Sydney Swing Festival

1) Vincenzo Fesi

Vincenzo started dancing Boogie Woogie in 1989 at the age of 9 and shortly there after began winning national and international competitions. When competing at the Boogie Woogie World Championships in 1998 he was exposed to a new style of dancing: not just aerials or fancy figures, but musical interpretation and improvisation. He quickly became a fan of the swing styles of the 1930s and 1940s (Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston) and set out to learn them by studying jazz music and watching old films. After much study he won the European Championship in 1995 and the World Cup in 2002 with his former partners, respectively.

Vincenzo Fesi and Isabella Gregorio are well-known international dancers. They teach and perform across the globe exhilarating students and audiences of all ages. They share an authentic and old school idea of dancing. Their motto is: “The most important thing is the music, the rest will come”.

2) Isabella Gregorio

Isabella is amazing; she started dancing Lindy Hop just a few years ago and is already ranked one of the top followers around the world. Isabella has been dancing different styles of dance since she was a 9 years old. She has been in the entertainment business for many years dancing as well as singing. She is well known for her crazy style and great expression.

Vincenzo and Isabella have studied in Europe and the United States with the world’s best dancers and teachers. During their many stays in the United States they also had the honor of collaborating with many of the original dancers from the 30s and 40s, including Frankie Manning, Jean Veloz, Freda Angela, John & Anne Mills and Joe Lanza. Vincenzo and Isabella believe that they will be forever indebted to those who have guided them along the path to become dancers.

3) Shane McCarthy

Shane, known for his fiery and energetic style, has been imparting his love of the dance through teaching for seven years and has taught in Australia, the United States and Japan, spreading his thoughts and opinions on Lindy Hop via confusing analogies involving super heroes, sci fi and obscure 80s children’s television. Shane began his competitive career when he reluctantly entered the Australian Hellzapoppin’ Competition in 2006; upon receiving first prize in the national event he promptly retired from competition for fear of tarnishing his now perfect record. Shane is well known for his passionate and vibrant approach to teaching and for the high level of fun and enjoyment he delivers in his classes.

Shane has recently been invited to teach in Sweden at the world’s #1 international Swing dancing camp ‘Herrang’.

4) Ruth Jeffery

Ruth Jeffery is easily one of the most impressive follows to ever come out of the Perth Swing scene. With many years of dancing and teaching under her belt Ruth frequently impresses on lookers with her diversity of movement and powerful dancing style. Ruth’s eagerness to always improve and push her dancing is what has made her the outstanding dancer she is today and is what continues to inspire her students wherever she goes.

Ruth has been wowing crowds around Perth, Australia and internationally for years. Ruth has taught around Australia and also most recently in Japan. She won the Australian Jitterbug Championships Fast Foot Competition in 2003, remains one of the fastest follows we’ve ever seen here in Perth and can do a mean handstand!

Ruth has recently been invited to teach in Sweden at the world’s #1 international Swing dancing camp ‘Herrang’.