Anniversary Month

Natalia, a Colombian-born Canadian citizen, is a professional Swing dancer and instructor based in the Netherlands.

Introduced to Swing dancing by her dance-enthusiast mother, Natalia attended her first Lindy Hop party in December 2004 in Ottawa, Canada. Shortly after, in the spring of 2005, she discovered Balboa, an experience she often describes as, “Love at first dance." Mesmerized by her local teachers' energetic dance styles, and mentored by great second-generation Balboa and Lindy Hop dancers from California and New York, USA, she dedicated all her free time throughout high school to immersing herself in the world of Swing and Jazz dancing. 

Now, with 19 years of teaching experience, Natalia has shared her love of Swing and Jazz dances across North and Central America, Europe, and Asia.

Like many 90s kids, Zack discovered swing dancing through the media and pop culture (namely the movie Swing Kids!), and later in person at the 1999 Montreal Jazz Festival, where he met local swing dancers. Unbeknownst to him, his fate was already sealed - amidst the ballroom steps learned in his early years, the revelation of this newfound liberation left Zack momentarily stunned. But that initial shock swiftly transformed into an all-consuming passion that has withstood the test of time, burning brightly two decades hence.

Founder of not one but two swing dance studios in Montreal (Studio 88 Swing and later Swing ConneXion), four (or five?) times winner of the Canadian Showcase and many Balboa titles worldwide, performer heralded for his stage presence, his true calling remains teaching. The magic that unfolds when furrowed brows unfurl into radiant smiles, when knowledge takes root and blossoms in the minds of his students. There, within those precious moments, Zack finds himself consumed by an overwhelming delight that eclipses any accolades or triumphs earned on any stage.