MEET THE
TEACHERS
5
INTERNATIONAL
TEACHERS
LINDY HOP
HYUNJUNG CHOI &
RIKARD EKSTRAND
Rikard, based in Stockholm, Sweden, is a longtime member of the legendary Harlem Hot Shots and is renowned for his rhythmic precision, rich understanding of vintage swing styles, and energetic presence both on stage and on the social dance floor. Together, Hyunjung and Rikard combine authenticity, creativity, and infectious energy, inspiring dancers around the world with classes that emphasize rhythm, connection, individuality, and the cultural roots of Lindy Hop.
SOLO JAZZ
Daniil Nikulin
Daniil Nikulin is an internationally recognized jazz dancer, Lindy Hop artist, choreographer, and teacher known for his exceptional musicality, creativity, and distinctive movement style. Daniil began his dance journey with boogie-woogie before diving deeply into solo jazz and Lindy Hop, quickly becoming a winner of numerous international competitions across Europe and the United States. His dancing blends authentic jazz roots with influences from ballet, locking, and other contemporary forms, creating a style that is both technically refined and uniquely expressive.
Having taught and performed in more than 20 countries, Daniil is celebrated not only for his artistry and dynamic stage presence, but also for his thoughtful teaching approach, inspiring dancers to explore rhythm, individuality, and the joy of improvisation.
LINDY HOP
URSULA HICKS & FELIPE BRAGA
Ursula Hicks and Felipe Braga are internationally recognized Lindy Hop and vernacular jazz dancers, teachers, and performers known for their high-energy, musical, and deeply engaging approach to social dance. Ursula is a highly experienced educator with a strong foundation in ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary dance, holding a B.A. in Dance Studies from Texas Woman’s University and having taught and performed extensively across the United States and Europe; she is widely appreciated for her clarity in teaching, musical sensitivity, and ability to inspire dancers of all levels. Felipe Braga, originally from Brazil, is celebrated for his explosive charisma, rhythmic precision, and theatrical background, which includes acting and musical experience that inform his expressive movement and dynamic teaching style. Together, they bring a powerful combination of technical depth, playfulness, and cultural awareness to the dance floor, creating classes and workshops that emphasize connection, improvisation, and the joyful spirit of Lindy Hop.
WAACKING WORKSHOP
ROSA CHIMENTI
Born and raised in Luxembourg, Rosa Chimenti began her dance journey at the Luxembourg Conservatory before continuing her training at EPSE Danse in Montpellier, France. She graduated as an Educational Practitioner in 2005 and earned her State Diploma (D.E.) as a Jazz Dance Teacher in 2009.
Throughout her career, Rosa has combined teaching, performance, and artistic development, working and teaching in New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Luxembourg. She has also performed in prestigious productions, including Carmen, under the direction of renowned choreographer Aletta Collins.
Passionate about movement and artistic expression, Rosa teaches Broadway Jazz, Contemporary Jazz, Waacking, Voguing, and Heels. She also enjoys Hustle, a social dance that reflects her love of connection, musicality, and partner work. Committed to continuous growth and learning, she regularly takes part in international dance events and festivals, including Summer Dance Forever in Amsterdam, where she participated in 2025.
SOUND & MOVEMENT
MODESTINE EKETE
Originally from Cameroon, Modestine Ekété is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans music, dance, and theatre. Trained in the Bamiléké traditions and shaped by the artistic company Le Baobab in Yaoundé, she quickly became a leading dancer, singer, and percussionist, winning the National Prize for Contemporary African Dance and representing Cameroon internationally.
After working with renowned directors and performing in major cultural festivals in France, she settled in Luxembourg, where she co-founded AlterCadance and became a key figure in the development of African and Afro-contemporary dance in the country. Her choreographic work Pont invisible was selected for Esch 2022 – European Capital of Culture, and she continues to create across disciplines, from storytelling festivals to musical projects and pedagogical programs like ACDAMAF.
Modestine’s artistic journey is driven by a deep connection to African traditions and a commitment to expanding their place in the European cultural landscape.
LIVE MUSIC
FRIDAY & SATURDAY BAND
HOP'SH BAM CONNECTION
BELGIUM
The Hop’Sh Bam Connection is a Belgian swing and hot jazz band known for its driving energy, dance-friendly repertoire, and strong connection to the European Lindy Hop scene. Led by trumpeter and vocalist Marie-Anne Standaert, the ensemble brings together experienced jazz musicians from Belgium who blend classic swing, hot jazz, and rhythm-and-blues influences into a powerful, highly rhythmic sound designed for dancers. Their performances are often described as lively and immersive, inspired by the spirit of the 1930s and 1940s jazz tradition, with a modern, high-voltage stage presence that keeps both social dancers and concert audiences engaged. Frequently featured at swing festivals and dance events across Europe, the band is especially appreciated for its groove, responsiveness to dancers, and ability to create an authentic “jam session” atmosphere on the dance floor.
SUNDAY BAND
Swingin' Hepcats
The Swingin’ Hepcats are a four-piece swing band from Luxembourg, bringing the golden age of jazz to life with sultry vocals, melodic clarinet, swinging guitar, and driving double bass. Rooted in the rich traditions of 1920s and 1930s swing and hot jazz, they deliver every performance with flair, finesse, and infectious energy.
Their setlist blends toe-tapping classics with charming lesser-known gems—perfect for lindy hop, balboa, or a slow-drag under the stars. With a vintage look and engaging stage presence, the Swingin’ Hepcats transport audiences to a bygone era where the clarinet sings, the bass walks, and the dance floor never sleeps.
We’re thrilled to have them close out this year’s edition of Swing the Abbey with a final set guaranteed to send us off in true swingin’ style.
