Trainers 2013

16 World Championship titles - an impressive track record, not only in dancing. Latin Dances, Ballroom, Ten Dances: The Hiltons have won the highest accolade in all three sections. For the first time, we welcome the world's most sought-after Ballroom trainer at the festival. It took us no fewer than seven years to get him here!

Luca Baricchi is one of the very big names in Ballroom dancing. The former World Champions Professionals (1999 and 2001) is traveling the world as dance trainer; in Italy he is a lifetime legend. He was the first Non-British since 1936 (!) to win the World Championship title!

The best of the best - reigning World Champions Professionals Ballroom Arunas Bizokas & Katusha Demidova dominate their class. For three years in a row they have won every single tournament they participated in! What better way to start the festival than to see them perform their show on Thursday evening.

Edita Daniute, former World Champion Amateurs, is multiple Italian National Champion as well as European Champion Professionals with her new dance partner, Mirko Gozzoli. They even won the silver medal in World Championships. After taking a leave, Edita returns to the dance world as a superb trainer (and Mom of a newborn baby) - we are glad to welcome her back in 2013!

Andrea Kiefer holds multiple German National Championship titles in Professionals Ballroom dances; she also is manifold Vice World Champion in Ballroom freestyle. Both she and Andreas Lassen, who is a former competition dancer, have the highest German instructor's degrees from ADTV. Coming from similar backgrounds, the two have developed trendsetting ideas concerning dancing and teaching to dance. Easy access to both technique and style are mandatory for success - which they have proven in countless workshops in Germany and abroad.

Roman works as TV dance coach for various stations in Germany, teaching celebrities the secrets of dancing. He is an active dance competition judge and is registered with the Professional's Dance Organisation (DPV) for judging at German National Championships. The former German National Champion Professionals also works as teacher's trainer for the German Dance Teacher's Association (ADTV) and was seen on stage in 2012 as judge in the German edition of "Let's Dance".

Michael Hull is the most perfect Allrounder world-wide. The ten-times World Champions, also known for his TV appearance as judge in the German edition of "Let's Dance", is a living phenomenon. He has won his titles in three unique sections: Ballroom, Latin and... Breakdance!

One name has very strong ties to the Euro Dance Festival's beginnings: Isabel Edvardsson. She reached TV fame when she won the first season of "Let's Dance" (2006) and placed third in 2007. This year, she will be with us only on Saturday, where she will hold five workshops.

Motsi Mabuse and her partner, Evgenij Voznyuk, are among the best-known German dance couples. Motsi, National Champion in Latin dances, not only spends a vast amount of time in training, but is also a sought-after TV show participant. She also starred in the jury of the 2012 edition of "Germany's Got Talent!".

Franco holds three World Championship titles. His workshops focus on important technical elements of Latin American Dances. His basic routine is seen as model by many experts. You love Latin? Be sure not to miss any of these high-class courses!

Jürgen Schlegel was recognized by a wide TV audience as participant in "Dancing With The Stars". In German Professional Latin dancing, he ranks among the Top 5. He is by now a "resident instructor" at the Euro Dance Festival; year after year he gets rave reviews and prize in our guest's online feedback. Don't miss his formidable and unique style of teaching!

Lydia Weisser won ten German National Championships in Latin Dances, two World Championships Latin Freestyle as well as the German and the US Open Championship with her former partner, Ralf Lephene. Together with Martin Dihlmann she reached three vice-World Championships in Latin Freestyle; they also won the German Open Showdance and the French Open Latin Professionals.

Manuela Faller has very succesfully represented Germany and Scotland in the international Professionals dance scene. She reached various semi-finals at World and European Championships and has won, among other titles, the Rising Stars Professionals tournament at the German Open. She works as trainer for Latin American dances throughout Europe and is official trainer for Latin Dances in the state of Bavaria.

Christoph is managing director of one of the most renowned German dance schools, Steuer in Munich. He lives by Charlie Chaplin's motto "A day without laughter is a day wasted" - which translates into humorous teaching, fun and animate lessons while still being instructional. He won the 2002 award "International Dance of the Year" for Germany in Blackpool. He is one of the select few instructors who has been invited to every Euro Dance Festival from the beginning.

Ralf & Olga absolutely dominated the competition scene in Latin American dancing in the 1990ies. They won the World and European titles Amateurs, the British Open in Blackpool as well as every major National Championship - winning the German National Championships eight (!) times. The couple soon became the figurehead of German dance sport. After achieving three World Championship titles in Latin Professionals Freestyle, they retired from active competition in the year 2000. Besides running a dance school, they coach various world class dance couples.

In 1997, Holger Nitsche won both the World and European Championship title in Latin American Dances. Today, he is sought-after coach, trainer and instructor with a long list of couples he was or is in charge of; all ranking among the world's best dancers. A new method set he created is the foundation of teaching in his latest project, "Dance Academy", established in 2008. Read more here.

Few trainers have focused so intensely on studying rhythm, music and movement of Latin American Dances. Jürgen Neudeck is sought-after coach for many highest-ranking dance couples. He has already worked with Bryan Watson & Carmen, Franco Formica & Oxana Lebedew as well as with Hans Galke & Bianka Schreiber - among others.

With their former dance partners, Andrej and Melinda both have already won the World Championships Amateurs in Latin American dances. Since a few years, they compete in Latin Professionals section and have quickly become one of the best couples worldwide.

The Danish National Champions, taking third place in the World Championship Latin, are a downright show couple and shooting stars. They won the ranking tournaments in Shanghai and Moscow as well as the Australian Open. Their show is a big success with audiences around the world, and we are glad to welcome Michelle and Martino for the first time at the Euro Dance Festival.

BNF is a well-known dance company, originally from Medellin, Colombia. BNF's creative mastermind Eider has won and placed as a top 3 finalist in numerous competitions through out the world; one being quite possibly Salsa's most important competition, the ESPN Latin World Championship in the US. His company consists of 18 talented dancers and each one of them trains daily in the dance company for more than 6 hours. Eider and his dance partner will present a beautiful mixture: a dance fusion of Salsa, Tango and Acrobatic Tricks.

Pablo and Luisa are the German National Champions (LTKV) of 2011! Both were exposed very early to Latin American Rhythms. For more than seven years, they run on a rigid schedule of intensive Salsa dancing, daily Ballett routines and regular weeks-long visits to Cuba and New York to gather experience and inspiration.

In 2007, they took additional courses in Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern Dance and Ballett at the Freiburg Academy of Dance.

Roberto Fasiello has been active in the Salsa scene for years, travelling Europe. He is a resident instructor and regular visitor at various festivals and is one of the best trainers to date; not lastly due to his very well structured and balanced teaching styles and methods. After building the Salsa department at the dance school Gutmann headquarters in Freiburg, he accepted the management position at the new Karlsruhe branch in 2009 - and took over the local "San Juan Club" in 2011.

Farid Ferchach is known throughout the Salsa world as "the Entertainer". Structure and humour let difficult lessons become manageable tasks. But: Farid is not only a great dancer and teacher, but also an exceptionally gifted singer. Sometimes, right in the middle of a workshop, he might grab a microphone and begin to sing. It could happen to you!

Style and teaching of Aanyo are one of a kind. The MD, born in Togo, Africa, has won a superb reputation in the international Salsa scene. You will marvel at the new figures he will show!

Anne, born in Cali / Columbia, startet dancing ballet and gymnastics at young age. She developed her very own style, thanks also to years of training in New York and on Cuba: a mixture of New York Style Salsa On 2 and afro-cuban elements. She has won various titels, among them the European Championship Salsa in 2007 (Blackpool) and the Vice World Championship in 2009 (Miama, Florida).

Anichi, born and raised in Ecuador, Nicaragua and on Cuba started dancing at the age of 12 - taking lessons in a ballet and salsa school founded by a Cuban dancer. This teacher saw Anichis talent and mentored him, until by the age of 18 the family relocated to Germany. Here he not only met his dance partner Anne, but also got introduced to a completely different dancing style. Anne and Anichi are two of the most sought-after instructors in Salsa, not only in Europe. Due in part to their international background, they speak Spanish, English, Italian and German - which is only one of the many reasons one should consider choosing a workshop held by this charismatic couple. Read more on their website "AYA Latin Dance Academy".

Super Mario: One of the biggest stars in the Salsa scene! He is known for funny workshops while still being very informative. The London-based dancer has traveled more than 40 countries teaching Salsa since starting his career as professional trainer in 1998.

Their show programs are known world-wide. We have had the Swingguys at the festival a few times already - and every time, feedback was great. You will love the unique blend of Salsa and Swing. And take the chance to participate in at least one of their workshops - lots of laughter guaranteed!

Salsa's absolute superstars! But since focusing on and perfecting their solo careers, they can rarely be seen performing together. We are very proud to be one of the select few festivals the two choose to include in their common schedule. Already for the sixth time they will bring new routines (and lots of fun) to the participants of their workhops.

Tony Gomes (Angola) and Alena Uti (Nigeria / Germany) began representing Kizomba in Germany roughly three years ago. In 2010 they founded the AfroMoves dance school in Stuttgart. They are well-connected with the Kizomba scene worldwide and participate in festivals like Batuke and Africadancar, where they meet and work with friends like their mentor Petchu "PapaKizomba". Their African origins, together with their love for Kizomba, make them an absolutely authentic dance couple.

Gilles de Souza (aka GdS) is a French Kizomba teacher born in Lomé, Togo (Western Africa). The second of four children, he was raised in the Ivory Coast, where he lived until the age of ten. Naturally surrounded by African Music and Dance, he shared his passion for dances with his brothers and friends early on. He came to France in 1987, where he did his studies, later went to Cameroon (1992) and also to Canada (1998); then came back to France (2001) after studying computer science. After discovering Kizomba a few years ago, his passion for dance came back right away... 
This Dance was just so magnetic, he could "feel the magic". His Kizomba journey started with a few classes here and there to learn the basics, watching a lot of videos by his favorite dancer and teacher, Kwenda Lima.
The passion led him to from classes to festivals where he met a lot of wonderful people from every part of the globe, but also great teachers - like Avelino & Joana, Petchu & Vanessa, Helio & Eliana, Ricardo & Paula (Afrolatin connection), Zé Barbosa, Albir & Sara - and thanks to them he learned a lot about dancing Kizomba and feeling his own rhythm. His passion for teaching has already brought him to give classes in Sweden, Germany and Belgium. He likes to say that "a great teacher is the one who inspires others to do their best, not only in his teaching but also in his dance, a real example."

The Kizomba scene is very strong in France - the best teachers come from Paris, the French Kizomba capital. Cyméone Mopao lives the dance like few other teachers. He focuses on basics while making sure that the fun part keeps the upper hand. He constantly finds movement or small elements from everyday life which he incorporates in his teaching routines - making learning a lot easier.

Hélio Santos is a dancer, teacher and choreographer, born in Cabo Verde, and living in Lisbon. He concluded his studies at P.A.R.T.S. (The Performing Arts Research and training Studios) in 2008 and got scholarship from the Calouste Gulbenkian. As a choreographer, he created "Agora" in partnership with Debora Rey, "Living Through", both in 2008,
"Cântico dos cânticos" in April 2012 and "Canoa" in July 2012. In his early childhood he started dancing the traditional dances from Cabo Verde. He has been teaching dancing for more than ten years and he is the founder of the project KizombaXtreme. Kizomba, or "Passada" in Cabo Verde, was something he had always by his side. In Cabo Verde, it is not taught because is part of culture and daily life of the country. As a consequence, Hélio developed his personal style in dancing Kizomba. His teaching methodology was personally developed as the result of his life path. He was also the main actor of the movies "Fertilize", "Life as it Begins" - Belgium, 2007 and "The Black Bird Flying" - Belgium, 2008.
Helio was the choreographer of a children's group of Bairro 6 de Maio for a show presented on the independency day of CaboVerde.

Emiliano Giménez and Debra Ferrari both originate from Buenos Aires. They received their Tango education from Mingo Pugliese, who also introduced the couple to each other. After their marriage, Emiliano und Debra worked for some time in Argentina and came to Europe in 1993. They live and work as Tango instructors and choreographers in Berlin since 1996. Their workshops are held in German!

Gonzalo Alonso and Mariel Robles have been working together since 1999. In 2003, they moved from Santa Fe province to Buenos Aires to continue their intensive development as Tango dancers and trainers.

They started their international career in 2006. The young couple toured various countries throughout Latin America, Europe and Asia. They are cherished for their musical creativity and thorough knowledge in the field of dynamics of movement as well as for their outstanding educational skills. In January of 2011 they founded their own dance school: 111tango in Bern, Switzerland, together with Herbert Künzli.

For Torsten and Viktoria, Tango Argentino is not just a dance - it is a passion. The dedicated Tango instructors, reigning German National Champions and finalists in both European and World Championships, carry their love for Tango far beyond their dance school in Düsseldorf. The couple formed as recently as 2009; and in 2011 - led by a more or less spontaneous decision - they took the National Championships by storm with their premiere appearance; winning first place and hence placing themselves even ahead of the reigning vice World Champions.

Cécile Sidler and Romeo Orsini belong to the pioneers of Tango Argentino in Europe. Tango as improvised couples dance, as music and as lifestyle has been part of their relationship for well over 20 years. Their passion led to the founding of the Basel Tango School in 1988. They travel to Buenos Aires on a regular basis to keep up-to-date, find inspiration and meet with friends from the Tango scene.

Ádila Pereira was born in the South of Brazil, close to the Argentinian border. She began to study Ballet in Buenos Aires at the age of 9 and also learned about Tango Argentino. By the age of 14, she started her career as a professional dancer. Soon she was performing as part of different Tango troupes in Argentina and abroad. Today, she lives and teaches in her own dance school Switzerland with her partner, Lukas. Besides classical Ballet and Tango Argentino, Ádila has a wide education in dances. e.g. Jazz and Oriental. Just recently, her show group won the Swiss National and Vice European Championship titles in Oriental Dance. Here, her teachers were among the very best; starting in Brazil she had training in Kario, Marrakesch and in various European countries. More information on her dance schools can be found here: TANGOaFULL and ORIENTAL ADILA.

Jordan Frisbee and Tatiana Mollmann - back again in 2013. Meet the World's best West Coast Swing couple! The manifold US Open champions and reigning Classic Division champions have won lots of prizes during the last years. They were awarded the World's Star Award for "Favorite Swing Choreographer", were voted "Greatest Dance Couple in America" by the viewers of "ABC Good Morning America" and were admitted to the Dallas Dance "Hall of Fame". Reas more on: www.jordantatianaswing.com

The Number One in West Coast Swing in Switzerland, Jang, and the Number One in Hungary, Izabella, both dance in the Advanced Divison of the World Swing Dance Council. Considered two of the best teachers in Europe, they teach in different countries like Switzerland, France, Hungary, the US and Germany. Jang also gives WCS "Masterclasses" for teachers in Switzerland and France. Izabella has won a lot of competitions in Jack'n'Jill and Strictly in Novice, Intermediate and Advanced Division. Read more: www.wcs-masterclass.fr

The US Open Champion is one of the most sought-after choreographers in West Coast Swing - worldwide. He is co-founder of "SwingDiego - The Vacation Event", the first WCS-Dance convention in San Diego. He is known not only for his well-structured teaching style, but also for a great sense of humour and for bringing lots of fun to his workshop students.

John Lindo and Jessica Cox are two of the best-known West Coast Swing dancers in the world, and have garnered an astonishing number of awards and championship trophies between them. Among John's First Place competitive awards are the U.S. Open, Grand Nationals, and the coveted Phoenix Champion of Champions. Jessica has triumphed as a many time US Open Champion in Showcase, Strictly Swing, Teams and Cabaret, four-time Grand Nationals Showcase Champion, and the coveted Phoenix Champion of Champions. John & Jessica are both sought after domestically and internationally for their experience teaching and judging and continue to travel 48 weekends a year spreading their love and passion for this dance. They are so proud to be a part of the expansion of West Coast Swing and can't wait to get more people interested in this phenomenal community.

Maxcence Martin is one of the pioneers of West Coast Swing in Europe. The Frenchman recently moved to California to intensify his training and to participate in various competitions. He does a lot of traveling and teaches around the world at festivals and dedicated WCS conventions throughout the year. Read more HERE.

Olivier and Henriette are the best-known couple of their section in Europe. Guest feedback after their premiere appearance at the festival in 2012 was simply overwhelming. Get to know these two superb show dancers and workshop trainers; who are also among France's most influential dance festival organizers.

Both Virginie and Maxime started dancing at young age, taking different paths in the following years. Virginie, running her own dance school in Villeurbanne near Layon, teaching Jazz and WCS, started out with Swing and Rock, among other dances. Maxime took a more traditional approach, attending the Conservatory of Lyon, studying contemporary dances for six years while competing in Rock and Boogie, winning several French National Championships - and also teaching WCS and contemporary dances throughout the Lyon region.

The two got together and are now touring Europe as teachers. They are collecting titles as well, taking 1st place in 2010 at the UK Open and in 2011 and 2012 at the French Open. They even made it into the top five at the famous US Open!

They are a Swiss-French combination of a former Boogie Woogie World Champion and a Salsa Teacher that share their passion for West Coast Swing. When Melanie and Browly teach and dance together, their individual knowledge and skills are added together to something quite unique.

Melanie has over 20 years of teaching experience. She still teaches and coaches couples, competitors, show groups, national teams and teachers all around the world. She is also the organiser of different West Coast events in Switzerland. When Browly isn't teaching, you can find him on the dance floor in competitions or social dancing. The girls are crazy about this cool social dancer!

They've got the ability to see what makes you tick and describe things easily understandable. They love people and want to share their knowledge with everybody. When "Browmely" are teaching together the best influence of the different cultures of West-Africa, Switzerland, France and Portugal come together. You will get the swiss precision with crazy fun... They have a combo of 8 different languages under their belt, which makes the communication easy. With their knowledge they are specialized in musicality and leadable social variations which are good for everyday use on the dance floor.

Christian Spengler was among the first instructors to teach the genuine West Coast Swing in Germany. The co-owner of dance school Gutmann flies to California on a regular basis to improve his skills. He often participates in WCS tournaments, winning first prize in L.A. and Reno. Read more here

Talking about Swing, one can't get past Marcus Koch and Bärbl Kaufer from Germany. Clearly one of the most sought-after couples in Europe, they have performed in various contests and festivals worldwide, ranking in the Top 3 of the Lindy Hop World Championship's twice and winning the Boogie Woogie World Championship!

They are a Swiss-French combination of a former Boogie Woogie World Champion and a Salsa Teacher that share their passion for West Coast Swing. When Melanie and Browly teach and dance together, their individual knowledge and skills are added together to something quite unique.

Melanie has over 20 years of teaching experience. She still teaches and coaches couples, competitors, show groups, national teams and teachers all around the world. She is also the organiser of different West Coast events in Switzerland. When Browly isn't teaching, you can find him on the dance floor in competitions or social dancing. The girls are crazy about this cool social dancer!

They've got the ability to see what makes you tick and describe things easily understandable. They love people and want to share their knowledge with everybody. When "Browmely" are teaching together the best influence of the different cultures of West-Africa, Switzerland, France and Portugal come together. You will get the swiss precision with crazy fun... They have a combo of 8 different languages under their belt, which makes the communication easy. With their knowledge they are specialized in musicality and leadable social variations which are good for everyday use on the dance floor.

Patrick and Natasha founded their dynamic partnership in 2007, while training with the champion team the Swinging Air Force and working at Studio 88-SWING in Montreal. They have since acquired extensive performance, competition, teaching and coaching experience and now live in Paris, France.  They have coached many of the Swinging Air Force teams and have had the chance to work for the Cirque du Soleil training dancers from their show "Banana Shpeel" in the art of Swing aerials. 

The challenge of competition is something they have always enjoyed and they are proud of their numerous podium titles from such events as ILHC, ALHC, Camp Hollyhood, CSC and ESDC. They have traveled all around the Americas, Europe and Asia to teach this wonderful dance and have taught at world class events such as Camp Hollywood, ESDC, ILHC, Lindy Shock and Camp Jitterbug.  You’ll surely enjoy their enthusiam, humour and their clear and detailed teaching methods.

Juan Villafane and Sharon Davis started dancing as a couple in 2006. Together they represent a diverse social and performance dance talent, including not only Lindy Hop, but also Charleston, Cakewalk, Blackbottom, Vintage Jazz, Breakaway, Balboa, Big Apple, Blues, Collegiate Shag, Burlesque and various other performance artforms of the jazz era. Both extremely popular on the social dance floor, they are known for their warm personalities, approachability, and endless passion for vintage jazz dance and music. With strong backgrounds in performance, they are charismatic and entertaining on stage. Their classes focus on developing dynamic connection, natural movement, flow and body awareness as a pathway to individual style, improvisation and musicality.

Roman Andrzejewski is dance coach and show dancer, as well as vice World Champion in Kung Fu holding multiple European Championship titles. In dance, he has always been centered on Discofox. Most liked for his creativity in teaching figures for beginners as well as for professionals, he will not only hold discofox workshops but will bring the power and grace of chinese martial arts to the festival. Read more: www.tanzart.org

Harry won the German National Championships in Discofox at the age of 15! Today, he is in charge of The Action Dance Federation (TAF) with the German Dance Teacher's Association, ADTV. He also is coach of the judge's team as well as Discofox trainer. In recent years he has become a resident teacher at large dance conventions, e.g. at INTAKO and ÖTAKO.

Andreas and Martina are German National Champions in Discofox Formation as well as Vice World Champions in SpecialDanceFormation. They are trainers and choaches in various dance organisations, including DTV, LTV and LSB Hessen. They also act as supervisors in TAF. For more than ten years, they have promoted Discofox in all its different styles. Martina started Ballet at the age of six, and danced until her 36th birthday. Also, she was an active Latin and Ballroom dancer. Andreas has a two-decade long history in competitive dancing Rock'n'Roll and Boogie - also teaching these dances in clubs throughout the years.

Steffi (born Stephanie Branda) might be known to many for her early years in Latin Dances. Among winning other titles, she is two-time German National Champion and winner of the Portugese, French and Dutch Open.

With her dance partner and husband "hp" she turned to Discofox and Salsa five years ago. In Salsa, they won the German National Championships und reached the World Championship finals twice. They dominate the German Discofox scene. The three-time German National Champions and thrice Vice-World Champions own two dance schools. They live their passion and love to teach and carry on with their love for dancing. In Discofox, they specialize in creating new routines based on a movement-heavy style, with supporting elements from Swing, Latin and Salsa blended in.

For the fourth time, we welcome the Swiss trainer. Daric Lion ranks among the top Discofox dancers in the world and has a reputation for giving highly enjoyable workshops and showing great teaching skills. We are looking forward to have with us his new partner, Anastasia Lokshina - winner of the Russian National Championships in Discofox.

Juliane Gloßner and Klaus Lustig are German National Champions Discofox Freestyle 2011. Spectacular routines, a dose of technique and lots of intuition make for a great workshop experience. They do not only dance Discofox - they live it. See more at www.discofoxshow.de

Talking about Discofox, one can't get past the four-times World Champions Mario Spindler & Steffi Langer. The dance teachers and long-time tournament couple have the rare ability to be able to quickly adapt to different groups of pupils, seemlessly adjusting skill level and training methods accordingly. They ended their active career in 2008. Read more on www.discofox-show.de

Chris Schwalbach aka Chrismo, born and raised in Frankfurt, regularly flies the Atlantic since 2007 to work as dancer, choreographer and fashion model in Germany and the US. Beside his work as Hip Hop coach in dance schools in Frankfurt and Friedberg he is a regular guest at various festivals and competitions. He took part of his dance training at the Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio and the Millenium Dance Complex in L.A. As fashion model he has worked, among other venues, at the Photokina in Cologne in 2008 and the NIKE Fashion Sales Meeting in 2011. In the same year, he reached a Top 5 position in the Southern German Championships with Groove Dance Classes formation.

A long list of celebrities - Violetta has danced with artists like Shakira, Avril Lavigne or Nina Haagen. She won "VIVA Dance Star" in 2005 and "Showtime Hannover" in 2009. Various TV appearances followed in German televison shows, including "Bravo Super Show", "The Dome", "RTL Elvis Mania" and others.

Violetta works as dance instructor in Germany, Spain, Switzerland and France.

Daniel started dancing at the age of nine. Six years later, he led his first own classes. He works in Germany and all over Europe, pursuing his dream to become a big name in the scene. Which came true with WHO CARES!?, and by now Daniel is an internationally acclaimed choreographer and dancer. In 2009, he and his crew were the first ever European team to participate at "Body Rock" in San Diego / CA. In 2011 he danced for X-Factor Germany and Leona Lewis, among others. His motto: Hard work beats talent, if talent is not working hard!

Maxim is a well-known figure in the international Hip Hop scene. Trained in New York, he has proven his talent in various music video productions as well as in reaching the finals at the TV show "Dancestar 2007". Maxim teaches at DANCE VISION, one of the best-known Hip Hop schools in Germany and starting point of multiple World Champions in recent years.

Thomas Unterer aka "Tommy" is one-of-a-kind in the German Dance scene. He belongs to the best dancers in Hop Hop as well as in Latin dances, winning the German National Championship in Hip Hop in 2012.

A long-time employee of the Gutmann Dance School in Freiburg, he has made great efforts to work on his Hip Hop Style and build a network of international contacts throughout the scene. This led to strong connections and various projects with World Class choreographers in London, Berlin and New York.

He is head of Hip Hop branch of the Gutmann Dance School with more than 650 participants as well as head coach and manager of the "Dope Skit" crew. Read more here.

Heinrich Herrmann is choreographer and dance teacher, as well as trainer of "Dope Skit" and "Dopies", both reigning German Champions IVM. He teaches Hip Hop at Dance Academy Freiburg.

David Vongratsavai is dancer and choreographer, based in Munich. The coach and member of Riddimdanceschool started his career at age 16, supported by his mentors Kimbo Tran and Halit Kücücboyaci.

With his team, Nexotic, he has won various competitions - they are threefold Southern German Champions, German National Champions, two-time Soulplex winners as well as German National Vice Champions. We welcome him and his brother, Johnny, for the first time at our venue!

Johnny Vongratsavai, two-time Soulplex winner, has performed and choreographed background for a variety of German TV show dance crews. He is booked on a regular basis by large agencies e.g. TheHipDrop & Showcase, National Skills, Nexotic, Performars and Who Got Skillz. Together with his brother David he will make his first appearance at the Euro Dance Festival. Be prepared for lots of new routines!

The two trainers are pioneers in a trend dance called "Disco-Charles". Resembling the classic Charles in many ways, Disco-Charles is still quite unique with its very own figures and movements, sometimes even with an erotic touch.

Gracia Patricia Hemer, a dancer since the age of three, is a professionally trained dance coach and kid's dance coach. At the age of 15 she gave her first lessons; from then on she gathered experience in almost all major dance styles. She dances Waltz, Cha Cha, Rock'n'Roll and Swing, among others. Never satisfied, she got in touch with the fitness scene and became a certified Zumba® Instructor - teaching every aspect of the program currently available.

Ádila Pereira was born in the South of Brazil, close to the Argentinian border. She began to study Ballet in Buenos Aires at the age of 9 and also learned about Tango Argentino. By the age of 14, she started her career as a professional dancer. Soon she was performing as part of different Tango troupes in Argentina and abroad. Today, she lives and teaches in her own dance school Switzerland with her partner, Lukas. Besides classical Ballet and Tango Argentino, Ádila has a wide education in dances. e.g. Jazz and Oriental. Just recently, her show group won the Swiss National and Vice European Championship titles in Oriental Dance. Here, her teachers were among the very best; starting in Brazil she had training in Kario, Marrakesch and in various European countries. More information on her dance schools can be found here: TANGOaFULL and ORIENTAL ADILA.

Silvia Plankl a.k.a. Dixie Dynamite is a vintage-dance performer. She specializes in the elegant solo dances of the 1920ies and 1950ies: Step, Burlesque, Charleston / Vintage Jazz and Clogging. Since she was a kid, she adored the famous Hollywood dancers of the time - from this passion, a career evolved. Silvia is four-time German National Champion in Step dance.

She runs the only German dance school with exclusive focus on the dances of the era - the "Vintage Dance Studio" in Munich. She has given lectures and has performed in shows in Germany, Switzerland, Russia, the US, the Ukraine, England, Austria and Luxemburg. In 2011 she first attended the London Burlesque week as International Feature Performer, where she will return in 2013. In 2011 and 2012 she sat on the jury of the German Burlesque Award in Lindau, Lake Constance. She also can be seen regularly in a feature-length program with the "Nürnberger Late Night Burlesque" ensemble.

In 2013 she introduces a new project: The Munich Burlesque Festival from March 14th-17th, founded by her.

Ivam da Silva, born in Brazil, is an international Dance & Fitness Presenter. In 2011 he was voted "Best IFAA Master Instructor". The combination of Latin American rhythms and Brazilian flair makes his workshops unique.

Bruno Wissenz is judge, manners coach and trainer for youth and senior dancers; he teaches since 1998. He was Bavarian champion Latin and Ballroom and has lots of experience with dancing abroad. He focuses on teaching basic movements, manners and animation. His partner, Katrin Mickan, is dance trainer for hobby dancers and a former tournament dancer. Her various work experiences in dance schools and clubs have made her an all-rounder; teaching Ballroom / Latin, Zumba, Rock'n'Roll, Line Dance as well as dances of the 20s and 30s. Katrin and Bruno teamed up in 2006 and made their hobby a profession. Their dance school "TanzEleganz" is based on the idea that stance, fun and basic movements are fundamentals for "simply nicer dancing".

Volker Disch ist Diplom-Handelslehrer, Studienrat und Inhaber der UEFA Fußballtrainer B−Lizenz. Seit Oktober 2008 arbeitet er auch als Life Kinetik Premium-Trainer. Seine tägliche Arbeit sowohl im schulischen als auch im außerschulischen Bereich fordert immer wieder neue Ansätze, um Lösungswege mit Spaß aufzuzeigen. Nicht nur in Schule und Beruf wird die von ihm unterrichtete Methode "Life Kinetik" erfolgreich angewandt, um Leistungsfähigkeit und Konzentration zu verbessern - auch im Sport ist diese Art der Vorbereitung ungemein erfolgreich. "Pimp your brain - schneller Tanzen lernen" zeigt Ihnen, wie mit wenig Aufwand und auf spielerische Art Koordination, Auffassungsgabe und Bewegungsabläufe trainiert werden können - Grundvoraussetzungen, um einfache Tanzschritte ebenso wie komplexe Choreographien in Rekordzeit zu erlernen!

Die Ausbildung des Allgemeinen Deutschen Tanzlehrerverbandes - ADTV - ist weltweit anerkannt. Die Tanzlehrer-Akademie im ADTV e.V. beschäftigt sich ausschließlich mit der Aus-, Fort- und Weiterbildung und ist für alle Auszubildenden die kompetente Ansprechstelle. Während des Festivals wird das breitgefächerte Ausbildungsspektrum vorgestellt. Jürgen Ball, der Leiter der Tanzlehrer-Akademie im ADTV e.V., begleitet alle Teilnehmenden durch die wunderschöne Welt der Ausbildung zur Tanzlehrerin / zum Tanzlehrer und wird am Messestand des ADTV in der EP-Arena auch außerhalb der Workshops für alle Fragen zur Verfügung stehen.

Matthias Müller erstellt mit der Firma TSS GmbH seit 1993 spezielle Software für Tanzschulen. Diese wird auch in der eigenen Tanzschule eingesetzt und ist hoch branchenspezifisch optimiert. Er greift dabei auf die Kenntnis unterschiedlicher Kurs- und Club- sowie Bezahlsysteme zurück und liefert dem Unternehmer jederzeit aussagekräftige Statistiken. Kundenkartensysteme, Einlasskontrolle sowie eine auf Bedürfnisse von Tanzschulen optimierte Gastronomie-Kasse bilden den Schwerpunkt der EDV-Tätigkeit.

Seit 1986 ist Andrea Münich an der Entwicklung der Tanzschulverwaltungssoftware „microtango“ beteiligt. Hier entwickelt Sie die Software mit, setzt Ideen um, managed den Support und leitet die Weiterbildung in den Tanzschulen. Zusätzlich schult sie Firmen als „Microsoft zertifizierte Trainerin“ und als „zertifizierte Lotus Trainerin“ im Bereich der Groupware Lotus Notes.

Andy Wankmüller ist einer der Experten auf dem Gebiet Eventreisen und -organisation. Der Moderator, staatlich geprüfte Tanzlehrer und Tanzschulinhaber bringt über zwei Jahrzehnte Erfahrung mit und weiß, was den Menschen rund ums Tanzen gefällt. Das erfolgreiche Tanzreise-Konzept „Tanzcamp“ ist ein bis ins kleinste Detail durchdachtes Eventreisekonzept. Ein Vorzeigeprojekt ist auch die Star & VIP-Betreuung sowie die Organisation und Durchführung eines Eventradios bei der größten Maturareise Europas in der Türkei.

The SWR1 Radio Band is the original - the first of its kind in the state. No matter if 60.000 fans at a concert on Stuttgart's Schlossplatz or 600 at a small gig - the audiences are thrilled. Thanks to their "real life" jobs, working at one of Germany's most popular public radio stations, they love to play the biggest hits of all time.

DJ Leon has Surinamese roots, was born and grew up in the Netherlands. In spite of his parents´ enthusiasm for music, DJ Leon discovered his passion for music only after his first contact with Salsa. After his first steps dancing Salsa, he became an absolute “salsaholic” and started to collect and mix Salsa music. Since 2008, he has been living close to Karlsruhe in Germany, where he became known to the Salsa-scene as DJ. His favourites while mixing are Salsa Clásica, Salsa Vieja y Rara and Mambo.

DJ Rumbero became known through radio shows "Salsa at dawn", "Cuba, Sol y Sabor" in Lima/Peru as well as through his legendary Rumbeando-Barrio-parties. Clave and sabor flowing through veins, he transports this great passion for music to the dancers. Apart from that, Rumbero enthuses and surprises with technically perfect, very smooth transitions that are packed with energetic beats. Rumbero makes a great Salsa party perfect. Pura Salsa!

The German National Champions in videoclip dancing; a Freiburg Dance Academy crew.

West Coast Swing typically uses DJ music, because very few bands know and play this specific repertoire. Traffic Jam, two guys from Paris, will bring great acoustic livesets to the floor. All Westies will enjoy this unique experience on Saturday evening - a true festival highlight. Read more on www.trafficjamlive.com

German-born Uta is head of the dance association "West Coast Connexion", founded in 2010 by WCS enthusiasts in Straßburg, France. She has done a great job in promoting the growth of West Coast Swing in Germany, France and Switzerland. Uta is one of the few WCS DJanes in Europe and has been an active dancer since 2008.

See Poledance in a completely new way. Watch the unique presentation by Sammy Lee at the Vertical Pole on Thursday night. The university-trained actress tells her story with pure passion, grace and expression. Seemingly weightless, she presents a symbiosis of breathtaking artistics and modern dance elements. The eccentric performance combines power and emotion - you will watch in admiration. Sammy Lee brings us a pole dance show in the Cirque du Soleil tradition - bizarre, cool and simply fantastical. Show on Thursday evening.

Markus has been dancing Tango Argentino for nearly two decades. More than ten years ago, he started a career as Tango DJ. The Tango instructor also is a long-time organizer of Milongas, and knows that Tangueros don't want to constantly dance to the old-schol "guardia vieja" but like to experiment with new compositions in various modern Tango styles.

Music has always been a part of Dr. Jazz' life. He started out as a local DJ in Freiburg, and now DJs dance events all over Europe, spreading the joy of a good rhythm from down in Portugal all the way up to Norway and from Belgium to Ukraine.
Dr. Jazz brings a unique sound tailored for swing dancers: featuring a lot of original tunes, music that swings with the rhythm that inspired the creators of lindy hop back in the days -- the sound that made the dance what it is. Read more on Dr. Jazz' blog.