Teachers
Honored and grateful to have great guests teachers.
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Ben White & Andrea Gordon
Andrea Gordon and Ben White are renowned dancers, teachers, and guest ambassadors for the second edition of the Lindy Maya Fest.
Andrea Gordon is a passionate social dancer and comedian, a lover of music, rhythm, and connection. She started dancing Lindy Hop in 2006, traveling and competing in events over the years, winning multiple awards in national competitions. Her style is deeply rooted in the values of African American vernacular dances. Andrea is known for her active participation in the jazz dance community, promoting inclusion and equity.
Ben White has been immersed in the world of swing since 2004 and has been a full-time instructor for over a decade. He has studied Lindy Hop, Balboa, Tap, and Solo Jazz with masters from the original swing era and has worked with world-class contemporary swing dancers. Ben is famous for his ability to break down and communicate technique clearly, keeping classes entertaining and engaging. He is the Artistic Director at The Syncopation Foundation and spends several months each year teaching swing dance internationally.
Together, Andrea and Ben will bring their extensive experience and enthusiasm to the Lindy Maya Fest, offering workshops and performances that capture the essence of swing and jazz dance while creating an inclusive and welcoming space for all participants.
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Elaine Buchignani & Stefan Huyn
Elaine Buchignani is a full-time Lindy Hop & Jazz Dance instructor, organizer, choreographer, and program director. She co-founded Swing Dance SCT, one of Seattle's largest Lindy Hop & Jazz Dance schools, in 2016 and Stormy Weather Jazz Dance Festival in 2023. She is also the founder and choreographer of Evergreen Rhythm performance team.
As an instructor, she's known for her keen eye for body mechanics and ability to break down complex concepts. As a dancer, she's known for her dramatic stylings, creativity within the connection, and full body musicality. She's won many contests at events over the years, but her heart belongs to performance, social dance, and community building.
Stefan Huynh has been a partner in dancing for nearly two decades and swing dancing since 2010. He's been a member of numerous performance groups such as The Big Apple Lindy Hoppers, Yeah Man, The Amazebals, and more. As a competitor, Stefan has won and placed at major events across the country such as Camp Jitterbug, Lindyfest, Inspiration Weekend, and others. He is an avid social dancer who values conversational dancing and prioritizes connecting with the music and his partner above all else.
Stefan makes use of his master's degree in psychology from NYU as an instructor of Lindy Hop, Balboa, and other jazz-age partner dances. He is a cofounder of Swing Dance SCT, one of the largest swing dance schools in Seattle and acts as a teacher, coach, and mentor there. He is known for his innovative pedagogy and passion for partner technique.
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Luciano Brigante & Alejandra Orozco
Luciano Brigante and Alejandra Orozco are dancers and tango teachers with more than 20 years of international experience. They are proud representatives of the Traditional Tango.
They exemplify the Villa Urquiza tango style with their elegance, softness and precision in walking. His refined dance reflects great precision, tradition, strength and dynamism.
They were runners-up in the World Tango Championship in the Salon Tango style and obtained third place in the Metropolitan Championship representing Club Sunderland in Buenos Aires in 2004. They are choreographers and dancers representing Argentina at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, and are producers and promoters of the TANGO CULTURE all over the world.
In addition, they created the Tango Brigante teaching method and have been guest conductors in tango schools in Germany, the United States and Mexico. They have appeared as principal dancers in a music video directed by award-winning director Mel Gibson, and have been invited to perform exclusively for royalty and presidents in Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Argentina, and Mexico.
Luciano & Alejandra will give an introductory course to Argentine Tango and basic fundamentals for Lindy & Balboa dancers
Djs
Lindy & Balboa DJ/ more to be confirmed
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Tim Collins
Today I present to you one of the coolest DJs in the swing scene, the incredibly talented "Swingin' Collins"!
Born on a full moon night in the jazz city, this rhythm-loving feline grew up surrounded by vinyl records and saxophone solos. From a very young age, he knew that his destiny was to bring swing music to the masses in CDMX.
With his fedora hat and two-tone shoes, "Swingin' Collins" has won the hearts of all those who love the sound of big band and joyful dance steps. His impeccable mixes of swing classics with the latest trends in electronic music make people move and sweat until dawn.
This rhythm cat is not only a DJ, but also a great swing dancer.
When he's not in the booth, you can find him on the dance floor, jumping and spinning to the beat of the music he himself spins. And watch out! Because if he sees you standing in the corner, he'll probably drag you onto the dance floor and make you dance like never before.
If you're looking for a night of partying and fun in the style of the 1940s, "Swingin' Collins" is your man. So put on your best dancing shoes and get ready for a never-ending night of swing with this jazz cat. You won't regret it!
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Eduardo Mercado
Lalo Mercado, a distinguished DJ and swing dancer from the Mexico City community, has earned a reputation for his ability to select tunes that inspire dancers. His passion for music and dance drives him to curate a musical library that blends swing classics and hidden gems of Rhythm and Blues, helping to create a magical atmosphere on the dance floor.
With his ability to read the energy of the dance floor, he adapts his selections to maintain the excitement and connection between couples, with moments of energetic bursts. He has left his mark on festivals, competitions, and themed nights, earning the affection of the swing community and creating rhythmic experiences that invite everyone to enjoy and live the moment with intensity.
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Carl Linder
Carl Linder is a distinguished swing dance instructor, celebrated for his extensive experience and influence in the dance community since 2001. His impressive portfolio includes performances and instruction at premier venues such as Frankie’s Blue Room, WGN Chicago, Pheasant Run Resort, The Willowbrook Ballroom, and prestigious clients like Mt. Sinai Hospital, The Chicago Bulls, Wheaton College, CDW Corporation, and MBNA. Carl’s remarkable talent was showcased in the 2003 Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade, further solidifying his status in the dance world.
With a formidable background in martial arts, Carl competed for the US National Team and successfully operated three dojos for over two decades. This rigorous discipline and unwavering work ethic seamlessly translate into his dynamic teaching style, making him a highly respected and sought-after instructor.
Carl’s boundless enthusiasm and vibrant personality on the dance floor have endeared him to students and audiences alike, contributing to his widespread popularity.
Carl’s dedication to excellence is reflected in his training under some of the world’s top dance instructors, including Steven Mitchell and Virginie, Ryan Francois and Jenny Thomas, Sylvia Sykes, Erik and Sylvia, Eddie and Eva, Kenneth and Helena Norbelie, Peter Strom, and Andrew Twiss. Beyond teaching, Carl has made significant contributions as a DJ on the Latin and swing dance scenes, captivating dance communities worldwide with his exceptional musical selections.
Special guests
Honored and grateful to have great guests.
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Gustavo Piola
Gustavo Piola is a talented artist who has left an indelible mark on the world of tango through his photographic art. With 25 years of experience in the field of photography, he has captured the essence of hundreds of artists, fashion models, and dancers. His passion and dedication have led him to specialize in tango photography, a niche that uniquely combines fashion, sophistication, art, and dance.
His ability to direct people and make them feel comfortable in front of the camera, coupled with his distinctive style of photography characterized by a blend of darkness, contrast, sensuality, and expression, set him apart as an exceptional photographer and have made him the most sought-after among tango dancers.
He has brought his art to prominent cities such as London, Barcelona, Milan, Bali, Singapore, the Canary Islands, and, of course, Buenos Aires. At Maya Fest, Gustavo will not only be present as the stellar photographer to visually document the memories of the event but will also offer private sessions for those who wish to capture special moments exclusively. He hopes that participants will have a unique experience, be surprised, and take away unforgettable memories.
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Daniela & Ricardo
Daniela Inglese and Ricardo Albornoz are an iconic couple in the world of Argentine tango, with 25 years of experience in this passionate art form and 15 years of working together as a duo. Throughout this time, they have cultivated a unique connection on the dance floor, combining their extensive experience with unwavering dedication to tango. Their talent has led them to become finalists in the Tango World Championship in the Tango Salon category, and they have been champions in multiple national competitions, including winning first place in the prestigious Buenos Aires City Championship in 2018.
In addition to their skill as dancers, Daniela and Ricardo are also distinguished as choreographers and teachers, guiding new generations of dancers and leaving an indelible mark on every stage they grace. They have not only brought their art to stages around the world but have also ventured into production, organizing events like the "Carnaval Tango Fest" of Sonrisas Milongueras, a festival that celebrates the essence and dissemination of tango, where they also host one of the most prestigious tango championships in the country, attracting the best dancers from Argentina.
Their creativity is not limited to dance; both are designers of tango clothing and shoes, founding the brand Arte Decolibries, where they channel their passion for tango into unique designs. Ricardo, with his background in electronic engineering, brings a technical and detailed vision, while Daniela, with her solid foundation in classical dance and tango, adds elegance and sophistication to each creation.
Together, they have worked with prominent tango figures, participating in renowned theatrical productions and exploring new forms of artistic expression, such as the innovative "Teatro en Auto." Their journey has made them references within and beyond the tango community, and their influence continues to expand as they keep elevating tango to new heights. In addition to their impressive professional trajectory, Daniela and Ricardo are known for their warmth, charisma, and generosity. They are the life of the party, always ready to share their energy and good vibes at milongas, which makes them even more beloved by the community.
We are thrilled to have them as part of the invited artists' team at Maya Fest, where they will undoubtedly continue to inspire and delight everyone with their art and infectious spirit.
We are thrilled to introduce Roxana De Bonis, a truly special person for us. As our energetic and spiritual guide, she has supported us during these times when emotional and energetic support is so essential, offering a holistic perspective.
Given the challenges we face as a community and humanity, we wanted to invite her to join us for this edition of Dance Maya Fest.
She will be coming directly from the south of Argentina, and we are confident that her presence will be a beautiful addition to the event.
“The wisdom of time lies in the ability to savor every moment of life with both intensity and clarity.”