Teachers at SWING BREAK 2026 – Summer Finale
Every year Swing Break presents super teachers! This year we are happy to welcome:
- KATJA ZAVRŠNIK
- BLAŽ ZAVRŠNIK
- JENNA APPLEGARTH
- TOBIAS KOELBL
- ŠPELA PREMELČ
- JURE RUS
KATJA ZAVRŠNIK (Ljubljana – SI)
Professional Dancer, Swing Dance Instructor, Choreographer.
Katja Završnik is a renowned professional dancer, swing dance instructor, and choreographer. With a passion for dance ignited at the age of five, Katja has dedicated her life to the art of movement. In 2010, she transitioned from a career in video and film editing to pursue dance full-time, a decision that has seen her travel the world teaching, performing, and inspiring others.
Katja’s dance education spans various disciplines learned throughout her childhood in multiple dance schools. She has honed her skills by attending international workshops specialising in swing dances. Her extensive training includes acrobatic rock and roll, ballet, modern jazz, gymnastics, modern dance, and ballroom dances. Since 2005, she has focused primarily on partner and solo dances from the jazz age and swing era, mastering styles such as Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston, St. Louis Shag, authentic (vernacular) jazz dance, and ragtime dances.
Known for her versatility and expertise, Katja is celebrated as one of the top followers in the swing dance scene. Her deep understanding of reactivity and connection sets her apart, making her a sought-after instructor and performer. Since 2010, she has been a fixture at swing dance festivals and special events worldwide, sharing her knowledge and passion with a global audience.
In addition to her dance career, Katja is a certified pregnancy and postpartum exercise specialist, and Organizer of Wellness services (a graduate of Wellness program studies, through which she gained a basic understanding of psychology, mental health, nutrition, movement and physical activity).
Her life is a testament to her love for dance and her dedication.
BLAŽ ZAVRŠNIK (Ljubljana – SI)
Blaž Završnik is a dancer with over 20 years of experience, beginning with modern and
contemporary dance. He transitioned into swing dancing more than a decade ago and is now
one of the key figures in the Slovenian dance scene. As a dedicated teacher at the Vintage
Swing Dance School and a musician with the jump blues band The Jackpots, Blaž blends his
deep love for music and dance, inspiring countless students with his passion and expertise in
the art of swing.
