Lindy hop and Jazz

Ryan Francois is a jazz dancer, choreographer, instructor, and historian, and a key figure in the revival of vernacular jazz. A two-time US Open and American Swing Dance Champion, he is also a recipient of the Frankie Manning Award.

He is internationally known for bringing Charleston and Lindy Hop to mainstream audiences through shows like Strictly Come Dancing, Dancing with the Stars, and So You Think You Can Dance, as well as for his work on the Broadway show SWING! (1999), which received nominations for the Tony Award, Drama Desk, and Fred Astaire Award.

Ryan first joined Policoro in Swing in 2016 and has been a special part of the event ever since, sharing his deep knowledge, musicality, and passion for jazz with dancers from all over the world.