler. He's also one of the founders of Chicago swing dance studio, one of the more famous lindy hop and jazz venues in Stockholm today.
He actually met and knew some of the original swing dancers of Harlem and he was good friends with Frankie Manning. The dancers from the Whitey's Lindy Hoppers are his true idols. But he also finds a lot of inspiration in modern day dancers such as Peter Loggins, Minn Vo, Jeremy Otth and of course Vincenzo Fesi. A few years back he decided to try something else and wanted to be a rock 'n' roller. He started learning the drums and soon joined and started touring with the well recognised band The Vanjas. He's also the drummer of the travelling jazz band Hornsgatan Ramblers. As if that wasn't enough, surfing, tattooing, playing the saxophone, film making and graphical design are only a few of his other "professions". He's a man of contradictions: a performer with stage freit, a teacher with social anxiety, a people loving lone wolf.
Sakarias is teaching the "Lindy Hop" track together with Elice Fällström in week 1. He is also teaching the "Lindy Hop" and "Classic Routines" track together with Audrey da Sois in week 3.
Sandra enjoys to travel. Although she is a bit afraid of flying, that has not stopped her from performing and teaching around the world. She is a restless soul and doesn't think it is enough only to teach and perform: she also writes, choreographs and produces a yearly swing dance musical. Those musicals, as she sees it, is the best! I mean, who doesn't love singing, dancing and self-made glittery costumes?!
Sandra loves old swing clips. She is a bit obsessed with them and has a big collection. She has a clear authentic vision and in her work, she aims to keep and hone the style, energy and feeling of the swingjazz era.
Sandra will be teaching in the "Lindy Hop" track with Markus Rosendal in week 2.
Serpil is a passionate dancer, teacher and a performer from İzmir, Turkey. Serpil mostly inspired by Afro-Cuban Jazz and she enjoyes to express herself through jazz dance. She is also the founder of Lindy Hop İzmir and one of the organizers of İzmir Swing Festival and a member of the Lindy Hop Team Turkey.
Serpil is teaching Bebop classes in the "Ramble Track" together with Erol Akinci in week 2, as well as "Lindy Hop" and "Classic Routines" together with Erol Akinci in week 3.
Originally pressured into taking Lindy Hop classes by his mother at the tender age of 12, Skye soon found that social dancing really is the best thing in life. Over the past 18 years he has performed, taught, and competed both nationally and internationally, gaining recognition as a talented and dedicated dancer.
Skye is teaching the "Lindy Hop" track with Frida Segerdahl and the "Solo Jazz" track in week 1.
Sylvia is one of the most well-known and respected dancers, instructors and judges in the U.S. today. An internationally recognized authority on most types of Swing dance, she has been teaching and judging for over 30 years throughout the U.S., Europe, Asia and Australia.
Sylvia studied with the great Swing dancer Dean Collins, studied Balboa with Maxie Dorf and spent years learning from the greatest Southern California Balboa dancers. Sylvia is an inductee into the National Swing Dance Hall of Fame and the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame. She is a U.S. Open champion, was the NASDE top point winner, two time California Balboa Champion, took third place in the National Carolina Shag Dance Championships, and has won many Strictly Swing and Jack & Jill dance contests throughout the U.S. in Lindy, Balboa and West Coast Swing. She was twice voted Swing Dance Teacher of the Year, and is a 4 time Feather Award winner as Best Female Lindy Dancer in the U.S.
Sylvia Sykes is teaching the "Balboa" track together with Mel Calanglang in week 1.
Tadas Vasiliauskas is Lindy Hop and Authentic Jazz dancer based in Vilnius, Lithuania. Tadas has been dancing, competing, actively performing and choreographing for over 10 years. He is most proud of leading a performance troupe, bringing Lindy Hop on the theater stage and founding Harlem Speaks Easy jazz club in Vilnius. These days he is mostly traveling and teaching in festivals around the world. Tadas can be frequently found playing jazz trombone too. On the dance floor, you can recognize him for his playful dance style and great energy.
Tadas is teaching the "Lindy Hop" track in week 3 together with Pamela Gaizutyte.
Thomas is a tap dancer, singer, musician & teacher. Widely travelled, he has performed for audiences around the world in North America, much of Europe, Canada, Japan, China, Singapore, Thailand and Russia.
Since 4 years of age Thomas has been on stage. His early years were greatly influenced by teachers Grant Swift (Australian Tap Wizard and Pioneer) and Christopher Horsey (Tap Dogs founding member). Before long, he had fallen in love with tap dance.
From 2010 to 2013 Thomas was a principal dancer with Tapestry Dance Company. Based in Austin, Texas it was then the only full time professional dance company in North America specialising in tap dance. He owes much to Artistic director Acia Gray and the dancers with whom he shared those 3 years.
Until 2019 he was living mostly out of a suitcase, based briefly in Barcelona, Rome, and Reykjavik Iceland whilst travelling to work in festivals and various projects.
From 2020 to 2023 Thomas led various Jazz groups in Australia in addition to studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Monash University.
In 2023 he started to live mostly out of his suitcase again, performing a tour of Asia and studying the dance and music of Guinea.
Thomas Wadelton is teaching the "Tap" track in week 2 and week 3.
I've been dancing for as long as I can remember. In fact, my earliest classroom was my home, or wherever my family gathered. My earliest teacher was my mom. Over the years, I've established a background enriched and informed by many movement traditions, some of which include capoeira, waving, and stepping. I discovered vernacular jazz and Lindy Hop in 2017, and I haven't looked back since.
As a teacher, I love to share historical and cultural context, weaving this into how I explain my approach to movement. My highest goal is helping you to develop your own approach.
I'm currently studying house, and continually growing in many street styles. In dance, I value lineage, authenticity, community, partnership and fun. I strive to incorporate these elements in my classes as well. I’m eager to collaborate with everyone!
Tyedric is teaching the "Lindy Hop" track together with Breonna Jordan and the "Solo Jazz" track in week 2 and week 3.
Ursula Hicks began her dance training over 20 years ago in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and later Modern and Contemporary dance. Ursula graduated with B.A. in Dance Studies from Texas Woman's University in the summer 2013, where she studied with Marry Williford-Shade, Sarah Gamblin, Jordan Fuchs, and Gladys Keeton.
Ursula brings such musicality and enthusiasm to the dance floor, it's no wonder that she has placed in multiple lindy hop competitions including the International Lindy Hop Championships in Washington, D.C., LindyFest in Houston, TX. , and a number of other competitions. Ursula has also been on the board of directors for The Fort Worth Swing Dance Syndicate, and served as president of The Dallas Swing Dance Society.
Ursula takes pleasure in collaborating with fellow artists and social dancing in the DFW area and enjoys teaching dance to students of all ages. She is an absolute joy to watch and learn from.
Ursula is teaching the "Lindy Hop" track with Felipe Braga in week 1 and with Bobby White in week 2.
Vassia Panagiotou is a Jazz Dance performer, educator and choreographer focusing on African American Vernacular Jazz and Lindy Hop.
Her love for the Jazz Dances has led her to an ongoing pursuit of delving into the cultural roots of this art form. With an unwavering dedication to research and understanding, she focuses on the legacy of the dancers in Harlem and the tradition of the female performance troupes in night clubs and theaters such as the Cotton Club and the Apollo Theatre (Chorus Lines).
To get a deeper understanding of the culture, she is also practicing tap dance focusing on the musical, improvisational aspect of the art form as it was danced by the hoofers in Harlem.
She is based in Athens, but quite often she travels in Europe to teach and perform. She is a co-founder of Rhythm Hoppers, a leader of the Rhythm Hoppers Chorus Line, the Hot Mallets & the Rhythm Hoppers performers and one of the organizers of the Athens Rhythm Hop Jazz Dance festival.
Vassia will be teaching in the "Lindy Hop" track with Alexandros Velentzas in week 2.
Guests & Honorary Guests
These remarkable artists have experienced the swing era in first person
These remarkable artists have experienced the swing era in first person. How incredible is it that they cross the big blue every year to spend some time with us and to help us connect better with their rich history. This year will feature:
Honorary Guests
Barbara Billups
Week 1, Week 2
Ms Barbara Billups resides in Queens, NY. She is a former Savoy Ballroom dancer and Harvest Moon Ball Champion also a former partner of Sonny Allen of the Dance Group "Sonny Allen and the Rockets". In 2012 Barbara Billups & Sugar Sullivan were among the first group of Iinductees in the International Lindy Hop Hall of Fame along with Sonny Allen, Frankie Manning and Norma Miller.
Denise Minns-Harris
Week 1, Week 2
Denise Minns-Harris – Lifelong Grassroots Activist, Daughter, Sister, Teacher, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Dancer, Buddhist, and professional Fundraiser for a wide variety of international, national, and local political, educational, progressive non-profit, and advocacy organizations. As soon as she could walk, her father, the world-renowned Jazz Dancer, Al Minns, would place her feet on his and dance. She loved Lindy Hop! She later studied Jazz, Modern and African dance as well. Her parents’ example of courage (they were married when it was illegal in most of the United States) taught her never to acquiesce to the status quo and to be willing to fight for what you believe in… especially your dreams! This has been the touchstone of her life and one she has strived to pass on.
Sugar Sullivan
Week 1, Week 2
Ms Sugar Sullivan started her career at the age of nine. She was a member of the "Original Jazz Dancers", a distinguished group of Lindy Hoppers and Hoofers from Harlem’s heyday. Sugar has been featured with the Harlem Blues and Jazz Band, Cab Calloway’s Hi-De-Ho Orchestra, and Panama Francis and his Savoy Sultans, among others. Ms Sugar Sullivan learned to dance at home, starting Tap dancing at age four. She was instructed in Tap by Buster Brown when he was performing with the Three Speed Kings. She won first place in the Harvest Moon Ball in 1955 at Madison Square Garden in NYC. Sugar Sullivan & Barbara Billups met at the Savoy Ballroom in the 1950s and they both have been coming to Herrang Dance Camp since 2004 and they are a huge inspiration to the dance world.
Sylvia Sykes
Week 1
Chester Whitmore
Week 2, Week 3
Dancing since 1974 and a protege of Fayard Nicholas (of the Nicholas Brothers) Chester has been dancing his way around the world. These days he is a dancer, teacher, performer, choreographer, director, stunt man and entertainer. His choreography can be seen in music videos for Boys II Men, Sugar Ray, Teena Marie as well as working with artists such as Savion Glover, MC Hammer, Prince and many more. Also a highly renowned drummer and band leader he has worked with some of the best in the entertainment industry. He has performed with his dance company Black Ballet Jazz, with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, the Count Basie Orchestra and the great Miles Davies. Chester exudes boundless positive energy and passion for dance and is a born entertainer. His contributions have been far too many to name them all. He can only be seen to be believed.
Guests
Breai Mason Campbell
Week 3
Breai Michele is a Baltimore native, activist, dancer, and cultural counselor. A Harvard graduate and 20-year veteran teacher in Baltimore City, Breai is Executive Director of Moving History, a non-profit that teaches the story of African-American people dynamically through instrumental and vocal music, dance, and visual, culinary and martial arts.
Upon return to Baltimore in 2002 following graduate school, Breai founded Guardian Dance Company with the mission of practicing, preserving and passing on African American culture. Lindy Hop was one of the Dances added to the company repertoire as a part of this effort. Along with the other members of the company, who were also unfamiliar with the dance at the time, Breai began her deep study of Lindy Hop, determined to see it grow and flourish in the community of its birth.
Momo
Week 1
Momo is a passionate dancer from Osnabrück, and has been an integral part of the Lindy Hop scene for over 10 years. Learning about the history and cultural roots of Lindy Hop and Swing is necessary to fully appreciate it. But how can we be sensible and understand the circumstances for black people now and back then? What could be a good way to discuss the dancing scene and its inclusivity today? Momo created a small portable format that breaks down the problematic and identifies the inherent racism that European societies have carried on for centuries. This is a chance to discuss how we can make our scene more inclusive. And it will be more than just warm words!
Natty Bo
Extravaganza
Want to learn some of the classic routines, or even take part in other captivating new performances? What better opportunity but to learn them first hand from our special guests. You might even be able to join them shoulder to shoulder in a tap jam!
Library Talks
Community means being kind to each other and learning about other peoples’ cultures and experiences. Our special guests will share their vibrant energy with us at our Library Talks, don’t miss the chance to listen to them in person!