2020.10 9-11, Vilnius
Teachers
Pamela Gaižutytė

Humorous and dynamic, keen, full of heart and a touch of the anarchic, Pamela was spellbound by Lindy Hop energy and community at the age of sixteen when she started her first classes at Lindyhop.lt Club in Vilnius. Despite her young age Pamela has already brought herself to light constantly learning anything related to dancing, be it music, psychology or anatomy. In 2009, Pamela began working at Hoppers’ Dance Studio in her hometown of Vilnius, Lithuania. Today she dances and teaches with the top leaders in the international Lindy Hop scene. Having no constant partner has given Pamela space to bring a lot of variety to her dance – no wonder dancers call her one of the most exciting followers in recent years. As a dancer Pamela cherishes individuality and freedom. For her Lindy Hop is not as much about impeccable technique as it is about musicality and awareness. As a teacher she shares her values and encourages people to find their own way of dancing: “Learn to be ok with the way you are and how your body moves. It’s all about you.” Nietzsche once said “You need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star”.

Pamela Gaižutytė
Elzė Višnevskytė

Elze Visnevskyte comes from Vilnius, Lithuania. She has been dancing a variety of dances since she was 6 years old – from old renaissance to traditional folk dances, until she discovered Lindy Hop or maybe it was Lindy Hop that found her. Later on she got into the world of Solo Jazz too.

Elze spent a lot of time acting in theater, so she takes a part of theater to her dancing and improvisation. She values creativity, authentic way of dancing, musicality and playfulness in a dance and spreads it to her students.

For her Lindy Hop is much more then only leading and following, it’s dancing to the music, connecting to your partner and in the meantime having a great time that’s important.

She is known for her contagious energy and loud laugh.

Elzė Višnevskytė
Martynas Balčiūnas

Martynas Balčiūnas started dancing and teaching at the very beginning of Lindy Hop scene in Vilnius, Lithuania about 14 years ago. He is a founder member of Lindyhop.lt Club, and a founder and organizer of the Harlem festival. He have been teaching Lindy Hop, Charleston, Authentic Jazz, Air-Steps, Movement Basics classes and creating choreographies ever since he started dancing.

Martynas loves inspiring dancers and “new” dancing sciences. One of his teachers and biggest inspirations was Frankie Manning himself. Now he is transmitting Frankie’s love approach to the dance.

Martynas is analyzing partner dancing in terms of movement basics and dynamics while emphasizing the authenticity of the social aspect of the dance. He believes that the social aspect is the core of Lindy Hop, therefore all the technique that he teaches in the classes is aimed at enhancing creativity and improvisation wile being connected with a partner on the dance floor. For Martynas the most valuable thing in Swing dances is improvisation, connection with partner, musicality and rhythms, authenticity and a big smile while dancing.

Martynas Balčiūnas
Mindaugas Bikauskas

Mindaugas is an international jazz dance instructor, performer, musician, teacher at “Lindyhop.lt” club and one of developers of a lindyhop scene in Lithuania. His biggest passion in jazz culture is the music. Being a DJ and a dancer in 2008 he came up with an idea to expand jazz culture in Vilnius by starting a band, consisting only of dancers – “Rhythm Junkies” and in 2011 “Home Jazz Five” now known as “Home Jazz Band”. Inspired by dancing his bands have different jazz era’s sounds and specialises to play for dancers. Mindaugas says, that the most important thing is to know jazz music from the inside. He is happily sharing this experience with his students. Together with the musicality, free movement expression, control and full dedication to the culture, Mindaugas classes are fun, full of joy and inspirational.

Mindaugas Bikauskas
Simona Pogosian

Simona Pogosian is a talented follower famous for her extraordinary choreographic skills. She started her dance journey when she was 4 years old. After trying different styles of dances she fell in love with Lindy Hop in 2004. Since then all of her time and energy have been dedicated to Swing dances including Balboa, Authentic jazz, Saint Louis Shag and of course Lindy Hop. Simona, together with her companions pioneered Lindy Hop in Vilnius. She regularly teaches there and abroad. Simona is known for her exceptional choreographic ability that turns her jazz moves into an original dance story. Her power to easily follow the rhythm makes her a flawless follower in couple dances and also spotlights her solo dance artistry. Don’t miss the chance to ask her out for a dance! You will not regret!

Simona Pogosian
Arnas Razgūnas

Arnas Razgūnas is a passionate dancer and one of the Vilnius Swing Dance Scene leaders. He is the organiser of Balboa & Shag festival – Swing Paradise – and along with Eglė Nemickaitė and SWINGOUT.PL community is the creator of Collegiate Shag scene in Warsaw, Poland. Rich experience in teaching every day classes at hoppers’ dance studio grants quality and fun with clear explanation of his dancing ideas and technique expressing swing music and yourself in it. Arnas is also a part of world-known swing DJ duo project Rhythm Lord Brothers, so be sure to have the best tunes in the class and on the social dance floor!

Arnas Razgūnas
Arnas Jasiūnas

Arnas Jasiūnas is one of the top dancers of the thriving Lithuanian Lindy Hop scene. His original approach to dance will add to the knowledge of a dancer of any level. Arnas ideas are based on concepts of body movement, rhythms and authenticity of both the dance and the dancer. With his dance technique and teaching methods in the background Arnas turns the classroom into an effective workshop and gives students ideas for future training. His long training in music makes his dancing a creative musical experience. And his playful personality will surprise and cheer you on the social dance floor. Rumor has it all 😉

Arnas Jasiūnas
Kamilė Pundziūtė

Kamilė Pundziūtė is a real treat in Vilnius Lindy Hop community, keeping it swingin’ since 2003, the very beginning of Lindy Hop explosion in Lithuania. Kamilė has dedicated her life to dance. She is a dancer, a teacher, a choreographer and also a dance – movement therapist. She has travelled many places in Europe teaching, performing and spreading love for dancing.

Her education in somatics and movement therapy bring concepts of movement and following to a whole new level and is a base for her teaching. A knowledgeable approach coupled with an honest, joyful perspective of life is attractive for students. Positive experience guaranteed!

Kamilė Pundziūtė
Giedrė Paplaitytė

Giedrė started dancing Lindy Hop in Vilnius and has been involved in the Lithuanian swing dance scene for almost as long as it has existed. After traveling around the world performing and teaching swing dance Giedrė established her base in Europe’s party capital, Berlin, where she teaches Balboa, Solo Jazz, Lindy Hop, Collegiate Shag and St. Louis Shag.

Depending on the subject of the class, one should expect a fair amount of technique and lots of good ideas on improvisation. Giedrė is always ready to share her ways on improving your dancing skills, but the main goal of her teaching is to share her love for dancing, and to inspire and encourage those who have just begun to explore jazz dance. Because, after all, dancing is fun!

Giedrė Paplaitytė
Kęstutis Maknys

Kęstutis started dancing Lindy Hop in Stockhlom at 2003 and was one of the first dancers and active members in the very beginning of Lindy Hop community in Vilnius. Besides Lindy Hop, Kęstutis was always charmed by all the other Swing dances that existed before the Lindy Hop. By now he has a great knowlede of teaching old Swing dances. Since 2008 Kęstutis has been devoted to Balboa dance. He’s been a pioneer of this dance in Lithuania remaining among the best dancers here at the moment.

Kęstutis Maknys
Justė Buzelytė

Justė is one of the core dancers of the Lindy Hop community in Vilnius. She’s been in the epicenter of Lindy Hop explosion in Vilnius from the very beginning.

She’s worn out a countless number of shoes on social dance floor, on stage and in classroom. Besides being a treasure because of her heartfull personality, she is an expert of traditional jazz music, DJ’ing for dancers for more than a decade.

She’s a very authentic dancer, who has mastered many Swing dances, especially the old ones. Even though lately she’s been busy with the mission of motherhood her deep knowledge of the roots of the Swing dancing stays of great value.

Justė Buzelytė
Tadas Vasiliauskas

Tadas Vasiliauskas is one of the favorite social dancers in Vilnius. He is known for his unique dance style and great energy on the dance floor. Tadas is also really into music: there’s not a day when he does not play his trombone. Tadas have been teaching Lindy Hop with Ana Umnova for four years and this couple is known to be passionate and inspiring teachers. They specialize in Lindy Hop, Charleston, Authentic Jazz and Air Steps. They are mainly focusing on dance technique and musicality, emphasizing natural ways and aesthetics of movement.

Tadas Vasiliauskas
Ana Umnova

Ana Umnova started dancing at the age of 16. After attending as many Lindy Hop classes and events as possible, she began teaching Lindy Hop and Authentic Jazz at Lindyhop.lt Club.

She also studied the Education of Dance at Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences. She loves different dance styles, but Lindy Hop is always the number one dance for her.

Ana Umnova
Andrius Tamulionis

He has made first little steps in Lindy Hop almost together with young scene of Lindy Hop since the very start in Vilnius. Already in the first months he realised that this way of self-expression suits him and is enjoyable. Since then, for thirteen years Andrius is a very active figure at social dance life in Vilnius. The unique style and creativity of Andrius can shine bright exactly at the social dances. One of most important qualities for him in Jazz dances, and not only in them, is playfulness. Attention to the partner, establishing the connection are also such important details, because every dance is exclusive. Andrius teaches his students all those things in Lindy Hop classes for already six years. Cheerful, enthusiastic, catching, he can’t keep still – that’s how Andrius is described by his students

Andrius Tamulionis
Julija Jadzevičiūtė

Dancing has always felt natural to Julija and has always come as easily as walking. As a child she danced ballroom dances and multiple other styles until she accidentally discovered and fell in love with Lindy Hop in 2005.

She has been teaching and performing with Lindyhop.lt team for several years now and says that lindy hop still continues to amaze her every time she dances or prepares for classes: “Small details, musicality, constant surprises on the dance-floor and the sincerity you share with your partner are the things I appreciate the most in Lindy Hop. I am lucky to have an opportunity to spread this joy to my students and friends”.

Julija Jadzevičiūtė
Vilmantas Balynas

Vilmantas is Lindy Hop teacher from the heart of Lithuania – Kaunas. More than 5 years ago, he discovered this dance and since then, he is a passionate dancers, active participant of various events and competitions, as well as one of the main teachers and organizers in his town, sharing acquired experience with other Lindy hop lovers.

In classes, even while focusing on technique or footwork, he and his partner Miglė encourage students to express themselves, relax and enjoy the dance. Full of energy and enthusiasm, Migle and Vilmantas always await chance to share their ideas, inspiration and joy for this dance with you!

Vilmantas Balynas
Miglė Česiūnaitė

Miglė is Lindy Hop teacher from the heart of Lithuania – Kaunas. More than 5 years ago, she discovered this dance and since then, she is a passionate dancers, active participant of various events and competitions, as well as one of the main teachers and organizers in her town, sharing acquired experience with other Lindy hop lovers.

In classes, even while focusing on technique or footwork, she and her partner Vilmantas encourage students to express themselves, relax and enjoy the dance. Full of energy and enthusiasm, Miglė and Vilmantas always await chance to share their ideas, inspiration and joy for this dance with you!

Miglė Česiūnaitė
Rokas Borusevičius

A passionate St. Louis Shag dancer from Lithuania, Lindyhop.lt club. Everything started from exploring Jazz and Vernacular Dance history. With his partner in crime, Simona, has done a number of St. Louis Shag workshops and classes during the last two years. Besides being crazy about Shag, Rokas call himself a Swing era dancer in general including many styles, but mainly Lindy Hop, Balboa and Tap. In addition to teaching, Rokas puts his effort in promoting Jazz culture locally as a performer, DJ and social figure. A member of Harlem and Swing Paradise teams.

Rokas Borusevičius
Rūta Raginytė

Rūta Raginytė started her dance path with Ballroom dances. Later, after some years spent in Street Dance scene Rūta discovered Jazz music and Lindy Hop five years ago. Since then she practiced various Swing Era dances from Balboa to Tap. From the first dance of Collegiate Shag she fell in love with the energy and playfullness of it. Rūta enjoys the social aspect of dance the most and finds that the most satisfying thing in it is great partner connection. Rūta teaches regular Lindy Hop classes at Lindyhop.lt Club and travels frequently to international Swing events for both Lindy Hop and Shag.

Rūta Raginytė
Martyna Beinarytė

Since she was a child she was full of energy and her parents knew it shouldn’t be wasted without a purpose. At the age of 6 Martyna joined rhythmic gymnastic classes, but after 8 determined years she felt she hadn’t found herself yet. With an encouragement from her sister Martyna decided to try Lindy Hop. After her first lesson she couldn’t stop dancing! With a huge smile on her face Martyna continued and since then she had won several Lindy Hop and Jazz competitions, performed at different scenes for amazing audiences and created a few noticeable routines. Martyna states, “Now I fully enjoy teaching Lindy Hop and can easily say – I just can’t imagine my life without the Dance.”

Martyna Beinarytė
Dima Ivanov

Dmitrij Started dancing Lindy Hop 11 years ago, but 5 years back he fell in love with Blues. From then on he traveled to a huge number of festivals, had classes with the best teachers available and developed his own style, which is affected by Balboa, Tango and other dances. The key of his approach to dance is that Blues is very diverse. This is the idea Dmitrij develops during his teaching in Lithuania and abroad.

Dima Ivanov
Karina Kornijenko

Karina loves dance in all it’s forms. Being 10 years old she started to dance in show-ballet TODES. She was always searching for new ways of expression so till now she tried herself in lots of styles including Hip Hop, Breakdance, Contact Improvisation, House, Lindy Hop. Last two years her biggest passion is Blues Dance, which mostly suits Karina’s personality. “Blues is very sensual, it allows to pay attention to your feelings and then express them.”

Karina Kornijenko
Bands
Home Jazz Band

Home Jazz Band is an innovative and playful traditional  jazz and swing band from Vilnius, Lithuania. Consisting with one of the best jazz musicians and an international jazz dance instructor, Mindaugas Bikauskas, as a band leader, Home Jazz Band is a perfect match for dancers. They rediscovers old jazz songs and spices them up with New Orleans flavour hoping and jazz golden era swinging. This music will wake your heart up, make you smile and move your feet like it never did.

Home Jazz Band
Lithuanian Military Orchestra

The Lithuanian Military Orchestra (Lietuvos kariuomenės orkestras) was formed on the 4, September, 1991, after Lithuania regained independence. The orchestra that has been put together by band-master major Justinas Jonušas now consists of 57 professional musicians. It is led by head conductor captain Egidijus Ališauskas with the help of conductor lieutenant Dainius Pavilionis. The main purpose of the Lithuanian Military Orchestra is to take part in the official meetings of the honourable foreign guests, ceremonials of Lithuanian Military Forces and Lithuanian national celebrations. Besides, the orchestra is giving concerts for Lithuanian society, prepares defile programmes performed at different events. The orchestra has recorded seven CDs. Their records are played on radio and television. From the very beginning the orchestra is cooperating with military orchestras and their conductors from other European Union countries and the USA. The Lithuanian Military Orchestra has successfully taken part in different military music festivals, toured in Germany, Belgium, Poland, The Netherlands, Denmark, France, Estonia, Sweden, Belarus, Czech Republic. In 1996 the orchestra won a Grand Prix in the international festival of orchestras Golden Lyre in Poland. In 1999 it performed for 23 thousand people in the festival of the NATO military orchestras in Kaiserslautern (Germany) The repertoire of the orchestra consists of popular orchestra music, original contemporary music and specially arranged classical compositions by Lithuanian and foreign composers.

Lithuanian Military Orchestra
The Schwings

The Schwing is a traditional swing jazz bands that was established by saxophonist Remigijus Rančys in 2010. They are swing, gypsy and Brazilian jazz style band. This trio stands of their original and authentic sound and sincere communication with the audience. The pulsing rhythm, an unusual combination of musical instruments, artistry, positive and joyful music – all of that are the “business card” of the trio The Schwings. Remigijus Rančys – saxophon Richardas Banys – piano Gediminas Augustaitis – percusion Gediminas Svilas – bass

The Schwings
Home Jazz Band feat. Milda Stasaitytė

Home Jazz Band is an innovative and playful traditional  jazz and swing band from Vilnius, Lithuania. Consisting with one of the best jazz musicians and an international jazz dance instructor, Mindaugas Bikauskas, as a band leader, Home Jazz Band is a perfect match for dancers. They rediscovers old jazz songs and spices them up with New Orleans flavour hoping and jazz golden era swinging. This music will wake your heart up, make you smile and move your feet like it never did. Milda Stasaitytė, best know as the face and voice of traditional jazz band “Rhythm Junkies”, spices up Home Jazz Band at it’s best. Her very original, raw and passionate way of singing is renown in swing scene throughout the world. Influenced by her favourite singers Bessie Smith, Billie Holliday and Meschiya Lake, she takes jazz to a new level of originality by being very authentic at the same time.

Home Jazz Band feat. Milda Stasaitytė
The Schwings Band feat. Migloko

Migloko – does not fit into the definitions of the phenomenon of music, verse and philosophy. For the first time the music lovers Migloko heard six years ago. Since that she proved the ability to juggle genres at any time. Migloko spotlight not only music, as well as art, cinema, creating scenarios in modern dance. Nevertheless, one of its main sources of inspiration are jazz and soul music. As she says, what ever she is doing on the stage, everything flows from the warm and wide Migloka’s heart. The Schwings Band is a traditional swing jazz bands that was established by saxophonist Remigijus Rančys in 2010. They are swing, gypsy and Brazilian jazz style band. This trio stands of their original and authentic sound and sincere communication with the audience. The pulsing rhythm, an unusual combination of musical instruments, artistry, positive and joyful music – all of that are the “business card” of the trio The Schwings. Migloko – vocal Remigijus Rančys – saxophon Richardas Banys – piano Gediminas Augustaitis – percusion Gediminas Svilas – bass

The Schwings Band feat. Migloko
The ShoeKillers

The ShoeKillers is a Swing-Jazz band from Kaunas with 8 classy members. It was founded by Kaunas lindy hop dancers with a purpose to spread as much love and passion for music as for a dance. The main goal of the group is to fill dancefloor with a swing feel which drives dancers wild. The musicians share their energy, motivation and ideas to create something unforgetable

The ShoeKillers
Teachers
Pamela Gaižutytė

Humorous and dynamic, keen, full of heart and a touch of the anarchic, Pamela was spellbound by Lindy Hop energy and community at the age of sixteen when she started her first classes at Lindyhop.lt Club in Vilnius. Despite her young age Pamela has already brought herself to light constantly learning anything related to dancing, be it music, psychology or anatomy. In 2009, Pamela began working at Hoppers’ Dance Studio in her hometown of Vilnius, Lithuania. Today she dances and teaches with the top leaders in the international Lindy Hop scene. Having no constant partner has given Pamela space to bring a lot of variety to her dance – no wonder dancers call her one of the most exciting followers in recent years. As a dancer Pamela cherishes individuality and freedom. For her Lindy Hop is not as much about impeccable technique as it is about musicality and awareness. As a teacher she shares her values and encourages people to find their own way of dancing: “Learn to be ok with the way you are and how your body moves. It’s all about you.” Nietzsche once said “You need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star”.

Pamela Gaižutytė
Martyna Beinarytė

Since she was a child she was full of energy and her parents knew it shouldn’t be wasted without a purpose. At the age of 6 Martyna joined rhythmic gymnastic classes, but after 8 determined years she felt she hadn’t found herself yet. With an encouragement from her sister Martyna decided to try Lindy Hop. After her first lesson she couldn’t stop dancing! With a huge smile on her face Martyna continued and since then she had won several Lindy Hop and Jazz competitions, performed at different scenes for amazing audiences and created a few noticeable routines. Martyna states, “Now I fully enjoy teaching Lindy Hop and can easily say – I just can’t imagine my life without the Dance.”

Martyna Beinarytė
Mindaugas Bikauskas

Mindaugas is an international jazz dance instructor, performer, musician, teacher at “Lindyhop.lt” club and one of developers of a lindyhop scene in Lithuania. His biggest passion in jazz culture is the music. Being a DJ and a dancer in 2008 he came up with an idea to expand jazz culture in Vilnius by starting a band, consisting only of dancers – “Rhythm Junkies” and in 2011 “Home Jazz Five” now known as “Home Jazz Band”. Inspired by dancing his bands have different jazz era’s sounds and specialises to play for dancers. Mindaugas says, that the most important thing is to know jazz music from the inside. He is happily sharing this experience with his students. Together with the musicality, free movement expression, control and full dedication to the culture, Mindaugas classes are fun, full of joy and inspirational.

Mindaugas Bikauskas
Simona Pogosian

Simona Pogosian is a talented follower famous for her extraordinary choreographic skills. She started her dance journey when she was 4 years old. After trying different styles of dances she fell in love with Lindy Hop in 2004. Since then all of her time and energy have been dedicated to Swing dances including Balboa, Authentic jazz, Saint Louis Shag and of course Lindy Hop. Simona, together with her companions pioneered Lindy Hop in Vilnius. She regularly teaches there and abroad. Simona is known for her exceptional choreographic ability that turns her jazz moves into an original dance story. Her power to easily follow the rhythm makes her a flawless follower in couple dances and also spotlights her solo dance artistry. Don’t miss the chance to ask her out for a dance! You will not regret!

Simona Pogosian
Arnas Razgūnas

Arnas Razgūnas is a passionate dancer and one of the Vilnius Swing Dance Scene leaders. He is the organiser of Balboa & Shag festival – Swing Paradise – and along with Eglė Nemickaitė and SWINGOUT.PL community is the creator of Collegiate Shag scene in Warsaw, Poland. Rich experience in teaching every day classes at hoppers’ dance studio grants quality and fun with clear explanation of his dancing ideas and technique expressing swing music and yourself in it. Arnas is also a part of world-known swing DJ duo project Rhythm Lord Brothers, so be sure to have the best tunes in the class and on the social dance floor!

Arnas Razgūnas
Eglė Nemickaitė

Egle Nemickaite is a swing dancer from Vilnius, Lithuania where she is dancing, performing, teaching and inspiring the community at hoppers’ dance studio everyday. Dance followed Egle through all her life, but she found the real passion for Lindy Hop and later on for Collegiate Shag too. Dance has always felt like a big liberation for Egle. Liberation from routines, thoughts, work, limits.  Dancing makes her feel true to herself, music and  partner. It gives her the power of total freedom and also a peace to the mind, body and heart. Her rich teaching experience is being increasingly appreciated at the international workshops as well. She shares her enormous passion towards a dance with great joy and commitment.

Eglė Nemickaitė
Austėja Žalalytė

The whole life on the dance floor! She started dancing at the age of 3, she did ballroom dancing for 7 years until she found lindy hop. At 2011 she discovered this dance that gripped her and kept her in with the great spirit and joy. 3 years later she started teaching at the Hoppers’ Dance Studio in Vilnius, Lithuania. With every group of students, with every festival she gets more and more inspired in teaching, performing and involving herself into this community. She loves the way jazz and swing music let her express herself and stay herself on the dance floor. This is the idea that reflects in her classes: stay yourself, listen to the music and enjoy.

Austėja Žalalytė
Arnas Jasiūnas

Arnas Jasiūnas is one of the top dancers of the thriving Lithuanian Lindy Hop scene. His original approach to dance will add to the knowledge of a dancer of any level. Arnas ideas are based on concepts of body movement, rhythms and authenticity of both the dance and the dancer. With his dance technique and teaching methods in the background Arnas turns the classroom into an effective workshop and gives students ideas for future training. His long training in music makes his dancing a creative musical experience. And his playful personality will surprise and cheer you on the social dance floor. Rumor has it all 😉

Arnas Jasiūnas
Kamilė Pundziūtė

Kamilė Pundziūtė is a real treat in Vilnius Lindy Hop community, keeping it swingin’ since 2003, the very beginning of Lindy Hop explosion in Lithuania. Kamilė has dedicated her life to dance. She is a dancer, a teacher, a choreographer and also a dance – movement therapist. She has travelled many places in Europe teaching, performing and spreading love for dancing. Her education in somatics and movement therapy bring concepts of movement and following to a whole new level and is a base for her teaching. A knowledgeable approach coupled with an honest, joyful perspective of life is attractive for students. Positive experience guaranteed!

Kamilė Pundziūtė
Tadas Vasiliauskas

Tadas Vasiliauskas is one of the favorite social dancers in Vilnius. He is known for his unique dance style and great energy on the dance floor. Tadas is also really into music: there’s not a day when he does not play his trombone. Tadas have been teaching Lindy Hop with Ana Umnova for four years and this couple is known to be passionate and inspiring teachers. They specialize in Lindy Hop, Charleston, Authentic Jazz and Air Steps. They are mainly focusing on dance technique and musicality, emphasizing natural ways and aesthetics of movement.

Tadas Vasiliauskas
Ana Umnova

Ana Umnova started dancing at the age of 16. After attending as many Lindy Hop classes and events as possible, she began teaching Lindy Hop and Authentic Jazz at Lindyhop.lt Club.

She also studied the Education of Dance at Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences. She loves different dance styles, but Lindy Hop is always the number one dance for her.

Ana Umnova
Vilmantas Balynas

Vilmantas is Lindy Hop teacher from the heart of Lithuania – Kaunas. More than 5 years ago, he discovered this dance and since then, he is a passionate dancers, active participant of various events and competitions, as well as one of the main teachers and organizers in his town, sharing acquired experience with other Lindy hop lovers.

In classes, even while focusing on technique or footwork, he and his partner Miglė encourage students to express themselves, relax and enjoy the dance. Full of energy and enthusiasm, Migle and Vilmantas always await chance to share their ideas, inspiration and joy for this dance with you!

Vilmantas Balynas
Miglė Česiūniatė

Miglė is Lindy Hop teacher from the heart of Lithuania – Kaunas. More than 5 years ago, she discovered this dance and since then, she is a passionate dancers, active participant of various events and competitions, as well as one of the main teachers and organizers in her town, sharing acquired experience with other Lindy hop lovers.

In classes, even while focusing on technique or footwork, she and her partner Vilmantas encourage students to express themselves, relax and enjoy the dance. Full of energy and enthusiasm, Miglė and Vilmantas always await chance to share their ideas, inspiration and joy for this dance with you!

Miglė Česiūniatė
GIEDRĖ PAPLAITYTĖ

Giedre started dancing Lindy Hop in Vilnius and has been involved in the Lithuanian swing dance scene for almost as long as it has existed. After traveling around the world performing and teaching swing dance Giedre established her base in Europe’s party capital, Berlin, where she teaches Balboa, Solo Jazz, Lindy Hop, Collegiate Shag and St. Louis Shag. Depending on the subject of the class, one should expect a fair amount of technique and lots of good ideas on improvisation. Giedre is always ready to share her ways on improving your dancing skills, but the main goal of her teaching is to share her love for dancing, and to inspire and encourage those who have just begun to explore jazz dance. Because, after all, dancing is fun!

GIEDRĖ PAPLAITYTĖ
Bands
The Schwings

The Schwing is a traditional swing jazz bands that was established by saxophonist Remigijus Rančys in 2010. They are swing, gypsy and Brazilian jazz style band. This trio stands of their original and authentic sound and sincere communication with the audience. The pulsing rhythm, an unusual combination of musical instruments, artistry, positive and joyful music – all of that are the “business card” of the trio The Schwings. Remigijus Rančys – saxophon Richardas Banys – piano Gediminas Augustaitis – percusion Gediminas Svilas – bass

The Schwings
HOME JAZZ BAND FEAT. MILDA STASAITYTĖ

Home Jazz Band is an innovative and playful traditional  jazz and swing band from Vilnius, Lithuania. Consisting with one of the best jazz musicians and an international jazz dance instructor, Mindaugas Bikauskas, as a band leader, Home Jazz Band is a perfect match for dancers. They rediscovers old jazz songs and spices them up with New Orleans flavour hoping and jazz golden era swinging. This music will wake your heart up, make you smile and move your feet like it never did. Milda Stasaitytė, best know as the face and voice of traditional jazz band “Rhythm Junkies”, spices up Home Jazz Band at it’s best. Her very original, raw and passionate way of singing is renown in swing scene throughout the world. Influenced by her favourite singers Bessie Smith, Billie Holliday and Meschiya Lake, she takes jazz to a new level of originality by being very authentic at the same time.

HOME JAZZ BAND FEAT. MILDA STASAITYTĖ
THE SCHWINGS BAND FEAT. MIGLOKO

Migloko – does not fit into the definitions of the phenomenon of music, verse and philosophy. For the first time the music lovers Migloko heard six years ago. Since that she proved the ability to juggle genres at any time. Migloko spotlight not only music, as well as art, cinema, creating scenarios in modern dance. Nevertheless, one of its main sources of inspiration are jazz and soul music. As she says, what ever she is doing on the stage, everything flows from the warm and wide Migloka’s heart. The Schwings Band is a traditional swing jazz bands that was established by saxophonist Remigijus Rančys in 2010. They are swing, gypsy and Brazilian jazz style band. This trio stands of their original and authentic sound and sincere communication with the audience. The pulsing rhythm, an unusual combination of musical instruments, artistry, positive and joyful music – all of that are the “business card” of the trio The Schwings. Migloko – vocal Remigijus Rančys – saxophon Richardas Banys – piano Gediminas Augustaitis – percusion Gediminas Svilas – bass

THE SCHWINGS BAND FEAT. MIGLOKO
THE SHOEKILLERS

The ShoeKillers is a Swing-Jazz band from Kaunas with 8 classy members. It was founded by Kaunas lindy hop dancers with a purpose to spread as much love and passion for music as for a dance. The main goal of the group is to fill dancefloor with a swing feel which drives dancers wild. The musicians share their energy, motivation and ideas to create something unforgetable.

THE SHOEKILLERS
Teachers
Pamela Gaižutytė

Humorous and dynamic, keen, full of heart and a touch of the anarchic, Pamela was spellbound by Lindy Hop energy and community at the age of sixteen when she started her first classes at Lindyhop.lt Club in Vilnius. Despite her young age Pamela has already brought herself to light constantly learning anything related to dancing, be it music, psychology or anatomy. In 2009, Pamela began working at Hoppers’ Dance Studio in her hometown of Vilnius, Lithuania. Today she dances and teaches with the top leaders in the international Lindy Hop scene. Having no constant partner has given Pamela space to bring a lot of variety to her dance – no wonder dancers call her one of the most exciting followers in recent years. As a dancer Pamela cherishes individuality and freedom. For her Lindy Hop is not as much about impeccable technique as it is about musicality and awareness. As a teacher she shares her values and encourages people to find their own way of dancing: “Learn to be ok with the way you are and how your body moves. It’s all about you.” Nietzsche once said “You need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star”.

Pamela Gaižutytė
Eglė Regelskis

Eglė Regelskis – a serious up-and-comer on the international scene – originally is from Vilnius, Lithuania now teaching and helping French swing scene in Bordeaux to emerge. Dancing was always in her blood. She first tried Ballroom and Folk dances, but it was when she found the family of Swing dances that she knew she had found what she was looking for! Eglė believes that dancing is something that helps people conquer their fears and truly connects them to who they really are. She likes to say: “The way we are is the way we dance, magic happens when we step out of our comfort zone thereby accepting ourselves with all our weaknesses and strengths”. And she can walk the walk, you just watch what happens as soon as she hears a good song, no matter if it is swing, salsa, funk, soul, hip-hop or house… Egle starts dancing, because she just loves good music! She also believes that if one can walk one can dance, everything else depends on passion and willingness to work.

Eglė Regelskis
Kamilė Pundziūtė

Kamilė Pundziūtė is a real treat in Vilnius Lindy Hop community, keeping it swingin’ since 2003, the very beginning of Lindy Hop explosion in Lithuania. Kamilė has dedicated her life to dance. She is a dancer, a teacher, a choreographer and also a dance – movement therapist. She has travelled many places in Europe teaching, performing and spreading love for dancing.

Her education in somatics and movement therapy bring concepts of movement and following to a whole new level and is a base for her teaching. A knowledgeable approach coupled with an honest, joyful perspective of life is attractive for students. Positive experience guaranteed!

Kamilė Pundziūtė
Mindaugas Bikauskas

Mindaugas is an international jazz dance instructor, performer, musician, teacher at “Lindyhop.lt” club and one of developers of a lindyhop scene in Lithuania.

His biggest passion in jazz culture is the music. Being a DJ and a dancer in 2008 he came up with an idea to expand jazz culture in Vilnius by starting a band, consisting only of dancers – “Rhythm Junkies” and in 2011 “Home Jazz Five” now known as “Home Jazz Band”. Inspired by dancing his bands have different jazz era’s sounds and specialises to play for dancers.

Mindaugas says, that the most important thing is to know jazz music from the inside. He is happily sharing this experience with his students. Together with the musicality, free movement expression, control and full dedication to the culture, Mindaugas classes are fun, full of joy and inspirational.

Mindaugas Bikauskas
Arnas Jasiūnas

Arnas Jasiūnas is one of the top dancers of the thriving Lithuanian Lindy Hop scene. His original approach to dance will add to the knowledge of a dancer of any level. Arnas ideas are based on concepts of body movement, rhythms and authenticity of both the dance and the dancer. With his dance technique and teaching methods in the background Arnas turns the classroom into an effective workshop and gives students ideas for future training.

His long training in music makes his dancing a creative musical experience. And his playful personality will surprise and cheer you on the social dance floor. Rumor has it all 😉

Arnas Jasiūnas
Simona Pogosian

Simona Pogosian is a talented follower famous for her extraordinary choreographic skills. She started her dance journey when she was 4 years old. After trying different styles of dances she fell in love with Lindy Hop in 2004. Since then all of her time and energy have been dedicated to Swing dances including Balboa, Authentic jazz, Saint Louis Shag and of course Lindy Hop. Simona, together with her companions pioneered Lindy Hop in Vilnius. She regularly teaches there and abroad.

Simona is known for her exceptional choreographic ability that turns her jazz moves into an original dance story. Her power to easily follow the rhythm makes her a flawless follower in couple dances and also spotlights her solo dance artistry. Don’t miss the chance to ask her out for a dance! You will not regret!

Simona Pogosian
Eglė Nemickaitė

Egle Nemickaite is a swing dancer from Vilnius, Lithuania where she is dancing, performing, teaching and inspiring the community at hoppers’ dance studio everyday. Dance followed Egle through all her life, but she found the real passion for Lindy Hop and later on for Collegiate Shag too.

Dance has always felt like a big liberation for Egle. Liberation from routines, thoughts, work, limits.  Dancing makes her feel true to herself, music and  partner. It gives her the power of total freedom and also a peace to the mind, body and heart. Her rich teaching experience is being increasingly appreciated at the international workshops as well. She shares her enormous passion towards a dance with great joy and commitment.

Eglė Nemickaitė
Arnas Razgūnas

Arnas Razgūnas is a passionate swing dancer and one of the Vilnius Swing Dance Scene leaders. He is the organiser of Balboa & Shag festival – Swing Paradise – and along with Eglė Nemickaitė and SWINGOUT.PL community is the inspirator of Collegiate Shag scene in Lithuania and Poland.

Rich experience in teaching every day classes at What a Jazz dance studio grants quality and fun with clear explanation of his dancing ideas and technique expressing swing music and yourself in it.

Arnas is also a part of world-known swing DJ duo project Rhythm Lord Brothers, so be sure to have the best tunes in the class and on the social dance floor!

Arnas Razgūnas
Austėja Žalalytė

The whole life on the dance floor! She started dancing at the age of 3, she did ballroom dancing for 7 years until she found lindy hop. At 2011 she discovered this dance that gripped her and kept her in with the great spirit and joy. 3 years later she started teaching at the Hoppers’ Dance Studio in Vilnius, Lithuania. With every group of students, with every festival she gets more and more inspired in teaching, performing and involving herself into this community. She loves the way jazz and swing music let her express herself and stay herself on the dance floor. This is the idea that reflects in her classes: stay yourself, listen to the music and enjoy.

Austėja Žalalytė
Ana Umnova

Ana Umnova started dancing at the age of 16. After attending as many Lindy Hop classes and events as possible, she began teaching Lindy Hop and Authentic Jazz at Lindyhop.lt Club.

She also studied the Education of Dance at Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences. She loves different dance styles, but Lindy Hop is always the number one dance for her.

Ana Umnova
Tadas Vasiliauskas

Tadas Vasiliauskas is one of the favorite social dancers in Vilnius. He is known for his unique dance style and great energy on the dance floor. Tadas is also really into music: there’s not a day when he does not play his trombone.

Tadas have been teaching Lindy Hop with Ana Umnova for four years and this couple is known to be passionate and inspiring teachers. They specialize in Lindy Hop, Charleston, Authentic Jazz and Air Steps. They are mainly focusing on dance technique and musicality, emphasizing natural ways and aesthetics of movement.

Tadas Vasiliauskas

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