Pepita Summer Swing – A Summer in Motion
Europe’s first swing dance camp held during an authentic jazz festival – where your days are filled with rhythm and movement from morning to night.
Pepita Summer Swing meets Jazzfőváros: Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz classes with international teachers by day, live open-air concerts by night.
Sunshine, live music, dancing, and a vibrant community – join us in Kecskemét, August 6–10, 2025!
TEACHERS
Ari & Simon
Ari & Simon are internationally acclaimed swing dance teachers, performers, and choreographers – equally at home in both Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz. For them, these dance forms are more than just sequences of steps; they are vibrant, culture-bearing artistic languages.
They’ve been working together since 2016, teaching around the world while also building a growing online community through their Patreon platform.
Their classes are known for their energy, musicality, and deep, instinctive connection to the music. Dance, for them, is a playful and honest dialogue – where the music, your partner, and you yourself all have a voice.
As multiple-time international competition winners – including titles from the ILHC, Savoy Cup, and Korean Lindy Hop Championships – Ari & Simon bring authenticity and passion to every stage and workshop, celebrating and sharing the rich culture of swing dance.

Sonia & Hector
Sonia & Hector have been making their way from Barcelona onto dance floors around the world.
For them, dance is more than movement – it’s a dialogue with music, with oneself, and with the community. In their classes, playful exploration goes hand in hand with artistic depth. Through carefully designed exercises, they guide dancers to go beyond the steps, discover the freedom of rhythm, and express themselves with honesty and confidence.
As performers, Sonia and Hector connect effortlessly with musicians – whether sharing the stage with an intimate jazz trio or a full big band. Their choreographies are rooted in personal experience, yet shaped into shared artistic moments.
For them, Lindy Hop is a space where all their influences come together – from classical ballet and contemporary dance to Argentine tango and Latin rhythms – gaining new meaning through swing.
They don’t just teach – they inspire. And once you meet them on the dance floor, one thing’s for sure: you won’t forget them.

MUSIC
The heart of the festival is the music – and the people who bring it to life.
The Jazzfőváros team ensures that the musical experience is just as unforgettable as the dancing:
with over 100 musicians from 11 countries performing on 5 stages, they bring the most vibrant jazz atmosphere of the summer to Kecskemét.
Curious to know who’s taking the stage and what unique concerts await you?
BANDS
Jake Walker
🎷 Jake Walker – Traditional swing with fresh energy 🎶
Jake Walker was formed in 2016 in Ghent, Belgium, when two young musicians – Wouter Van den Broeck and Alec Lagrange – felt something was missing from their conservatory studies: traditional jazz. They gathered friends from the local scene, and the band was born. Drawing inspiration from New Orleans jazz classics, they developed a signature sound that now travels across Europe with style and swing.
Their repertoire breathes new life into the music of legends like Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and John Kirby – with arrangements crafted for dancers and enriched with strong musical taste.
🎺 Beloved guests at international swing festivals, Jake Walker has built a strong name far beyond Belgium – yet they remain deeply connected to their roots in Ghent’s vibrant jazz community. With fresh drive, infectious energy, and genuine passion, they bring swing music to the dance floor in the way it’s meant to be experienced: live, joyful, and full of soul.
Band members: Cedric de Lat (trumpet), Werend Van Den Bossche (alto saxophone / clarinet), Warre Van De Putte (tenor saxophone), Dree Peeremans (trombone), Wouter Van den Broeck (piano), Pieter Mortier (double bass), Simon Raman (drums)

The Fried Seven
The members of The Fried Seven grew up listening to the giants of classic jazz – King Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton, and Louis Armstrong. Inspired by this rich musical heritage, they developed a sound that blends youthful energy, technical brilliance, and a deep respect for the fiery jazz of the 1920s.
Based in Amsterdam, the band quickly became one of the most exciting names on the European jazz scene. With their dynamic stage presence and heartfelt performances, they’ve won over audiences at festivals and clubs across the continent. In January 2024, they released their debut album Late to the Party on the renowned Rivermont Records label.
If you love your jazz raw, lively, and full of spirit, The Fried Seven won’t disappoint. This is music you don’t just listen to – you experience it.
Band members: Pablo Castillo (clarinet), Matteo Paggi (trombone), Martí Mitjavila (clarinet & tenor saxophone), Pepijn Mouwen (alto saxophone), Cem Karayalçin (banjo), William Barrett (double bass), Carlos Ayuso (drums)

Bohém Ragtime Jazz Band
The Emerton Award-winning Bohém Ragtime Jazz Band was founded in 1985 in Kecskemét and has since become one of the key players in the Hungarian jazz scene. Their repertoire spans nearly every branch of classic jazz – from ragtime and New Orleans jazz to dixieland and swing.
They place special emphasis on Hungarian material, performing both old popular hits and original compositions. The band is a regular guest at international festivals and often collaborates with guest soloists.
Since 1992, they have served as the hosts of the renowned International Bohém Ragtime & Jazz Festival, and since 2016, they’ve also taken on the same role at the Jazzfőváros Festival.
Band members: Éva Bolba (vocals), József Lebanov (trumpet), Zsolt Bera (trombone), Domonkos Berkó (clarinet, saxophone), Tamás Ittzés (piano, violin, vocals, artistic director), Csaba Hegedüs (guitar, banjo), Attila Korb (double bass), Krisztián Gulyás-Szabó (drums)

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
FESTIVAL LOCATION
Domb Beach
At Jazzfőváros, it’s not just the music that creates the magic — the setting plays its part too.
Concerts take place both in large event tents and open-air spaces: you’ll find wooden flooring in the tents, concrete by the beach, and a grassy dance floor in front of the truck stage.
Feeling hungry between sets or dance sessions? Local food trucks will be serving delicious bites and refreshing drinks — so you’ll never go hungry or thirsty.
And on hot summer days, why not cool off with a swim? Your festival ticket includes access to the beach area!
And don’t worry about the weather — in case of rain, all programs will continue in the covered tents. The vibe stays alive, rain or shine!

CLASSES
Mornings and afternoons are all about learning!
Limited spots available
Each level is limited to 26 participants, ensuring a personal and friendly atmosphere.
No auditions
There won’t be a formal audition. If the teachers feel someone is in the wrong group, they’ll kindly help them move to the level where they can learn and grow the most.
Mix and match your classes
You’re free to combine classes to suit your rhythm and interests — shape your camp experience the way it fits you best.
SCHEDULE
The table below shows the daily schedule for the Pepita Summer Swing dance camp.
The detailed concert program of the Jazzfőváros festival will be available soon – you’ll find it under a separate menu!
To help you navigate easily, all classes are color-coded:
each class type (Lindy Hop, Solo Jazz, Master Class) has its own color,
and each level is marked with a different shade as well, so you can quickly spot what’s for you.
Click on any class to see its level description, so you can be sure you’re in the right group.
If you've ordered meals, keep an eye on the meal blocks too – the daily menu will be available there soon, so you can plan ahead!
Sze / Wed
-
Lindy hop - Master Class
-
venue: University
Ari & Simon
-
EBÉD / LUNCH
-
venue: University
-
Lindy hop - Master Class
-
venue: University
Ari & Simon
-
VACSORA / DINNER
-
venue: University
-
Welcome Party with Solo Jazz taster
-
venue: University
20:00 - 21:00 open level solo jazz taster class & 21:00 - 00:00 party with DJ music
Csüt / Thu
-
Lindy hop - Fundamentals
-
venue: University
Ari & Simon
-
Lindy hop – in Motion
-
with Sonia & Hector, venue: University
-
EBÉD / LUNCH
-
venue: University
-
Lindy hop - Full Swing
-
venue: University
Sonia & Hector
-
Lindy hop - Elevation
-
venue: University
Ari & Simon
-
Solo jazz
-
venue: University
Fundamentals with Sonia, Elevation with Simon, Full Swing with Hector
-
VACSORA / DINNER
-
venue: Festival venue
-
Swing Party - Jazz Főváros Fesztiválon
-
venue: Festival venue
Pén / Fri
-
Lindy hop - Elevation
-
venue: University
Sonia & Hector
-
Lindy hop – in Motion
-
with Ari & Simon, venue: University
-
EBÉD / LUNCH
-
venue: University
-
Lindy hop - Fundamentals
-
venue: University
Sonia & Hector
-
Lindy hop - Full Swing
-
venue: University
Ari & Simon
-
Solo jazz
-
venue: University
Fundamentals with Hector, Elevation with Sonia, Full Swing with Ari
-
VACSORA / DINNER
-
venue: Festival venue
-
Swing Party - Jazz Főváros Fesztiválon
-
venue: Festival venue
Szo / Sat
-
Lindy hop - Elevation
-
venue: University
Ari & Simon
-
Lindy hop - Fundamentals
-
venue: University
Sonia & Hector
-
EBÉD / LUNCH
-
venue: University
-
Lindy hop - Full Swing
-
venue: University
Sonia & Hector
-
Lindy hop – in Motion
-
with Ari & Simon, venue: University
-
Solo jazz
-
venue: University
Fundamentals with Simon, Elevation with Hector, Full Swing with Sonia
-
VACSORA / DINNER
-
venue: Festival venue
-
Swing Party - Jazz Főváros Fesztiválon
-
venue: Festival venue
LEVELS
Lindy hop
You feel comfortable dancing the basic Lindy Hop figures such as the swing out, circle, tuck turn, pass by, and more. You've attended several workshops and can enjoy a full night of social dancing. You're still working on rhythm, precision, connection, and the clarity of your lead or follow, especially when it comes to responding to your partner.
Six- and eight-count footwork no longer feels challenging, but you're looking to build a stronger connection and improve your flow. This level is for you if you're still finding your footing in certain areas – especially when dancing to less familiar rhythms or tempos outside your comfort zone.
There will be no auditions. We will move people to the correct levels if we believe they have placed themselves incorrectly.
Please note: The classrooms used for dance classes have a matte, hard surface (stone or tile flooring).
You’re comfortable switching between different rhythms and styles in your dancing – groove walk, triple step, Charleston, 6- and 8-count, and various swing out variations are all part of your vocabulary. You can adapt to your partner, the tempo, and musical or rhythmic changes, and improvisation is starting to appear more and more naturally in your dancing. You move with ease in tempos ranging from 120 to 180 BPM.
This is your level if you already have a solid foundation and are now working on refining your movement, developing your personal style, and exploring deeper layers of connection with your partner.
There will be no auditions. If the teachers feel someone is in the wrong level, they’ll kindly help them move to the group where they’ll benefit and grow the most.
Please note: The classrooms used for dance classes have a matte, hard surface (stone or tile flooring).
You feel at home and confident on the dance floor. You can comfortably use a variety of rhythms, figures, and embellishments on your own – regardless of tempo or partner. You respond to the music and your partner with creativity, and you're increasingly focused on expressing yourself through musicality and dynamic contrast.
You dance with ease between 110 and 200 BPM, and you stay grounded and composed even at faster tempos or when faced with unexpected rhythmic changes.
This is your level if you're no longer seeking new moves, but instead looking to deepen the quality of your dancing and take your expression to the next level.
There will be no auditions. If the teachers feel someone is in the wrong level, they’ll kindly help them move to the group where they’ll benefit and grow the most.
Please note: The classrooms used for dance classes have a matte, hard surface (stone or tile flooring).
You have several years of dance experience and regularly attend festivals or advanced-level workshops. Your technique is solid and instinctive — not only are your movements precise, but your dancing communicates with character and intention.
You're able to improvise, and respond confidently — even to complex music or extreme tempos and might switch between roles (lead/follow).
This level is for you if you already speak the language of Lindy Hop fluently and are now looking to deepen your expression and individuality through the dance.
There will be no auditions. If the teachers feel someone is at the wrong level, they’ll kindly help them move to the group where they’ll benefit and grow the most.
Please note: The classrooms used for dance classes have a matte, hard surface (stone or tile flooring).
This level is intended for dancers with high technical skill and extensive experience, who are ready to go deeper into their movement, expression, and musicality.
The Master Class is specifically designed for dance teachers – if you're already teaching Lindy Hop, this is your place.
Participants are expected to be confident dancing at both fast and slow tempos, comfortable with improvisation, familiar with the vocabulary of jazz dance, and capable of independent thinking and artistic responsiveness on the floor.
This session does not focus on learning new steps, but on refining existing knowledge, developing personal style, and strengthening your artistic presence.
The Master Class will take place as a dedicated session on Wednesday, led by invited international teachers in a small group setting.
There will be no auditions. If the teachers feel someone is in the wrong level, they’ll kindly help them move to the group where they’ll benefit and grow the most.
Please note: The classrooms used for dance classes have a matte, hard surface (stone or tile flooring).
Solo Jazz
You’re familiar with the basic steps and classic solo jazz moves such as the Suzy Q, Fall Off the Log, Apple Jacks, Tackie Annie, and more. You've taken a few Authentic Jazz or Charleston classes or workshops — or perhaps you've been introduced to these steps through Lindy Hop classes.
You’ve already learned (or are currently learning) the Shim Sham choreography, and you're looking to gain more confidence with rhythms, transitions, and movement. This is your level if you're still working on body awareness, movement quality, and want to build a solid foundation for improvisation through your own movement.
There will be no audition. If the teachers feel someone is in the wrong level, they’ll kindly help them move to the group where they’ll benefit and grow the most.
Please note: The classrooms used for dance classes have a matte, hard flooring surface (stone or tile).
You’re already confident combining movements with different rhythms and styles, and you can dance shorter choreographies — like the Shim Sham or the beginning of the Tranky Doo — cleanly and musically. Your dancing is becoming more intentional, with growing awareness of dynamics, rhythmic variation, isolations, and playful styling.
You’re exploring improvisation and even feel comfortable stepping into a solo jam circle.
This level is for you if you want to expand your movement vocabulary, refine your quality of motion, and deepen your connection to the music.
There will be no audition. If the teachers feel someone is in the wrong level, they’ll kindly help them move to the group where they’ll benefit and grow the most.
Please note: The classrooms used for dance classes have a matte, hard flooring surface (stone or tile).
You dance classic authentic jazz choreographies — like the Shim Sham, Tranky Doo, or Big Apple — with confidence. You pick up new sequences with ease and express different layers of the music through your own movement.
You’re fully comfortable improvising, whether on your own or in a jam circle.
At this level, the focus is no longer on learning new steps, but on developing your personal style, refining movement quality, deepening body awareness, and responding to the subtle textures of the music.
This is your level if you’re not just dancing anymore — you’re telling a story through your movement.
There will be no audition. If the teachers feel someone is in the wrong level, they’ll kindly help them move to the group where they’ll benefit and grow the most.
Please note: The classrooms used for dance classes have a matte, hard flooring surface (stone or tile).
CLASS VENUES
John von Neumann University
All dance classes will take place in the modern, bright and spacious new wing of Kecskemét University, where the lecture halls will transform into vibrant spaces for Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz.
The building is equipped with air conditioning, but since it wasn't originally designed for active movement, we’ll also provide fans in each room for extra comfort. The floors are stone-tiled, so we recommend wearing shoes that feel good on harder surfaces.

Classes, meals, and social time all happen under one roof –
the lunches and Wednesday dinner will also be hosted in the university building.
Need a break between classes? A cozy chill room with a couch, TV, and games will be waiting for you.
You can soak up the sun on the terrace, or relax in the dining area with friends between sessions.
Parking is available just across from the university, in an easy-to-access location.
PARTICIPATION
What can you book through us?
Please note that the pass prices do not include meals or accommodation – make sure to read carefully what’s included in the option you choose.
MEALS
LUNCH
Coming soon!
DINNER
Coming soon!
LUNCH
Coming soon!
DINNER
Meat option
- Minted green pea cream soup with fresh mint
- Fish & chips & coleslaw (beer-battered African catfish, oven-baked potato wedges, creamy cabbage salad)
Vegetarian option
- Minted green pea cream soup with fresh mint
- Beer-battered seasonal vegetables, baked potato wedges, coleslaw
LUNCH
Coming soon!
DINNER
Meat option
- Chilled forest berry soup with chocolate chunks
- “Chi-ri” box: grilled chicken breast, Caesar salad, jasmine rice
Vegetarian option
- Chilled forest berry soup with chocolate chunks
- “To-ri” box: pan-fried tofu, Caesar salad, jasmine rice
LUNCH
Coming soon!
DINNER
Meat option
- Coconut-curry noodle soup with vegetables and Thai spices
- Thai-style fried rice with tender roasted pork
(peanut-egg-vegetable fried rice with flash-fried pork strips)
Vegetarian option
- Coconut-curry noodle soup with vegetables and Thai spices
- Thai fried rice with eggplant steak
(peanut-egg-vegetable fried rice with roasted eggplant)
ACCOMODATION
Hotel Három Gúnár
During the summer camp, you have the opportunity to book accommodation through us at Hotel Három Gúnár, one of Kecskemét’s well-known and centrally located hotels.
📍 Important to note:
The hotel is located approximately 4 km from the classes and festival venues, so we recommend planning your travel in advance.
Booking periods:
- August 6–10, 2025 (4 nights)
- August 5–10, 2025 (5 nights – with early arrival)

Four Points by Sheraton
During the summer camp, you have the opportunity to book accommodation through us at Four Points by Sheraton, one of Kecskemét’s most popular hotels – and notably closer to both the camp and the festival venues than Hotel Három Gúnár.
📍 Important to note:
The hotel is located approximately 1.4 km from the festival venue and only 400 meters from the classes venue.
Booking periods:
– August 6–10, 2025 (4 nights)
– August 5–10, 2025 (5 nights – with early arrival)

PRICES
TERMS & CONDITIONS
By joining us and participating in any event organized by us, you automatically accept the General Terms and Conditions (GTC) and the related policies of Pepita Dance and Recreation Association (hereinafter: the Association).
We consider an event to be any gathering organized by the Associations organizers at a pre-announced time and place for cultural, educational, community, or entertainment purposes. This includes, for example, dance or music events, festivals, camps, performances, concerts, dance classes, workshops, and other interactive programs, whether public or private, one-day or multi-day.
Participation is considered as:
- registering for the event, regardless of actual attendance;
- purchasing a ticket or pass in advance or on-site;
- receiving a ticket or pass as a gift;
- receiving a ticket or pass from another participant, if transferred according to the policy;
- being present at the event location, whether or not actively participating in the program.
Any form of participation constitutes automatic acceptance of the Associations policies, particularly the GTC and Code of Conduct.
Participation in events is at your own risk. Each participant is responsible for their own safety, physical wellbeing, and personal belongings. Please remain mindful of yourself and others throughout the event to help ensure a safe and joyful experience for all. In compliance with applicable laws, the Association and the organizers or volunteers do not accept liability for any personal injury, accidents, or material damage occurring during the event regardless of whether it arises from the participants actions, the actions of others, or unforeseeable circumstances.
The Association and the organizers are also not liable for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items, and no compensation can be claimed in relation to such cases.
Lost and found items during the event will be stored for up to two weeks after the event. If you've lost something, please notify us as soon as possible so we can help retrieve it in time! During the event, found items can be handed in or picked up at the check-in desk. After the two-week retention period, unclaimed items will be discarded orif in suitable condition, donated. Please note: the organizers are not responsible for lost items.
To participate in the event, check-in is mandatory. At check-in, the organizers will verify your eligibility and the services you've booked (classes, passes, meals, accommodation, etc.). Check-in is required for all participants so we can track attendance and ensure safe event management. If the event requires wearing a wristband, it will be given at check-in. Please wear it visibly throughout the event.
If wristbands are required, you must wear yours throughout the entire event to access the programs. Without a wristband, organizers may deny entry. If your wristband is damaged or lost, please notify us immediately so we can replace it.
The Association cannot be held liable for any unforeseen and unavoidable external circumstances beyond our control, such as airport strikes, flight cancellations, teacher illness, road closures, or other unexpected events. While we do our best to notify you of changes and ensure a great experience, we cannot accept responsibility for damages resulting from such situations. In the event of changes due to force majeure, we strive to provide alternatives such as a substitute teacher or revised schedule. Please note: no refunds will be issued in such cases.
The Association and the organizers reserve the right to modify the event program or its elements upon prior notice especially when external conditions, safety, or professional considerations justify it.
We are happy if you capture memorable moments from the event, but please respect others privacy. Always request consent before sharing sensitive content. If someone objects to a photo or video of themselves being shared, you must remove it upon request.
Ethical Content Sharing
Please aim to present the event and its participants positively when sharing content. Avoid publishing offensive, misleading, or harmful material.
Image and Audio Use Policy
The Association or its appointed representatives may take photos and/or audio recordings during the event. By participating, you acknowledge and accept that these recordings may be freely used by the Association in accordance with legal regulations. This includes online platforms, social media, press, and printed or digital publications, both domestically and internationally. The Pepita Dance Association and the Jazz Capital Festival reserve the right to use such material for documentation, promotion, safety, or official reporting purposes. No claims can be made against such use.
Dangerous items, especially weapons or pyrotechnics, are strictly prohibited. Organizers may confiscate such items and expel participants without refund. Please refrain from behavior that disrupts the event, endangers its success, or infringes on others' rights or safety. Racist, hateful, intimidating, or offensive behavior is strictly forbidden. Discrimination of any kind, political or religious expression, or controversial behavior is also not allowed. The Code of Conduct details these behavioral expectations. If you breach these rules and refuse to stop when asked, you may be excluded from the event without refund. Thank you for contributing to a safe, inclusive, and joyful community!
If food is provided, please note that we may not be able to fully accommodate every dietary request. Participants with special diets or allergies are advised to bring their own food.
Participation requires that you inform the organizers of any health conditions, allergies, or other relevant concerns that may affect your participation. Please notify us in advance whenever possible so we can respond accordingly.
Participation requires prior registration. Please provide accurate, complete information during registration so we can process it smoothly. Incorrect or incomplete data may result in rejection. You can register alone or with a partner. Solo registrations may be waitlisted to balance leader/follower roles.
For partner registrations to be valid, both must register with matching dance levels and list each other as partners. If not, it will be treated as an individual registration. If you register multiple times and haven't paid yet, only your most recent registration will be considered.
If you haven't paid yet, simply fill out the form again and indicate in the comments that you want the previous one canceled. If you've already paid, modifications can only be made to add services (like meals, accommodation, extra classes). Downgrades are not possible. To add options, email us with your registration ID in the subject and body of the message. Thank you for your cooperation and flexibility!
After registration, you'll receive a confirmation email with all details: your program choices, total fees, payment instructions, bank info, and deadlines. Please meet the payment deadline otherwise, your registration will be canceled. Payment is only accepted via bank transfer. The email will also include the required payment reference code. If you enter the wrong reference, we might not be able to match your payment, and we can't take responsibility for resulting issues. Thank you for your attention and cooperation!
If you decide not to attend, please note that we cannot refund any paid fees including accommodation, meals, or other services. However, you may transfer your ticket/pass/accommodation/meal to someone else under the same conditions. For example, a leader pass can only be transferred to another leader, not a follower. Dance level changes are not possible during transfers.
Transfers must be pre-approved via email:
- include your registration ID,
- provide the new participants name and email,
- and CC the new participant in the email thread.
If the event must be canceled due to reasons beyond our control (e.g. force majeure), we will refund your fees reducing by a 5% handling fee provided you submit the necessary data on time. If you fail to do so, we cannot guarantee a refund. If the event begins but cannot be completed due to unforeseen circumstances, your registration implies acceptance that no refund will be possible. Thank you for understanding and for reading this so carefully! If you have any questions, feel free to write to us.
CODE OF CONDUCT
DANCE ETIQUETTE
ABOUT US
Who are we?
For over 12 years, we've been working to make swing dancing a vibrant and joyful part of life in Hungary — through teaching, organizing, and building a strong community. Behind the Pepita Dance Association is a passionate team from Budapest who love jazz, love dancing, and most of all, love seeing people connect, smile, and move together.
We’re the team behind Ice Swing Holiday too — and now, we’re excited to welcome you to our summer camp, where swing music, the joy of movement, and a warm atmosphere come together.
Come dance, recharge, and make memories with us — in whatever way feels right for you! 💛

Viktória Muka
organizer
Mónika Hibály
organizer
Krisztina Mészáros
organizer
Lili Szolga
organizer
Alex Sükein
organizer