teacher Staff

Semion Ovsiannikov

Maria Elizarova

Semion has been dancing ever since he was eight. He started with ballroom dancing first, then got into social dancing, and finally into West Coast Swing. He is known for his musicality and great connection with his partners.

Maria has been dancing since 2007. In 2008 she fell in love with social partner dances. She started learning hustle/discofox and salsa. She had been dancing hustle and discofox for 4 years, working on her solo choreography as well when West Coast Swing came in to her dancing life. After that she couldn’t stop dancing WCS. She enjoys the versatility of the dance, bringing new emotions, options for musicality and styling to every dance.

Semion and Maria were the first Russians to ever get to US Open Classic finals in 2016, 2017, 2019. They also got the second place at The Open Classic finals in 2018.

Their partnership emphasizes technique, musicality and connection. They love the possibilities for communication and dialogue between partners during every dance, and seek to help their students discover this incredibly fun aspect of WCS. They share a philosophy that care and attention are the best things partners can give to each other during any dance.

Jakub Jakoubek

Emeline Rochefeuille

Natively from Czech Republic & Reunion Island, Jakub and Em took their first steps into the dance world at the age of 16 and 12, both starting with Ballroom Dancing (Latin, Standard & line-dancing). They were both hooked since they discovered West Coast Swing, and were especially drawn to the creativity, musicality, and freedom within the dance.

Their dance world is shaped around multiple influences such as urban dances, contemporary, modern, zouk or contact improvisation; both being eager to learn and assimilate new tools from other dance forms to expand their library of movement, expression and ways to connect.

J’Em story began in June 2016, as they were hired together by pure chance in a styling workshop run by Adam and Rita in Budapest. They have been traveling the world together ever since, flying from country to country to share their passion for dancing.

After 3 consecutive years being part of the top 10 finalists at the US Open Swing Dance Championships, they just placed 4th in the Classic Division in November 2019.

Thibault & Nicole Ramirez

Thibault and Nicole have been together since the beginning of 2019, quickly building a strong partnership and establishing a name for themselves. Becoming the World Champions of 2019 with their winning Showcase routine, they immediately began traveling all over the world teaching, performing, judging, and competing.

They are the creators of Flash Choreo, a mini choreography intensive for dancers to challenge themselves and perform a routine in short amounts of time.

They have developed a great rhythm teaching classes and intensives together, offering great technique in a relaxed and fun environment.

With over 20 years of knowledge in West Coast Swing and other partner and solo dances, their teaching style is very appreciated everywhere they go and benefits dancers of all styles. Their emotive, passionate spirits shine when they are on stage and while teaching. They love to motivate their students to excel and reach their maximum potential. Their personalities are very energetic and open to connecting with people, on and off the dance floor.

Marc Heldt

In 2010 discovered his passion for West Coast swing. He developed a sound knowledge by participating in national and international congresses and festivals. Many additional private lessons with renowned coaches like Jordan Frisbee and Tatjana Mollmann or John Lindo have given him even more insight into the world of this fascinating dance. In his dance school, Marc have quickly established the West Coast Swing. Not only Dusseldorf but also interested dancers from all over NRW visit workshops regularly and the West Coast Swing Club of his dance school. Meanwhile, Marc is regularly on the road as a welcome lecturer in West Coast Swing. He supervises West Coast Swing dance tours, teaches in dance clubs and other dance schools and trains dance athletes and youth leaders in WCS on behalf of the TNW.

JULA PALENGA

Jula found her passion for dancing when she was a little girl. From jazz, ballet, ballroom and latin dance, she discovered West Coast Swing in 2015. She’s been teaching, judging and competing on events all over the world ever since. In the All Star devision she has already achieved several placements. With her cheeky and extremely musical stylings she inspires our community. Jula loves the non-verbal conversation, the musical expression and the individual freedom that this extraordinary dance offers!

Foto Credit David Goffin