Experiment. Express. Evolve.
West Coast Swing Trial WSDC Event (2nd Edition)
July, 16–19 2027
About SwingLab Berlin
SwingLab Berlin is a summer West Coast Swing Event for people who love the diversity of music and styles of WCS. We offer classes with pros from all over the world and traditional Strictly and JnJ competitions.
In the spirit of how WCS has evolved over the years, we offer exploration classes throughout the weekend where we learn concepts and ideas from other dances, try things that feel a bit strange at first, and see how we can integrate them in our dance.
It all happens in Berlin in the summer: long sunny days, a city in a good mood, and a central hotel with a rooftop terrace, a spa, and, after a few hours on the dance floor you’ll happy to have it: proper air conditioning. But what people remember most is the community, a warm, fun bunch who loves dancing together and would love to connect with you too.
Our Teachers
Nana & João
João & Nana are an international west coast swing couple known for their musicality, creativity, and strong connection on the dance floor. Partners for over five years, they have developed a unique teaching approach that blends their diverse dance backgrounds with a clear and practical method. Their teaching focuses on connection, musicality, and expression helping dancers build confidence while developing both technique and personal style. known for their positive energy and approachable style, they create an environment where dancers feel comfortable, motivated, and inspired to grow. João & Nana travel worldwide to teach, perform, and share their passion for west coast swing with dancers of all levels.
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!
Florian Hamm
Florian began his West Coast Swing journey in 2018 in Graz, Austria, where he got hooked on the creative & communicative aspect of the dance. Having danced multiple partner dances before, he decided to pursue the freedom and creativity WCS offers. Florian competes in the WSDC All Star Division, organizes weekly classes in Berlin and travels internationally to teach. In addition to his partner dance experience, he studied violin and piano at the conservatory in Eisenstadt, is currently undertaking a 630+ hour yoga mentorship, and regularly attends ballet classes to refine his movement. Florian's teaching style can be described as analytical and structured. He always tries to find the link between different WCS methodologies to create a coherent learning experience. In his classes you can expect a focus on creativity, communication skills and technique.
Vanessa & Thomas 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.
Kainoa Archer
Kainoa has been dancing hip-hop for over 12 years, starting with choreography classes in his hometown of Tahiti (French Polynesia) before moving to Lyon for his studies, where he reached a competitive level. Through choreo contests and freestyle battles across Europe, he immersed himself in the underground dance scene and developed a deep understanding of its culture and history. After exploring various styles such as contemporary, salsa, bachata, and breakdance, Kainoa discovered West Coast Swing in the summer of 2017 and instantly fell in love with its freedom and creative possibilities. After a few years away from the scene, he returned in 2023 with renewed focus and a strong drive to train and compete. Today, Kainoa is expanding his teaching in France and internationally. As a passionate and grounded dancer, he aims to keep developing the culture and share tools that help everyone express themselves—regardless of their level or background—and grow as human beings.
Lotte Meier
Lotte’s dance journey began in a small local dance school, where she first stepped into the worlds of hip-hop and partner dancing. The studio quickly became her second home — a place where she later started teaching solo dance and sharing her love for movement with others. By coincidence, Lotte discovered West Coast Swing — a dance that opened endless possibilities for movement and connection. It became her way to be creative, to process emotions, and to translate music into something deeply personal. Her approach to teaching is shaped by her background in psychology, pedagogy, and counseling. She aims to create a space where people can grow in a healthy way, and move with awareness of their bodies. Lotte feels deeply grateful to be part of the WCS Community in this era and moment.
Kaja Wierucka
Kaja began dancing at the age of four with ballet, jazz, contemporary, and tap. Her dance path led her through theatre stages, European folk festivals, competitive ballroom circuits, as well as salsa and bachata scenes before discovering West Coast Swing in 2018. Instantly captivated by its endless creativity and freedom, Kaja delved headfirst into the world of WCS, training and competing across the globe. She shares her passion and expertise by regularly teaching WCS and bachata, infusing her classes with the diverse influences of her dance background. As a dedicated community-builder, she especially enjoys teaching dancers of all levels, creating inclusive spaces where everyone can grow, connect, and feel inspired. However, her truest joy lies in social dancing, where her open and friendly nature truly comes to life. So, next time you see her on the dance floor, be sure to ask her for a dance!
Venue
Hotel Vienna House By Wyndham Andel’s Berlin
Landsberger Allee 106, 10369 Berlin, Germany
