SwingLab Berlin
Experiment. Express. Evolve.
West Coast Swing Trial WSDC Event | July, 9–13 2026
About SwingLab Berlin
SwingLab Berlin is a summer West Coast Swing event dedicated to celebrating the dance’s tradition of growth, creativity, and connection.
Our primary focus is on delivering a full weekend of high-quality WCS instruction and competitions, led by top professionals from around the world. Throughout Friday and Saturday, dancers will immerse themselves in regular WCS classes designed for all levels, from newcomers to seasoned competitors.
To honor WCS’s spirit of evolution, Sunday will offer an opportunity for dancers to explore how concepts from other dance styles can inspire and enrich their WCS — always with the goal of enhancing, not replacing, their foundation.
Set against the backdrop of Berlin’s vibrant summer atmosphere — with long sunny days, a relaxed vibe, and a beautiful, centrally located hotel — SwingLab offers a unique experience filled with learning, social dancing, and community. With excellent amenities, including a rooftop terrace, spa, and plenty of space to dance, it’s the perfect place to celebrate, grow, and connect.
Our Teachers
Irina Puzanova
Dancing since she was 7, Irina was doing Ballroom, Belly Dancing, Jazz, Hustle, Discofox, Salsa, Bachata, WCS... She began taking a serious interest in West Coast Swing in 2010, learned from the best and has been a very successful competitor. She is the first dancer in Russia to reach the All-Star division and the first one to have Champion points. She placed first at Advanced Jack & Jill at the US Open 2012, at first European All Star division at Midland Swing Open, and won the All-Star Jack & Jill at French Open 2014, BudaFest 2015, Mid-Atlantic Dance Jam 2015, first European Invitational J'n'J at UK Champs 2016, US Open 2016 in Strictly Swing, Strictly Open Budafest 2018, Champions JnJ at UK and European Championship in London 2019, in Autumn Swing Challenge 2023. When teaching she's demanding and encouraging just in the right proportion. Irina traveled all around the world from Asia to US dancing, teaching and competing in 15 coutnries, more than 30 cities. But most of all Irina is a social dancer. Don't hesitate to ask her for a dance!
Daniel Pavlov
Daniel discovered WCS in 2013 and quickly fell in love with the dance. Having tried many social partner dances prior to that point, West Coast Swing stood out as an art form with unending possibilities in musicality, partnership and self-expression. Today, these reasons still remain the foundation for his dedication and love for WCS. In addition to more than a decade of experience teaching dance, Daniel likes to use knowledge from martial arts, psychology, music, sports and parkour to supplement his students’ learning. His aim in class is to strike a balance between efficient growth and simple light fun that can be shared by all. Daniel trains regularly and teaches all over the globe. His passion for West Coast Swing runs deep and having the ability to share it with others is something he is endlessly grateful for every single time!
Kyle FitzGerald & Melodie Paletta
Kyle FitzGerald and Melodie Paletta have been dancing together for two years, blending their distinct performance backgrounds into a powerful and dynamic partnership. Kyle brings the refinement of ballroom, while Melodie contributes the expressive flair of musical theater. Together, they create a style that is both technically precise and artistically compelling. As US Open Classic Finalists, their individual accomplishments stand out. Kyle is the 2022 US Open Rising Star Champion, and Melodie is the 2019 US Open Young Adult Champion. Their partnership is rooted in excellence, and their passion for teaching is reflected in their workshops across Europe, the US, and Canada. With over 15 years of combined teaching experience, Kyle and Melodie are known for their highly technical and precise instruction, making them a favorite among dancers who are serious about growth. Whether working with newcomers or seasoned competitors, they bring clarity, structure, and a touch of playfulness to every class. Off the dance floor, Kyle is a history enthusiast and avid gamer, while Melodie is a trained singer with a love for storytelling. These personal passions bring depth and creativity to their dancing and teaching.
Thomas & Vanessa Bachmann
Vanessa and Thomas come from different dance backgrounds, but share a deep passion for West Coast Swing and the broader world of swing dances. Vanessa began her journey in competitive hip-hop, later diving into Brazilian dances before discovering her love for West Coast Swing in 2017. Thomas, on the other hand, has been dancing swing since his youth, starting with Boogie and expanding into Lindy Hop, Balboa, and Jazz—eventually finding West Coast Swing as a natural continuation of his love for movement and musicality. Together, they bring a unique blend of experience, curiosity, and dedication. Thomas has been teaching swing dances since 2005 and has shared his knowledge at international events since 2009. He also runs the Hep Cat Club, Germany’s largest swing dance school, where he leads with infectious energy and a deep appreciation for swing history. Vanessa’s teaching is rooted in anatomy and wellness, drawing from her background as a certified Health & Wellness Coach. Her classes combine clear technique with body awareness and an openness to influences from different styles. They are both passionate educators, committed to helping dancers grow—whether through local classes in Munich and Augsburg or workshops around the world. Their paths may have started differently, but today they stand united by their love of swing, their dedication to teaching, and their joy in sharing the dance with others.
Venue
Hotel Vienna House By Wyndham Andel’s Berlin
Landsberger Allee 106, 10369 Berlin, Germany
