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For the Leapin’ Lindy edition of 2025 we once again have an amazing line up.
LaTasha Barnes is a multi-hyphenate Tradition-bearer of Black American Social Dance. A dynamic educator, performer and choreographer LaTasha 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.
To name just a few of her accomplishments: she is the Co-director of the Black Lindy Hoppers Fund, the visionary and Artistic Director of the intergenerational and intercommunal cultural arts experience ‘The Jazz Continuum’, and is Assoc. Prof. of Dance at Arizona State University School of Music, Dance & Theater.
Across all her efforts LaTasha strives to model the importance of authenticity, cultural acknowledgment, and collective responsibility to the actualization of self through her artistry, research and infectiously joyful presence. Learn more at www.latashabarnes.com.
Stephen Atemie's passion for dance was ignited when he first was introduced to Lindy Hop in 2014. He soon became a leading figure for a generation of dancers, not only for his dance style but also for his approachability. In 2017, he travelled to South Africa to work with the charity Sing Inchanga sharing/exchanging skills with local children & young adults. In 2018, he began his apprenticeship with Angela Andrew and Ron Leslie, delving deeper into the roots of jazz dance from a uniquely British experience.
Stephen is a board member of Collective Voices For Change (CVFC) - a leading advocate for cultural and racial equity in the Lindy Hop and Jazz scene worldwide. The latest projects include talks, webinars and advocacy for cultural appreciation within the Lindy Hop/AAVJ communities globally. As a speaker and facilitator, his challenging yet unabrasive style encourages people to address the elephant in the room, to self-reflect, self-audit whilst remaining connected to each others’ human experience.
Breonna Jordan has been dancing since her childhood. Some of her fondest childhood memories are dancing in the kitchen with her siblings to top 40 radio while dinner was being prepared.
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.
Sandy and Fancy, have only recently started teaching classes together, but with their combined energy and humour, their classes are an extraordinary experience.
Sandy was born and raised in Louisiana dancing in the swamps to Cajun and Zydeco music, and it was when she moved to Barcelona that she started swing dancing. She is a founding member of the Barcelona Shag Society, which aims to bring Collegiate Shag dance and Black swing dance culture to the forefront of Barcelona's dance scene.
Hailing from Los Angeles, Fancy (a birth name) fell in love with Lindy and Shag in 2008, with Balboa trailing not far behind. She’s been hooked ever since, constantly endeavoring to improve her technique on a never-ending quest for connection, improvisational freedom in social dancing and the true jitterbug spirit. She has performed, competed in and taught Lindy, Balboa and Shag all over the world, was inducted into the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame in 2014. She loves to dance with new people and beginners, so be sure to ask her to dance!
Hornsgatan Ramblers is a jazz octet from Stockholm Sweden. Their emphasis is on thirties and fourties swing, striving after the sound of the small bands of giants, such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Benny Goodman. This paired with the bands' own adaptations and arrangements of big band originals has given the Ramblers a sound of their own.
By now their music has brought them to countries such as Korea, China, Greece, Italy, Germany, Finland, Turkey, Denmark, Lithuania, UK, Belgium, Netherlands and beyond. And of course all over Sweden.
The band was started in the autumn of 2009, when a few swing dancers in Stockholm decided to form a band and to start playing the music that they loved to dance to. The band name comes from a street in the neighbourhood in Stockholm where the world famous Chicago Swing Dance Studio is located – and in which the very first rehearsals took place.
Several of the band members also dance in the renowned swing dance company The Hot Shots, teach swing dancing, and have won and judged numerous dance contests all over the world.
Erol and Serpil are passionate dancers from Turkey!
Serpil focuses heavily on embodying the music, shaping her dance mostly inspired by Afro-Cuban jazz. Beyond the aesthetic experience, she sees dance as a way for existence and a social resistance. She works towards enabling more space for female dancers in the dance scene, particularly in Turkey.
Erol 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.
Bianca and Nils 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. Soon after, they embarked on a performing, competing and teaching career, sharing their passion and vision with audiences and students worldwide.
Their goal as educators is to create a positive learning environment while learning and understanding the values of the dances. They are committed to delivering exceptional performances and inspiring others through dance. During their free time they design clothes for their own brand (www.forbli.com) and they longboard when the Swedish weather allows it.
Katja Završnik is a renowned professional dancer, swing dance instructor, and choreographer.
Her extensive training includes acrobatic rock and roll, ballet, modern jazz, gymnastics, modern dance, and ballroom dances. Since 2005, she has focused primarily on partner and solo dances from the jazz age and swing era, mastering styles such as Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston, St. Louis Shag, authentic (vernacular) jazz dance, and ragtime dances.
Known for her versatility and expertise, Katja is celebrated as one of the top followers in the swing dance scene. Her deep understanding of reactivity and connection sets her apart, making her a sought-after instructor and performer. Since 2010, she has been a fixture at swing dance festivals and special events worldwide, sharing her knowledge and passion with a global audience.
Rikard Ekstrand sees himself as a lifelong student of rhythm, music, communication and culture. He couldn’t be more thankful for what 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 we are 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 (you will hear him at the parties) and enjoys photography, deep conversations and good coffee.
Trisha Sewell hails from the UK, and has been teaching since 1997 and internationally since 2003. Trisha has built up a reputation for being one of the most influential teachers within the European Swing Scene.
She has spearheaded the revival of Authentic Jazz within the UK, working and training with some of the freshest dancers and teachers around. Her teaching style is innovative, dynamic and inspiring. Always engaging and fun, Trisha loves to make people laugh and feel relaxed in her classes. At the end of her classes students are filled with energy and excitement.
Trisha has natural flair, a unique touch and very distinctive style on the dance floor, her focus being to recreate the look of the original dancers of Lindy Hop. She has choreographed countless routines and also performed in the world famous Royal Albert Hall in London.
Hornsgatan Ramblers is a jazz octet from Stockholm Sweden. Their emphasis is on thirties and fourties swing, striving after the sound of the small bands of giants, such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Benny Goodman. This paired with the bands' own adaptations and arrangements of big band originals has given the Ramblers a sound of their own.
By now their music has brought them to countries such as Korea, China, Greece, Italy, Germany, Finland, Turkey, Denmark, Lithuania, UK, Belgium, Netherlands and beyond. And of course all over Sweden.
The band was started in the autumn of 2009, when a few swing dancers in Stockholm decided to form a band and to start playing the music that they loved to dance to. The band name comes from a street in the neighbourhood in Stockholm where the world famous Chicago Swing Dance Studio is located – and in which the very first rehearsals took place.
Several of the band members also dance in the renowned swing dance company The Hot Shots, teach swing dancing, and have won and judged numerous dance contests all over the world.
Carlos Machava is a professional dancer from Mozambique with a rich background in traditional and contemporary dance forms. He teaches and performs a wide range of dance styles across Europe and at international festivals.
Carlos’s passion for dance was ignited when he discovered swing dancing, particularly the Afro-American styles that blend African and European influences to express the vibrant rhythms of jazz music. He is dedicated to preserving the roots of jazz by blending it with traditional Mozambican dance forms, creating a unique fusion that celebrates both African heritage and the rich history of jazz.
For Carlos, dance is an expression of music and rhythm, a philosophy he brings into his performances and teaching, inspiring others to connect deeply with the music, to move with intention, and to embrace the joy and freedom that dance offers.
Bianca and Nils 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. Soon after, they embarked on a performing, competing and teaching career, sharing their passion and vision with audiences and students worldwide.
Their goal as educators is to create a positive learning environment while learning and understanding the values of the dances. They are committed to delivering exceptional performances and inspiring others through dance. During their free time they design clothes for their own brand (www.forbli.com) and they longboard when the Swedish weather allows it.
Hornsgatan Ramblers is a jazz octet from Stockholm Sweden. Their emphasis is on thirties and fourties swing, striving after the sound of the small bands of giants, such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Benny Goodman. This paired with the bands' own adaptations and arrangements of big band originals has given the Ramblers a sound of their own.
The band was started in the autumn of 2009, when a few swing dancers in Stockholm decided to form a band and to start playing the music that they loved to dance to. The band name comes from a street in the neighbourhood in Stockholm where the world famous Chicago Swing Dance Studio is located – and in which the very first rehearsals took place. In the meantime, their music has brought them all over the world.
Several of the band members also dance in the renowned swing dance company The Hot Shots, teach swing dancing, and have won and judged numerous dance contests all over the world.
Hornsgatan Ramblers is a jazz octet from Stockholm Sweden. Their emphasis is on thirties and fourties swing, striving after the sound of the small bands of giants, such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Benny Goodman. This paired with the bands' own adaptations and arrangements of big band originals has given the Ramblers a sound of their own.
By now their music has brought them to countries such as Korea, China, Greece, Italy, Germany, Finland, Turkey, Denmark, Lithuania, UK, Belgium, Netherlands and beyond. And of course all over Sweden.
The band was started in the autumn of 2009, when a few swing dancers in Stockholm decided to form a band and to start playing the music that they loved to dance to. The band name comes from a street in the neighbourhood in Stockholm where the world famous Chicago Swing Dance Studio is located – and in which the very first rehearsals took place.
Several of the band members also dance in the renowned swing dance company The Hot Shots, teach swing dancing, and have won and judged numerous dance contests all over the world.
In 2013, five musicians crossed paths and the band The Swing Shouters was born! They are an explosive group, full of surprises.
The band developed a new energy, rearranging the famous musical standards from the 1920s to the 1940s. With more than 300 concerts to their credit, they have become one of the most popular bands in the international swing dance scene.
From Paris to Quebec, via Sweden, Spain, China, Korea, Germany and Romania, they have conquered the public and the dance floors, year after year. They have a vast musical repertoire focused on the quintessence of Swing music that comes from New Orleans and Rhythm & Blues extensions.
Tenor saxophone : Sylvain Roudier
Trombone : Benoist Pasquier
Guitar : David Ménager
Doublebass : Carl Cordelier
Drums : Alban Aupert
Tyedric and Breonna have both been dancing since their childhoods. Some of Breonna’s fondest childhood memories are dancing in the kitchen with her siblings to top 40 radio while dinner was being prepared. Tyedric first learned to dance from his mother. Over the years, he established a background enriched and informed by many movement traditions, some of which include capoeira, waving, and stepping.
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.
Tyedric discovered vernacular jazz and Lindy Hop in 2017 and hasn't looked back since. As a teacher, he loves to share historical and cultural context, weaving this into how he explains my approach to movement. His highest goal is helping you to develop their own approach. He is currently studying house, and continually growing in many street styles. In dance, he values lineage, authenticity, community, partnership and fun. He strives to incorporate these elements in his classes as well and is eager to collaborate with everyone!
Called a "modern Renaissance woman" and "Queen of Storytelling" by Jazz in Europe, Corina Kwami is a musician, dancer and Master of Ceremonies (aka MC). She has performed and MC'd across the globe and as an accomplished dancer herself, she has dazzled international festivals such as Berlin Solo Jazz Festival, Copenhagen Lindy Exchange, Leapin' Lindy, Fine City Swing, Hullzapoppin, Glasgow Shag Festival, Oxford Lindy Exchange and London Jazz Festival).
Born in the USA, to a Ghanaian and Irish family, she is motivated by the storytelling power of jazz. As a recognized thought leader with a PhD, she has deepened pedagogy in bridging the arts and innovation to build bridges. You can catch her on the Smithsonian, Discovery Channel and many others. She lives in London.
At Leapin' Lindy, Corina will be the MC and doing much much more.
Hornsgatan Ramblers is a jazz octet from Stockholm Sweden. Their emphasis is on thirties and fourties swing, striving after the sound of the small bands of giants, such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Benny Goodman. This paired with the bands' own adaptations and arrangements of big band originals has given the Ramblers a sound of their own.
By now their music has brought them to countries such as Korea, China, Greece, Italy, Germany, Finland, Turkey, Denmark, Lithuania, UK, Belgium, Netherlands and beyond. And of course all over Sweden.
The band was started in the autumn of 2009, when a few swing dancers in Stockholm decided to form a band and to start playing the music that they loved to dance to. The band name comes from a street in the neighbourhood in Stockholm where the world famous Chicago Swing Dance Studio is located – and in which the very first rehearsals took place.
Several of the band members also dance in the renowned swing dance company The Hot Shots, teach swing dancing, and have won and judged numerous dance contests all over the world.
Tyedric and Breonna have both been dancing since their childhoods. Some of Breonna’s fondest childhood memories are dancing in the kitchen with her siblings to top 40 radio while dinner was being prepared. Tyedric first learned to dance from his mother. Over the years, he established a background enriched and informed by many movement traditions, some of which include capoeira, waving, and stepping.
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.
Tyedric discovered vernacular jazz and Lindy Hop in 2017 and hasn't looked back since. As a teacher, he loves to share historical and cultural context, weaving this into how he explains my approach to movement. His highest goal is helping you to develop their own approach. He is currently studying house, and continually growing in many street styles. In dance, he values lineage, authenticity, community, partnership and fun. He strives to incorporate these elements in his classes as well and is eager to collaborate with everyone!
We are all very enthusiastic dancers who organize Leapin’ Lindy in our spare time. If you have any questions, please contact us at registration@leapinlindy.ch and be patient, if we don’t get back to you directly. We are working on it, we promise.