Anton – Lindy Hop Beginners and Lindy Charleston Teacher, Club Leader.
Anton has been an integral part of the Club since 2019, bringing both passion and dedication to the dance floor. With 5 years of experience in
Lindy Hop, he quickly moved from a beginner student to a key figure in the club, contributing to the organization of courses, social dance, dance camps and festivals since 2022.
As the current club leader, Anton’s enthusiasm for dance is matched by his love for teaching. He leads both the Lindy Hop Beginners course and the Lindy Charleston course, where his expertise in fast-paced kicks shines through — both in dance and in his other passion, martial arts.
Outside the dance studio, Anton is a climate researcher with a Ph.D. in Ocean Studies. His academic background in understanding the vastness of the oceans complements his ability to navigate the intricate rhythms and steps of swing dance. With his unique blend of scientific precision and artistic flair, Anton is dedicated to helping his students find joy and confidence on the dance floor.
Kate – Vernacular Jazz Teacher
Kate is a dynamic force in our club, combining her passion for swing music with a deep commitment to teaching and community engagement. A member and board member since 2020, Kate has played a significant role in organizing local courses and festivals and has showcased her talents as a guest performer at cultural events throughout Bergen. Her contributions were recognized with the prestigious Municipal Culture Prize in 2023.Kate’s journey in Vernacular Jazz began with her studies at the UK-based dance school “My Charleston,” where she mastered the basics and began to develop her own unique style and choreographies. Her inspirations are as diverse as they are legendary: Josephine Baker, the iconic performer, and Fritjof Nansen, a celebrated explorer and dancer who left a lasting impact on Bergen.In her Vernacular Jazz course, Kate combines dance exercises with routines set to the upbeat music of the 1930s and 1940s, designed for those with a passion for movement and rhythm. Whether you’re looking to dance solo or seek inspiration for your Lindy Hop, Kate’s classes will take you from the basics to intricate line dances and flash mob favorites like the Shim Sham and Tranky Doo. Fresh from an international dance festival in Sweden, Kate brings a wealth of new insights and inspiration from some of Scandinavia’s best swing dancers and teachers.
Ralu – Lindy Charleston Teacher
Ralu is a seasoned swing dancer with 12 years of experience and a background rooted in the vibrant swing scene of Barcelona. She joined the Club as a teacher in 2019, quickly becoming a pivotal figure in our community. By 2022, Ralu had stepped up as a board member, responsible for newsletters, co-organizing a variety of dance events in Bergen, where her passion for fast-paced music and intricate dance styles truly shines.
Known for elegance and bright personality, Ralu has also been a familiar face in our Shag courses and workshops.
Despite being based in the neighboring town of Os, she demonstrates remarkable dedication by traveling weekly to Bergen to share her love of Lindy Hop with our students at Cottontails. Her commitment to the craft and the community is nothing short of inspiring, making her an invaluable member of our teaching team.
Balboa instructors
Mathias, Ingebjørg, Monika, Oguz, Nello are often performing at the local cultural events and bring vintage vibes to the city’s cosy environment.
