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Our story
Lindy Harbour has been part of Basel since 2012 – and is now much more than just a dance school.
Originating from the desire to create a vibrant and open swing community in Basel, it all began with small, intimate community parties: in the Fassbar, in the Jägerhalle (now Heimat) and on the nt/* areal in the Erlenmatt district.
Later, we moved to the Basel harbor – a place in transition and full of possibilities. We also hosted lively swing parties on the ship (now the Nordstern) and at our summer residence. The name Lindy Harbour is a tribute to this special place: a haven for people who feel connected by their love of swing culture.
Dancing is a way of life.
For us, dancing is more than just moving to music—it's energy, expression, and community. Dancing is fun and brings people together. It strengthens body, mind, and soul—and should be a completely natural part of everyday life. As natural as laughing, breathing, or listening to music.
Swing dancing is culture, is community , is everyday life
That's why we want to create spaces where swing dancing is alive – not just in class, but in life. On the street, in parks, along the Rhine, in the heart of the city – everywhere people gather. That's why we often dance in the foyer of the Theater Basel and outdoors at Basso in the summer.
Our vision is a world where dancing is for everyone. Open. Accessible. Inclusive. That's why we organize many of our events on a donation basis, and the dance community takes on important tasks at every party. This allows us to keep costs low and remain accessible.
But dancing isn't just about being together – it's also about the music. That's why live music plays a central role for us. We've created two of our own bands: the community band "The Sailors," where enthusiastic amateur musicians swing together – and the Lindy Harbour Band , our professional ensemble for special evenings with a real big band feel.
Our teaching – with heart, concept and lots of swing
At Lindy Harbour, we teach with passion – and you'll feel it from the very first beat. Our classes are lively, humorous, and full of joy. Because dancing is, first and foremost, about fun, connection, and community. Nevertheless, we teach you technique and focus on building strong connections with your dance partner. Because improvisation is an art – and you are the artist. With us, you'll learn the fundamentals to dance freely, be creative, and tell your very own story through dance.
Meet our team
With us, you'll receive thoughtful and playful dance instruction. We believe that good swing dancing begins with genuine understanding—not mere memorization. That's why Lindy Harbour focuses on leading and following from the very beginning. You'll learn not just figures, but the language of jazz: listening, feeling, and reacting. Completely relaxed, completely natural.
“Take it easy, breezy – then your jive will swing!”
Elio Popolo
Founder & Managing Director
Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa, Solo Jazz, Blues, DJ and Vocals
Swing dancing is Elio's passion. Dance and movement have always been a part of his life, and he also trained in movement theater (Meyerhold biomechanics). Since 2009, he discovered Lindy Hop in Zurich and has traveled extensively throughout Europe, attending workshops and festivals.
In Basel, he puts a lot of time and heart and soul into the Lindy scene and has been organizing social dances, workshops, courses, and concerts since 2012. He focuses his energy on Basel so that he can dance at a high level locally. Social dancing is much more important to him than flashy effects and big stages. Always on the lookout for the perfect connection, he's brimming with ideas and has already infected many with his passion for dancing.
Making swing music himself is becoming increasingly important to Elio, so he has founded various bands and regularly performs on stage.
Dominika Copikova
Lindy Hop, Blues, Balboa, Solo Jazz
Dominika is actually a music teacher, so music and dance have long been important parts of her life. She first discovered the joy of movement through solo dances like Zumba and Latino Lady.
But it wasn't until Lindy Hop that she was able to engage in partner dancing, and she quickly became infected with swing. She was particularly impressed by the degree of freedom, the possibilities for musicality, and the creativity offered by swing dancing.
For Dominika, Lindy Hop is more than "just" dancing. It's her medicine for body and soul. Dancing never fails to energize her!
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Fernando Mateos
Blues, Lindy Hop, Balboa and Solo Jazz
Fernando brings over a decade of experience and has an impressive repertoire – from slow, soulful grooves to energetic, fast steps.
He is constantly refining his technique and exploring new ideas on the dance floor. Despite his focused seriousness, dancing with him is an absolute pleasure – full of surprises!
Kotryna Kauneckaite-Griguole
Lindy Hop, Balboa, Solo Jazz, Tap Dance, Charleston
Kotryna loves the freedom, joy, playfulness, and infectious groove of swing dancing. She started dancing in Vilnius, Lithuania, in 2013. Lindy Hop quickly became her sole hobby, taking up most of her free time. Dancing introduced her to a large community where everyone shares the same body language.
Kotryna finds it fascinating how this culture connects people: Convivial dance parties with live jazz music until the early hours give everyone the space to be authentic in their movements. A strong connection with a partner takes the dance to a whole new level and leads to a shared interpretation of the song, which is always a lot of fun—and all improvised!
Kotryna wants everyone to experience the excitement and madness of Lindy Hop. That's why she's more than happy to share her knowledge of the dance at the Lindy Harbour Studio in Basel.
Denise Renaux
Lindy Hop
Denise discovered her love of dance as a small child. After many years of classical ballet, a friend introduced her to Lindy Hop—and it was love at first step. Since then, Denise has been fascinated by the interaction and connection this dance brings.
For Denise, Lindy Hop is more than just a dance: It's a form of expression characterized by the musicality, playfulness, and openness of partner dancing. Her enthusiasm for swing music—especially live—gives her passion for dance a special touch and continues to inspire her.
With her enthusiasm and joy for swing, Denise wants to pass on this passion and inspire others to get involved in the world of Lindy Hop.
Peter Rüthemann
Lindy hop, Charleston, aerials
As a teenager, Peter discovered through rock 'n' roll how much dancing connects people. Later, Lindy Hop brought him back to the dance floor and opened up new horizons, one that not only generates energy and dynamism, but also space for creativity and innovation.
With his enthusiasm, he manages to win others over to swing and encourage them to find their own path in dance. He is particularly passionate about aerials: These breathtaking moves combine confidence, technique, and a great deal of courage. He wants to share this fascination with you in his classes, so that you can surpass yourself.
Oluwatobi Fashola
Lindy Hop, Partner Charleston
Even as a child, Oluwatobi – nicknamed Tobi – loved moving to music. Through her parents, she discovered her passion for jazz at an early age and developed a particular affinity for crooners like Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. When a friend invited her to a Lindy Hop class in the summer of 2022, it quickly became clear: After the first social, it was clear – this dance was a part of her life.
What particularly fascinates Tobi about swing dancing is its playful energy and the open, welcoming community – everyone is welcome here, regardless of age or background. She enjoys losing herself in the variety of rhythmic possibilities and creating small, vibrant works of art on the dance floor together with her partner. Whether in Switzerland or at international festivals – Tobi is constantly seeking new inspiration to further develop her dance skills.
She shares her enthusiasm with joy and passion – and invites others to let go of everyday life and be swept away by the joy of dance.
RaülHernàndez
Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa
Raul's enthusiasm for Lindy Hop stems from his passion for swing music and the freedom this dance offers. He is particularly fascinated by the individuality each dance partner brings and the unique connection that develops in every interaction.
For Raul, Lindy Hop represents playfulness and the conscious experience of the moment. He sees the blend of connection and movement as a form of communication that makes every dance special. The interplay between the character of the music and the individuality of his partners makes every moment on the dance floor unique for him.
Raul loves sharing this dynamic and inviting dance form and introducing others to the magic of swinging and movement.
Benjamin Meyer
Lindy Hop, Blues
Benjamin discovered Lindy Hop quite by chance – he'd actually only heard the quirky name and wanted to know if the dance was as crazy as its title. But after his first crash course, it quickly became clear: There's more to it than meets the eye. Since then, swing dancing has increasingly taken up more space in his life – and today, he can't imagine life without it.
What Benjamin particularly loves about swing dancing is that it's not about how perfectly you dance, but about having fun together and connecting with the other person. Grooving, laughing, simply letting go – that's exactly what makes Lindy Hop so magical for him. And if the dance floor allows it, he'll even whirl his partner through the air with a bit of extra momentum.
His goal at every party: to dance with as many people as possible, to share joy and spread good vibes – because dancing brings people together, in the most beautiful way.
