Teachers
Jo Hoffberg
Jo Hoffberg is an illustrious and influential figure in the Lindy Hop scene, with a remarkable list of achievements. Holding first place titles from prestigious competitions such as the American Lindy Hop Championships, Canadian Swing Championships, International Lindy Hop Championships, European Swing Dance Championships, National Jitterbug Championships, Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown, and U.S. Open Swing Dance Championships, Jo's prowess as a competitor is undeniable.
Since 2007, she has traversed the globe, spreading the joy of jazz culture through vintage partner dancing, teaching and performing in an impressive 35 countries across 5 continents. Specializing in vernacular jazz, charleston, aerials, and lindy hop, Jo's expertise knows no bounds. She has hosted captivating intensives in Europe and North America, curated an extensive online learning library (digital downloads and streaming), co-produced Swing Break Mexico, served as the head judge at the esteemed Balkan Lindy Hop Championships, and established personalised online learning courses for ambitious competitors worldwide.
Jo's outstanding contributions to the Lindy Hop community have been recognized with inductions into the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame in both 2013 and 2022. Beyond her impressive accolades, Jo is beloved for her effervescent personality and unwavering commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive dance community. Through her transformative workshops, mesmerizing performances, and collaborative efforts, Jo Hoffberg continues to inspire and uplift dancers across the globe, leaving an enduring legacy for generations to come.
Florian Zbinden
Florian’s journey in Lindy Hop and Vernacular Jazz is enriched by his appreciation for Afro-American Culture, driving him to continuously learn and understand more about Jazz and black culture. As a white individual, Florian approaches Lindy Hop with respect for its origins and the communities that nurtured it, always recognising there is more to learn.
Beyond the dance floor, Florian founded Ella’s dance school in Zurich and co-organises the event Leaping Lindy in Bern, fostering inclusivity and diversity. He strived to creat a safe space the the LBGT community, promote female empowerment, advocate for gender less dance roles, and amplify appreciation for black culture within the Lindy Hop scene.
Florian finds immense joy in social dancing thriving on connecting and moving with others. He focuses on a steady rhythm and full-body movement, energising the dance floor. His passion extends to performing and competing, where he aims to inspire others to embrace Lindy Hop as a celebration of culture. connection, and self-expression.
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 19 countries spanning 5 continents. She is an original cast member in Caleb Teicher’s groundbreaking show Sw!ng Out, which has performed at the Joyce, Jacob’s Pillow, and has toured around the United States. Her Youtube channel dedicated to Lindy Hop history, vocabulary, partnering, and body movement is one of the most popular and influential in the scene.
AJ Howard
With nearly 10 years of experience, AJ takes the influences from Sacramento, San Francisco, and Los Angeles Lindy Hop scenes to bring his own unique style and energy to the Swing Dancing community. He burst into the scene in 2016, winning competitions throughout the US with his partner Jennifer, showing the dance world what Sacramento really had to offer!
Competing at international events such as Camp Hollywood and the International Lindy Hop Championships, AJ became well known for his generous use of aerials paired with his energetic dancing.
AJ has also had the honor of performing on stage for the debut run of "SW!NG OUT" in addition to dance groups such as HellaBlackLindyHop and the Midtown Stompers, along with the privilege to spread his love of dance through teaching at Lindy Hop events across the US, on a Carnival Cruise ship, and overseas in countries such as Denmark and Sweden.
As a proud member of the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame, he is committed to sharing his joy of the dance with all, and helping dancers of all levels develop their skills on their own individual dance journeys.