Instructors

We are pleased to announce that Mattias & Hanna (Sweden) and Mike and Jojo (USA) are the International Teaching Team for MSF08. They will be joined by a first class Aussie Teaching Team including Vas (Perth), Mark & Vicki (Brisbane), Derek & Trish (Sydney), Shan & Dave (Tasmania) and Liam (Canberra). Have a read of their profiles below.

1. Mike Faltesek

Mike Faltesek brings to the dance floor an incredibly diverse social and performance dance talent that includes not only Lindy Hop but also Cakewalk, Black Bottom, Traditional Jazz, Tap, Charleston, Breakaway, Balboa, Big Apple, Blues and many other Authentic Jazz dances.

Mike has been dancing for almost a decade, in that time he has traveled to instruct, compete, and perform internationally. From Harlem to Los Angeles and all throughout Europe. Mike is well known for his charismatic personality, approachability and passion for the essence of Authentic Jazz dance and music. He possesses an enthusiastic ability to convey ideas and movements explicitly, making him a popular instructor wherever he goes. He teaches workshops internationally, each time leaving a lasting impression on his students.

Mike’s main source of inspiration are the greats of yesteryear. Dancers and performers like Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers, the Nicholas Brothers, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, John Bubbles, Earl “Snakehips” Tucker, and the Berry Brothers.

 

2. Mattias Lundmark and Hanna Zetterman

Hanna and Mattias have been working with the internationally recognized dance-company Harlem Hot Shots since the late 90’s. Mattias has a background competing in Lindy hop and made a third place in the worldchampionships 1997. Hanna is trained at the Balletacademy of stockholm where she recently finished the 3 year professional program. Together they have taught and performed all over the world. They have also appeard in swedish, german and french television with shows and commercials. Mattias just finished working as assisting choreographer at stockholms largest theater and the musical “Singing in the rain”.

 

3. Jojo Jackson

JoJo Jackson is a world-renowned Lindy Hop, Blues and Charleston instructor. Hailing from Ithaca, NY, she has taught, competed, judged and performed vintage jazz dances since 1998. She is an American Lindy Hop champion, a four-time Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown champion and has performed with teams such as Minnie’s Moochers and Mad Dog. Her dancing is dynamic and tends to defy gravity.

 

4. Australian Instructors

We are also pleased to include some of our talented local Aussie teachers as part of the optional classes at the Melbourne Swing Festival. Come along and make the most of learning from interstate teachers who you rarely get access to…

Vas Pelecanos & Trevor Hutchison (Perth)
Derek & Trish Carruthers (Sydney)
Mark Paroz & Vicki Lawrance (Brisbane)
Liam Honer (Canberra)
Dave & Shan Connell (Hobart)