Teachers

Geneviève Vermylen is one of the founders of Apollo Swing, which began in 1996. It was her passion for the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s which naturally led her to Lindy Hop. Taking her first swinging steps at Herrang Dance Camp - arguably the most famous Lindy Hop festival in the world - she soon began travelling the world to train with and learn from top instructors.

Since 2016 Elise has been running one arm of Apollo and loves organising almost as much as dancing! Passionate about developing her skills across a wide range of swing dances including solo jazz, Charleston and Balboa, as a teacher Elise wants to bring this passion and enthusiasm to her students, and believes very much in making swing dancing accessible and fun for anyone brave enough to try it!

He introduced Lindy Hop in Belgium together with Geneviève, resulting in the creation of Apollo Swing in 1996. For over twenty years, Didier has been spreading his cheery disposition and sharing his talent in Belgium; both in Lindy Hop classes, and on the social dance floor. He remains as passionate as at the start of his career, and is always on the lookout for new inspiration.

Coming first from the Rock ‘n’ Roll world, with her father being the lead singer of the Belgian Blues-Rockabilly Band, The Wild Ones, Morganne spent all her life listening to Gospel, Swing, Blues, Rhythm’n’Blues, Country, Rockabilly and Rock’n’Roll. She grew up as an Old Soul, always attracted to and fascinated by things from the past; specifically, it was her love for African-American Culture that led her Lindy Hop.

Jerôme started dancing at Apollo Swing in 2012 and has been hooked ever since. He loves movies, good beers, otters, and of course - swingouts.

Helena has a passionate, creative personality. She worked for a well-known fashion designer and co-founded a dance school, of which she was the creative director and a full-time instructor. Inspired by the style of the early 20th century, Helena is now exploring retro hair styling, make-up (Retro Lena) and the design and making of retro clothing. If that were not enough, Helena also completed an intensive Yoga teacher training and currently teaches weekly Yoga classes. After retiring from dance for a few years, Lindy Hop reignited Helena's passion! It's not only the cheerful energy of the dance, but also the style, setting and atmosphere that make her heart pound faster. She has been an instructor at Apollo Swing in Mechelen since 2015.

It all started with a fifties Fiat 500 - since then Verdiana has lived a life of vintage passion: from clothing to hairstyling, furniture and music. So it wasn’t long until she discovered the Lindy during her work as a vintage hairdresser for Radio Modern. Once she got the bounce in her bones, her life changed completely! You can regularly see Verdiana popping up at social dances in Belgium and attending international dance camps and workshops, catching the eyes of the innocent bystanders with her Italian-style Lindy moves. When it comes to swing dancing, for Verdiana it’s all about having fun and moving your body to the music. Musicality is the key for two individuals to become one on the dance floor.

Sven took his first dance steps as a teenager with the slow waltz, quickstep, jive, and disco swing. As a young adult, he stopped dancing because of judo, paragliding, canyoning, and to take care of his family. But a passion for dancing was always in Sven’s blood: a few years ago, together with his partner Elke, he discovered the joys of Lindy Hop and began taking classes at schools across Belgium to develop his skills. Now not a single day passes without him being occupied by Lindy Hop. The social dance floor is his habitat. Sven likes nothing better than passing his passion for Lindy Hop on to others.

Elena was born in Sicily and theatre was her first love. Although convinced that she couldn’t dance, a year after she moved to Brussels, in 2011, she registered with the Apollo Swing School for Lindy Hop classes. She was immediately hooked and a few months after her first class, she was already participating in international lindy hop, jazz solo, Charleston and blues workshops. She is aware that she still has a lot to learn about jazz and swing history and culture, of which she considers herself to be an attentive observer. In her classes, she aims at sharing her passion and help make everyone feel confident and happy while dancing. Jazz, swing and blues express values she strongly believes in, such as authenticity, freedom and a sense of community. As Elena explains, theatre was the place where she started looking for herself, and Brussels is the city where she can travel through various cultures and get inspired by them. “Jazz is an endless journey which started from my ears, infiltrated my body before reaching my soul.”

Aurore discovered the world of swing somewhat by chance when she tried a Lindy Hop class in 2018. What was meant to be just a one-hour class per week quickly developed into a passion that has continued to grow, and nowadays, there is rarely a day when she isn't dancing. Gradually, she experienced the joys of solo jazz, balboa, shag, blues, and even tap dancing! Aurore recently joined the chorus line group of the Jassettes and is eager to continue learning more about the history and culture of dance. You will regularly find her on the dance floors in Brussels, where you should not hesitate to invite her for a fast feet or a blues dance.

Since a young age, Maroine has loved engaging with all the performing arts. Today, he is an actor, director, theater facilitator, violinist, oud player, and dancer with the swing performance troupe Jazz Maniacs. In the professional Belgian theater community, Maroine is often seen as an actor who performs as if he were dancing and making music. Although he primarily makes a living from theater, in every creation he undertakes, he likes to invoke and combine all his expertise from other artistic disciplines. When he first watched the Whitey's Lindy Hoppers dance in the 1941 film Hellzapoppin', he was not only impressed by their bodily technique. What struck him was how these African American dancers transformed their bodies into rhythmic musical instruments and the dance floor into a theatrical stage where colorful characters met, soaring like acrobats with immense freedom of movement and spirit. Maroine fell in love with the swing universe and quickly realized that this type of dance would allow him to enjoy his three passions simultaneously! His dream today is to see dance floors transform into grand theatrical stages where adults allow themselves to play together like children.

Benjamin had a love for music and dancing since childhood, but it never played a central role in his life. However, this changed in 2019 when he discovered Lindy Hop at Apollo Swing Leuven. He was captivated by the beauty, playfullness and freedom that Lindy Hop offered, and it quickly evolved into his most passionate hobby. Socials, workshops, and international festivals have become an integral part of his life growing his knowledge about the dance. In the end, Lindy Hop became for him a source of joy and strong friendships. With his love for teaching and the motivation to share the beauty of Lindy Hop, he aims to introduce others to its wonderful aspects, grow the community, and share his knowledge.

Ann-Sofie has been dancing and playing music since an early age. Fan of jazz music, she couldn’t be satisfied in just listening and got acquainted with the movements and rhythms of swing. She dived right into the Lindy Hop and solo jazz world in 2020 in Ghent, and never turned back. Ann-Sofie kept learning and showed a major interest in the origin and cultural aspects of African-American swing dance and music. Personal expression, musicality and connectedness are essential to her. She not only inspires the students in her class, she is also actively involved in Upside Down, organizing many blues and Swing events. She performs regularly herself and enjoys going to festivals in Belgium and abroad."

Heleen is a sportive centipede and she derives much energy and pleasure from dancing. She discovered Lindy Hop in 2019 during the Rock That Swing Festival in Munich. The playfulness of this partner dance is what she appreciates most. Once home, she registered with the Apollo Swing lessons. After a few years as a follower, she looked at other ways to improve her skills in that dance. During the switch-classes, she was introduced to the leader position which she much appreciated and which comforted her in putting a further step into teaching. She is hoping to inspire others and help them find pleasure in this dance style.

Giorgia started dancing swing in 2016 in Zurich by learning Lindy Hop and Shag almost at the same time. Dancing became soon an obsession, and she started moving around Europe from festival to festival to learn as much as possible from a variety of teachers and explore different styles. Along the years, Giorgia studied also Solo Jazz, Tap and Balboa, digging more and more on how to connect body movement with music. Understanding what makes the dance feel good is a never-ending journey that she keeps on looking for. Giorgia’s natural dancing role is follower, but she recently discovered the beauty of leading both in Shag and Balboa. A mixture of technique and feeling comfortable on the social dance is what she wants to pass on to other dancers.

Emilie's introduction to dance started when she was very little but flourished with ballroom dancing during her time living abroad in Finland. Back home, she discovered Lindy Hop which captivated her with its energetic style. But she truly fell in love in 2016, when she found Balboa. Ever since, Emilie has been a regular at international Balboa events, traveling from Rome to Helsinki and from Barcelona to Berlin, exploring various styles and influences. Emilie enjoys building a strong connection with her partner and experimenting with tempo and musicality. While she primarily follows, Emilie occasionally embraces the leader’s role to help her fully understand the movement. By sharing her love for Balboa, Emilie aims to inspire others, sharing the joy and elegance of this timeless dance form.

Fabienne's dance journey began in 2011 with Lindy Hop, which quickly became her creative outlet and passion. It was thanks to Claire Brauman that she discovered and fell in love with Balboa. In those early days, Fabienne was a pioneer in the scene, traveling to Lille to pursue Balboa when it was still gaining recognition in Belgium. Fabienne enjoys the precision and intricacy of Balboa footwork. She is constantly inspired by the footwork and techniques of other dancers, incorporating and adapting their moves into her style. She has participated in events across Europe, from local gatherings to international festivals, enriching her understanding of various dance influences. With a background in sports pedagogy, Fabienne brings a nuanced approach to teaching dance, aiming to empower her students with artistic expression.

Architect passionate about dance and movement. Ellen began her dance journey in 2017 with lindy hop and expanded her repertoire in 2019 to include collegiate shag and balboa. Later, blues was added. Her love for dance originated in her grandparents' living room, inspired by their boogie woogie. Ellen has participated in numerous festivals and workshops at home and abroad, including the Scandinavian Shuffle in Sweden, Sitges balboa weekend in Spain and Berlin balboa weekend in Germany. This year, she is taking her first steps as a dance teacher, with a focus on balboa. Her dance style is instinctive and fluid, with a strong attention to detail and a passion for exploring new movements. Besides swing dancing, Ellen also enjoys practising other movement forms such as contemporary dance and yoga. These practices help her move her body more consciously, which further refines and deepens her dance style. Ellen is an adept follower. For her, dancing is a process of cocreation. She strives to further develop her personal dance style and bring initiative to dance as a follower.

Martin discovered Lindy Hop in 2013 with the much inspiring Sep and Leni and never stopped dancing since. He continued the learning process thanks to the follows met on the dance floors across Europe. What he particularly likes in Lindy Hop is the connexion, the musicality, sharing joy in a partner dance. During his many stays in Herräng, he was drawn into the historical context in which Lindy Hop was grounded in Harlem. He loves creating a well meaning and joyful context during his lessons, allowing the participants to gain in confidence and develop their competences as dancers.

Yana discovered Lindy hop in 2010 and has since danced all around Europe and taught in Bulgaria and Scotland before moving to Belgium. She loves looking for fun, musicality, and connection, the intuitivity of following, the responsibility of leading, and the freedom of solo jazz. She's also passionate about contributing to the community being more inclusive and honouring the roots of the dance. She enjoys being a beginner at other dances and thinking about teaching techniques and embodiment.

Drived by the soul of the swing jazz or the groove of the rythm’ n’ blues music, Camille is having the best time on the floor grooving with rhythms and grounded laziness. She infuses her dancing inspired by the continuum of jazz, from its history to the present. Her journey into Lindy hop and solo jazz began with discovering old clips, leading to an exploration of these African American jazz dances. Today, she shares this art form by teaching, performing, and social dancing. Camille invites you to discover the art of conversation, not only with the music and partner, but also with yourself.

Visual artist, Ornella Mickie is also dancer, performer and teacher of Lindy Hop, Charleston and Solo Jazz from Brussels. She is inspired by the Authentic Jazz and Swing of the Afro-American community between 1920' and 40 in Harlem, New York. Whitey's Lindy Hoppers, Harvest Moon Ball, Spirits moves, etc. 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. In 2017, she joined the Brussels performance group Jazz Maniacs. Now she's part of the Old-Style Jazz Dance Troup "The Old Soulz". She performs and teaches in Belgium and abroad and won the last Herrang Moon Ball. As a teacher, Ornella wants to share her passion by combining technique, challenge, Old school style and joy ! INSTA@ornella_mickie

Born in Italy but bred in Vienna as a dancer, I have been learning to stop worrying and love the dance since 2016. Jazz music is what got me into swing dancing but in turn dance has allowed me to deepen and broaden my understanding of music. During these years I have been exploring different styles: starting from lindy hop, then falling in love with shag and last but not least, having to make more space in my heart to accomodate tap dancing. If I learned anything in the time I spent dancing (definitely not turning out well in photos) is that what makes it meaningful over and over to me is first of all the quality of one’s rhythm and then the rewards that are coming from learning how to exert control on your own body. Oh, and that when in doubt, faster is always the answer.

In 2018 he discovered Lindy hop and was immediately attracted by the way people enjoy the music while sharing body patterns in joyful and energetic ways. Swing dance was definitely the perfect combination between technique, flow, playfulness, acrobatics, improvisation and self expression. 

Barbora "Bára" Hřebačková makes her living through dance. She started dancing early and hip hopped her way into tap, charleston and jazz dance, growing in these styles while living in Prague, Czech Republic. Currently, she resides in Brussels, Belgium. Dancing for her means seeking a connection to herself, to the audience and to her students. In classes, Bára strives to create a comfortable learning environment in which students learn to develop independently while maintaining a connection to the community, tradition and cultural heritage of the tap dance art form. hbaara.wixsite.com/website

A curly film director - aka Belgian Ginger - with a background in tango and a severe lindy hop and jazz addiction. Only started dancing lindy hop in 2022, but has been burning his shoes on many social and festival dance floors ever since. Member of the Brussels based Jazz Maniacs performance group. A sucker for slides, storytelling and creative silliness on the dance floor. His big dream? Directing a lindy hop film, of course.

Since childhood Marijse has been passionate about dancing. She has a background in various dance styles such as ballet, contemporary jazz and urban but completely lost her heart to Lindy Hop in 2018. With a smile and great enthusiasm, she is ready to pass on her love for Lindy Hop during the lessons.

Sander started dancing after the summer of 2016. What started out as a fun new hobby soon turned into a decicated passion. Dancing as much as possible across Belgium and soon traveling to festivals abroad. When the tempo goes up, next to some fast swingouts, he loves to play around with some Collegiate Shag. Always eager to share his passion for swingjazz and lindy hop with others.

Sophie started Lindy Hop and solo jazz in 2018 and never quite stopped dancing since. After several years training and various workshops in Belgium and abroad, she started the group The ‘Triplettes Steps’ together with two of her friends and sidekicks, Sandy and Jazya. Sophie does the choreography while dancing in various festivals.

Alexi hails from Montreal, Canada. He discovered blues in Paris in 2013 just before moving to Brussels in 2014. At this point, he started traveling from festival to festival to learn more about the amazing universe surrounding this dance and its growing community. In 2016, he founded "Banana Blues" with a friend, a platform under which he started organizing dance weekends in Brussels, featuring many international instructors. In 2017, he ventured into teaching, a journey that has since led him to offer a variety of dance classes and workshops. He simply loves to share his passion for blues dancing!

Sander has had a passion for the swing era, its music and aesthetic, since he was a teenager. He studied fashion technology and loves to create his own clothes in order to enhance his style of dancing. He's part of the Brussels swing dance community and together with the Jazz Maniacs and The Old Soulz dance crew he works on constantly learning about jazz culture, breaking down video footage from the great African American masters, drawing inspiration from them to keep their style and spirit alive. Early Bebop is the music he finds himself drawn towards the most since he feels like it gives him more ways to express himself.

Astrid Akay is a theater directress and actress, dancing in Brussels with the Old Soulz. Her central interest in the African American vernacular jazz dance is Lindy hop, its history and legacy today. How do we develop our own personal dance language while inheriting the powerful beauty and complexity of the original lindy hop? How do we keep the freedom of improvising and the joy of surprising ourselves when dancing, and at the same time work very specifically on original video clips? Those are some of the questions that are driving Astrid to keep learning and exploring the dance.

Charlotte started dancing at the age of 6. Through the years she learned different dance styles including Ballet, Jazz, Streetdance and African dance. Still, she missed something… After a break of a couple of years, in 2017, she rediscovered her passion for dancing in Lindy Hop. The energetic dance scene opened a whole new world for her. What attracted her in the first place was the musical variety and freedom the dance offered. Afterwards she learned the pleasure of good communication between a leader and a follower. This combined with the technical aspects keeps the dance exciting and challenging. Her love for teaching derives from previous experiences with youth and young adults in classical education. This love along with her enthusiasm for the dance make her suitable to teach others Lindy Hop.

A lover of social dancing and passionate about developing herself as a dancer, Lies hopes to inspire people to learn and enjoy dancing as part of their daily lives. No matter if it is Lindy, Balboa, or Collegiate Shag, you will always find her on the dancefloor with with a big smile on her face, jamming to all kinds of swing music. This energy brought Lies to teaching, where she is able to share her joy and passion with others. The social nature of Lindy Hop is very important to her; Lies loves being part of the dance scene, and feels privileged to have met so many great and talented people at various festivals both at home and abroad.

Pauline discovered Lindy Hop during her studies in Scotland and Germany. Fascinated by the rich culture of the swing era, she fell in love with this energetic dance and its warm community. Back in Belgium, she practices Lindy Hop on a weekly basis, focusing on developing her musicality and creativity. By attending international workshops she keeps inspired by the art of body movement, improvisation and connection. Having a good time and spreading the joy of the dance is her ultimate goal.