Kyiv born, Barcelona based, alina sokulska is a choreographer, dance & performance artist, Doctor of Philosophy (“cum laude”) with a research on contemprary choreography.
alina’s long-time research in social dances of the African diaspora, formation in contemporary dance, as well as experience of choreographing live with contemporary jazz and improvisational music has shaped her movement language and pushed her to develop her approach to dance improvisation and spontaneous composition. her performances are a deep reflection of her diverse influences and innovative spirit.
alina will bring her vision to this Bluesila, proposing the creative ways of how we can reflect about and relate to the blues dance and music from the contemporary perspectives of our individual and collective stories.
Nicolas and Alina are united by a long story, tested by time and distance.
Having met each other in 2015 in Minsk and easily felt their duet harmonious and easy going. The classes with them, fascinating mix of french charm and eastern austerity – after all are kind of friendly meeting where everyone laughs, shares thoughts aloud, listens to the stories of the sensei, gets silent and flow into the dance…
As each of them had their own dancing experience, their dancing style became rich of different techniques. Tango, hip-hop, classic, contemporary dance and later lindy hop and blues – all these different families of dance now help them in understanding mechanics and aesthetics of the body and way of moving according to traditions of different dances. Relying on feelings and self-expression, virtuously combining their experience in dance, with every dance they build their unique universe.
Nicolas and Alina are based in Rennes (France), they are organizing numerous events and teaching in school called “Dance Addict”, that was created by Nicolas in 2014. They have already taught together in their native France, Belarus, and beyond, took prizes in competitions separately and in a couple. And the common passion for travel and sharing each time inspires them for new projects.
In every class, Flouer’s genuine warmth and contagious excitement match her passion for academic rigor. Deeply curious about the intersection of culture and movement, Flouer believes that the pathway to being “free” while partner dancing is building individual movement capacity while cultivating attunement to both your partner and the community.
Originally from New York City and now based in Italy, Flouer has an MFA in dance and extensive experience in many partnered and solo dance forms. She has been teaching blues dance as we know it in our global community since 2010, and dancing “blues” since 1999. She has taught, performed and competed throughout Europe, North & South Americas, Australia, and Asia.
She is known for weaving together technical precision with rich cultural storytelling, connecting you to the historical roots of our dance. Her approach emphasizes both artistry and embodiment, helping you feel the dance from the inside out while discovering your own authentic expression within tradition.
“The reason to master technique is so the body does not prevent the soul from expressing itself” – la Meri
Gas and Jessie
Jessie and Gas met at Hullaballoo 2016 (a dance festival in Perth, Western Australia), in a darkened corner of a late night party, started dancing and haven’t stopped since then, despite living on different continents.
They have a deep love and appreciation for jazz, blues and swing music and the dances that evolved from them, and have taught together in Italy, Korea, Australia, Bulgaria and Spain.
Gas and Jessie are super excited to be teaching together in Bluesila!
Gas Fernández is a professional dancer and dance instructor based in Madrid, Spain. He specialises in vintage dance styles including Lindy Hop, Charleston, authentic jazz, Balboa, Blues and Tango. As a former gymnast he is known in the swing dance community for his powerful acrobatics and aerials, while his background in Tango gives his blues style drama and strength, grounded in a sensitive connection with his partner. Gas’s passion for swing has taken him around the world, he has taught in some of the best swing and blues camps in the world, like Hërrang, Snowball, MSF, Lindy Shock, Smokey feet, Nocturne Blues, and many more.
Jessie Gordon is an internationally award winning singer/songwriter, jazz and blues vocalist, and a passionate performer and dancer. She specialises in solo movement, Lindy Hop and Blues. As a musician, she is particularly inspired by the improvisational element of partnered dancing, and her dance style is deeply responsive to the music she is dancing to (watch out if Dolly Parton comes on, no one is safe).
Dawa and Youngdon
Dawa’s artistic journey through movement began with the mesmerizing traditions of Polynesian dance before evolving through the passionate expressions of salsa and the sophisticated syncopations of Lindy Hop. In 2012, she discovered her true calling in blues dance, launching a teaching partnership with Youngdon that would shape the Asian blues dance landscape.
As a performer and competitor, Dawa has distinguished herself on international stages throughout the United States and Europe, earning finalist and champion titles at prestigious blues dance events. Her competitive achievements reflect not merely technical mastery, but a profound understanding of blues as both an art form and cultural expression.
Beyond her accomplishments as a performer, Dawa has emerged as an influential voice in blues dance education. As an instructor with “The Blues” collective and founder-director of “The Mooche”—an innovative all-female solo performance ensemble—she has cultivated a distinctive pedagogical approach that honors the dance’s African American roots while exploring its contemporary evolution. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes authenticity, musicality, and the deeply personal nature of blues expression.
Dawa continues to share her expertise and passion across Asia and Europe, bridging communities and preserving the rich diversity of blues dance styles for future generations of dancers.
Youngdon’s immersion into the world of social dance began with Lindy Hop in 2005, but it was during his transformative experiences in the United States in 2007 that he encountered the profound depths of blues dance—a discovery that would define his artistic trajectory and life’s work.
As both a celebrated performer and visionary organizer, Youngdon has become a pivotal figure in cultivating the blues dance community across continents. His competitive achievements on prestigious international stages throughout the United States and Europe—where he has earned finalist and champion recognition—testify to his exceptional artistry and deep connection to the music’s emotional resonance.
Beyond the stage, Youngdon’s most enduring contribution lies in his role as a cultural architect for blues dance in Asia. As the founder and director of Blue Sweet and Korea Blues Camp, he has created vital platforms that nurture community, foster artistic exchange, and ensure the continued vitality of blues dance traditions in the region. These events have become landmarks in the Asian blues calendar, drawing dancers and musicians from around the world.
Youngdon maintains a rigorous international teaching schedule, traveling annually between Asia, the United States, and Europe. His workshops are distinguished by their emphasis on musical interpretation, improvisational authenticity, and the historical consciousness necessary to honor blues dance’s cultural legacy. Through this sustained commitment to education and community building, Youngdon continues to bridge continents and generations, ensuring that the spirit of blues dance thrives across borders.
