About dance...
Lindy Hop
Lindy Hop is the original swing dance that originated in Harlem, New York, in the late 1920s and was performed to the swing music that influenced the era. Described as the most joyful dance in the world, Lindy Hop is a social jazz dance performed with partners. Originally of African American origin, this dance was also inspired by European ballroom dances of the time and pioneered dance genres such as Jive, Rock and Roll, and Boogie Woogie, which emerged after World War II.
Solo Jazz
Solo Jazz is a solo dance form that emerged in the 1920s with jazz music and whose traditional movements are inspired by tap and African dances. As in jazz music, authentic jazz emphasizes improvisation and creativity, allowing each dancer to express their unique character and characteristics.
Charleston
The Charleston first emerged as an African-American folk dance in the Southern states of the United States in 1903. Particularly identified with Charleston, South Carolina, the dance can be performed solo, with a partner, or in a group. This social jazz dance, which continued to grow in popularity in the 1920s, took America by storm with the Broadway musical Runnin' Wild (1923).
OUR TEAM
OUR INSTRUCTORS
Ceren AY
I was born in Gölcük in 1988. While I received my primary and secondary education in various parts of Türkiye, I continued my education there when my family moved to Ankara during high school. Immediately after graduating from the Department of Economics at METU in 2011, I began working in the auditing sector in Istanbul. I worked abroad between October 2017 and January 2020.
I currently live in Ankara and continue to teach Lindy Hop and solo jazz dance, as well as raising awareness about socio-cultural interactions, both past and present, through presentations on jazz and dance history.
I discovered Lindy Hop in early 2015 and then continued with Solo Jazz and Charleston. Lindy Hop, a dance I adored in black-and-white films as a child, became a panacea for me, a way to fully express myself. Later, driven by a desire to learn everything about this culture and share it with others, I began teaching. Between 2017 and 2019, I continued teaching in various cities while living abroad. I also received teacher training from international instructors, co-taught classes, and participated in numerous events, festivals, and various performances. As my 20s arrived again, I returned to my beautiful homeland and am delighted to share all the knowledge and experience I've gained at the Lindy Hop Company. I've also been serving as the social media and marketing manager of Herräng Dance Camp since January 2023, serving as part of the year-round strategic and operational team.
Aycan Aşıkoğlu
My dance adventure began at the tender age of four, sparked by a ballet dancer neighbor, as I gained flexibility in the gyms of Ankara's 19 Mayıs Stadium. I spent my primary school years immersed in the magical world of children's ballet on the Ankara State Opera and Ballet stage. Performing as a child lead in numerous performances instilled in me discipline and a love of the stage.
In middle school, I channeled my energy into aerobic gymnastics competitions and collected many medals in this branch of dance. When I got to university, I pushed the boundaries of dance.
I expanded my knowledge; I was introduced to the free expression of Contemporary Dance, the rhythm of Hip Hop and the power of Breaking, and I organized many shows blending these styles.
The pandemic took an unexpected turn in my life. I followed a friend to a Solo Jazz demonstration by Ceren Ay at the Botanical Park below Atakule, and my jazz adventure began. Lindy Hop introduced me to the most authentic forms of dance—the excitement of jazz, the freedom of improvisation, and the warmth of social connection.
Since that day, over four years ago, I've been immersed in this magnificent dance. I dance at festivals and teach classes to spread this passion. I'm here to share all of this knowledge—the discipline of ballet, the power of gymnastics, the energy of hip hop, and the spirit of jazz—with Lindy Hop and those around me. Let's explore this vibrant world together and dance with the spirit of a first-time child on stage.
Nergiz Yektan
I was born in Istanbul in 1993. I came to Ankara in 2012 to study at university, fell in love with the city, and settled down. My father was a folk dance instructor, so I could say I was born into dance. One day, while making a note in my diary, I came across a quote by Paulo Coelho from June 22, 2020 (Monday): “Dance transforms everything, it is demanding, and it judges no one. A person who is free dances.”… When the doorbell rang after reading it, I decided I had to stop playing and dance. After transitioning to the new normal of social distancing and restrictions brought on by the pandemic, I discovered Lindy Hop in January 2023.
I've been practicing Lindy Hop since October 2023, and Solo Jazz since March 2024, under the umbrella of the Lindy Hop Company. I liken this dance to the fairy tales my elders told me as a child, stories I listened to with great curiosity and felt deeply saddened when they ended. I believe the heroes of these tales are people who liberate themselves while sharing the culture they inhabit.
Zihni Deniz
My first encounter with Lindy Hop occurred in the fall of 2018. I remember vividly yesterday the reaction I received when I shared my intentions to start dancing, "You?" While this reaction was harsh, I couldn't say it was unjustified. I was leading a sedentary lifestyle, juggling school, freelance work, and video games. However, when my existing interest in jazz combined with the newfound visual appeal of Lindy Hop, I was truly thrilled. I had to take action and start dancing as soon as possible. I enrolled in a course at the first opportunity. Everything was going well; I'd learned the basic steps,
As a new dancer, I was starting to gain some confidence and prepared myself to put more effort into this dance, until the pandemic broke out in the spring of 2019...
As a result, I had to take a break from dancing for a few years. I was physically away from Lindy Hop, but it didn't matter because I had already made up my mind; I would start again someday. And indeed, that's exactly what happened: after completing my undergraduate degree and starting my professional life following the pandemic, I returned to Lindy Hop in December 2022. Since then, my interest in not only Lindy Hop but also authentic jazz dance and its community in general has grown exponentially. Attending classes evolved into social dancing and attending parties, then participating in shows and festivals. I'm currently an instructor at the Lindy Hop Company, helping those who want to incorporate this dance into their lives. So, ignore those who say, "Is that you?"—get into the rhythm as soon as you get the chance!
Gizem Özlem Öztekeşin
I was born in Sivas in 1992. I completed primary, secondary, and high school in Samsun. My primary school teacher would choreograph and prepare a play for every national holiday, and train us. I danced and worked in theatre for eight years. So, dance entered my life with my primary school teacher and continued with dancing at home, sometimes with music playing in my headphones while walking, and sometimes without music. I also had my first encounter with swing dancing in a movie I watched in 2019. After moving to Ankara in 2021, I decided it was the perfect time to learn swing dance.
I started taking Lindy Hop lessons in December 2023, and Solo Jazz lessons in February 2025. In short, dance has never left my life. Whether it's to music or to your inner rhythm, dance and your world (and our world) will become more beautiful.
Sıla Keskin
I was born in Izmir in 1994 and spent my childhood immersed in the warmth of the Aegean. I moved to Ankara for university in 2012 and have never been able to leave this city. I received my BA from METU Architecture in 2018 and my MBA from METU Business Administration in 2023. After graduation, I began working as a business analyst and have been active in this field since 2018.
I briefly dabbled in rock 'n' roll and Latin dance during my university years, but I never pursued any of them. The free spirit of Lindy Hop and the dynamism of Solo Jazz quickly became a big part of my life. I'm someone who maintains control in my daily life. But follower
Dancing as a dancer has taught me something completely different: letting go, trusting, and being free. I'm doing my best to share the joy of dance with others and to expand the community through the things it has taught me and the way it has made me feel.
OUR ADMINISTRATIVE AFFAIRS TEAM
Ekin Köklü
She graduated from the Department of Turkish Language and Literature at TOBB University of Economics and Technology in 2018. She later completed her master's degree in Women's and Gender Studies at Hacettepe University. She works as an editor, proofreader, and copywriter. Since February 2025, she has been dancing and writing about dance for the Lindy Hop Company.
(Looking for)
Administrative Assistant
