LILLE DIT HOP! (English) | L'îlot Balboa

The whole Ilôt Balboa team is excited to announce that

the Lille dit Hop festival is back!

You can find all the information below

Teachers

Photo by Eric Bobrie

Maria Philippova

Maria started dancing boogie-woogie in Yaroslavl, Russia in 2009, at the age of 15. Since then, dance has become the most fundamental part of her life starting as her little hobby, and growing into her primary passion, profession, and who knows, maybe even mission for life.

In 2012 she moved to Moscow where she discovered lindy hop and found herself being

completely in love with jazz music and jazz dance for their depth, freedom, and joy that it gives her. Since 2022 Maria has been living in France.

For the last 9 years, Maria has been invited to teach and perform at many swing dance events in more than 20 countries all around the world, getting various placements in high-level competitions

in Europe and the USA.

Maria believes that Jazz Dances are the art form where one can express oneself and that is something that the world on a big scale is missing — the place where everyone is united and connected, accepted in their uniqueness.

Photo by Eric Bobrie

Daniil Nikulin

Within thirteen years of his dance journey, Daniil has explored different sides of Jazz Dances, has been a winner of many competitions in Europe & the USA and has travelled to more than 23 countries to share his passion for dance through teaching and performing.

While having a reputation as a world-class dance artist,

personally Daniil always stays an introverted coffee lover that simply can’t resist a good swinging beat of Duke Ellington’s music.

If you'd like to see a bit more about them, click here

Photo by For Dancers Only

Thanh Thanh

Movement and dance have always had a strong impact on Thanh Thanh's life. She started dancing Lindy Hop in 2016 with the "Saigon Swing Cats" in Vietnam. From her first dance step, she fell in love, and her passion continued to grow and refine as she explored and experimented more with Lindy Hop, jazz dances and body movement. She moved to Europe in 2021, allowing her to learn even more, and to work on improving her dance and teaching skills. It also introduced her to another perspective on dancing, its historical nuances, its social aspects and its contemporary scene. For Thanh Thanh, the true meaning of dance will always be joy, sharing and freedom!

Photo by For Dancers Only

Rija

Rija (pronounced "Ridz") has been dancing Lindy Hop since 2007. He took his first dancing steps in Grenoble (France) and then completed his training through festivals across Europe. You can easily recognise him on the dancefloor, with his groovy, dynamic and musical style. With over 13 years' teaching experience, he'll be able to guide you through his well-constructed classes and creative & fun methods! Rija's main aim is to teach his students freedom of expression in their dance, for everyone to develop their own creativity. The Parisian Blues dance scene also owes a great deal to Rija, as he started teaching Blues locally and created "Backdoor to Blues" in 2013, a festival which aims to facilitate Lindy Hoppers to step into Blues dance.

Bands

Friday night

10 Square Feets

It's a collaboration between Dimitri Elegheerts (guitar), Kris Loris (drums), Jacinto Carbagal (double bass), Frank Debruyne (baritone/tenor sax) and Andy Declerck (flute, clarinet, soprano and tenor sax).

This band plays jazz swing aimed for dancers with an original line-up. Their repertoire goes from old classics to bebop themes and original compositions. It's a lively blend of original early jazz and the hushed character of cool jazz, all arranged in a unique style.

Saturday night

The Hop-sh-Bam Connection

Through this band you will experience the exhilarating atmosphere of the New York ballrooms of the 30s and 40s. Starting with the Lindy Hop, a dance rich in various sub-styles such as the Charleston, the Jitterbug, the Balboa, the Slow Drag, the St. Louis Shag and many others, the Hop 'Sh Bam Connection pays tribute to this fascinating era in jazz history.

The band is led by trumpeter Marie-Anne Standaert, who dances Lindy Hop herself. As a dancer with in-depth knowledge, she knows how to choose the right songs, tempos and grooves, ensuring a true immersion in the essence of the dance and music of this era.

Why is the band called "The Hop 'Sh Bam Connection"?
"Hop" is, of course, a reference to Lindy Hop. "Bam" refers to the vibrant and positive energy conveyed by this music and dance. "Connection" highlights the essential symbiosis between the musicians, but also the true artistic fusion between the musicians and the dancers.
Ooh -bop -Sh -Bam, A kool ya hoo ... Come and move, swing and groove ...

Website

Venues

Auberge de Jeunesse S.Hessel

Venue for Friday's 27th party

235 Bd Paul Painlevé, 59000 Lille

Studio Nord

Classroom

128 Rue du Long Pot, 59800 Lille

Le Gymnase

Venue for Friday's 28th party

7 Pl. Sébastopol, 59000 Lille

Salle Lille Sud

Classroom

83 rue du Faubourg des Postes, 59000 Lille

Centre de danse CRASTO

Classroom

81 Rue de Trévise, 59000 Lille

Planning

Levels

Introductory level

This class is an introduction to Lindy Hop for complete beginners, no experience is required. You'll learn the basic steps of Lindy Hop, and your first variations to try out during the parties. These classes will be taught by teachers from l'Îlot Balboa, who teach regular classes in Lille.

Beginner level

You're in your first Lindy Hop year, you started classes in September, or you've attended several beginners workshops and parties.

Intermediate level

You've been dancing Lindy Hop for over a year and have already attended several swing events. You've got the basics down and you're looking to discover new variations, add fluidity to your dance and improve your musicality skills.

Intermediate+ level

Lindy Hop has been a big part of your life for several years now, and you've attended several festivals looking for new challenges. Fast tempos don't scare you, and you like to play around with music and variations.

Advanced level

You live on swing and fresh air, you've reached a level in Lindy Hop that allows you to teach and/or compete. You're ready to push your limits in search of even more fun in dancing.

Prices

Intro level pass 45 euros : includes 2.5 hours of introductory Lindy Hop classes and access to the Saturday evening party.

1 level-pass 120 euros : includes 4 hours of Lindy Hop classes (1 level), 1 taster and access to both Friday and Saturday parties.

2-levels pass 190 euros : includes 8 hours of Lindy Hop classes (2 levels), 2 tasters and access to both Friday and Saturday parties. Note that this is only possible with level combinations that don't overlap on the schedule.

Friday party with live band 15 euros : Gives access to the Friday opening party.

Saturday party with live band 20 euros : Gives access to the Saturday evening party.

Please read the level descriptions carefully before signing up for classes.

Registration

Before registering, make sure you have read the level descriptions.

If that’s done, go ahead and click on this button!:

Registration

If you are looking for/providing accommodation during the event:

All you have to do is tick the relevant box when you register, and our team will do their best to find you a cosy little nest!

If you have any requests or questions, don't hesitate to contact us at the address below:

lilotbalboa.ldh@gmail.com

Or click on this beautiful button:

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