Wilma and Viktor are siblings who started dancing at the ages of six and seven. Their journey began with Swedish Bugg and took a turning point when they discovered Lindy Hop and Boogie Woogie at a small dance camp. Largely self-taught in the early years, their passion and dedication led them to become members of the Swedish National Team in both Lindy Hop and Boogie Woogie.

They are World Champions in Boogie Woogie 2023, with recent highlights including a 3rd place at the Snowball Champions Cup qualifier and a quarterfinal placement at ILHC Europe 2025 in the Strictly Challenge division, the performance you’re watching here 🔥

With a strong background in jazz, modern dance, ballet, and choreography, Wilma and Viktor bring musicality, joy, and depth to both their dancing and teaching. They love social dancing, performing, and sharing the cultural values behind the dances they practice, always creating a positive and inspiring learning environment.

Rooted in swing music and jazz culture, Claudia Fonte approaches jazz dance as a playful, never-ending journey of self-expression, communication, and connection. She constantly revisits her role in the jazz world, exploring how this music shapes her as a human being and how she can give back through dance.

Coline Avril is a professional dancer and passionate educator, working across dance and theatre. Deeply involved in her local swing community, she founded Happy Jam in Rouen, France. Her teaching is driven by collective power, freedom of expression, and the desire to connect people to music, rhythms, culture, and human values.

Originally from Mexico and now based in Berlin, Asael approaches dance as a space for self-expression, shared experience, and storytelling through movement. His deep love for rhythm has fueled years of dedication to exploring this African American art form, while his curiosity for jazz culture and values continues to inspire him to reconnect with his own roots, preserving Latin American influences in his art and uncovering their connections to jazz.

Hailing from Australia and now Berlin-based, Elle has explored many dance styles from an early age, but it was through Lindy Hop and Authentic Jazz that she felt most inspired. Drawn to the conversational nature and freedom of jazz, she now runs Jam Haus in Berlin, a dance project focused on Authentic Jazz and on building bridges between jazz and other dance communities. Deeply invested in her local scene, Elle regularly collaborates with schools and cultural events, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds.

Together, this talented couple brings jazz culture, values, and improvisation to the floor with clarity, joy, and connection. They placed 2nd at the ILHC Europe 2025 Strictly Challenge Finals, and we’re thrilled to welcome them as Hepcats Festival 2026 instructors! ✨

🔥 Sep Vermeersch is back on the mic at Hepcats Festival! 🔥

With his natural flow, sharp timing, and infectious energy, Sep knows exactly how to read the room and lift the crowd. Blending jazz, blues, and swing culture with effortless charm, he turns every announcement into a moment.

Alongside hosting, Sep will also be sharing his knowledge in a Solo Blues concept class, diving deeper into groove, expression, and connection to the music.

Get ready for smooth transitions, big smiles, and a host who truly feels the music — live at Hepcats Festival 🎙️✨