The Sydney Swing Katz are one of Australia's premiere swing dancing performance troupes. Their spectacular and extravagant floorshows replicate the dance styles done in the 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s, being Charleston, Swing, Lindy Hop, and Rock n Roll.
The Swing Katz troupe was established in 2000 and is comprised of many talented, vibrant, young and enthusiastic dancers from Sydney, Australia. They have performed alongside some great musicians and artists such as The Beach Boys, John & James Morrison, The Bloody Beetroots, Lanie Lane, Belles Will Ring, United Dance Works (UDW), Ignatius Jones, Rhonda Burchmore, The Velvet Set & Monica Trapaga just to name a few. They also have earned the respect of their peers in the world of dancing through many years of competing and teaching.
Knockout performances in front of 60,000 people are not unusual for this talented group. They have performed at events such as 'The Legends of Jazz', Sydney Olympic Games, Big Day Out, Cooly Rocks On And ChromeFest, as well as numerous TV appearances and performances in Hong Kong for Davidoff and Jakarta for Hermes. They have also performed for such charity events as the Life Without Barriers Hollywood Ball, Valentine's Day Masquerade Ball For The Cancer Foundation and 'Christmas in July' for The Salvation Army. They perform regularly at major corporate functions such as Gucci, PWC, Hyundai, Fuji Xerox, Australian Bridal Service and have entertained some highly respected guests and personalities such as the Lord Mayors awards night. They have taught and provided choreography work for other industry professionals such as Carmelo Pizzino (Dancing with the Stars), The Squared Division and choreography for various music video clips. The Katz also provided dance lessons, choreography and performances for bridal couples at their weddings, Cosmopolitan Bride Magazine, The Australian Bridal Service and One Fine Day.
"The Sydney Swing Katz move and groove with some of the highest energy dancing you will see of any style. Their highly polished presentation has been featured with Swing City at our biggest performances and they knock us out every time. SSK present traditional Lindy Hop with a fresh and original style, which continues to amaze even other professional dancers. They don't just burn the floor, they blow it up" - John Morrison of John Morrison's Swing City Band.
"The Katz explode with colour, excitement and energy the moment they hit the floor recreating those gravity defying air steps and swinging sex appeal!" Harden-Murrumburrah Express' Newspaper
Justin has been an integral part of the Kats since its inception in 2000 with his roles as head choreographer and principal instructor. He was one of the original founding members and has been dancing for 20 years.
In this time he has achieved almost everything possible, from National and Australasian titles, to City Council Awards and Young Australian of the year nominations. Justin and former partner Kelly were the eventual winners of the Marrickville 'Band of Gold Rock n Roll' dance competition, taking home $20,000 dollars. Justin's passion for dance is evident when you see his smooth dance style on the floor.
Monica (even though one of our younger katz) is the lead kitten among the girls. She brings a sexy, elegant flare to the dance floor, with unique footwork and some of the fastest spins you will ever see.
Monica has over 9 years of dancing experience and in that time has achieved a lot, from winning numerous competitions to performing at prestigious events. She now focuses on teaching and performing in such styles as Bridal Waltz, Latin, Swing and Rock n Roll.
James is one of the senior members of the newly reformed Swing Katz. He has over 7 years dance experience, including his head teacher role at Blue Suede Shoes Dance School and 4 years of performing and competing. In this time he has developed a unique style and some fast footwork.
One of James' most recent achievements was winning the Rock n Roll dance off with Monica Kroehnert (a fellow Kat) at the Gangters' Ball, held at the Sydney Metro in 2009.
Suzie found herself in Swing and Rock n Roll dancing after being introduced to it just a short time ago, But don't let this fool you! Out on the dance floor Suzie is up there with the best of them, where her smile, passion for the dance and love of the music shine through.
In this short time, Suzie has gained a wealth of experience in performance dancing and competitions. Just recently, she has started to make a move towards becoming a dance instructor.
After a 7-year break from the dance scene, Andrew has returned with a vengeance, joining the Sydney Swing Katz. He possesses a huge amount of talent, unique styling and an attitude that might just kill you! This chain-smoking, boozed up Stray Kat burns holes in the dance floor!
Andrew started his dancing career a long time ago, back in the mountains doing Rock n Roll dancing. He has been able to create a style un-to his own and loves to do aerials! So watch carefully when this Kat is swinging his stuff.
Kylie has been dancing for over 15 years and started when she was just 8 years old. She is proficient in many styles of dance, including Latin, Ballroom, Swing and Rock n Roll. Her true love being that of the Swing and Rock n Roll era, from the music to the dances.
Kylie has won many competition titles and is a well respected member, as she has performed at numerous corporate events and functions with the Sydney Swing Katz. You can see her latin dancing technique and style come through on the dance floor.
Ernie has been dancing for nearly 8 years and in this time he has dabbled in many styles of dance, from Swing and Rock n Roll to Blues, Latin American and even Argentine Tango. He has a quiet confidence and when placed in the spotlight, this Kat shines through.
Ernie is one of our more experienced, seasoned dancers, who found himself in 2005 swinging down the streets of London's News Years Day Parade. He has also competed with fellow Kat Kylie Mepham, coming away with success in the lindy hop and slow swing categories.
Mr Mitch is the musician of the group and has been dancing near on 9 years now. He loves his Swing and Rockabilly dancing and is developing a Rock n Roll style unto his own.
This Kat strays from the lime light but when he hits the floor he lets loose! Keep your eyes on this Kat.
Jessica began dancing Swing and Rock n Roll at sweet 16 and in the time since has been able to add her touch of class to Rockabilly, Latin, and even Ballroom dancing. She also has national competition titles in Rock n Roll.
Jess joined the Katz in 2007 and is one of our most experienced dancers in the art of aerials and throws. She performs regularly with the Katz and adds her sexy, sultry, sassy attitude every time she hits the floor!
This young kitten has been dancing for over 10 years, starting her dancing career out in Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Contemporary. Courtney has since moved on to Swing and Rock n Roll dancing and became an instant standout.
She has only been in the group for a relatively short time and lists one of her best achievements thus far as 'performing with the Sydney Swing Katz at Chrome Fest '09'. Alongside all this dancing, training and performing, she is studying to become a Vet. Courtney is a vibrant young star, with a lot of potential.
Eden is the bubbly and enthusiastic kat she brings character, charisma and energy to every performance and training session she does.
Eden has been Swing and Rock n Roll dancing for over 6 years, competing and performing along the way. She also loves the challenge of new techniques and aerials. Be on the lookout for this Kat in years to come!
Nigel started his dancing career in the field of Latin American Ballroom dancing and then stumbled across Rock n Roll & Swing dancing shortly after. Although Nigel's dancing career is still in its infancy he has already managed to shine at the recent NSW State Tittles coming away with 2 first places 2 third places and with his partner Eden ( a fellow Kat ) walking away with the Rising Star Award.
Be on the look out for this Kat in years to come with the dedication and attitude shown thus far he will be one to watch!
Latest Kat In Production.
Lynette has come back from hiatus to rejoin the Katz once again and continue her passion for swing dancing. She knows numerous styles ranging from rockabilly to swing and has had a lot of influences in her 8-year plus dancing career. In this time Lynette has performed and competeted with great sucess ; she has a genuine love for dancing, music, and training.
This young lady has been dancing as long as she has been walking ! Liz started her dance career in the fields of ballet, jazz, and contemporary. Along the way she has also dabbled in Tap dancing and Hip Hop until finally stumbling along Swing dancing.
Liz brings her own unique style to the dance floor as her Ballet and Modern influence are evident in her Swing. She also brings youthful exuberance and over 15 years of dance experience from competing, performing and medal tests .
Introducing one of our newest most vibrant kat, Lancey originally a Latin dancer, met the Katz during her Performance Studies Honours placement where she spent several months taking notes on the group. It wasn't long before she put her note book down and started to join in!
Lancey already feels right at home amongst this friendly bunch, though she is still getting used to being chased by dogs on her walk home. Be on the look out for this animated kitten!
With prior dance experience in Rock 'N' Roll and Rockabilly, Matthew quickly began to yearn for more than social dancing. It wasn't long before he discovered Swing, and with that, the Swing Katz!
Matthew's charismatic nature makes his presence on the floor shine and known! He is a born performer and takes every opportunity to get the crowd involved and pounce onto any dance floor.
Elle is one of our latest "new wave" members with 11 years experience in Ballroom & Latin both competing and performing, Elle has transitioned from all things Strictly Ballroom to a Swing Sweet Pussycat.
One night, after dark, she was lured into the swing world by a posse of smooth Alley Kats, and hasn't looked back since. From Tango in musicals, to Cha Cha in competition, to Charleston at The Gangsters' Ball, you'll find Elle where the d-floor is. She is a star to watch !!
This Kat comes to us with a multi facet of talents. Tash has been dancing for 4 years, She has a street Salsa background, and an absolute love for unique photography and performing.
Sheer determination and stubbornness has brought her straight into to the spot light as one of our best up and coming dancers. This Kat is also the fashionista of the group, always dressed to the 9’s and looking sharp! So watch out MeoowW!
Karen Armstrong
Samantha Haynes
Siobhan Ford
Phoenix
Shaun Smith
Keith Woodward
Rodney Amato
We would like to pay tribute to those who have been and gone. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication in the past, wishing you Katz all the best in your future aspirations.
Josh & Loren- M.I.A
Kelly Ann James - Has become a burlesque star and is now based in Victoria running the Melbourne Swing Katz
Aaron Keenan - Is the lead singer of well known Rockabilly band 'No Brakes'.
Michelle Camilleri- Retired
