NICK WILLIAMS & KATE HEDIN

Nick Williams (USA) has embodied the passion and spirit of swing dancing ever since his first lesson in 1998. The depth of his understanding of Lindy Hop, Balboa, and Collegiate Shag stems from studying with the original dancers. Nick’s desire for authenticity, combined with his passion for dance evolution, leads to a style known for precision, lightness, musicality and dynamic energy. His successes include World Lindy Hop Champion, US Open Swing Dance Champion, American Lindy Hop Champion, National Jitterbug Champion, International Lindy Hop Champion, Ultimate Lindy Hop Champion, American Classic Balboa Champion and California Balboa/Swing Champion. Nick was honored to be recognized by the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame. He is also an accomplished choreographer and has choreographed for the hit television show So You Think You Can Dance. As an instructor, he is known for his ability to break down movements and technique to create a fun and light-hearted learning environment. His true love of music and dancing will forever inspire him to learn, teach, and grow.

Kate Hedin (USA), following in the path of her great ancestor, Swedish explorer Sven Hedin, Kate has traveled to the greatest unknown regions of following and footwork. Aside from a love of classically inspired Lindy Hop, she is most known for her unique and elegant style of Balboa. The result is an impressive resume. Kate holds championship titles in almost every major competition, including the American Classic Balboa Championships, the International Lindy Hop Championships, the Euro Balboa Cup, and more. She is also a highly sought-after competition judge. In 2012, she released two highly praised DVDs specifically for Balboa followers on technique and aesthetics. As a teacher, Kate is known and loved for her logic-based language, her unique methods of teaching technique, and, overall, never leaving student followers disappointed. She is proud to have held, along with her friends at Get Hep Swing in Cleveland, the Guinness World Record for longest dance party ever (52 hours, 3 minutes). Her fashion is admired by many, her lines desired as far as the Orient. She also does trapeze.

MICKEY FORTANASCE &

ANNA-MARIA BERNHART

Mickey Fortanasce (USA) has been dancing and competing for the past eighteen years. During this time his innovation and showmanship coupled with his love of both dance history and theory have led him to become an internationally recognized Balboa teacher and competitor. Mickey has three victories at the Balboa Rendezvous’ International Balboa Championship (2006, 2007 and 2010) as well as All Balboa Weekend’s American Classic Balboa Championship (2008), routine division (2011) and IBC (2016). Other winnings include first place in the Balboa divisions at both the International Lindy Hop Championships (2010) and the European Swing Dance Championship (2011). Mickey has taught extensively in the US, Canada, Europe, Korea, Russia, and Australia. He has been featured in NBC’s 1st Look, Time Out New York, The New York Sun and Good Day New York.

 

Anna-Maria (Germany) has danced since her childhood ballet, and tried many other dance styles before becoming infected with the fun of swing dancing. Since 2012 she has taught Balboa, Lindy Hop and Authentic Jazz, and in 2014 she started her own dance business “SwingDance Leipzig” teaching with her husband and dance partner Ralf. She participates (very successfully!) in international competitions. In her classes, she attaches great importance to the basics, technicality and provides inspiration for followers. It is no surprise then that after teaching her first international workshop at Studio Hop Summer Camp 2016, she is now much in demand for teaching at other interntional Balboa weekends.

 

 

MARCUS KOCH & BÄRBL KAUFER

Marcus and Bärbl (Germany) 2016 marked the 25th year of their successful dance partnership. With their knowledge, energy, commitment, and lifelong passion for the Swing dances Marcus and Bärbl have contributed enormously to the Swing dance community.

They have successfully achieved what many dancing partners strive for in the swing world. Their passion, hard work and love for the dance has awarded them a very successful career in which they have won multiple awards including World, US, and national titles over the years.

They continue to share, inspire and provide first-hand knowledge to all generations from around the globe and are still highly requested as international teachers. Meanwhile, they never lose their joy or passion for dancing and teaching. Their journey began with Boogie Woogie, but nowadays they are one of the few couples to teach and inspire through all major Swing dances, including Hollywood and Savoy Style Lindy Hop, Collegiate Shag, Balboa, Charleston, Vernacular Jazz, and the Big Apple. Most important for them are not their

ALEJANDRO CABANILLAS &

MONTSE RODRIGUEZ

Montse and Alejandro (CAT) have travelled around the most important festivals for years to perfect and create a distinctive style derived from energy and playful improvisation based on a great sense of musicality. The cheerfulness they exude during social dances and the competitions they take part in make them unique. Their classes are dedicated to explaining the tools they have used to express themselves on the dance floor and create their own moves and variations.

 

JAVI & LUCIA

(Teachers Pack Welcome Begginers)

Lucía and Javi (ESP) have been dancing and teaching Lindy Hop and Balboa together since 2012, abroad and mostly across their motherland Spain.

Proud owners and directors of both Black Bottom schools in Valencia, with more than 500 students, they also organize Valencia Balboa Festival.

Their fine technique, musicality and style made them win competitions in international festivals, such as European Balboa Anniversary (Strictly 2017), Rome Balboa Weekend (both in Strictly and Mix &Match 2018 (best leader, best follower), Ballove in Prague (Best leader, second best follow).

In classes, they love to focus on partnership and creating an harmonious flow while dancing in couple playing and reacting with each other.

Be ready for challenging and fun classes with them!