NANJING LINDY FESTIVAL 2026

A pioneer of the Lindy Hop revival. In 1984, he traveled to New York to learn from legends like Al Minns, Frankie Manning, and Norma Miller. Co-founder of The Rhythm Hot Shots (now Harlem Hot Shots) in 1985, he took over Herräng Dance Camp in 1989 and invited Frankie Manning—igniting the global swing revival. After 35+ years, he remains one of the few original pioneers still active, bridging the Harlem roots to the present.

During the 1990s as a member of The Rhythm Hot Shots, she frequently partnered with Frankie Manning, "the ambassador of Lindy Hop". Her style is characterized by pure and powerful quality based on Harlem traditions and extensive experience. Today she teaches, performs, and gives talks—an important link between the traditions and contemporary dance communities.

Started lindy hopping in 1988 in London. Winner of countless competitions including the US Open, American Swing Dance Championships, and Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown in New Orleans. In 1996 she started teaching in Singapore and grew the scene into one of the most vibrant in the world. Committed to sharing the Afro American history and culture of jazz and lindy to all dancers.

A traveling artist deeply rooted in Black cultural and social dance traditions. Trained under Sugar Sullivan, Ryan Francois, Chester Whitmore, and Latasha Barnes. Proficient from authentic jazz and Lindy Hop to hip-hop and house, with focus on preserving cultural lineage and personal style. A powerful voice honoring the past while shaping the future.

Ursula Hicks began her dance training over 20 years ago in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and later Modern and Contemporary dance. Ursula graduated with B.A. in Dance Studies from Texas Woman's University in the summer 2013, where she studied with Marry Williford-Shade, Sarah Gamblin, Jordan Fuchs, and Gladys Keeton. Ursula brings such musicality and enthusiasm to the dance floor, it's no wonder that she has placed in multiple lindy hop competitions including the International Lindy Hop Championships in Washington, D.C., LindyFest in Houston, TX., and a number of other competitions. Ursula has also been on the board of directors for The Fort Worth Swing Dance Syndicate and served as president of The Dallas Swing Dance Society. Ursula takes pleasure in collaborating with fellow artists and social dancing in the DFW area and enjoys teaching dance to students of all ages. She is an absolute joy to watch and learn from.

Soochan's dancing career began with street dance in 1991 before transitioning to swing dance in 2002. He began his career as an instructor in 2004, and is well-known in Korea's many dance communities as one of the forerunners of the swing dance scene. In 2005, he became a professional swing dancer, devoting all of his time and energy to honing his skills and promoting dance in Korea and abroad. Since becoming a professional dancer, he has given countless lessons and made substantial contributions to the growth and development of swing dance. Since 2008 he has been invited to dance and teach around the world, in many different cities and countries across 5 continents. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he has also competed in and won many different national and internationally recognized competitions starting in 2009 with the "Korea Swing Festival". He went on to win first place in the Korean Lindy Hop Championships during that same year. In 2014, he blew crowds away by winning the "Hellzapoppin Competition" organized to celebrate Frankie Manning's centennial. In 2014 he added another "first" to his list by being the first Korean dance teacher at Herrang Dance Camp, an internationally renowned swing dance camp.

Young started dancing with jazz dance in 2000 and began swing dancing through "Crazy Swing" in 2005. Since then, she has studied various fields to improve her skills as a swing dancer, and has been active as a swing dancer and instructor since 2007, performing and teaching at various events in Korea's representative swing dance community. She teaches Lindy Hop as well as Charleston, Balboa, Blues, Solo Jazz, and Shag, hoping to provide more swing dancers with the opportunity to experience different styles and grow. After seeing the performance of the Swedish group "The Harlem Hot Shot" in Korea in 2006, Young has participated in various events and competitions, both big and small. Since 2008, she has gained various experiences at international events such as Herrang Dance Camp, ULHS, Camp Hollywood, ESDC, Lindy Focus, Camp Jitterbug, Frankie 100, GWSO, Sea Jam, and California Balboa Classic. Based on these experiences, she has planned many swing dance events and performances. Since the PSSF competition in 2009, she has won various awards in several categories at domestic and international competitions such as KLHC, ILHC, and NJC. Since 2015, she has been active as a professional swing dancer both domestically and internationally.

From Mora, Sweden, discovered his passion for dancing in his late teens. Moving to Stockholm, he delved into swing dancing. With his love for tap and energetic Lindy Hop style, he became a member of The Hot Shots in 2015. Also the drummer for jazz band Siberian Hot Heads.

From Stockholm with a background as an elite gymnast and modern dancer. Discovered lindy hop at 24 and instantly fell in love with its acrobatic influences and self-expression. As a member of The Hot Shots, she travels the globe to perform and teach. You might also find her singing on stage!

Born in Stockholm, once a hip-hop lover and basketball player who never thought of dancing. A friend took him to a lindy hop class—struggling with left and right at first, he soon joined The Hot Shots. With individual style and fresh ideas, he has won several big awards and taught at Frankie 100, Herräng, Camp Jitterbug. Also plays trumpet and piano.

"Her feet run the floor like fingers over piano keys—with clear intentions and deep sound." A dancer filled with energy and joy, in love with the raw and wild style of 30s-40s Harlem dancers. Member of Harlem Hot Shots since 2012, she has traveled to teach and perform across all continents.

A performer and dance instructor living in Stockholm. Member of The Hot Shots since 2015. The genuine spirit of the swing era, particularly the Savoy Ballroom and Whitey's Lindy Hoppers, have always been his main focus. Also plays tenor saxophone in Hornsgatan Ramblers.

A dance teacher and member of The Hot Shots. Started dancing at age 9 in Borås, now based in Stockholm. She travels the world to perform and teach various swing-era dance styles. Puts great value into personal style and solid rhythm.

A professional dance teacher, performer and DJ. A specialist in dances from the 1920s-1950s, teaching Lindy Hop, Boogie Woogie, Vernacular Jazz and Rhythm Tap. Competition dancer for Swedish National Team from 1999-2010. Since 2006, traveling globally teaching at events from Herräng to Osaka.

A passionate swing dancer from Stockholm. Into jazz music since her early teens, fell in love with Lindy hop in 2009. Known for her laid-back style and subtle, intentional movement that swings effortlessly with the music. Joined The Hot Shots in 2015, solid member since 2018.