Bosphorus Swing Festival

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Feel the Rhythm, Share the Joy !

March 26-29, 2026

You’re warmly invited to Bosphorus Swing Festival 2026 — where music and dance bring us together in the heart of Istanbul!

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Bosphorus Swing Festival brings together dancers from around the world for a weekend filled with inspiring classes, live music, friendly competitions, shows and social nights.
With more than 24 international instructors and workshops for all levels, the festival offers a space to learn, share, and connect through dance.
Set in the heart of Istanbul, with its rich history and vibrant culture, this festival welcomes everyone — wherever you come from, however you move.

ARTISTS

Meet our amazing dance teachers.
With years of experience and a deep passion for dance, they bring inspiring energy, refined skill, and warm, personal attention to every workshop. Whether you're taking your first steps or refining advanced techniques, our teachers are dedicated to helping you grow, connect, and shine on the dance floor.

SPEAKERS

Caleb Teicher

Caleb Teicher is a New York City-based performer, choreographer, and director regarded widely in the performing arts as a leading voice in interdisciplinary collaboration.

Teicher began their career as a founding member of Michelle Dorrance’s critically acclaimed tap dance company, Dorrance Dance, while also freelancing as a contemporary dancer, musical theater performer, and swing dancer. In 2015, Caleb shifted their creative focus towards concert dance work through Caleb Teicher & Company which led to commissions and presentations at some of America's most esteemed performing arts venues: Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center (D.C.), Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, The Music Center (L.A.), New York City Center, The Joyce Theater, and countless others.

Collaborations with celebrated musicians/composers followed, including: choreographing Regina Spektor's Broadway residency, dancing and singing on television with Ben Folds, performing as a tap dance soloist with the National Symphony Orchestra and Philadelphia Orchestra, and choreographing AJR's "Bang" music video. Caleb has also contributed choreography to film and theater projects (Sister Aimee, Sugar Hill Nutcracker, etc.).

Caleb’s work in 2025 centers around three projects: Counterpoint, a concert duo with composer and pianist, Conrad Tao; Bzzz, a comedic music-theater work for tap dancers and world-champion beatboxers; and curation/direction of projects in partnership with arts organizations including the National YoungArts Foundation, the 92NY, and Lincoln Center. Alongside New York City engagements, Caleb’s work will be presented in over a dozen North American cities this year.

Caleb is the recipient of two Bessie Awards, a 2019 New York City Center Choreographic Fellowship, the 2019 Harkness Promise Award, the 2020 Gross Family Prize, and a 2019 NEFA National Dance Project Production Grant. Their work has been featured on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert (with Conrad Tao), on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (alongside Regina Spektor), and on countless media sources including The New York Times, Forbes, Vogue, Interview Magazine, and on the cover of Dance Magazine in September 2019.

Recently, Caleb founded the SW!NG OUT Community Fund to uplift and sustain social swing dance culture in New York City. They also continue to teach at international Vernacular Jazz & Lindy Hop festivals. www.CalebTeicher.net / Instagram: @CalebTeicher / TikTok: @CalebTeicher1

Hannah Lane

Hannah Lane is a dancer, researcher, and historian from Baltimore, Maryland. Alongside her appreciation for jazz music, and dances like Lindy Hop, snake hips, and Charleston, Hannah is passionate about her research, which centers jazz and nightlife histories of African American communities in her home state, of Maryland, and throughout the U.S. She is also passionate about uplifting the stories of Shake Dancers through her project, Queens of the Nightclub.
Currently Hannah serves on the board of Collective Voices for Change and is a participant in the Al Minns Next Generation Project. You can learn more about her work via instagram at @hannahpilarrr and @Queensofthenightclub. Stay tuned for her upcoming Queens of the Nightclub Substack!

Timothy Christopher

Timothy Christopher was first a musician! His journey with jazz starts with self taught piano from and old recordings. He stumbled into dance years later while looking for a jazz jam when got back to his home town from college!

He found himself in a room full of people moving there bodies around to swing music, but there was one couple that was dancing!
The next day he found himself in the couples house learning this lovely dance called the lindy hop!

Clearly he got obsessed with this dance and the culture surrounding the dance and now he is competing, dancing, and teaching internationally! He was in the most recent installment of the Swing out Show in New York 2023, has performed at the Lincoln center in New York and maintains good working relationships with most other instructors in the Lindy hop scene. (easy to work with)

Jill De Muelenaere

Jill started dancing at a young age and is trained in classical ballet,
modern jazz, contemporary dance, and yoga. She has been teaching for
several years and now splits her time between her passion for dancing,
her work as a contemporary dance and theater producer, a massage
therapist, and a yoga instructor. Jill’s style is deeply influenced by
the authentic vernacular dancing from old movies and the African roots of
dance. She strives for freedom in her dancing while staying true to the
legacy of the dance. She enjoys fast athletic Lindy Hop, rhythmic mambo,
and slow dragging blues.

Alexandre McCormack

Alex is a multiple-time vice champion in breaking in the Benelux and has taught various street styles since 2006. In 2013, Alex discovered old
films such as Hellzapoppin and The Spirit Moves, which set him on a path to learn and teach the “old-style” of Lindy Hop and jazz. He believes mastering the foundations is key to understanding the dance and
personalizing it. His motto is: “Master the foundation to understand the
dance and personalize to contribute to it.” He regularly jams to uptempo
Bebop Swing, mambo, and slow blues. Alex also trains with the group Old
Soulz

Alice Mei

Alice began dancing at a very young age, exploring a wide variety of styles before falling in love with Lindy Hop in 2003. What began as a discovery quickly turned into a passion, leading her to gain recognition in renowned competitions such as ULHS (Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown) and ALHC (American Lindy Hop Championships). Over the following decade, she became a regular finalist and prizewinner at ILHC (International Lindy Hop Championships), establishing herself as an internationally acclaimed dancer.

For more than 20 years, Alice has continued to evolve as an artist—still deeply passionate about dance and constantly seeking new challenges. She remains curious and committed to growth, pursuing new collaborations, and expanding her repertoire with disciplines like tap dance.

Her focus lies in refining quality of movement, deepening rhythmic clarity, and embracing the playful spirit of swing. Whether dancing solo or with a partner, Alice enjoys translating musical ideas into movement, maintaining a strong sense of flow and exploring a wide range of textures.

While her appreciation for performance has grown significantly over the years, her heart remains rooted in social dancing. As a teacher, Alice strives to foster self-expression—encouraging students to explore connection within the partnership and respond authentically to the music.

Francesc Bujosa

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 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.

Moe Sakan

Moe Sakan has had professional training in many types of dance, including jazz, ballet, tap and contemporary dance.

In 1999 Moe fell in love with the world of Swing, and ever since this has been her dance of choice. Moe moved to London in 2000, bringing a sparkle to the local swing dancing scene, and soon became the UK’s top female swing dancer.

An active social and competition dancer, she is proud to have won numerous competition titles. In 2017, she had the honour of being inducted into the Camp Hollywood Hall Of Fame.

Moe travels the world extensively both performing and teaching Lindy Hop, Balboa and Shag.

She has also enjoyed dancing for several productions, including theatre, television and films.

Well known as a vintage enthusiast, Moe is passionate about the music and fashion of the Swing era. Her dedication to the culture is also reflected in her attitude towards the dance, as she constantly endeavours to recreate an authentic style, and her passion certainly reflects the spirit of the dance as it was back in the day.

Vincenzo Fesi

Vincenzo Fesi is a multifaceted artist and entertainer, recognized as one of the brightest international stars in the jazz and swing scene. Born in Como and adopted by the city of Rome, Vincenzo has built a career that has seen him perform and teach worldwide, establishing himself as a dancer, teacher, choreographer, and artistic director. Always looking to the future, Vincenzo is committed to continuing to grow the swing scene , bringing new ideas, collaborations, and projects that inspire future generations of dancers. He firmly believes in the transmission of swing culture and the importance of keeping its essence alive, so that every young person can learn not only the steps, but also the soul of this era-defining dance.

In the heart of Rome, Vincenzo created Swing Dream Factory , a project that goes beyond a simple dance school: it is a true cultural laboratory that preserves and promotes jazz dance on a daily basis. With his unique teaching method, developed over years of experience, Vincenzo guides his students—from beginners to professionals—with a personalized approach, treating each dancer not as a routine, but as a unique individual. His goal is to bring out the best in each individual, so that every student and every dancer can express their uniqueness, both in class and on the dance floor.

With a passion rooted in the legends of Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, and Frankie Manning, Vincenzo has made Lindy Hop, Balboa, Tap, and all styles of jazz dance his life's mission. His decades-long career is studded with triumphs, including numerous national and international titles, a World Cup, and a European Championship. From Melbourne to Paris, London to Seoul, and even Stockholm, he has thrilled audiences at prestigious festivals, bringing his infectious energy and love of jazz to every corner of the globe.

Vincenzo is also the beating heart of Jam Factory , the international festival he directed and oversaw down to the last detail, transforming Rome into a global hub for swing lovers. He also conceived and produced the Swing Crash Festival , an event that, thanks to his vision and creativity, has brought orchestras and hundreds of dancers to the stage, transforming every square in the city into a magical place, a true tribute to the golden age of swing.

During the challenging lockdown period, Vincenzo never stopped sharing his passion. With his project "Jazz Fatto in Casa ," he brought his live jazz lessons to homes around the world, teaching directly from the terrace of his home in Rome. The project supported countless people during the difficult period of isolation.

Vincenzo Fesi is not just a dancer, but a complete artist. He has participated in numerous notable projects, including:

He was a special guest on Roberto Bolle's “Danza con me” and Renzo Arbore's “Quelli dello Swing” .
She presented a show for Hermès in London on the occasion of “Vogue Fashion Night Out” .
She played the lead role in the short film “Silk Lake ,” directed by Renee George for 02Films in Los Angeles.
He was the first to bring dance into the 38th edition of the Rome Jazz Festival (2014), curating a choreographic project with Massimo Nunzi's Orchestra Operaia.
He is the leader and singer of the band Mama'Sway .
Vincenzo is also a passionate narrator of the history and culture of swing, a skilled host of shows and performances, including radio shows, and a point of reference for anyone who wants to fully understand the soul of this dance. In 2014, he wrote the foreword for the Italian translation of the book "Frankie Manning: Ambassador of Swing ," a tribute to the legendary dancer and swing pioneer.

Every project Vincenzo undertakes is guided by his unique vision: to unite passion, technique, and culture, so that every dancer can feel part of a community that always looks beyond, toward new artistic heights. Vincenzo's projects reflect an ever-expanding movement, inspiring and connecting people from around the world, all united by a passion for swing and the desire to take this dance to ever greater heights.

Pamela Gaizutyte

Pamela Gaizutyte is an illustrious Lindy Hopper known for teaching, competing and performing in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania (where she calls home) and around the world. Her dance style is humorous, dynamic, and full of heart – with just a touch of anarchy!

Pamela has been dancing since she was five years old, when she began performing traditional Lithuanian folk dancing. At the age of sixteen, she began classes at the Lindyhop.lt Club, where she was quickly captivated by the energy of Lindy Hop. In 2009, she began working at Hoppers’ Dance Studio, immersing herself in rhythm and movement by practising, performing, and teaching Lindy Hop and vernacular jazz on a daily basis.

In 2012, Pamela began teaching internationally. She travelled to places like Finland and Hungary, and toured the United States for the first time in 2013. Her competitive achievements over the years also showcase her love of Lindy Hop – Pamela has won numerous Mix’n’Match contests across Europe, wowing the crowds with the energy and joy of her dancing. She has also competed numerous times at the International Lindy Hop Championships (ILHC) in New York City.

Pamela finds endless inspiration in the music, psychology, and anatomy of dancing. For her, dancing is more than just perfect movement; it’s about self-expression and connection. Improvisation is where Pamela’s passion truly shines, and she finds herself constantly amazed by its possibilities for creativity and freedom.

Charlotte Middlemiss

Charlotte Middlemiss started her dance journey with Tap, Tango and
Contemporary Jazz as a child, then whilst at university she embraced Jive, Jazz and Swing Dance in 2006, setting up the Herts University Swing Dance Society
in 2007.
She’s since trained as a dance teacher, performed, competed and been teaching
internationally for over 16 years, across Europe, ASIA, USA and Africa. She’s worked extensively with Savoy Ballroom legends Norma Miller, Barbara Billups,
plus Chazz Young, Chester Whitmore, Joseph Sewell etc, which shines in her natural style and ability to improvise creatively on the dance floor.
As a teacher, she shares a library of moves and historic routines inspired by the elders and focuses on followers' flow and autonomy in her classes.
Charlotte has also co-choreographed for BBC TV, Music Videos and theatre shows at the famous Royal Albert Hall, Aldwych Theatre, Grand Palais, FIFA, Ford Motors and more.

Joseph Sewell

Joseph is currently one of the UK’s busiest dance teachers and educators of African American dances such as the Lindy Hop, 20’s Charleston, Cake Walk, Blues and Authentic solo Jazz, inspiring people with fun, high energy classes and unique history and culture discussions.
Starting out as a Jazz Funk dancer, Rapper and member of the Afro-Caribbean society in the 1970’s, Hip Hop, Dub and Blues Dancer in the 1980’s, he later learnt from and worked with some of the 1930’s Savoy Ballroom elders such as Norma Miller, Frankie Manning, Barbara Billups, Sugar Sullivan etc, plus jazz training with Chazz Young, Chester Whitmore et al.
For over 30 years he’s trained teachers to teach, taught, performed and
educated in almost 30 countries throughout Europe, USA, ASIA and Africa in theatres, schools, universities and venues such as the world famous Royal Albert Hall, Aldwych Theatre, Grand Palais, FIFA, Ford Motors and much more.
His passion for history has led to setting up the popular facebook group
‘Swingopedia’, providing a free online resource and forum for dancers and
musicians around the world, following countless interviews, history and culture sessions.
In addition to educating the swing dance community, he’s been hired as historic
dance specialist, choreographer on national TV, Radio, Music Videos, TV Adverts,
such as Channel 4’s Royal Come Dine with Me, Dancing on Ice, BBC TV and Radio documentaries with BBC Strictly Judge, Len Goodman, Norma Miller, Joseph Sewell, et al, ‘Yolanda Be Cool’ (Americano), BBC’s Wartime Farm, ‘Back
in Time for Dinner’ , vintage dance advisor in Tyler Perry’s Netflix movie 6888 and most recently for a new blockbuster movie.

more to be announced...

MUSIC

The heartbeat of our festival comes alive with exceptional live music and amazing DJ sets! Each evening, an incredible band will take the stage, delivering performances filled with energy, rhythm, and passion. Between sets, our talented DJs will keep the dance floor buzzing with their carefully curated selections, creating an irresistible vibe that carries us through the night.

BAND

Led by guitarist and singer Martín Burguez, this Barcelona-based sextet brings the spirit of the 1940s and 50s to life. With a mix of original songs and timeless Swing & Rhythm & Blues classics, the band delivers high-energy performances that dancers and music lovers won’t forget.Their special project, “Stompin’ the Beat,” draws inspiration from legends like Count Basie, Cab Calloway, and Fats Waller. Blending tradition with fresh creativity, the combo recreates the fiery nights of the Savoy Ballroom and sets the perfect rhythm for Lindy Hop and swing dancing.

more to be announced...

DJs

Marina Alves

Marina is a DJ, event organizer, and swing dance enthusiast who fell in love with Lindy Hop in
2015. Her passion for jazz came first and dates back to her teenage years when she was
obsessed with old Hollywood movies. She has brought her Brazilian flavor to dance floors
across South America, and since 2022, she has been DJing in Portugal and at other events
around Europe.

Aaron

Aaron’s sets are all about energy and groove, with the motto “make it easier for the dancers to have fun and keep them dancing!”

Based in Germany, Aaron rediscovered his passion for swing dance and music in 2019 after starting to dance Lindy Hop in 2014. An avid social dancer and DJ at top events across Europe including Herräng, The Snowball, Jazz Roots and Sofia Swing, he knows just when to amp up the energy and when to create those intimate, groovy moments.

Expect a stylistic mix of tunes that will get your feet moving and your soul happy!

Lukas

Get ready to groove because DJ Lukas is bringing his signature sound to Bosphorus Swing Festival! 🔥

With over 15 years in the swing scene and 7-8 years of teaching Lindy Hop at What a Jazz studio, Lukas knows exactly what makes dancers move. As a regular DJ at local socials, he’s got a knack for keeping the floor buzzing with his medium to medium-high tempo, groovy, bluesy, early RnB, and live recordings.

Catch him at BSF and let’s swing the night away!

"JJ" Ceyhan

DJ "JJ" Ceyhan has been lighting up the dance floor as a passionate social dancer for over five years, sharing his love for swing music at festivals across the globe. A lifelong music lover, JJ brings timeless classics from Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Johnny Hodges, while adding his own unique touch with favorites like Harry James, Earl Bostic, Jonah Jones, and Bill Dogget.

With an incredible knack for reading the room, he creates sets that keep dancers on their feet, blending high-energy Rhythm and Blues into an unforgettable musical journey from start to finish. Don’t miss the chance to experience DJ JJ’s magic on the dance floor – get ready to dance till you drop!

more to be announced...

MAIN VENUE

Bosphorus Swing Festival will mainly take place at Dedeman Istanbul Gayrettepe — a venue with a vintage soul and a central heartbeat. Known for its elegance and exceptional facilities, the hotel offers a 500 m² spacious party area and a 250 m² classroom space, providing the perfect setting for dancing, lessons, and engaging social events.

Just a short walk from the metro, surrounded by cozy cafés and little spots where you can grab a coffee, a bite, or a drink between classes. By night, the doors open to unforgettable parties where the music and dance take over.

A place where old-school elegance meets the spirit of Istanbul.