Our Teachers
& Irina
Anthony
Anthony Chen has trained in other dance styles including West Coast Swing and various modern street dances, but most of all he enjoys using this background to expand upon his technique and creativity in Lindy Hop. On the social dance floor he is known to be playful, musical, creative, and clear.
Anthony holds first place titles from events such as the International Lindy Hop Championships, Montreal Swing Riot, Camp Hollywood, Lindy Focus, and Lindy fest and Lone Star Championships. His love of both leading and following, combined with his professional background in education, makes the classes that he teaches both clear and intuitive. He is an active scene builder in his community and founded Salt City Swing, a non-profit in Utah where he teaches locally.
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​Nothing brings Irina Amzashvili (she/her) more joy than sharing a dance and building community. Since discovering Lindy Hop at 15, she has been a lifelong lover of social dancing whose dancing has since earned recognition at Camp Hollywood, the International Lindy Hop Championships, the California Balboa Classic, and All Balboa Weekend, and she is honored to be a member of both the Camp Hollywood Hall of Fame (2019) and the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame (2022).
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Just as meaningful is her work in Salt Lake City, where she co-leads Salt City Swing with her partner in both dance and life, Anthony Chen. Investing in her local scene — teaching, organizing, and creating space for others to connect — has been one of the most rewarding parts of her journey. As a teacher, Irina strives to be patient, encouraging, and approachable. Her goal is to inspire students to value the foundations and culture of these dances while also celebrating individuality, expression, and confidence through movement.
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Together they are world-renowned teachers, performers, and choreographers with a deep love for Lindy Hop and its related dances. With a combined 38 years of dance experience, they are three-time Camp Hollywood showcase champions and have earned top placements at events including the International Lindy Hop Championships, Lindy Focus, and Lindyfest. With experience teaching across North America, Asia, Europe, and Australia, their classes are known for being clear, encouraging, and grounded in strong fundamentals, with a focus on individuality and connection. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, they are also dedicated community builders of Salt City Swing, a local nonprofit founded by Anthony.
Gabriela
Gabs started dancing at four years old and has never stopped. While spending a year abroad in Leeds, UK in 2012, she discovered the Jazz dances, fell hopelessly in love, and decided to dedicate her life to this passion. She is a dancer, teacher, choreographer, researcher, DJ and event organizer primarily in Brazil, and other Latin American communities. She specializes mainly in Lindy Hop, Authentic Jazz, 1920s’ Charleston, and Collegiate Shag.
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In 2023, she became a Frankie Manning Foundation Scholar and also a part of the team that organized two editions of ILHC Latin America. She also works for iLindy, where she writes blog articles, weekly newsletter, and leads the production of new courses and projects.
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Gabs is also a huge history geek and loves to dig deeper into the roots of Jazz music and dance. As a guest in the culture, she honors the opportunity to share the legacy and culture of Black American artists who created this art form.
Jenny Thomas & Benji Talbott
Bio coming soon!
Our Musical Line-up
Acclaimed Jazz vocalist Louise Messenger - originally from Australia, has become a prominent figure in the UK swing scene. Based in London, she has captivated audiences in both the UK and worldwide, regularly performing at festivals throughout Europe as well as China, Singapore, Australia and New Orleans - as well as regular appearances in her home-town at London's most beloved venues including Nightjar, Oriole, The Ned, Crazy Coqs, The Piano Bar Soho and Alfies to name a few.
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With a voice that effortlessly blends sultry tones and dynamic energy, Louise draws inspirration from jazz legens like Carmen McRae, Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O'Day and the Boswell Sisters. Her performances are a unique mix of classic standards and lesser known gems from the Great American Songbook. Her passion for storytelling through music is clear, whether delivering smokey ballads or upbeat swing tunes.
Louise
Messenger
Marvin Muoneke
Marvin Muoneké, one of the UK’s rising jazz artists, is a vocalist, songwriter, trumpeter and performing artist with a voice that has been often referred to as rich, deep and smooth. Bringing the songs and sounds of mid-20th century jazz and popular music to modern listeners of all ages, ​Marvin brings classic sounds to modern audiences with charisma, elegance and an unmistakable presence and passion for storytelling through song.
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Nominated in 2024 at the Boisdale Music Awards for Jazz Artist Of The Year, his deep and silky voice has to be heard to be believed and really does the repertoire justice. Participants from Swing Sanctuary 2026 will remember Marvin's soulful voice filling the venue with his presence. We're delighted to have him back for 2027!