Jakub & Emeline (Czech/France)
We are pleased to welcome for the first time to Baltic two AMAZING and well known Champion dancers Jakub Jakoubek & Emeline Rochefeuille!
Natively from Czech Republic & Reunion Island, Jakub and Em took their first steps into the dance world at the age of 16 and 12, both starting with Ballroom Dancing (Latin, Standard & line-dancing). They were both hooked since they discovered West Coast Swing, and were especially drawn to the creativity, musicality, and freedom within the dance.
Their dance world is shaped around multiple influences such as urban dances, contemporary, modern, zouk or contact improvisation; both being eager to learn and assimilate new tools from other dance forms to expand their library of movement, expression and ways to connect.
J’Em story began in June 2016, as they were hired together by pure chance in a styling workshop run by Adam and Rita in Budapest. They have been traveling the world together ever since, flying from country to country to share their passion for dancing.
After 3 consecutive years being part of the top 10 finalists at the US Open Swing Dance Championships, they just placed 4th in the Classic Division in November 2019.
Sean & Alyssa
When it comes to pushing the envelope of West Coast Swing, Sean McKeever and Alyssa Glanville are the couple watch. Independently, these two Champion dancers are known for their work ethic, love of movement, and joy of sharing their art.
Sean McKeever
Sean has a history as a black belt in martial arts and grew up dancing through a local ballroom program called Nordquist.
Alyssa Marie Glanville
Ironically, that is where he met Alyssa, a charismatic athlete who also had a deep love for dance and movement.
They’ve shared the floor throughout their careers and finally have joined forces as a partnership. Between the two of them, they hold several titles in Classic, Strictly Swing, and Jack and Jills. But more importantly, they are committed to continuously growing themselves as dancers and artists, and will share that passion as they teach around the world.
PJ Turner (USA)
PJ started traveling the Swing Circuit all over the nation competing in Jack and Jills and strictly competitions. He was on a mission for the NASDE tour. In 2012, he was awarded the NASDE tour Champion. Along the way he also received several Social Dance awards including the Prestigious Bob Preiss Social Dance Award from Swing Diego, Boogie by the Bay and River City Swing. In 2013 PJ partnered with Tashina Beckmann King. Dancing together, they put 6 routines on the floor including Feel Again, Counting Stars, Demons, Livin on a Prayer, Let the Good Times Roll and Helium. They were US Open finalists and performed in an Off-Broadway show in New York called Swango. While they were dance partners, they were invited all over the U.S. and internationally to teach, judge and perform.
In 2015, PJ quit his job and commenced dancing professionally full time. It’s a decision he has never regretted. PJ loves dancing and is extremely passionate about teaching and social dancing. Now PJ travels all over the world teaching, judging, performing, competing, and always learning! Despite his rigorous travel schedule, PJ NEVER forgot that the most important thing is family. He has an AMAZINGLY SUPPORTIVE FAMILY that is his rock and cheers him on.
If you see PJ out at an event, don’t ever hesitate, just ask him to dance. His motto is and will always be: Just make her smile!!!
Agnieszka Powell (POL)
Aggi, has her background in Salsa and trained in Jazz at London’s Pineapple Dance Studios. She has taught dance for over 18 years and is the owner of Dance Fusion School of Dance in Gdynia, Poland.
She is well known for her unique way of teaching with technique and adds that feminine touch that is derived from her background in the Latin styles of dance. Normally Aggi teaches around Europe with her partner Wayne and both are well known as the owners of Baltic Swing and Warsaw Halloween Swing WSDC dance events.
Get ready for some great classes as she teams up this year with PJ Turner, it promises to be a unique experience!
Leo Lorenzo & Melodie Paletta (France)
We are delighted to announce that the fabulously talented Leo & Melodie will be joining the Pro Team at Baltic Swing 2024!
Leo Lorenzo
Léo Lorenzo is a passionate and accomplished professional dancer and instructor, dedicated to the art of dance. With a lifelong immersion in dance and music, Léo’s journey started at a young age, exploring percussion, gymnastics, and various musical instruments such as drums, guitar, and piano as a self-taught artist.
Léo excelled in dance competitions, particularly in Jack and Jills, where he showcased his improvisation skills. In an astonishingly short period, he climbed the ranks and achieved the coveted « All Star » category in just three years. His accolades include four world champion titles in Novice (2016), Intermediate (2017), and ProAm (2017) categories, as well as Advanced as a follower in 2022. Léo also secured a remarkable second place at the European Championships in Budapest in the prestigious All Star category in 2022.
As a dedicated teacher, Léo continues to refine his skills by training with renowned dancers and instructors. He has learned from the best in West Coast Swing, including Kyle Red, Jordan Frisbee, Robert Royston, and Benji Schwimmer.
Melodie Paletta
The youngest All-Star/Champion in Europe and US Open Champion in the Young Adult Division, Melodie began dancing at the age of 4, focusing on contemporary and jazz styles. At 13 years old, she discovered West Coast Swing and instantly fell in love with its improvisational and co-creative elements. Melodie is passionate about imparting her knowledge to students of all levels, making it accessible and approachable for everyone
Together they are the winners of the several titles in J&J and have placed highly in the Budafest, the world largest competition.
Now they keep moving to bring their natural joy of dance, their versatile technique and expressiveness, their state of mind and their performances to different communities around the world.
The value of inspiring and being inspired mutually, shared with everyone.