Hyunjung Choi is a swing dancer, instructor and choreographer. Having majored in Korean traditional dance and enjoyed various dances such as dance sport and ballet, she came across swing dance in 2005, and instantly became fascinated by the dance. 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.
Vincenzo Fesi is a versatile artist and entertainer, recognised as one of the brightest international stars in the jazz and swing scene. Born in Como and adopted by the city of Rome, Vincenzo has built a career that has taken him to perform and teach all over the world, establishing himself as a dancer, teacher, choreographer and artistic director.Always looking ahead, Vincenzo is committed to continuing to grow the swing scene, bringing new ideas, collaborations and projects that inspire future generations of dancers. He firmly believes in passing on swing culture and in the importance of keeping its essence alive, so that every young person can learn not only the steps, but also the soul of a dance that defined an era.
Elice Fallstrom 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 the acrobatic influences and the role of self-expression, as well as the dynamic, playful nature and rich history of the swing dances. What she appreciates most while dancing is the artistic exchange that happens between two individuals — as well as between the dancers and the music — in each millisecond of a dance. Every moment is unique and the fact that you get to share that with other people makes these dances incredibly beautiful. Elice also enjoys performing on stage, which she does quite a lot as a member of The Hot Shots Swing Dance Company.
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 Hotheads. Additionally, he channels his creative vision as a film producer, specializing in music videos and commercials.
Juan Villafane is a world-renowned swing dancer, teacher and performer specialized in Lindy Hop & Authentic Jazz. Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he has dedicated over 25 years of his life to the world of dance, and throughout this journey, Juan developed a strong connection with jazz music and has dived deep into its history and culture. As a professional, he taught, competed and performed at the most important Lindy Hop events in the United States, Europe, Asia & Australia. Known for his teaching methods and no-nonsense approach to technique, Juan shares in simple terms, the results of his experience in the dance. A highly skilled and passionate dancer, Juan continues to inspire people around the world with his syncopated rhythms, intricate moves and musical interpretation.
Sharon Davis is a British-Australian dancer based in London, specialising in Lindy Hop, Charleston, Jazz and Burlesque. A world-renowned performer and teacher for over 20 years, she holds 1st-place titles at the International Lindy Hop Championships, Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown, Burlesque Hall of Fame, World Burlesque Games and more. Known for her deep love of history, she has extensively researched historic swing dances, jazz music and The Savoy Ballroom. Sharon feels very privileged to have learned from swing era legends including Frankie Manning, Norma Miller, Jean Veloz, Mabel Lee, Dawn Hampton, Sugar Sullivan and Sonny Allen, and she is honoured to share their wit and wisdom with you.
Joseph and Charlotte are two of the most active dance teachers in the UK, specialising in African American dances — Lindy Hop, 20’s Charleston, Blues, Solo Jazz and much more. Joseph has been dancing since the 1970s, Charlotte since the 1990s: together they bring over 30 years of teaching experience across more than 30 countries throughout Europe, the USA, Asia and Africa, with performances in iconic venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and the Grand Palais.
Their greatest strength is their direct connection with the original Savoy Ballroom masters — from Norma Miller to Frankie Manning — from whom they learned an authentic style, deeply musical and rooted in history. That same history they share through Swingopedia, their popular Facebook group which has become a global resource for dancers and musicians worldwide.
Beyond teaching, they have worked as choreographers and historical consultants for major TV and film productions, including BBC, Channel 4, Dancing on Ice and Tyler Perry’s Netflix movie 6888.
They met on a dance floor in Lithuania, and for years they enjoyed social dancing as it was. While sharing an interest and passion for African American dances, their casual dance offs slowly grew into a solid partnership. Tadas and Pamela’s classes focus on a personal style, motivation to practice, and surely this powerful magic called IMPROVISATION. They dance to express, to feel and inspire!
Jill & Alex have both been dancing from a very early age but come from different backgrounds: Alex is Benelux vice champion of Breakdancing and has taught since 2006, whereas Jill studied in different renowned contemporary dance schools in Brussels. Having both fallen in love with the old school style of Lindy Hop and Authentic Jazz, they focus on foundation, individual expression, style and authenticity. They challenge you in staying controlled yet uninhibited; leave great individual freedom yet still remain a partnership, to dance the move instead of doing the move. Jill and Alex are very much inspired by old clips showcasing a raw style of Lindy Hop and they have at heart to stay true to the legacy of the originators. They love flashy steps, fast dancing and aerials but also enjoy a chill swing, slow drag blues, a jazzy bebop or a fancy mambo. Back in Brussels they train with their performance groups, the Old Soulz and the Jazz Maniacs, which they co-founded in 2016.
Sonia and Hector, a professional Lindy Hop couple (Swing Dancers). They both have been teaching Lindy Hop on a regular basis in various dance schools in Barcelona since 2003 and they have been partly responsible for promoting the success of the Lindy Hop boom nationally. They are now are travelling all around the world involved in “spreading the Lindy Hop word”, venturing on as many attractive projects as possible. Sonia and Hector are keen to demonstrate their love and enthusiasm for Lindy Hop through their work in the hope that others too can enjoy and learn the same.
Hector and Sonia teaching perspective is focused on the fundamental aspects of what they find interesting in Lindy Hop; bouncing, partner communication and quality of movement form the basis of their teaching. From their own creative standpoint, teaching “cool” moves or combinations is not the priority, although they use them as tools for enjoyment and as a way for students to remember what they have absorbed during the classes.
Hector and Sonia always try to incorporate their own individual creativity into their teaching, often showing students their own originality and invention in steps and movements which they have developed. They do this to help the student on their own creative journey and inspiration. Feedback has shown Hector and Sonia that students enjoy clear examples to explain certain movements.
