Sep & Kanini

  • Helena Kanini Kiiru is an Old School Jazz/Swing dancer, teacher and performer. She was born in Zagreb with a Croatian mother and Kenyan father. Having Kenyan roots in her family made her exposed to many African rhythms from a very early age. She likes to assume that that’s where her passion for Jazz was sparked, as this music and dance carry African roots within. 

    She remembers seeing videos of Black dancers such as Josephine Baker, Mable Lee, Al Minns, and thinking to herself – That’s what I am going to do! Today, her greatest inspirations are African American Vernacular Jazz dances! Her passion for the rhythms & irresistible grooves of Swing music led her to start teaching and performing all around Europe and even across the globe in places like South Korea, Thailand, Texas and much more to come in the upcoming year. Her teaching style is very playful and approachable, yet deep and overarching, embracing many values which this dance carries within itself. Helena Kanini holds Jazz in her shoulders and swinging hips, within her fast feet and charismatic smile and she is ready to share it with you! 

     

    Sep Vermeersch is a unique and committed creative. He’s a passionate jazz, blues & swing dancer and aspiring expert in the matter. When teaching he prefers holding space as a facilitator. It’s all about the ‘jazz’ process: historical context, personal development and expressing your own style while trying to appreciate this African American art form as a guest. He also knows how to handle the Dj Booth mixing for dancing crowds or holds the mike when holding space as a sensuous MC. Sep also shapes and organizes events and festivals such as Upside Down Festival, Big City Blues or LouisLou’s Dance Madness. 

    The combination of his educational background, playful attitude and daily practice make him a unique person to collaborate with. His curiosity for the deep ways of jazz, humanity and his successful performances in the sector make him a welcomed guest in various projects around the globe. Get to meet Sep and allow yourself to be shaken with love and groove.