24-26 May Poznań
Frida & Nils
LINDY HOP
SOLO JAZZ
Roser & Marcos
LINDY HOP
SOLO JAZZ
Karolina & Alberto
LINDY HOP
Marta & Pedro
COLLEGIATE SHAG
Sanna & Adam
BALBOA
Sofia & Ruben
LINDY HOP
OPEN CLASS
Ada & Asia
BALBOA
OPEN CLASS
Michał Wierzbowski
EXTRA TRACK
TAP DANCE
Manuela Marsal Cabitango
EXTRA TRACK
AFRO FUSION
Workshop info:
Hop’sh Bam Connection
BAND
Jach Orwat
DJ JACH
Ewa Chorościan
DJ ECHO
Michał Szwajor
DJ SZWAGIER
Julia Pietrzykowska
DJ JULIA
Herman Żatuchin
DJ HERMAN
Frida Häggström Gerdt
DJ FRIDA
Paweł Struk
DJ PAWEŁ
Alexey Kazennov
DJ ALEXEY
Dorota Bryndza
MC DOROTA
Dom Kultury "Orle Gniazdo", osiedle Lecha 43, 61-294 Poznań, Polska
Dom Żołnierza, Niezłomnych 1, 61-894 Poznań, Polska
TROPS Akademickie Centrum Kultury, Świętego Rocha 9, 62-142 Poznań, Polska
Dom Tramwajarza, Słowackiego 19/21, 60-702 Poznań, Polska
Salsa Siempre, Święty Marcin 24, 61-805 Poznań, Polska
Dom Studencki AWF, Świętego Rocha 9a, 61-142 Poznań, Polska
Retro Dance Studio, Wielka 19/7, 61-774 Poznań, Polska
I’ve been tap dancing since I was 7 years old. I stood on the top of the podium in Polish Championships many times, defending the title also in 2023. I successfully represent our country abroad – including winning 3rd place at the European Championships and 10th place at World Championships in 2017. I have performed on the biggest stages in the country, including: at the National Opera in Warsaw, Shakespeare Theatre in Gdańsk, Center for the Meeting of Cultures in Lublin. I also spread tap dancing abroad – playing dance spectacles in South Korea and performing in China during the Chinese New Years celebrations. Tap dancing is not only my great passion, but also my life path. That’s why I actively promote tap dance in such areas as culture, art, education and entertainment. I create choregraphies to TV shows such as “Your Face Sounds Familiar” or “Dance Dance Dance”. In 2018, together with Michał Glaza, as the duo „Tap Bros”, I reached the semi-finals of the TV show „Got Talent”. I performed as a dancer in the spectacles: „Hear the Dance”, „The Blue Castle”, „Romeo and Juliet”. I also promoted dancing on-line, by taking part in projects on channels such as ”Art in times of plague“ or “Art in a room”. Together with Tomasz Pałasz, we created the spectacle “ In the Rhythm of Passion”, presenting tap dancing in various versions: from the classic image in tailcoat and with canes, to the modern era, using our own inventions. Since 2016, I have been teaching at Anula Kołakowska’s Tip Tap tap dancing school in Warsaw. In 2018, I have joined the „Open Rampa” project at the Rampa Theater in Targówek, where I teach and prepare stage tap choreographies. I also created Tap & Rhythm Program – original workshops for dancers. What delights me most in tap dancing is improvisation and the freedom to create. I especially focus on possibilities of combining different dance and music styles and finding interesting combinations. Hence the cooperation and combining tap dancing with live music or vocals.
An energetic instructor couple from Poznan!
Isia – a dancer with many years of experience, a student of the Poznan Ballet School, dancer of a folk group, instructor of fitness and Latin American dances, finally found herself in swing dances. Since 2017, she has been a promoter and instructor of Boogie Woogie in Poznan. She is known for her exuberant warm-ups and indefatigable energy.
Kuba – he too has always been accompanied by musical and dance adventures. A music school graduate, for 8 years he performed on stages together with the folk dance group ZPiT Chludowianie. Familiarity with swing dances began in 2017. Since 2019, he has been teaching Boogie Woogie classes in Poznań. Unofficially known for his unconventional jokes and creative use of various body parts in dance.
They are Warsaw siblings connected with swing dancing from an early age, which makes more than 20 years on Polish and world dance floors. Dancers and international Boogie Woogie and Lindy Hop instructors, who have been able to share their knowledge at, among others, the „Rock That Swing Festival” (continuously since 2014), Xmas Dance Camp, Euro Dance Festival, as well as locally in Poland Silesia Swing Festival, Retro Weekend Festival and many others. They have many championship titles to their credit, always proudly representing Poland on the international stage.
In 2021 they founded their dance club „SwinG&Art”, which operates in Warsaw’s Praga Południe district in „Mała Sicilia”, where they teach classes and manage a café and ice cream shop.
As instructors, they focus on paired dialogue, responsive action, so that each dancer feels good about his or her body and skills. They are able to require, but always require from the students with a smile on their lips. In class they are helpful and willing to explain even the most intricate questions to each student, their classes are a mix of knowledge and groaner jokes 😉
The Edlund siblings started to dance bugg at age seven (Viktor) and six (Wilma). At a small dance camp in Luleå they witnessed Lindy hop and Boogie Woogie and fell in love with it instantly. They are largely self-taught and are today part of the national teams for both Boogie Woogie and Lindy Hop, with impressive merits. They recently won the world championship in Boogie Woogie (2023).
Today they travel around the world and dance together, teach, social dance, perform and compete. They think the social scene is as important as the competitive scene and that both are useful to become an all round good Swing dancer. They say that dancing is an unofficial peace movement that unites and creates joy as nothing else does!
Balboa Intermediate/Advanced
Sanna and Adam have been dancing and teaching swing dances together for over fifteen years. During this time, they have become well known for the joy and skill that they bring to the social dance floor. Mostly preferring balboa and lindy hop mix & match competitions, they have taken numerous titles individually at events in Europe and the US. In the classroom, they emphasize a solid mix of technique and playfulness resulting in a dynamic and personalized approach to musicality and movement that is accessible and fun for all dancers.
Collegiate Shag Intermediate/Advanced
Marta and Pedro started to dance together in 2017. They started to dance Lindy Hop and Collegiate Shag but nowadays they dance Boogie Woogie, Balboa and Blues as well because of their dance passion.
They love to social dance, participate in competitions and push for developing their dance more and more.
Nowadays they are based in Porto, giving classes and managing the main dance school from there (Hop Dance Studio). As well they travel giving classes and workshops in other nearby cities mainly around Spain and sometimes in European festivals.
Their dance and classes are mainly focused on having a good blend of musicality, connection with the partner and to find a space where each one can have their own voice in the dance.
Lindy Hop Begginer+/Intermediate/Advanced
Karolina started to dance as a child, but when many years later she found out about Lindy Hop, it quickly turned out that it was IT! After some time she also started to discover Authentic Jazz, Collegiate Shag and Balboa, and she understood how (infinitely) many possibilities swing dances can offer, so she actually got even more convinced that she had finally found her place in the dance world. She is still looking for new ways to connect with music by taking inspiration from old clips and different dance styles, broadening at the same time her knowledge of the roots of jazz.In dancing she values joy (goosebumps!), freedom, authenticity, improvisation, rhythm and an endless number of solutions.
Born in Italy, Alberto Meucci discovered Swing dance in 2015, and he hasn’t stopped since. Shortly after beginning his dance journey, Alberto started traveling to various festivals across Europe, where he learned from different artists and participated in competitions. Following a couple of residencies in Budapest and Vilnius, he has now made Warsaw, Poland, his home/dance base, teaching at the dance school ShimSham.pl.
While he still enjoys competing and 'throw down’ on the dance floor, his favorite moments are undoubtedly spent social dancing. Alberto finds inspiration in every lindyhopper he meets, as each encounter on the dance floor brings something new. Dancing fuels his energy and curiosity, driving him to continually explore the history and culture of the dance. His pockets are filled with rhythmic variations and…joke.
Lindy Hop Begginer+/Intermediate/Advanced Solo Jazz Begginer+/Intermediate/Advanced
Roser Ros is an international swing dance instructor based in Barcelona, Spain. She teaches Lindy Hop, aerials and Solo Jazz in some of the most important Lindy Hop events in Europe, and also teaches regular classes in her home scene, Barcelona.Outside of Europe, she taught in Taiwan, Japan, Reunion Island and Canada.
Roser started doing gymnastics when she was 3 years old, and later entered the world of circus. She had been learning different types of dance all this time, until in 2011 she discovered Lindy hop, and has been unable to leave ever since.
She has a background in pedagogy, coaching essentials, and education. Before becoming a professional dancer, she was a primary school teacher specialized in physical education.
Marcos Leon is a jazz dancer, he works as a swing teacher in Zaragoza (Spain) and at national and international festivals (France, Poland, Germany, Uk…) and workshops as a facilitator/educator. He has been dancing since 2012 and teaching jazz/swing dances for 8 years. He has an education in ballet, contemporary dance and some rudiments in ballroom and latin dances.
As a jazz culture enthusiast, he focus his dancing in lindy hop, solo jazz and tap dance, trying to respect the roots, the masters and pioneers and the values of vernacular jazz.
Lindy Hop Begginer+/Intermediate/Advanced Solo Jazz Begginer+/Intermediate/Advanced
Frida Häggström Gerdt is a passionate swing dancer from Stockholm, Sweden. She’s been into jazz music since her early teens and was thrilled to discover that there was a dance devoted to it when she discovered Lindy hop in 2009. After a couple of beginner courses, social dancing quickly took over and the dance and everything around it became an extensive part of her life.
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. 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.
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.
Originally from eastern Poland. He has lived in Warsaw for 15 years, only to finally move to Gdańsk. Movement enthusiast and man of many passions – in love with music, basketball, olympic weightlifting and café racers. Professionally, he’s a business analyst and an event organizer. If he is not dancing, he’s most probably crate digging at the local vinyl store or restoring bicycles. He was introduced to Lindy Hop in 2008, and is actively dancing, developing and sharing his passion for jazz music and authentic forms of swing dancing ever since.
Alexey jumped in lindy hop scene in 2013 and DJing since 2015. He’s famous for high energy on the dance floor and dances until sunrises. The same spirit he tries to bring on the dance floor as a DJ! Last few years before pandemic he’s been playing at festivals like Lindy Shock, SSDF, Athens Rhythm Hop, Tallinn Swing Weekend, Orient Lindy Express, Chase Festival as main and guest DJ. And a plenty of local parties in Poland, Turkey, Belgium, Greece and others. He really likes 30-40s big band records with powerful and energetic mood. You’ll feel to swinging hard with Alexey’s DJ sets!
Dorota danced her first triple step a decade ago and from that moment her heart never left the dance floor. She dances wherever she has the opportunity- at home, at the bus stop, in a queue and of course- at social dances. Her love for dance, combined with a passion for travel, has taken her to over 20 countries. There are still 170 to go…
In 2019, she started her adventure hosting dance events. Her introductions are not just witty but also radiate charm and authenticity. Thanks to this (and years of experience in hosting events for children), she can engage the audience and convey all the necessary information.
In 2023, she came to Break a Leg as a participant, and this year, she is delighted to return to Poznań as the MC.
Excellent Swing band from Belgium, brilliantly guided by Marie Anne Standaert (trumpet+vocals). Being a dancer herself, she perfectly knows how to combine all the musical ingredients to provide dancers with top swing music. All Hop-sh-Bam musicians swing with their whole body, heart and soul! Be prepared: Heavy swing and Hot jazz that will make your feet move like never before!
This amazing band plays pretty much „every day” for dancers at Belgian events 🤩
In addition, they’re being invited by many major events in the swing dance world. Including Dragon Swing (Poland), Swim Out (Spain), Lindylicious (France), Upside Down (Belgium) and many more!!!
He has been involved in music since childhood, and has been practicing swing in various forms for several years. An amazing discovery for him turned out to be DJing and making others and himself happy with it. As a DJ, he primarily pays attention to the flow and the mood on the dance floor – during his set you will be able to both peacefully groove and dance. He usually chooses from the classic swing repertoire, with the likes of Oscar Peterson, Count Basie and Lionel Hampton sure to come through.
Ada was reportedly bouncing to Elvis hits before she learned to walk properly. Her interest and love of dance returned at university when she discovered and started dancing lindy hop. When she found balboa 3 years later she instantly fell in love and realised she had found „her bit of swing” 😊. Since then she has travelled to lots of Polish and foreign festivals deepening her knowledge, skills and gathering new dance experiences. She is still hungry for new discoveries and looking for opportunities to develop as a dancer. Since 2021 she and Joanna have been teaching a group of balboa enthusiasts in Poznań, sharing their skills, love and enthusiasm for this most wonderful of swing dances 😉.
Aśka has been running between the speakers listening to good rock and rock 'n’ roll since she was a little girl. She did her first aerials with a friend from primary school at school dances (back then she was the one who got thrown around 😉) She took her first short but intensive mambo course in the 4th grade of primary school. Since 2010 she danced bachata but her heart was stolen by kizomba. The world of swing drew her in 2017 and balboa stole her heart a year later. She started teaching balboa in 2019 in her home town of Poznań. What she values most in balboa is the pairing and musicality.
Frida Häggström Gerdt is a passionate swing dancer from Stockholm, Sweden. She’s been into jazz music since her early teens and was thrilled to discover that there was a dance devoted to it when she discovered Lindy hop in 2009. After a couple of beginner courses, social dancing quickly took over and the dance and everything around it became an extensive part of her life.
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. 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.
Michał, or „DJ Szwagier” coming from the Poznań neighborhood has been dancing for close to seven years, and his dance adventure began with swing music, which motivated him to find a dance style that fits this music, and learn it.
As a DJ, Michał appreciates expressive, and energetic music, and prefers contemporary arrangements of classic swing songs. Being a fan of Count Basie, he’ll definitely play some pieces that will make your knees go loose!
Passion for jazz music has accompanied her practically forever and this is what attracted her to the world of swing. On the local scene she plays almost as long as he dances. She believes that the most important task of a DJ is to respond to the constantly changing energy on the dance floor, always putting the comfort of dancers first. She is constantly expanding her musical resources and loves to share new discoveries. Her favorite artists invariably remain Count Basie and Oscar Peterson.
I’ve been doing music much longer than dancing, although I changed classics to swing only a few years ago. I started my adventure with DJing for practical and aesthetic reasons – I am an opponent of „lindy-pop” and randomly played playlists at parties. I appreciate classic old swings and interesting musical discoveries, but I always put the comfort of dancers on the dance floor first.
Diversity in rhythm and energy given by swing music is the thing that brought me to the swing dance scene. I choose enjoyable and comfortable tunes and find a good piece for everybody at the party. You won’t miss popular and energetic hits as well as maybe less known, still equally musical tunes. See you at the dance floor!
Sofia is a passionate swing dancer from Ukraine. She discovered her love for swing dancing at the young age of 15 and has since dedicated her life to the art form, leaving behind her other hobbies. Later on, she was living in different cities across Europe, including Stockholm, Barcelona, Vilnius and Norway following her passion to dance.
Now 21 years old, Sofia is fully committed to daily training, teaching and traveling. Her dedication to dance has earned her a reputation as an elegant and skilled dancer.
Ruben has a passion for teaching, performing, competing and especially social dancing – where the goal during the social night is to avoid leaving the floor for as long as humanly possible. To Ruben the multifaceted activity of swing dancing involves so many treasured elements – from the music itself to the possibilities of expressing yourself to it. And to be able to share these elements with another human being on the social floor makes it all so very special.
International dance teacher and performer from Poland and Angola with over a decade of teaching experience at the biggest dance festivals and events around the world – the USA, Australia, Portugal, Italy, France, Finland and many more 🌎
Manuela has been working with the biggest artists and brands in Poland and Portugal as a choreographer and performer in music videos, advertising campaigns, TV shows and tours – Mallu Magalhães, Kaysha, Djodje, Blaya, Young Leosia, Kady, Patricia Kazadi, Pupilos do Kuduro and more, RTP África, Galaxy UK, 7 Days, Eobuwie, Sumol, Super Bock, Molto, Intermarche Portugal, Wawel, TVN, TTV and more 🎬🎤
Creator of AFROWLESS – dance programme for women, built around African dance styles and high heels. Afrowless focuses on self-love and women empowerment and the goal of this programme is to awaken your inner goddess by moving not only your body but also your soul 👸🏽
She is also the author of the first scientific paper and article on kuduro dance („Kuduro. Dance of the young Angolan generation”) which was featured in the „Ethnological and Anthropological Studies” magazine.
On her dance classes she provides a safe space for everyone – regardless their experience, age or skills. The most important thing is how you feel the music. Her workshops are not only a great training but also a vibrant journey into the depths of your soul and lots of fun, which is confirmed by hundreds of students around the world! ✨️