Bosphorus Swing Festival

REGISTRATIONS WILL BE OPEN

ON OCTOBER 4, 2026

Feel the Rhythm, Share the Joy !

March 25-28, 2027

You’re warmly invited to Bosphorus Swing Festival 2027 where music and dance bring us together in the heart of Istanbul!

Follow us to keep updated

Bosphorus Swing Festival brings together dancers from around the world for a weekend filled with inspiring classes, live music, friendly competitions, cultural and historical jazz talks, shows, and social nights. With two live bands and more than 24 international instructors offering workshops for all levels, the festival creates a space to learn, share, and connect through dance. As a festival rooted in jazz and swing, we are committed to honoring and supporting the African American culture these art forms come from. Set in the heart of Istanbul, with its rich history and colorful culture, the festival welcomes everyone.

ARTISTS

With years of experience and a deep passion for dance, they bring inspiring energy, and warm, personal attention to every workshop. Our teachers are dedicated to helping you grow, connect, and shine on the dance floor.

SPEAKERS

Laura Glaess

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.

Korantema Anyimadu

Korantema Anyimadu is a jazz dancer and Lindy Hopper born and raised in London. She believes in the power of dance for resilience, healing, community and joy. After co-leading and performing in a chorus line for five years, in 2021 she became part of Cookie and Her Black Mambas (@blackmambasjazz) a collective created by Lindy Hop legacy holder, Angela Andrew. Korantema is also a community dance artist, working in schools and community centres in London. When she’s not dancing, Korantema works as a curator, usually exploring heritage, dance and the cultural experiences of Black women.

Moe Sakan

Moe Sakan has had professional training in many types of dance, including jazz, ballet, tap and contemporary dance.

In 1999 Moe fell in love with the world of Swing, and ever since this has been her dance of choice. Moe moved to London in 2000, bringing a sparkle to the local swing dancing scene, and soon became the UK’s top female swing dancer.

An active social and competition dancer, she is proud to have won numerous competition titles. In 2017, she had the honour of being inducted into the Camp Hollywood Hall Of Fame.

Moe travels the world extensively both performing and teaching Lindy Hop, Balboa and Shag.

She has also enjoyed dancing for several productions, including theatre, television and films.

Well known as a vintage enthusiast, Moe is passionate about the music and fashion of the Swing era. Her dedication to the culture is also reflected in her attitude towards the dance, as she constantly endeavours to recreate an authentic style, and her passion certainly reflects the spirit of the dance as it was back in the day.

Vincenzo Fesi

Vincenzo Fesi is a multifaceted artist and entertainer, recognized as one of the brightest international stars in the jazz and swing scene. Born in Como and adopted by the city of Rome, Vincenzo has built a career that has seen him perform and teach worldwide, establishing himself as a dancer, teacher, choreographer, and artistic director. Always looking to the future, Vincenzo is committed to continuing to grow the swing scene , bringing new ideas, collaborations, and projects that inspire future generations of dancers. He firmly believes in the transmission of swing culture and the importance of keeping its essence alive, so that every young person can learn not only the steps, but also the soul of this era-defining dance.

In the heart of Rome, Vincenzo created Swing Dream Factory , a project that goes beyond a simple dance school: it is a true cultural laboratory that preserves and promotes jazz dance on a daily basis. With his unique teaching method, developed over years of experience, Vincenzo guides his students—from beginners to professionals—with a personalized approach, treating each dancer not as a routine, but as a unique individual. His goal is to bring out the best in each individual, so that every student and every dancer can express their uniqueness, both in class and on the dance floor.

With a passion rooted in the legends of Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, and Frankie Manning, Vincenzo has made Lindy Hop, Balboa, Tap, and all styles of jazz dance his life's mission. His decades-long career is studded with triumphs, including numerous national and international titles, a World Cup, and a European Championship. From Melbourne to Paris, London to Seoul, and even Stockholm, he has thrilled audiences at prestigious festivals, bringing his infectious energy and love of jazz to every corner of the globe.

Vincenzo is also the beating heart of Jam Factory , the international festival he directed and oversaw down to the last detail, transforming Rome into a global hub for swing lovers. He also conceived and produced the Swing Crash Festival , an event that, thanks to his vision and creativity, has brought orchestras and hundreds of dancers to the stage, transforming every square in the city into a magical place, a true tribute to the golden age of swing.

During the challenging lockdown period, Vincenzo never stopped sharing his passion. With his project "Jazz Fatto in Casa ," he brought his live jazz lessons to homes around the world, teaching directly from the terrace of his home in Rome. The project supported countless people during the difficult period of isolation.

Vincenzo Fesi is not just a dancer, but a complete artist. He has participated in numerous notable projects, including:

He was a special guest on Roberto Bolle's “Danza con me” and Renzo Arbore's “Quelli dello Swing” .
She presented a show for Hermès in London on the occasion of “Vogue Fashion Night Out” .
She played the lead role in the short film “Silk Lake ,” directed by Renee George for 02Films in Los Angeles.
He was the first to bring dance into the 38th edition of the Rome Jazz Festival (2014), curating a choreographic project with Massimo Nunzi's Orchestra Operaia.
He is the leader and singer of the band Mama'Sway .
Vincenzo is also a passionate narrator of the history and culture of swing, a skilled host of shows and performances, including radio shows, and a point of reference for anyone who wants to fully understand the soul of this dance. In 2014, he wrote the foreword for the Italian translation of the book "Frankie Manning: Ambassador of Swing ," a tribute to the legendary dancer and swing pioneer.

Every project Vincenzo undertakes is guided by his unique vision: to unite passion, technique, and culture, so that every dancer can feel part of a community that always looks beyond, toward new artistic heights. Vincenzo's projects reflect an ever-expanding movement, inspiring and connecting people from around the world, all united by a passion for swing and the desire to take this dance to ever greater heights.

Jill De Muelenaere

Jill started dancing at a young age and is trained in classical ballet,
modern jazz, contemporary dance, and yoga. She has been teaching for
several years and now splits her time between her passion for dancing,
her work as a contemporary dance and theater producer, a massage
therapist, and a yoga instructor. Jill’s style is deeply influenced by
the authentic vernacular dancing from old movies and the African roots of
dance. She strives for freedom in her dancing while staying true to the
legacy of the dance. She enjoys fast athletic Lindy Hop, rhythmic mambo,
and slow dragging blues.

Alexandre McCormack

Alex is a multiple-time vice champion in breaking in the Benelux and has taught various street styles since 2006. In 2013, Alex discovered old
films such as Hellzapoppin and The Spirit Moves, which set him on a path to learn and teach the “old-style” of Lindy Hop and jazz. He believes mastering the foundations is key to understanding the dance and
personalizing it. His motto is: “Master the foundation to understand the
dance and personalize to contribute to it.” He regularly jams to uptempo
Bebop Swing, mambo, and slow blues. Alex also trains with the group Old
Soulz

Pamela Gaizutyte

Pamela Gaizutyte is an illustrious Lindy Hopper known for teaching, competing and performing in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania (where she calls home) and around the world. Her dance style is humorous, dynamic, and full of heart – with just a touch of anarchy!

Pamela has been dancing since she was five years old, when she began performing traditional Lithuanian folk dancing. At the age of sixteen, she began classes at the Lindyhop.lt Club, where she was quickly captivated by the energy of Lindy Hop. In 2009, she began working at Hoppers’ Dance Studio, immersing herself in rhythm and movement by practising, performing, and teaching Lindy Hop and vernacular jazz on a daily basis.

In 2012, Pamela began teaching internationally. She travelled to places like Finland and Hungary, and toured the United States for the first time in 2013. Her competitive achievements over the years also showcase her love of Lindy Hop – Pamela has won numerous Mix’n’Match contests across Europe, wowing the crowds with the energy and joy of her dancing. She has also competed numerous times at the International Lindy Hop Championships (ILHC) in New York City.

Pamela finds endless inspiration in the music, psychology, and anatomy of dancing. For her, dancing is more than just perfect movement; it’s about self-expression and connection. Improvisation is where Pamela’s passion truly shines, and she finds herself constantly amazed by its possibilities for creativity and freedom.

Tadas Vasiliauskas

Is Lindy Hop and Authentic Jazz dancer based in Vilnius, Lithuania. Tadas has been dancing, competing, actively performing and choreographing for over 10 years. He is most proud of leading a performance troupe, bringing Lindy Hop on the theater stage and founding Harlem Speaks Easy jazz club in Vilnius. These days he is mostly traveling and teaching in festivals around the world. Tadas can be frequently found playing jazz trombone too. On the dance floor, you can recognize him for his playful dance style and great energy.

Ariadna Beltran

Ari&Simon: Two dancers who love to travel around the world performing and teaching. We have a passion for swing dance and its culture. We love all forms of swing dance, especially Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz.

Lindy Hop is an African American partner dance originating in Harlem, New York in the 1920s and 30s. Many great and famous dancers came from the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem.

We first met in 2016 and have been performing, teaching and competing together around the world ever since. We’re now based in Madrid, travel internationally for workshops and festivals, and also have our online teaching platform through Patreon, providing options for everyone!

Simon Bressanelli

CC Davis

Born into a family of musicians and puppeteers, she was naturally drawn to the
performing arts from an early age. At four, she began studying violin under the influence
of her grandmother, a professional violinist, and later trained in music theory. She joined
the children’s and youth orchestra at the Maestro Rodrigo School of Music, performing
across Spain and France.
She gained early stage experience at Madrid’s Teatro de la Zarzuela, singing in the
children’s chorus of Agua, azucarillos y aguardiente, with performances in Madrid and
Valladolid. Her interest in acting began with her family’s theatre company, El carro de
Tespis, and continued with formal training at the Cuarta Pared school in Madrid.
Dance soon became central to her career. After starting with hip-hop, she discovered tap
dance, which quickly became her main focus. She also trained in ballet and other styles,
later moving to Barcelona to study Musical Theatre at Escola Coco Comin. There, she
expanded her skills in dance, acting, and singing, while also studying swing at Swing
Maniacs and completing advanced tap training at Escola Luthier under Guillem Alonso.
Back in Madrid, she began teaching, creating her own dance groups, and
choreographing Broadway-style tap pieces for musical theatre performers. She was a
member of the tap and live music company La Huella Musical, performing in the show
Anecdotario alongside Lucas Tadeo and Seir Caneda.
She furthered her artistic development under the mentorship of jazz legend Chester A.
Whitmore, becoming his apprentice, assistant, and performing alongside him at
international festivals.
She also collaborates with BLHF, an association dedicated to supporting established and
emerging dancers, musicians, researchers, and community builders, with a focus on
serving communities of African and African diasporic heritage.

Irina Amzashvili

Nothing brings Irina (she/her) more joy than sharing a dance and building community. Since
discovering Lindy Hop at 15, she has been a lifelong lover of social dancing — a passion that
grew to include Balboa, Collegiate Shag, Solo Jazz, and West Coast Swing. Raised in
Southern California, she feels fortunate to have learned in a scene shaped by some of the
world’s finest dancers, teachers, and musicians.
Irina’s dancing has since earned recognition at Camp Hollywood, the International Lindy Hop
Championships, the California Balboa Classic, and All Balboa Weekend, and she is honored to
be a member of both the Camp Hollywood Hall of Fame (2019) and the California Swing
Dance Hall of Fame (2022). She has also taught across the U.S., Asia, Europe, and Australia.
Just as meaningful is her work in Salt Lake City, where she co-leads Salt City Swing with her
partner in both dance and life, Anthony Chen. Investing in her local scene — teaching,
organizing, and creating space for others to connect — has been one of the most rewarding
parts of her journey.
As a teacher, Irina strives to be patient, encouraging, and approachable. Her goal is to inspire
students to value the foundations and culture of these dances while also celebrating
individuality, expression, and confidence through movement.

Anthony Chen

Anthony's first ingress into the performing arts was at age 8 when his parents convinced him
to learn and perform Chinese lion dances. Naturally, he then stumbled upon breakdancing
during a national speech and debate tournament in middle school, and he had his first foray
into swing dancing at age 16 alongside other young interns from a research laboratory. Since
then, he has trained in other dance styles including West Coast Swing and various modern
street dances, but most of all he enjoys using this background to expand upon his technique
and creativity in Lindy Hop. On the social dance floor he is known to be playful, musical,
creative, and clear.
Anthony holds first place titles from events such as the International Lindy Hop
Championships, Montreal Swing Riot, Camp Hollywood, Lindy Focus, and Lindyfest and Lone
Star Championships. His love of both leading and following, combined with his professional
background in education, makes the classes that he teaches both clear and intuitive. He is an
active scene builder in his community and founded Salt City Swing, a non-profit in Utah
where he teaches locally.

Eun Jung Kim

Eun jung Kim approaches swing dancing with curiosity, sincerity, and a deep respect for the beauty of fundamentals.
Rather than focusing on flashy moves, she finds true expression in clear rhythm, intentional footwork, and grounded movement.

Her teaching is rooted in a calm and observant personality. She values the learning process itself just as much as the outcome, and encourages her students to slow down, listen to the music, and find joy in refining the basics.
To her, dance is not simply a skill, but a way of getting to know oneself and practicing honesty through movement.

Often describing herself as “a persistent learner rather than a natural talent,” Eun jung embraces growth through steady effort and heartfelt intention.
Each step, each rhythm, is a chance to move forward with grace and authenticity.

At this festival, she hopes to create a space where everyone can feel connected, grounded, and free within the music—
a space full of rhythm, warmth, and inspiration.

📍 Seoul, South Korea
💃 Dancer • Teacher

Han su Kim

Han su Kim, also known as Hanbo, is a swing dancer and teacher based in Seoul with over 10 years of experience.
For the past five years, he has focused on sharing his in-depth understanding of body mechanics, musical interpretation, and partner connection through thoughtful and structured instruction.

His teaching emphasizes the fundamentals of movement—including weight distribution, directional flow, and spatial awareness—encouraging students to find freedom of expression through clarity and simplicity.
Rather than aiming for complexity, Hanbo values intentional, musical movement and believes that true artistry lies in expressing music in one’s own voice.

Beyond Lindy Hop, Hanbo is also a distinguished figure in the Authentic Jazz scene, having won every major solo jazz competition in Korea.
He is widely recognized not only for his technical excellence but also for his expressive and personal style.

Off the floor, Hanbo is known for his calm and sincere presence. On stage, however, he transforms—bringing a powerful, focused energy that captivates both students and audiences alike.

At this festival, he looks forward to sharing his experience and passion, while connecting with dancers from around the world through meaningful moments of dance and exchange.

Yui

Yui is a Lindy Hop dancer based in Seoul, Korea. In recent years, she has been traveling internationally, performing and competing at swing dance events around the world and gaining new experiences along the way.

In her dancing, Yui values connection and the sense of conversation between partners. What she loves most about Lindy Hop is the moment when two dancers find themselves expressing the music together—listening, responding, and sharing the same musical idea in their own ways.

Yui brings a calm and warm presence to her dancing, with a focus on musicality and the joy of creating something together with her partner.

Junsuk Moon (Moontan)

Swing Dancer / Lindy Hop Instructor / Performer

Junsuk Moon, also known as Moontan, is a Seoul-based swing dancer, Lindy Hop instructor, and performer.
He started learning swing dance in 2014 and has since been actively involved in the swing dance scene through social dancing, teaching, performances, competitions, and community activities.

He believes that swing dance is not simply about memorizing steps, but about listening to the music, communicating with a partner, and creating a shared flow together.
His main interests lie in connection, rhythm, bounce, flow, and musicality, and he focuses on helping dancers develop movement that feels natural and practical in social dancing.

As an instructor, he helps dancers go beyond simply following patterns by understanding the principles behind movement and the flow of the music.
His classes emphasize fundamentals, musical expression, partner connection, repeated practice, and feedback so that dancers can build both technical clarity and personal expression.

He currently teaches several classes, including Monthly Jazz, One Point Lindy Hop, and basic Lindy Hop classes.
In Monthly Jazz, dancers work with a new jazz song each month, learning a performance base and adding their own color to create a final showcase or video result.
In One Point Lindy Hop, each season focuses on one specific topic, using repeated practice, video recording, and feedback to help dancers build skills that can be used directly in social dancing.
In his basic classes, he helps newer dancers build a stable foundation in bounce, rhythm, connection, and partner communication.

As a performer, he has participated in domestic and international swing dance events and performances, creating routines centered on musicality, flow, and partner communication.
His dancing and teaching aim to balance the joy of social dancing, the completeness of performance, and each dancer’s individual expression.

Competition Results

2026

Allstars WEEKENDS New Partner Shortcase — 2nd Place
Busan Lindyhop Weekend Advanced M&M — 2nd Place
SavoyCup Advanced Couple Routine — 1st Place
2025

Seoul Lindyfest Couple Routine — 2nd Place
Seoul Lindyfest All-star Strictly — 1st Place
Seoul Lindyfest Open Authentic Jazz — 2nd Place
Champions Cup Korea All-Star M&M — 1st Place
Rhythm Korea Jazz Shortcase — 2nd Place
Rhythm Korea New Partner Shortcase — 3rd Place
Busan Lindyhop Weekend Advanced Strictly — 1st Place
Busan Lindyhop Weekend Advanced M&M — 2nd Place
Busan Lindyhop Weekend ProAm — 2nd Place
CityCup Seoul Judge M&M — 1st Place
SavoyCup DuoJazz — 2nd Place
2024

SavoyCup Asia Adv/Pro Couple Routine — 3rd Place
SavoyCup Asia Team Routine (JazzWitz) — 2nd Place
Street Lindy Fighter ProAm — 1st Place
Seoul LindyFest Couple Routine — 3rd Place
RSF Couple Routine — 2nd Place
RSF Team Routine — 2nd Place
Champions Cup Korea Champions Strictly — 1st Place
Champions Cup Korea Advanced M&M — 2nd Place
RhythmKorea ProAm — 1st Place
AJW Solo Jazz Open — 1st Place
2023

TBK Showdown R&B M&M — 1st Place
TBK Showdown Advanced Strictly — 2nd Place
Street Lindy Fighter ProAm — 3rd Place
Champions Cup Korea Open Strictly — 1st Place
Champions Cup Korea Advanced M&M — 1st Place
RSF Crew Battle — 1st Place
RSF Allstar M&M — 3rd Place
BigJam 3!4! Showcase — 2nd Place
SSDF ProAm Leader — 2nd Place
2022

TBK Showdown All-Level Medium M&M — 1st Place
TBK Showdown Advanced Strictly — 2nd Place
TBK Showdown All-Star M&M — 3rd Place
RSF Allstar M&M — 3rd Place
RSF Team Routine — 1st Place
SSDF ProAm Leader — 1st Place
SSDF Advanced & All star M&M — 2nd Place
2019

ILHC Open Classic — 2nd Place
Seoul LindyFest Team Routine — 2nd Place
Rhythm Korea 금시초문 — 2nd Place
2018

Rhythm Korea ProAm — 1st Place
BigJam 3!4! Showcase — 1st Place
BigJam 3!4! Showcase — 3rd Place
Savoy Cup Team Routine — 1st Place
Savoy Cup City Battle — 3rd Place
KLHC Advanced Strictly — 1st Place
KLHC Team Routine — 2nd Place
2017

TBK Showdown Open Strictly — 1st Place
Seoul LindyFest Open M&M — 3rd Place
KLHC Open Strictly — 1st Place
The Battle RSF Advanced M&M — 1st Place
The Battle RSF Open M&M — 3rd Place

Sonia Kutishcheva

Sonia, an architect by profession but a dancer at heart, discovered her passion for Lindy Hop in 2011 and has been immersed in swing dancing ever since. With 13 years of experience as a teacher, dancer, and performer, Sonia is known for her dedication to exploring new techniques, enhancing partner communication, and staying true to the music while expressing her unique style.

In class, Sonia combines her keen eye for detail with a thoughtful and supportive teaching approach, fostering a respectful and friendly learning environment that both challenges and inspires her students.

Beyond swing, Sonia is the creator of Authentic Dance—a program that fuses movement, personal growth, and dance therapy to help participants connect their minds, emotions, and bodies. Her holistic understanding of movement and creativity enriches her teaching, offering students fresh perspectives on connection and self-expression.

As an experienced event organizer, Sonia brings her passion for building community and creating memorable experiences to every project she undertakes. This time, she joins forces with her partner, Yavor, to share their energy and expertise at the festival.

Yavor Kunchev

Yavor is a pioneer of Lindy Hop in Bulgaria, often referred to as the "Godfather" of the dance style in the country. With over 30 years of experience in dance and a background in theater, Yavor brings a wealth of artistic expertise to his teaching and performances.

His journey began with ballroom dance and Acrobatic Rock and Roll, earning several national awards, before discovering Boogie Woogie more than 15 years ago. This led him into the vibrant and captivating world of Lindy Hop, where he has since dedicated himself to sharing his passion.

As a choreographer, Yavor has created dynamic routines for theater and opera productions, including Jesus Christ Superstar, as well as for TV shows such as Dancing with the Stars and VIP Dance. His natural gift for rhythm, precision, and attention to detail make his work truly exceptional.

In the classroom, Yavor’s approach is both friendly and engaging, blending fun with a meticulous focus on technique and connection. With his extensive experience as a dance teacher, he inspires students to develop their skills while enjoying the process of learning.

MUSIC

The heartbeat of our festival comes alive with 2 bands of exceptional live music and amazing DJ sets! Each evening, an incredible band will take the stage, delivering performances filled with energy, rhythm, and passion. Between sets, our talented DJs will keep the dance floor buzzing with their carefully curated selections, creating an irresistible vibe that carries us through the night.

Led by guitarist and singer Martín Burguez, this Barcelona-based sextet brings the spirit of the 1940s and 50s to life. With a mix of original songs and timeless Swing & Rhythm & Blues classics, the band delivers high-energy performances that dancers and music lovers won’t forget.Their special project, “Stompin’ the Beat,” draws inspiration from legends like Count Basie, Cab Calloway, and Fats Waller. Blending tradition with fresh creativity, the combo recreates the fiery nights of the Savoy Ballroom and sets the perfect rhythm for Lindy Hop and swing dancing.

Born in 2015 out of the collaboration between a musician and a dancer, Reverent Juke has its roots in the golden era of swing.

With an explosive rhythm section built on the swinging drums of Tom Lambrecht, the bouncing bass and singing of Andrew Bolton and the wild stride of Julien Gillain, Reverent Juke sets the swing on fire with its three blowers, Martin Bolton on clarinet, Pauline Leblond on trumpet and Mathieu Najean on reeds, blowing their horns on the fiery flames till they drop.

Born in Ghent, raised in Brussels, Reverent Juke is now attending Lindy Hop festivals everywhere in Europe and in the world.

DJs

will be announced...

VENUE

Bosphorus Swing Festival will take place at Dedeman Istanbul Gayrettepe, a venue with timeless elegance, a central heartbeat, and a welcoming atmosphere. All classes, talks, competitions, shows, parties, and festival activities will take place under one roof.

The hotel features a spacious 500 m² ballroom for parties and main classes, along with two additional classroom spaces of 250 m² and 200 m², an ideal setting for learning, dancing, and unforgettable social moments.

For guests staying at the hotel, the entire festival experience is just an elevator ride away, with no need for late-night travel after the parties. Its central location also makes Dedeman the perfect base for experiencing Istanbul beyond the festival. Just a short walk from the metro, it offers easy access to the city’s most iconic neighbourhoods, while the surrounding area is filled with cosy cafés, restaurants, and local spots to enjoy between classes.

A place where old-school elegance meets the vibrant spirit of Istanbul, comfortable, accessible, and perfectly located for both the festival and the city.