artists

workshop teachers

TEACHERS

ORNELLA MICKIE
& BAO

Ornella Mickie (FRA) is a visual artist but also a dancer, performer and teacher of Lindy Hop and Jazz from Brussels. Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers, Harvest Moon Ball, Spirits moves, old movies from the great African American masters are her sources of inspiration.

With a background in gymnastics, classical dance and Tango, she flourished in Lindy Hop in their rhythmic and theatrical aspects. She’s part of the Jazz troup of performance “The Old Soulz”. She performs and teaches in Belgium and abroad. As a teacher, Ornella wants to share her passion by combining technique, challenge, individual expression and joy!

Bao (BEL) discovered not just a means of self-expression, but a therapeutic journey that shares boundless energy In the rhythmic embrace of jazz partner dance. After an extensive exploration into various dance forms and trying to find a continuity across many disciplines, he ultimately found his way in the roots of swing dance, matching his energy to the rhythmic groove of the bebop and hard bop tunes. Drawing inspiration from all these experiences along the way, he infused the dynamism of diverse styles into their swing dance repertoire by creating a harmonious blend of movement and expression while still staying true to the essence of the authentic jazz dance.

 

Designer by day, dancer by night, Bao is also part of the Jazz Maniacs and the Old Soulz performance groups. Beyond his own dance research, Bao extends his passion for movement by teaching at a local level, aiming to introduce fresh dancers to the vibrant Brussels dance scene. His approach focuses on the core of the practice, he believes in the power of dance that goes beyond the empirical learning of steps. It is all about embodying the essence of the dance and allowing the body to speak a language of its own.

TEACHERS

Jana Měchurová
& Francesc Bujosa

Jana Měchurová (CZE) is a lindy hop, aerials and solo jazz teacher and choreographer from Brno, Swing Wings. She started doing ballet and contemporary when she was 4 years old but for a lot of years, she was in love with folklore dance. She danced in a professional folklore ensemble for many years, she learned there how to perform, present herself on a stage, how to work with a big dance group, etc. All this time she has been also learning different types ofdance till in 2013 she has discovered Lindy Hop and hasn’t been able to leave it ever since.

 

Dance is an important part of her life. Dancing to the music and communicating with each other is what makes swing dancing so special. It’s important that each person finds their own voice and style within the context of the dance, learning to share that with others, because everyone has something unique to bring to the dance. Mostly her classes are concerned with how to connect dance more with music, enjoy your dancing and have fun.

Francesc Bujosa (ESP), was born and raised in Mallorca, He began dancing Authentic Jazz (Lindy Hop, Solo Jazz, and Tap Dance) just over a decade ago in Barcelona. In 2017, he had the opportunity to start teaching regular Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz classes, and he soon turned it into his way of life.

 

Currently, he is doing teaching residencies in various European countries, working with different local communities. He also regularly takes part in both national and international festivals—whether by competing, teaching, learning, or simply enjoying social dancing.

taster teachers

TASTER TEACHERS

Nevena & Miloš Dograjić

Miloš and Nevena Dograjić (SRB) will join us for a sweet taster class that might include (you haven’t heard it from us) mixing different swing dance styles.
 
Ever since he saw ILHC 2013 competition video, Miloš has been inspired and motivated to start swing dancing. In 2018 he became one of the founders of Swing’n’Roll dance school in Belgrade. Even though he started as a Lindy Hopper, he fell in love with Balboa and became one of the founders of the scene in Belgrade in 2019. In his dance, you can see a mixture of different styles which all fall under the “Swing Umbrella”. Aside from being a dancer, Miloš is also one of the organizers of Swingidunum – Belgrade Swing Dance Festival.
 
Nevena’s swing dancing journey started on the other side of the world, during a vacation on Réunion island. When she got back home to Serbia, she started taking classes, and ever since she’s constantly being inspired by music and movement, always improvising and having fun.

TASTER TEACHER

Fran Žuglić

Fran Žuglić (CRO) is an amazing tap and step dancer and we are very happy to have him teach a taster class for this edition of Snowdown Swing. Here is what he has to say about his dance journey so far: 
 
Born in 1997, it took me way too long to start dancing. I was always avoiding it and doing lots of sports. For a long time my mom was trying to make me start dancing but I was always refusing thinking it’s not for me. After some time I just went to one class to get my mom off my back and never stopped since.
 
Throughout the years I danced in dance studio Step by Step and finished dance school of contemporary arts in Zagreb. After my schools I went to do the Luthier tap program in Barcelona where my switch kind of flipped and there I realised what kind if dancer I wanted to be. Having learned a lot I came back home and started teaching. I was performing a lot throughout the years both in tap and contemporary dance. Now I’m a part of Sebastian Weber Dance Company but also teaching and performing all around the world.

MUSICIANS

SATURDAY NIGHT BAND

SHARP 6

The legends return! Sharp 6, voted one of the best parts of last year’s Snowdown Swing Festival, are back to claim the Saturday night spotlight. With their vintage sound and swinging rhythm, they’ll whisk you straight into the golden age of swing. A fan favorite for good reason—Sharp 6 bring heart and dancefloor delight. Get ready for a night to remember!

 

Photo credit: Katarina Vukoja

FRIDAY NIGHT BAND

MELLOW 5

We’re kicking off the festival with the smooth and swingin’ sounds of Mellow 5. With a mix of new faces and familiar ones, Franjo, Gabriel, Mirko, Jakov, and Adriano are here to get your feet moving and your soul groovin’. Get ready to be wrapped up in their mellow magic — it’s time to swing, sway, and smile the night away!

SUNDAY NIGHT SUPRISE

MIRKATZ

As the festival winds down, Mirkatz takes the stage for a soulful solo set filled with chilled, bluesy vibes. With his guitar in hand and a heart full of groove, he’ll bring the perfect cozy atmosphere to end the weekend. Let his smooth tunes and gentle rhythms carry you through the final dance of the festival — we hope to have you smiling all the way home.

HERE TO KEEP YOU DANCING

DJs

DJ Adam

DJ Vladi

DJ Sneaky Pickle

WANT TO JOIN US?

Click the button below to fill in the registration form and join us in Zagreb