In addition to lessons, we will have leisure time with funny parties and beach activities as well as outdoor activities.
For all this we will count on Ivan Van Wassenhove, who will come againg from Belgium to animate and energize all these activities with his contagious energy and sense of humour.
Meike Heller (Germany)
MC
Ivan Van Wassenhove (Belgium)
Meike has been swaying on swing dance floors for more than 14 years, mostly in Hamburg, Stockholm and Berlin. After some years of dancing Lindy Hop, she fell in love with 20s Charleston, Authentic Jazz, Balboa and St Louis Shag, dancing and teaching these with great passion and creativity. Improvisation and the ability to transform 'wild energy' into lighter forms of expression, are integral elements of her dancing approach.
Having taught dance for more than 9 years in Germany and elsewhere in Europe, Meike is highly experienced in teaching all levels of students. Her classes are fun, creative and full of detailed technique.
Mikey Pedroza (USA)
Instructors
Pamela Gaizutyte (Lithuania)
Since 1998, Mikey Pedroza has been dedicated to the understanding and preservation of classical American Jazz dances such as, Charleston, Lindy Hop, Balboa, Slow Dancing (Blues) and Solo Jazz. Hailing from Orange County, California, he passionately developed his own perfect blend of powerful movement and classic grace with a hard edged and playful style which is evident each time he steps onto the floor. Such dedication and originality has earned him numerous awards at national dance competitions as well as opened avenues for teaching and performing.
The same passion and energy Mikey exudes on the floor, he brings to students around the world. And as an instructor, he encourages his students to be self-expressive and creative while establishing a strong understanding of connection, lead/follow technique, frame, body awareness and mechanics. By building a good technical base, students are then free to develop their own personalized style with confidence. Mikey hopes that by sharing his love and knowledge of these dances with others, that they too will find joy in this classical American art form.
Moe Sakan (Japan)
Humorous and dynamic, keen, full of heart and a touch of the anarchic, Pamela was spellbound by Lindy Hop energy and community at the age of sixteen when she started her first classes at Lindyhop.lt Club in Vilnius. Despite her young age Pamela has already brought herself to light constantly learning anything related to dancing, be it music, psychology or anatomy.
In 2009, Pamela began working at Hoppers’ Dance Studio in her hometown of Vilnius, Lithuania. Today she dances and teaches with the top leaders in the international Lindy Hop scene. Having no constant partner has given Pamela space to bring a lot of variety to her dance - no wonder dancers call her one of the most exciting followers in recent years.
As a dancer Pamela cherishes individuality and freedom. For her Lindy Hop is not as much about impeccable technique as it is about musicality and awareness. As a teacher she shares her values and encourages people to find their own way of dancing: “Learn to be ok with the way you are and how your body moves. It’s all about you.”
Nietzsche once said “You need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star”.
Moe has had professional training in many types of dance, including jazz, ballet, tap and contemporary dance. In 1999 Moe fell in love with the world of swing dance, since then this has been her dance of choice.
A pearl of the Orient, Moe moved to London in 2000, bringing a sparkle to the local swing dancing scene, and soon became the UKʼs top female swing dancer. An active social and competition dancer, she is proud to have won several UK and US competition titles. include winning the worldʼs biggest Jack ʻn Jill competition with Marcus Koch at Frankie 95 is one of the most special titles Moe has been proud to win.
A multi swing dancer, she covered major dances with great knowledge and experience, like : Lindy Hop, Balboa, Collegiate Shag and St. Louis Shag.
Moe travels the world extensively both for social dancing and teaching Lindy Hop. She has also enjoyed dancing for several productions, including theatre, television and film. Well known as vintage enthusiast, Moe is passionate about the music and fashion or the Swing era.
Her dedication to the culture is also reflected in her attitude towards the dance, as she constantly endeavors to recreate an authentic style, and her passion certainly reflects the sprit of the dance as it was back in the day.
In addition to lessons, we will have leisure time with funny parties and beach activities as well as outdoor activities.
For all this we will count on Ivan Van Wassenhove, who will come againg from Belgium to animate and energize all these activities with his contagious energy and sense of humour.
MC
Ivan Van Wassenhove (Belgium)
