Bianca Locatelli and Nils Andrén are Lindy Hop and Boogie Woogie dancers, choreographers, instructor and performers. They discovered their love for dance at a young age, exploring various styles such as ballet, latin dances, hip-hop, and ballroom. However, it was sing dancing that captured their hearts. Their paths crossed when Bianca moved to Sweden, and they began performing and competing together. Over the past 10 years, they have won numerous competitions worldwide. Bianca and Nil’s goal as educators is to create a positive environment while learning and understanding the valuse of the dances.
Frida Segerdahl and Skye Homphries are two of the most recognized and influential voices in the world of African American jazz dances. For many years, they have benne dancing, teaching, and performing internationally, contributing to the growth and appreciation of Lindy Hop and Authentic Jazz worldwide. They organize annual events in Stockholm, London, Copenhagen, and New York City, and their teaching takes them accross Europe nearly every weekend. Their work combines a deep respect for the cultural roots of African American jazz dances with a contemporary and innovative approach, making them essential figures in the global swing community.
Laura Glaess has been an influential voice in Lindy Hop competition, performance, and education for the past 20 years. She has won countless awards and acknowledgments at international competitions, and has taught at festivals in 22 countries spanning 5 continents. She has performed at the Joyce, Jacob’s Pillow, and the Guggenheim, as well as at Lindy Hop and Authentic Jazz festivals worldwide. She is a guest instructor at Steps on Broadway. Her Youtube channel dedicated to Lindy Hop history, vocabulary, partnering, and body movement is one of the most popular and influential in the scene.
Maria Mallan, a Lindy Hop dancer and instructor from Mallorca, has devoted more than 16 years to dance. She spends at least six hours a day dancing, eaching, practicing, studying, and exploring. Deeply in love with Lindy Hop, she finds in this dance a unique sense of freedom, both individually and in partnership. Her strengths are musicality and flow, supported by a strong sense of being present in the moment. Maria sees every dance as a living, vibrant encounter, an opportunity to stay open, adapt to the music and the partner, and let the moment guide the movement.
The Hot Swing Sextet takes you on a captivating journey back to the 1930s, where the spirit of Paris and Harlem comes alive once more. Drawing inspiration from swing legends such as Django Reinhardt, Duke Ellington, and Louis Armstrong, this dynamic six-piece band rekindles the golden age of jazz with boundless energy, refined musicianship, and infectious good humor. Celebrated as one of the leading swing ensembles on the international stage, their vibrant sound has become the soundtrack of the world’s most prestigious swing festivals, enchanting audiences everywhere. With the Hot Swing Sextet, step into the dazzling world of the jazz clubs of the 1930s.
Carlos started dancing Lindy Hop at a young age and, almost immediately, became actively involved in building and developing the swing community in his hometown, teaching and creating spaces where learning and social connection could grow together. His approach to dance has been deeply shaped by creativity and improvisation, which he sees as essential engines for both movement and thought. He seeks a bold, honest, and personal dance. The goal is to find yourself into the dance. This foundation was enriched by a close relationship with music from an early age, having played instruments such as saxophone and trumpet, which clearly informs his musical approach to dance. With more than 8 years of experience teaching Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz across Spain, he combines teaching with regular participation in international festivals and competitions, performing in both shows and contests. Driven by respect for jazz dance origins and culture, he inspires students to explore and appreciate this heritage, not only sharing technique but also values, connection, and shared joy.
Swing dancing entered Evgeniia’s life in 2012 and quickly became her true passion. She started with boogie-woogie, a style that introduced her to the energy and joy of swing dancing, and later discovered Lindy Hop, which she has been teaching since 2015. For Evgeniia, Lindy Hop is a natural and comfortable dance that allows her to express herself, feel the rhythm, and connect deeply with both the music and her partner. She values the way the dance encourages personal expression and connection, making each movement meaningful and enjoyable. As a teacher, she enjoys exploring these ideas with her students, helping them develop their own style and understanding of the dance. She focuses on creating an environment where students can grow technically while also enjoying the playful and musical aspects of Lindy Hop. Over the years, she has cultivated a teaching approach that balances guidance, encouragement, and enthusiasm, inspiring her students to discover their own voice in the dance and experience the joy that drew her to swing in the first place.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in modern languages and spending many years immersed in ballet, modern dance, and theatre, Luisa discovered Lindy Hop thanks to one of her three sisters and gained valuable experience thanks to the swing community in her city. Eager to refine her dance skills and deepen her knowledge of jazz history and culture, she moved from Turin to Brussels to join the Jazz Maniacs crew, while pursuing a master’s degree in Performing Arts. Her strong ambition and constant dedication quickly led her to significant professional achievements, including teaching at the Dragon Swing Festival and collaborating with Lorenzo D’Amato. Luisa is passionate about sharing what she’s learned, helping others grow artistically and exploring new ways to evolve as an artist herself.
Lorenzo D’Amato is a dancer specializing in Swing and urban dance styles. He discovered his passion for dance at a young age through Boogie Woogie, competing for over 14 years and achieving excellent results. Over the years, he has continued to explore his passion through various styles. Today, he is part of the artistic collective SATUS, with which he competes and performs in choreographic projects influenced by urban styles. He takes part in various festivals, where he performs and competes in Solo Jazz and Lindy Hop together with Luisa Venditti. His goal is to share energy, passion, and strong values through dance, inspiring those who share the same enthusiasm for this art form.
The Swing Around, an instrumental band, will lead you through their music to the past. Playing tunes dating back to the 20’s to the 40’s, they’re ready to make you dance on swing music, with melodies and armonies melting with great tunes from the old classics of the jazz era. The Swing Around can’t wait to lead you into this musical journey.
DJ Salvatore Fichera has been active in the swing scene since 2016. He specializes in classic swing, hot jazz, and rhythm & blues, crafting carefully curated sets with a strong emphasis on groove, rhythm, and dancefloor energy.
In 2026, he celebrates 10 years of activity as a DJ. He is also a constantly evolving drummer, with a deep and ongoing focus on swing rhythm, which lies at the core of his musical research and performance.
Join us for the competition, the top three placement will receive prizes!
This year we’ll have great “Taster classes” with international teachers!
A car sharing service will be available for the entire duration of the event.
You now have the possibility to prebook your T-shirt!
We have special conditions with “Lido Le Palme”. You have free access to the beach with any pass and discount on facilities!
LINDY HOP IMPROVERS
This level is for those who have completed at least one year of Lindy Hop classes.
You’re familiar with moves like the swing out, circle, inside turn, outside turn, tuck turn, and the basics of Lindy Charleston.
You’re comfortable with concepts such as connection and bounce, and you can distinguish between 6-count and 8-count structures.
You often attend social dances and are looking to strengthen your technique while adding new moves and rhythms to your repertoire.
LINDY HOP INTERMEDIATE
This level is for dancers who have completed at least two to three years of Lindy Hop classes.
You have a solid repertoire of moves and variations and are working on refining your leader-follower connection and rhythm interpretation.
You’re familiar with ideas like improvisation and musicality, and you’ve already taken part in workshops and/or festivals.
LINDY HOP ADVANCED
This level is for experienced Lindy Hoppers who have completed at least three to four years of classes.
You are a regular at social dances and festivals, including international ones.
You know many variations and feel comfortable dancing to both slow and fast tempos.
You learn quickly and are ready to push yourself to become a more skilled and confident dancer.
LINDY HOP ADVANCED PLUS
A step beyond the advanced level — for dancers seeking a high-level challenge.
You have excellent body awareness, strong musical interpretation, and a refined connection.
You are comfortable with complex rhythms, fast tempos, improvisation, and you enjoy exploring the dance in depth.
This level is ideal for dancers who want to challenge their limits, be inspired by top-level material, and continue growing artistically and technically.
JAZZ ROOTS INTERMEDIATE
This level is for those who have completed one year of solo jazz and are familiar with the basic vocabulary and the Shim Sham. It’s the right level for anyone wanting to expand their repertoire and work on rhythm, coordination, or balance.
JAZZ ROOTS ADVANCED
This level is for those who have completed more than one year of solo jazz classes. The variations of the steps are now part of your repertoire, and you’re starting to improvise to the music. You know the Tranky Doo and are studying more complex routines.
Open level with a fixed partner (there will be no partner changes). For this discipline, registration in pairs is required. No extensive dance experience or particular athletic skills are needed. It’s suitable for those who want to explore the world of air-steps.
● 5 hours of Lindy Hop classes
● 3 hours of Jazz Roots classes
● 4 hours of Taster classes
● 3 Parties with Live Band
From 14-01-2026 to 28-01-2026
From 28-01-2026 to 04-03-2026
From 04-03-2026 to 10-06-2026
● Add 2 hours of Aerials classes for + € 35
● 5 hours of Lindy Hop classes
● 4 hours of Taster classes
● 3 Parties with Live Band
● Add 2 hours of Aerials classes for + € 35
● 3 hours of Jazz Roots classes
● 4 hours of Taster classes
● 3 Parties with Live Band
● Add 2 hours of Aerials classes for + € 35
Swing Eruption – Catania Summer Fest
Swing Eruption – Catania Summer Fest 2023 e 2024
Lido Le Palme
Viale Kennedy, 95121 Catania CT
https://www.lepalme.biz
