When This Dance Duo Took To The Stage, Their Astonishing Routine Completely Stole The Show

Picture this: you’re in the front row of the world’s premier swing dance festival, and the mood is flyin’ high. Numerous couples have already shown their fanciest footwork, and everyone is dressed to the nines. But the crowd is really going wild for one pair in particular: when Nils Andrén and Bianca Locatelli take center stage, a hush comes over the floor, and watching them instantly transports you back to the Roaring Twenties. So where did they learn to dance like that? What’s their secret?

The festival in question is Rock That Swing, an event which takes place every year in the German city of Munich. A celebration of all things swing – as well as a little bit of rock and roll – the feast of music offers a throwback to the sounds of the 1920s through to the 1950s. And there are plenty of chances for folk to both watch and get involved.

That’s right, there are hundreds of workshops taking place at the event, which has been staged annually since 2006. Across five toe-tapping days, attendees can try out everything from Balboa and Boogie Woogie to Rockabilly and Lindy Hop. These classes are taught by no fewer than 70 of the most skilled dance teachers on Earth.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a dancing champion or have two left feet, either. Festivalgoers are encouraged to bust a move no matter what their skillset is, thanks to classes ranging from absolute beginner all the way up to pro. Of course, some swing fans are more than content to just spectate instead.

And there’s still plenty to keep Rock That Swing attendees occupied, if that’s the case. The festival stages several exciting competitions that pit some of the globe’s finest swing dancers against each other. But in 2020 it was one particular couple that stole the show: the one and only Bianca Locatelli and Nils Andrén.