Marie N’diaye

Dr. Marie N’diaye (Ph.D.) is a Jazz Dance choreographer, performer and educator as well as a dance researcher. She specialises in Jazz Dance (African American Vernacular Jazz), including the partnered form (Lindy Hop), focusing on the legacy of Harlem dancers from the Savoy Ballroom as well as the chorus line tradition from night clubs and theatres (such as the Apollo Theater, the Cotton Club,  Connie’s Inn…) and has applied her scientific method and dance education to conduct an embodied practice-based research of Jazz dance through the study of original video clips, and collaborations with elders and other established dancers.

Marie is the founder of the non-profit organisation “Collective Voices for Change” which aims to promote cultural appreciation and respect for African American Jazz Dances. She is also a board member of the “Black Lindy Hoppers Fund”, whose mission is to support and promote Black artists in their practice, performance, and transmission of Jazz Dances, especially Lindy Hop.

Felipe Braga

Felipe is a Brazilian Jazz dancer who grew up in an environment where music, dance, and rhythm are a part of everyday life. He came across Lindy Hop while living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and was drawn by the rhythms and the beauty of the social dance culture which reminded him of his own. He started frequenting the vibrant porteña swing dance scene of the time which took him to travel the world following his passion.
Currently living in Berlin, Felipe travels the world performing and teaching. His classes focus on the social encounter of Jazz dance, allowing for the exchange of rhythm and the shared experience of Swing.

Mariana Souza

Brazilian talent Mariana Souza received musical education at the distinguished “Conservatório Brasileiro de Música” and dance training at “Centro de Movimento Deborah Colker” which solidified her knowledge in classical ballet, contemporary dance, jazz, and tap dance.

In 2007, Mariana’s star soared when she graced the stage of Hamburg’s acclaimed musical “The Lion King.” Since then, she has performed in famous productions like “West Side Story” and the Disney Musical “Mary Poppins” in Vienna. Mariana’s journey has led her to the renowned Komische Oper Berlin, where she regularly appears in shows including “Kiss Me Kate,” “The Pearls of Cleopatra,” “The Grand Duchess of Gerolstein,” “Clivia,” “Roxy and Her Wonder Team,” “West Side Story,” and “Chicago.”

Yasemin Alpay

Originally from Turkey, Yasemin is a Berlin-based swing dancer and fell in love with swing in Berlin on the social dance floor. She quickly got obsessed with the music, and connected to another soul by sharing the unique moment through dancing. She has been teaching regular Authentic Jazz and Lindy Hop classes locally and in festivals and won many competitions in the international swing scene, but her favourite will always remain social dancing. Her classes prioritise groove, self-expression, rhythm and African American values that she is trying to learn, and explore with the community.

Maputo Smile trio

This experienced trio is working on the historical lineage that connects Lindy Hop to its African roots. Hailing from Mozambique, these three members of the Maputo Afro Swing Association will bring dance traditions from different parts of Africa into the modern world of Lindy Hop to shine a light on its roots with joy, expression and a love for human connections.