Line Up 2023

Peter is the foremost researcher on American Jazz Dances. Credited during the 1990’s for bringing back several dances that he learned from the original dancers of the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s.
He 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.

Since 2005 Katja has focused on early American dances from the Jazz age and Swing eras, 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 in 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 make her one of the most sought-after followers in the scene. Her shyness – probably her Slovenian origin as well – gives at first a “cold” feeling. But don’t make any mistake: she loves to laugh, 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.

Lana is recognized worldwide for her passion for Swing, Jazz, and  Charleston as a dancer, teacher, performer, and choreographer. Having a background in Ballroom dance, Lana has acquired her Swing and Jazz education and experience worldwide. For almost 20 years she continues revealing the secrets of the dance to students as well as improving her own dancing and teaching skills internationally. By discovering new dance techniques and styles as well as basic anatomy and body structure she keeps upgrading her level of expertise in dancing and teaching. Combining musicality and interaction with a partner, technique, and improvisation she is able to captivate dancers as well as the audience. As a teacher, she concentrates her attention on dance technique and natural body movement at all levels. She motivates dancers to improvise to the music creating excellent dynamics in the dance. Lana is actively taking part in dance events and competitions around the world being placed first in such world-known contests as International Lindy Hop Championships, European Swing Dance Championships, and many more. 

Andreas was introduced to Lindy Hop in 2001 and a few years later to Balboa and other dances. In his early career, Andreas focused on performance and competition. He was part of the Swedish National Lindy Hop team and the Stockholm-based performance troop Shout n Feel it. Since the mid-2000s, Andreas teaches Lindy Hop, Solo Jazz, Balboa, Saint Louis Shag, Collegiate Shag, and other swing dances all around the world. He often competes and was awarded first place at events in the Balboa division at National Jitterbug Championships. As a dancer, Andreas is known for his unique style, creativity, and musicality. He is a technical dancer who is highly appreciated for his social dancing skills and his ability to connect and dance with followers of many different styles. He thinks of himself as a swing dancer first and stresses the importance that dancers today learn a little bit of all the swing dances. As an instructor, Andreas emphasizes partnership, musicality, and follow-leading abilities. He had an easy-going, relaxed way of teaching. He’s known for giving well-structured classes and they always try to give their students lots of individual feedback. His ambition is to create playful classes filled with interesting footwork, figures, fun tasks, and laughter.

Nejc started swing dancing back in 2003 as a result of his contemporary dance experience and a strong love for jazz music.
Because of this, he became the main driving wheel for the popularization of Lindy Hop and Balboa in Slovenia in the early 2000s.
His Swing dance experience is a collection of endless research into different dance forms, many international workshops, and his humble willingness to keep learning from anybody who is willing to teach him.
In the past decade, he has taught all over Europe with some of the most talented teachers around and has supported new growing swing scenes in numerous countries.
He is known for his elegant and smooth style of dancing as he pays special attention to jazz movement, history, and musicality, all quintessential to any Swing dance form.

Jenna found swing dancing in 2004 in her small local scene of Wenatchee WA. Since then she has spent countless hours expanding her dancing repertoire and sharing her love and knowledge of these dances with others.
Her energy and passion create the perfect environment for learning.

Jenna has attended, coordinated, and taught various workshops and exchanges all across the globe. Some of her favorite highlights are performing at Benaroya Hall in The Jump Session Show and teaching for Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing. Above all else, she believes that learning to dance should be fun, and rooted in music and history.
With over 15 years of teaching/coaching/training experience, she loves finding new ways to connect with other dancers on the floor and in the classroom and to create challenging yet applicable lessons in the classroom.

Ákos has been familiar with Swing dances since 1998, which laid the foundation for his passion and commitment to dance. In 2004, he had his first encounter with Balboa, which marked a significant turning point in his dance career. Since 2010, Ákos has been teaching regularly in Budapest. He teaches Balboa, Lindy Hop, American Tap, and Solo Jazz. He creates an inspiring and supportive atmosphere for his students, where they can learn dance techniques and develop their expressive abilities. Ákos values the inclusion of authentic movements as well as self-expression and modern influences in his classes. The love for dance and music is at the core of his teachings, with a focus on classic jazz music. His classes emphasized the joy of dance and the love for jazz music, always striving to bring out the best in his participants. Key elements in his teaching philosophy include partnering, musicality, comfort, and flow.

When Bogi was five years old, she decided she wanted to be like the dancers she saw on TV.  The very next day, she started learning Hungarian folk dance.  Bogi’s dance journey has led her to explore many different styles. When she finally discovered swing dancing and its rich cultural milieu, she knew this is what she had been looking for. What captivated Bogi was the depth and improvisational nature of jazz, so she spent all her free time training in Lindy Hop and Balboa. She even admits to skipping exams at university for the sake of her training!

For Bogi, teaching someone to dance is much more than steps and techniques.  Bogi teaches her students to be connected to their bodies.  To not merely force themselves to execute choreography, but to naturally express the music through technique infused with passion and agency. Bogi appreciates that each student approaches dance differently and enjoys creating unique ways for them to grow as a dancer.

Andreas discovered dancing in 2008 with standard dances, however, it was swing and jazz music that captured his heart and ignited his passion for dance. Starting with lindy hop he soon discovered balboa, which quickly became his favorite dance style. His mentors were Gašper Hrovat, Nejc Zupan, and Katja Završnik. Over the years, he participated in numerous dance festivals at home and abroad, providing him with opportunities to learn and grow.
In addition to dance, he also pursued an education in jazz drums at the Conservatory of Music and Ballet Ljubljana. This allowed him to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for music, which he applies to his dance practice. His style prioritizes fluidity and musicality, and he usually can’t be torn off the social dance floor, especially when good music is playing.

Mateja decided at the age of 6 that she wanted to dance in a couple. For quite a few years she searched for and tried different dance genres, from Latin American and standard dances, tango, and salsa, to African and oriental dances. She discovered swing in 2010 and immediately knew it was what she had been looking for all these years. And although she practices and dances lindy hop and blues, her heart beats for balboa. She started dancing balboa in 2010 and already after a few months achieved 3rd place in the Jack’n’Jill competition at the Paris balboa festival 2011. Over the years she visited numerous dance festivals in Europe and continues to explore it every day. She is fascinated by the elegance and liveliness, but at the same time the sophistication and artistry of moving through the floor.
She’s been one of the driving forces of the Slovenian balboa scene since then and has been teaching it non-stop since 2012.