Felipe Braga & Diana Geisler

Felipe

World-famous Herrang Dance Camp has given to world of Lindy-Hop new talent. As they have explained themselves:

«Many ask how Felipe learned Lindy Hop so quickly: transitioning from a toilet-cleaning newbie dancer marveling at the Folkets Hus floor to a Herrang instructor in three short years. The explanation is simple: his pre-Lindy life prepared him for what was to come.»

Training in theatrical acting gave Felipe body awareness and control as well as an ability to improvise – both in his energetic and now infamous class warm-ups, and in the competitions where he always shines. Felipe’s experience playing drums, as well as his youth in Brazil – where the music and dance culture are rich – gave him an innate sense of rhythm.

And finally Felipe’s days as a dancing party-animator for a live music club in Brazil gave him plenty of training for getting people excited about dancing in his Lindy Hop classes today..

But more important than any of this is that Felipe has embodied the Lindy Hop spirit since before he knew it existed. It is hard to find someone who doesn’t like Felipe. His warm personality charms every dancer he meets, and his ability to connect with people in conversation carries over onto the dance floor. He leaves every follower with a smile, and anyone who has danced or talked with him will confirm: he always makes you feel special.

Diana

Diana started her dancing career in her home town Vienna, where she co-founded a Swing dance project and teaches regular classes and workshops. She is a social dancer at heart and travels frequently to international swing events. The dynamic of Lindy Hop and Shag as well as the idea of energetic social dancing with strong partner connection form the foundation of her dancing.

Developing a sensibility for your own body, as well as your dance partner, and a playful approach to musicality are the top ingredients of her individual style, as well as her classes. As a teacher, she hopes to inspire others by suggesting a framework of shapes and rhythms.

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Dmitry Vostrikov & Daria Chupyrkina

Dmitry Vostrikov & Daria Chupyrkina

Dmitry

Before dancing Dmitry used to do several different sports, like tennis, football, hockey, karate etc. Once he saw people dancing with swing music in one famous jazz club, and then he realized what he would want to do for the rest of his life. Taking classes, trips to the swing dance camps and events, competing, teaching – Dmitry likes everything about it so much that he dances all of the swing dance styles.

Today, Dmitry is one of the top Russian dancers and also bass player in The Facepalmers, a jazz dance band.

In dancing Dmitry appreciates a wide range of moods, play with rhythms and dynamics, because it helps to continuously improvise and interact with your partner, and it looks good on a social floor and in competitions.

Daria

Daria (Dasha) is one of the best swing dance followers in Russia. She started her career at The Music school when she was 7 years old. She studied choreography, jazz modern, tap dance, actors skills and singing there.

She discovered Boogie Woogie in 2007 and a few years later Lindy Hop. She has won lots of competitions such as Moscow X-Mas Lindy Hop Jack & Jill 2014, Lindy Shock Jack & Jill 2012, Open Russian Championships Boogie Woogie 2011, 2013, 2014, Open Russian Championships Lindy Hop Showcase light 2014, Moscow Jitterbug contest 2011, Invitational JnJ Battle in Moscow 2013 and others.

Now she takes a part only in Lindy Hop competitions and teaches in Russia and in other countries. Dance is a freedom for her, which gives a chance to get lots of emotions and expressions and is certainly a way to find new friends. As she says: «If you want to communicate, let's dance!»

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