TEACHERS
Annette Kühnle
Annette lives in Heidelberg, Germany, and is one of Europe's most prominent champions for blues dance.
As a teacher, dancer, DJ and organizer, she has been spreading her love for early Black American dances in general and blues dancing in particular for almost two decades, and is renowned Internationally for her expertise, dedication, energy, and kindliness.
Her infectious appreciation and passion for blues music, dancing and history shines in every step she takes and every lesson she teaches.
Dongsheng Yuan
Dongsheng Yuan is a passionate blues dancer whose journey began in a vibrant blues bar in Shanghai.
Captivated by the soulful rhythms and deep connection of blues dance, he fell in love with it instantly and embraced every opportunity to learn and grow in this art form.
To Dongsheng, blues dance is more than just movement, it’s a celebration of culture, history, and the human experience. He has dedicated himself to understanding not only the dance itself but also the rich stories and traditions that shape it.
As guests of this cultural legacy, Dongsheng believes in honoring the roots of blues dance by weaving its history and stories into his teaching.
His classes are more than just steps and technique, they are immersive experiences where music, culture, and movement come together.
With an engaging, insightful, and often humorous approach, he ensures that every class is a journey through the rhythms and emotions that make blues dance so powerful.
Lucía Mendoza
Taster Class with Lucía Mendoza
Join us for a Solo Blues Taster Class, a relaxed warm-up happening Friday, October 10th | From 20h - 21h.
Feel the rhythm, pick up some cool moves, and dive into the soulful vibe of Lucía Mendoza.
Edmilson Botelho
Originally from São Tomé and Príncipe, Edmilson Botelho grew up surrounded by music and African rhythms like Usôa, Puíta, Kizomba, Semba, and Kuduro, as well as POP styles.
At 17, he moved to Porto and discovered his passion for Lindy Hop and Blues Dance. Today, he's part of the team at Hop Dance Studio, where he shares his love for movement.
With his energy and charisma, Edmilson inspires others to feel the rhythm and express themselves with joy and authenticity.
Luísa Barros
Luísa Barros is a dancer who’s lived and breathed movement since childhood! Her journey began with Tap dancing, but once she discovered Lindy Hop, the world of American dances opened up. Since 2014, Blues has become her main language of expression, and she's been sharing her passion ever since.
From Balboa to Contemporary Dance, Luísa’s versatility fuels her creative energy, making her an inspiring teacher and performer. Whether partnered or solo, her dancing always brings a deep connection to the music, showing that every beat can be felt through every step.
Renske Borgens
Renske's love for dancing started when she was 3 years old. She might have tried almost everything there is, but her love for dancing stuck with Blues.
Having danced solo styles for most of her life, she is a firm believer of discovering who you are as a dancer.
In her classes she loves to explore different topics together with you. Diving into body awareness, playing around or improvising in both partner roles and how to become comfortable with expressing yourself. Her classes will be full of energy, but always with an eye for individual needs and personal development.
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Tony Mondlane
Originally from Mozambique, Tony Mondlane is a dancer and choreographer known for his work in traditional Mozambican and Afro-contemporary dance.
Through a scholarship in 2014, he studied Jazz, Ballet, circus-acrobatics, and contemporary dance in Norway. In 2015, he joined Sarakasi Trust in Kenya, where he deepened his skills in choreography and acrobatic movement.
Tony has taught in Mozambique, Kenya, and Norway, sharing his passion while guiding others to find their own path through dance.
He’s a dedicated member of Ac Hodi Maputo and part of the team behind MASX Festival (Mozambique Afro Swing Exchange).
Isa & Edmilson
Taster Class with Isa & Edmilson
Puita is a vibrant traditional dance deeply rooted in the African heritage of São Tomé and Príncipe, an island nation off the west coast of Central Africa.
More than just an artistic expression, Puita is an act of cultural resistance, identity affirmation, and a celebration of life. Through powerful rhythms, chants, and expressive body movements, this dance conveys ancestral values, stories, and emotions.
Come feel the energy, move your body, and dive into the heart of Puita with Isa & Edmilson.