bands
THe big five Sextett w. nicolle rochelle (DE)
Friday
Inspired by the wild hot sounds of 1930s/40s Harlem, Kansas City and Chicago jazz, The Big Five have established themselves as Berlin's most authentic swing-era combo and for the last 6 years have thrilled dancers and audiences in 20 different countries around the world. Combining a driving rhythm section, a fiery horn-led frontline and dynamic song-arrangements, this international band makes a deep-dive into the ornate and irrepressible repertoire of the Swing Golden Age - as well as a strong emphasis on original compositions.
Corina Kwami & the swing selection (UK)
Saturday & Sunday
Called a "modern Renaissance woman" and "Queen of Storytelling" by Jazz in Europe, Corina Kwami is a musician, dancer and MC. She has performed and MC'd across the globe and as an accomplished jazz and tap dancer herself, she has dazzled international festivals (Quattropole Lindy Exchange, Berlin Solo Jazz Festival, Copenhagen Lindy Exchange, Leapin Lindy, Winter Swingtime, Fine City Swing, Hullzapoppin, Glasgow Shag Festival, Oxford Lindy Exchange, High Tide Festival and London Jazz Festival).
Born in the USA, to a Ghanaian and Irish family, Corina is motivated by the storytelling power of jazz. As a recognized thought leader with a PhD, she has deepened pedagogy in bridging the arts, sciences and storytelling. You can also catch her on the the Smithsonian, Discovery Channel and many others. She lives in London.
Teachers
SATURDAY DAYTIME
JAVIER SANTOS (Mallorca)
Javier Santos is passionate about teaching swing from the inside out — focusing on rhythm, musical feeling, and finding your own voice in the dance while staying in effortless flow with your partner.
He has developed a rich collection of exercises, routines, and movements that support mutual listening and help dancers feel comfortable without overthinking or “doing too much.”
Former co-director and teacher at the mythical EnModoSwing school in Madrid, he now teaches at two schools in Mallorca and shares workshops across Spain and internationally.
Javier will teach two daytime classes on Saturday:
Class 1: Solo Jazz – Improvising and Textures in Music
Explore musical layers, textures, and creative expression through solo jazz.
Class 2: Lindy Hop – One Combo, Four Perspectives
Discover how rhythm, technique, style, and musicality work together to help you grow as a dancer and break through plateaus.
HANNA YANELLO AND SEAN VITALE (US)
Internationally renowned teachers Hanna and Sean from US are coming to Aarhus for Why Not Aarhus Lindy Exchange! Expect inspiring Lindy Hop classes, fresh ideas, and plenty of joy both on and off the dance floor.
Hanna Yanello
Lindy Hop & vernacular jazz dancer, instructor, and performer from Pennsylvania. With deep roots in her local community, Hanna is enthusiastic about cherishing the integrity of the foundation of Lindy Hop and honoring the roots of the dance.
Hanna loves generating thoughtful engagement, and connects with her class attendees not only as teacher but also as an active learner within jazz dance. In her classes she's encouraging dancers to explore their own creativity, confidence, and connection through movement. Both in teaching and in her personal training, she leans hard into excellence in movement choices.
Sean Vitale
Lindy Hop dancer, performer, and Doctor of Physical Therapy from the US. Since discovering swing in 2018, Sean has become part of the international swing scene, sharing his deep love for jazz music and movement.
Since discovering Lindy Hop in 2018, he has become part of the international swing scene, including Frankie Manning’s legacy troupe, The Big Apple Lindy Hoppers, and the cast of Sw!ng Out. In his teachings Sean helps dancers grow with confidence, creativity, and joy.
Classes Themes TBA!
DJs
TBA!