Teachers
Annette lives in Heidelberg, Germany, and is one of Europe’s most prominent champions for blues dance. As a teacher, dancer, DJ and organizer, she has been spreading her love for early Black American dances in general and blues dancing in particular for almost two decades, and is renowned internationally for her expertise, dedication, energy, and kindliness.
Her infectious appreciation and passion for blues music, dancing and history shines in every step she takes and every lesson she teaches.
Check out her hand-curated calendar for all blues dance events in Europe: https://www.annettedances.com/blues-in-europe-calendar
Born and raised on the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe, Edmilson Botelho has always been immersed in music, drawing inspiration from the vibrant rhythms of African traditional dances such as Usôa, Puíta, Funaná, Cadence, Kizomba, Semba, Kuduro, and many other African styles, as well as POP dance. His dance journey began at the age of 17 when he moved to Porto, Portugal, and discovered his passion for Lindy Hop and Blues Dance.
His dedication to the art of dance eventually led him to become one of the partners at Hop Dance Studio in Porto, where he shares his love for movement and rhythm with others As a passionate dancer and teacher, Edmilson embodies the spirit of dance, finding joy in every step and rhythm. With his captivating energy and charismatic personality, he creates an atmosphere of fun and humility wherever he goes, inspiring others to feel the rhythm and express themselves through movement.
Veselina Daneva is a multi-disciplinary dancer with over 15 years of professional experience. She started her dance journey as a child with professional training in classical ballet and ballroom dancing, later earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Ballet Pedagogy and expanding her skills as a performer in jazz dance and musical theater. Eventually, in 2019 she discovered a new and profound love in the face of the Swing dances and especially Blues dance.
With over nine years of teaching experience across all age groups. Vesi is passionate about sharing the joy, freedom, and self-expression that dance brings. She is deeply inspired by the values of blues & swing dance and music, and their rich culture and history.
As a performer, Vesi has been part of major productions, including Dancing with the Stars Bulgaria 2024, the musical The Book of dreams and performances with the Sofia Musical Theater (2021–2023), TV, commercial and movie productions, and this stage experience has given her valuable expertise in performance and theatrical dance as well as social dance.
Lisa and fabien met in Herrang, Sweden in 2010 and have been teaching and dancing together ever since. Coming from different backgrounds they both bring their own particular expertise, talents, and enthusiasm to the partnership.
Lisa is a professional dancer from London, now living in France. Classically trained from the age of 6 she discovered her love for all styles of dance whilst studying for her degree in Theatre Dance at London Studio Centre. After leaving college she worked professionally in the commercial dance world. She then discovered and fell in love with Lindy Hop and Blues and has immersed herself in all things swing ever since. Fabien comes from France and has been teaching swing dancing since 2004, specializing in Lindy Hop and Blues. His love of choreography has led to him to choreograph a number of successful showcases performed at ILHC and other events, as well as the recent ‘French Connection’ Team that placed 2nd at ILHC and ESDC.
Together and separately they have competed and placed in many competitions. Their fun teaching style, yet ability to breakdown a shape gives their classes are a perfect mix for those wanting to be better dancers. Constantly pushing themselves in their own dancing means they understand the work needed to improve, and are passionate about sharing their experience and helping others to achieve their goals.
Bands
SPECIAL GUEST — NOREDA GRAVES & FRIENDS
We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Noreda Graves as our Special Guest this year!
Originally from North Carolina and now based in Italy, Noreda is a powerful voice of Black Music. A former lead singer of the legendary Harlem Gospel Choir, she blends gospel, soul, blues, funk and R&B into performances that are both deeply moving and irresistibly powerful. A warm, rich and truly expressive voice.
On Friday, she’ll take us into a cosy, intimate and velvety atmosphere, wrapping the evening in her voice like the true velvet diva she is.
On Saturday, get ready for a completely different energy: the Queen of Soul will take over the dance floor and set the whole night on fire!
Two nights, two moods, one unforgettable voice…
Noreda is coming to Blues Alliance. And we cannot wait. 💙
Because you loved it last year, there’s a jam session on Sunday night !
Still in alliance with Hoodoo Jam Blues, a major actor in the Blues music scene in Toulouse!
A few guest musicians will be there to kick things off, but the whole idea is to play together! Dancer-musicians, time to bring out your instruments! Guitar, percussion, keyboard, saxophone… We need you to make this happen. Let us know if you’re in – let’s see where the music takes us!
And of course, a DJ set to end the night in style
DJ’s
The DJ lineup will be revealed later…
Stay tuned — we’ve got some great names coming your way!