2026 INSTRUCTORS
MEET ANNIE:
Before discovering authentic jazz dances, I was a competitive gymnast for about eight years and studied engineering, earning a bachelor's degree in engineering physics from Polytechnique Montréal. However, my calling was more artistic, so I gradually made the leap into dance and teaching it.
My journey over the past 20 years has allowed me to discover the wonderful swing dances, to co-found Studio 88 Swing in Montreal and the Swinging Air Force troupes, to win international competitions, to travel to more than 15 countries to teach and share my passion, to judge at the Canadian Swing Championship and the International Lindy Hop Championship , to choreograph for Cirque du Soleil and to dance for several television shows such as Les Dieux de la Danse.
Today, having also started a family, my vocation has aligned with my deepest values. I feel a profound desire to coach, to support dancers, couples, or teams in defining and achieving their dance goals. I want to share my extensive knowledge and unique experience with anyone wishing to create a journey within the context of Lindy Hop and authentic Jazz dances, in a supportive and nurturing atmosphere. Furthermore, I wish to practice gratitude for the African American roots of these dances and honor the culture behind all the beauty and essence of Jazz, and continue my quest for a deeper understanding of its history so that I can share as much as possible with my students.
Annie Trudeau & Rafal Pustelny
MEET RAFAL:
Rafal Pustelny is a vibrant dancer and instructor who is passionate about traditional dances from all around the world! Rafal moved to NYC in 2010 and there studied American Jazz dance forms, including Lindy Hop, Charleston, and Balboa. He quickly established himself as one of the top dancers in NYC, and has since earned acclaim in the international swing dance community. His wide knowledge and skill in various styles has helped him win top placements in international competitions and has created opportunities for him to teach around the world.
Rafal’s expertise and passion for dance shine in the classroom; he uses his technical prowess, upbeat sense of humor, and innate ability to connect with people to distill high-level content into accessible pieces that elevate multiple aspects of his students’ dancing.
Rafal continues his own dance education by studying Tap, Clogging, Hungarian folk dances, and Polish folk dances. As a performer, he works with several regional groups, including “Gatsby Entertainment,” “The Vanaver Caravan,” “Project Connect”, and “Harvest Moon Hoppers”, as well as community events and corporate parties. A Frankie Manning Foundation Ambassador, he teaches and performs locally with “You Should Be Dancing” studios. You can also find him at international events where he works with dance communities across the globe.
Gaby Cook & AJ Howard
MEET GABY:
Gaby Cook is an esteemed, active professional in the global lindy hop community. For 20 years, she has established her career performing and teaching for major swing dance festivals worldwide — including Stompology, Swing Out New Hampshire, Camp Hollywood, Beantown, Herräng Dance Camp, Lindy on the Rocks, Paris Jazz Roots and Lindy Focus. On stage, she is a principal dancer for the acclaimed "SW!NG OUT", which premiered at the Joyce theater (2021) and tours regularly. Other stage credits include: “Macy’s Day Parade Live Broadcast” for Nickelodeon’s Blues Clues (2022), "Swing's the Thing" with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra (2023), “Decades of Dance” at the BET Soultrain Awards (2021), “Don’t Mean a Thing” with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center (2021). She regularly advocates for lindy hop in industry dance communities and is consistently "on-call" with university dance programs (past: Julliard, Marymount, NYU, Columbia).
In New York, Gaby curates and teaches several swing dance programs, including Midtown Swing with AJ Howard. In class, she is playful, informative and honest. She prioritizes equality for followers and leaders in the classroom space — and has championed a movement first approach to teaching partnered dance content. Online at @gaby_cook
MEET AJ:
AJ Howard is a vibrant force in New York City's Lindy Hop scene. As a celebrated dancer, teacher, and competitor, AJ brings undeniable energy to the floor—his dynamic style and deep love for the dance have made him a standout at events across the globe. He’s performed in productions like SW!NG OUT! and earned his place in the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame.
When he's not dancing, AJ keeps the rhythm alive as an emcee, hyping crowds at world-class events like ILHC, Paris Jazz Roots, and the International Swing Dance Championships. Whether leading a packed workshop or lighting up the social floor, AJ blends skill and showmanship with a deep commitment to community, creating spaces where dancers of all levels feel welcome, inspired, and connected.
Breonna Jordan & Sean Vitale
MEET BREONNA:
Some of Breonna’s fondest childhood memories are dancing in the kitchen with her siblings to top 40 radio while dinner was being prepared. Cooking, cleaning, roadtrips - music and dance was a part of everyday life. But it wasn’t until Breonna moved to New Orleans, where she experienced her first taste of live traditional jazz music, that she realized her affinity for the living art form of jazz dance. She has danced and studied Lindy Hop, along with Vernacular Jazz at many different festivals and workshops around the world. As an emerging New Orleans based dance instructor, she values the connections between music, history, and authentic self expression through movement.
MEET SEAN:
Sean Vitale is a dynamic dancer with a love for jazz music and movement. Sean has been lindy hopping since 2018 and is grateful to be a part of the cast of the acclaimed Lindy stage show, Sw!ng Out. Sean is a prominent member of the NYC based dance troupe, The Harvest Moon Hoppers. Sean is also a past member of Frankie Manning’s legacy troupe,The Big Apple Lindy Hoppers.
As a partnered dance specialist, Sean excels at improvisation and has won many partnered improvisation (luck of the draw) competitions throughout the U.S. and Europe. Beyond his work as a dancer and educator, Sean is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, board certified in the treatment of people affected by neurologic conditions such as, Parkinson’s disease, MS, stroke, and spinal cord injury.
