Nelly discovered the world of swing in 2018, after more than a decade of competition internationally in classical dance. It was a true revelation, and by 2019, she began competing in Boogie Woogie, this time alongside Lucas. Together, they quickly started winning at the highest level. Nelly brings and shares her energy, along with her inspiring vision of the follower's role in dance.

Lucas, on the other hand, has been immersed in the swing scene from a very young age. It's a family affair, even as a junior, he competed and won numerous competitions with his sister, reaching the podium at the world level. Today, together with Nelly, he continues to earn impressive titles.

As a duo, they've made a strong mark on the competition scene. Over the years, Nelly and Lucas steadily climbed the national ranks, becoming French Champions of France in 2024 in the Boogie Woogie Main Class category. Their journey then moved onto the international stage. Qualified for the European and World Championships, Nelly and Lucas danced for the first time on the legendary floor of the Beethoven Hall in Stuttgart, placing 7th at the European Championship and 4th at the World Championship in Prague.

A couple both in dance and in life, these young dancers are passionate about sharing their love for Boogie Woogie with others.

Markus (Kuschi) started dancing when he was 11 years old, together with Jessy he has been dancing since the year 2000. Dancing runs in his blood, he loves to move to the music and this is what makes him tick, the interpretation of the rhythm and melody. So he gives every dance his personal touch and with his funny way he is able to make almost everybody laugh. Right now Markus is working as a driver and is also taking care of his wife and their two kids which are also already "quite dancy". But every spare minute is packed with dancing and preparation for dancing.

Jessika (Jessy) has been dancing since she was a little girl, she started with Boogie Woogie at the age of 8. Since then dancing is her biggest passion, when you see her performing you can see, you can feel her heart. Whenever she hears music she never can stand still, needs to move to the melody. Her sensitive and funny kind of teaching makes it so useful for students at any age. Jessy had a environmental education and now works in the economic Division. Despite this job all her life is dedicated to dancing, especially the swing dances and the 50s lifestyle.

So their connection is more than 15 years of dancing together which means they know each other very well, they even know sometimes what the other one is thinking…This is what makes them such a harmonious couple. When it comes to teaching their main topics are Leading & Following paired with Musicality and they do their best to pass their knowlegde with the biggest fun to the students.

Their biggest successes are
* Vice European Champion in Juniors Class
* more than 50 wins in Juniors and Main Class in Austria
* 4 times National Champions

In 2011 Markus and Jessy started with teaching and were welcomed in a lot of international camps as in Ukraine, Russia, Germany, England and many more…Since then they travel around the world spreading their knowlegde and enthusiasm for swing dancing. The fun, harmony and their „Viennese Sense of Humor“ is what makes them superior and memorable in what they do. They organise their own Boogie-Woogie Dance Camp "5, 6, 7 Swing". Check their website for more information.

Conrad and Cajsa have been swing dancing since they were kids. Whey have been in the competition scene for a long time but not always together. They started dancing boogie Woogie together 5 years ago, in 2019. They have been a part of the Swedish national team since then. They won the swedish championship this year and reached both international podiums and medals during their time together.

They love to have fun, be creative both individually and together in the dance and are happy to share their experience with others!

Sabrina and Nico began their dancing careers in their parents' living room – as little siblings who simply couldn't sit still when music was playing. Even then, it was clear that dancing was their passion. Over the years, they have built up a broad foundation in boogie-woogie, ballet, modern and contemporary dance, which shapes their expressiveness and musicality as dancers. For around three years, they have been passing on their knowledge as teachers, which they enjoy immensely, and since 2024 they have also been leading larger workshops. They love sharing their understanding of movement, their sibling energy and their enthusiasm with their participants.

In addition to teaching, they have established themselves in the world of sport: they dance in the Main Class, have been German vice-champions twice (2024 & 2025) and are proud to represent their country as members of the German national squad. For them, dancing is more than just a sport – it is passion, fun and expression all at once, and that is exactly what they want to pass on.

Samantha (Sammy) Löffler and Patrick Dietrich, both in their own way from the first children's and youth projects of the boogie scene in Munich. Sammy was with the Yellows, Patrick with the Boogie-Bären. Patrick came to boogie dancing at the tender age of 8 through his parents, then became one of the ‘Urtwens’ of the Boogie-Bären and discovered competitive dancing for himself as an adult at the second attempt.

Sammy was discovered by youth competition teacher Ralph Heuer at the young age of 12. After dancing in the show group with the Yellows, she switched to the Boogie-Bären and went straight into competitive dancing. In 2013, she won the German championship title with her dance partner at the time, ending her young career for the time being.

They have been on the dance floor together since 2023 and have gradually danced their way into the competition elite, which led to them being nominated for the national squad in 2024. They have also started giving workshops and classes together.

Patrick can look back on years of experience as a teacher in various clubs and has been the teacher of the Boogie-Bären competition team for many years.

Their motto is: Be badass 🔥

Andi and Elsa have been dancing together since 2009, and won the Austrian Championship four times (including this year). They also ranked among the top ten in international competitions several times, and have been teaching together in Austria and abroad since some years.

When teaching, they focus on lead & follow, and a harmonic interaction between the partners, following the music - which, for them, is the core of dancing. Things don't need to be very complicated or complex; easy elements and variations can lead to something new, and are decisive to develop a beautiful, varied, and enjoyable Boogie Woogie dancing in Social Dance.

Teaching at BBDC 2019 is particularly special for them, because exactly 10 years ago, BBDC was the first camp they joined together - how better could they celebrate this!

Find out more on their website: https://www.andreasandelsa.com/

Joseph & Charlotte are currently two of the UK’s busiest dance teachers of African American dances such as the Lindy Hop, 20’s Charleston, Cake Walk, Blues and Authentic Jazz, inspiring people with their fun, high energy classes.

Having learnt from, inspired by and worked with some of the 1930’s elders such as Frankie Manning, Norma Miller, Barbara Billups and many early teachers of the Lindy Hop such as Chester Whitmore et al, they specialise in retaining the authenticity with lots of original moves, but with a modern, technical, historical, informative and a fun singing twist. You leave their classes, feeling excited like you’ve just seen an action movie.

For almost 30 years they’ve taught and performed in almost 30 countries throughout Europe, USA, Asia and Africa for Swing Dance Events, Theatres and venues such as the world famous Royal Albert Hall, Grand Palais for FIFA and much more.

They also run a dance school JiveSwing.Com, which has choreographed and appeared on a number of National TV, Radio programmes and Music Videos, TV Adverts, Channel 4’s Royal Come Dine with Me, Dancing on Ice, ITV Britain’s Got Talent, and BBC TV Documentaries with BBC Strictly Judge, Len Goodman, Norma Miller, Joseph Sewell, et al, ‘Yolanda Be Cool’ (Americano) music video and the popular BBC’s Wartime in the hit BBC2 TV programme ‘Back in Time for Dinner’. They also run the free FB online history group Swingopedia to support the education ofe the global swing community.

Natalie has been dancing on and off her whole life. She discovered Lindy Hop (and Balboa) in North Carolina, USA, and since moving to Munich two years ago, she has found a community at Boogie-Bären, where she dances, teaches, and organizes events.

Dominik discovered Lindy Hop in 2016 and soon after joined Boogie-Bären, where he now teaches, organizes, and DJs. In addition to Lindy, he also loves dancing and teaching Solo Jazz and Balboa.  

Natalie and Dominik share a deep love and appreciation for the dance and its cultural roots, constantly seeking new ways to teach and inspire. They enjoy focusing on foundational elements such as rhythm, groove, and expression, and aim to strengthen the community through their teaching. Passionate about dancing both roles, Natalie and Dominik actively promote the concept of “Everybody Leads, Everybody Follows” (ELEF) at Boogie-Bären.

Hailing from Los Angeles, California, 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, and is a five-time winner of the National Jitterbug Championships in the shag division. She loves to dance with new people and beginners, so be sure to ask her to dance!

Jeremy Otth amassed a great amount of knowledge on the historic essence of vintage swing dances and personal stories and interactions with some of the original jitterbuggs and swing dancers. His interest has focused on the Lindy Hop, Balboa, Jazz and Collegiate Shag. Along with his seemingly inexhaustible amount of energy, Jeremy’s natural talent and dedication led him to accumulate championship titles at many acclaimed dance competitions such as the International Lindy Hop Championships, National Jitterbug Championships, American Classic Balboa Championships, California Balboa Classic and the US Open Swing Dance Championships. Jeremy is now able to share that breadth of knowledge and passion for these classic partner dances by entertaining and educating feet from Southern California to around the world.

Frida Häggström Gerdt is a passionate swing dancer from Stockholm, Sweden. She’s been into to jazz music since her early teens, and completely fell in love with Lindy hop when she first tried it out in 2009. She quickly became a regular on the social dance floor and still is — mostly known for her laid-back style and subtle, intentional movement that swings effortlessly with the music. 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 around the world.

Daniel has a big passion for Lindy Hop, jazz dance and jazz music. He has danced and taught a lot over the years both locally at Chicago Swing Dance Studio and internationally at different events around the world. When it comes to dancing as well as teaching he greatly values personal expression, rhythm, simplicity and respect for the roots of the dance. Sharing his knowledge and love of the dance is something he is passionate about. Daniel started at young age with swing dancing. He dances different styles from the swing era such as Tap, Lindy Hop, Charleston and traditional jazz. He is also educated in modern jazz and ballet and he has for many years freelanced as both dancer and choreographer in the musical theatre scene.

Hailing from Los Angeles, California, 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, and is a five-time winner of the National Jitterbug Championships in the shag division. She loves to dance with new people and beginners, so be sure to ask her to dance!

Jeremy Otth amassed a great amount of knowledge on the historic essence of vintage swing dances and personal stories and interactions with some of the original jitterbuggs and swing dancers. His interest has focused on the Lindy Hop, Balboa, Jazz and Collegiate Shag. Along with his seemingly inexhaustible amount of energy, Jeremy’s natural talent and dedication led him to accumulate championship titles at many acclaimed dance competitions such as the International Lindy Hop Championships, National Jitterbug Championships, American Classic Balboa Championships, California Balboa Classic and the US Open Swing Dance Championships. Jeremy is now able to share that breadth of knowledge and passion for these classic partner dances by entertaining and educating feet from Southern California to around the world.

Vasu discovered Swing Dancing at the University of Florida and has been hooked ever since. His dedication to the art takes him around the globe to dance socially, perform, compete, and teach in Lindy Hop, Balboa, and Collegiate Shag. Renowned for his precise technique and enthusiasm for swing dancing at any tempo, Vasu loves pushing the boundaries with unconventional rhythms, shapes, and connections. With a special affinity for Pure Balboa, he constantly seeks to innovate and redefine traditional dance partnerships. Whether he's dancing all night on the social floor or rigorously training for competitions and performances, Vasu's passion for swing dancing is evident. A lifelong learner, he is equally passionate about sharing his extensive knowledge with others. Vasu finds his home in Berlin where he constantly finds inspiration and often shares his love for Swing dancing.

Valentina started dancing ballet when she was four years old and developed a deep love for movement. At seventeen she discovered Swing Dance and has been captured by it ever since. From Solo Jazz and Lindy Hop to Balboa and Slow Swing, Valentina brings a diverse mix of experience to the dance floor. She’s an analytical dancer who picks up new techniques quickly, and uses that skill to teach in a clear, easy-to-understand way. A constant learner, Valentina draws inspiration from everywhere – other dance styles, music, life in general. As a regular teacher at Swing Base in Berlin, she brings both energy and a fresh perspective to every class, helping students build confidence, have fun, and find their own rhythm.

Adèle was drawn to Blues for its depth of partner-to-partner connection and the empowerment that Blues music reverberates with. She equally enjoys solo dancing, where she finds space to explore her individuality and creativity. Striving to connect with the roots and aesthetic of Blues, she brings her whole self into each dance.

Marcin is a local trainer, DJ, and organizer at Boogie Bären. Enchanted by the diversity of Blues music, he’s inspired to explore all its styles, from slow to fast, mellow to funky. He approaches each dance as a new story and loves when it brings unexpected surprises.

Together, they seek to create a supportive space for students to discover their own expression and connection to the music. They believe that playfulness and curiosity are powerful teaching tools and focus on building strong fundamentals.

TBA