Meet the Safari Swing team
At Safari Swing, we are passionate about creating a dance experience that exceeds every aspect of your expectations, and that extends to the Safari Swing team, handpicked to ensure that you get the most out of this incredible event. As you will see below, our team includes some of the most well known and respected professionals in the west coast swing community, all of whom are committed to ensuring that this is a trip you will not forget.
Our teacher line up consists of dance champions with years of experience, teaching and performing all over the world. This is one of the few events in the west coast swing calendar where you will not only learn from the world's top west coast swing dancers in unusually small classes, but will also enjoy unparalleled access to the team during the trip. With just 54 guests in such an intimate setting, you will dance together, eat together, socialise together and even enjoy game drives in the African bush together, as you immerse yourself in all the majesty of nature that South Africa has to offer. This really is a truly unique experience, unlike any other dance event you will ever attend.
As well as an incredible teacher line up, we will also have our media team, known throughout the west coast swing world for the quality of their pictures and video, on hand to capture the fondest moments of your trip, ensuring you take home a lifetime of memories from this unforgettable experience.
We are sure you will not be disappointed when you see who we have lined up and, I can assure you, they are equally as excited to be joining us.
THE TEACHERS
Jordan Frisbee and Tatiana Mollmann
They are two of the most celebrated figures in the West Coast Swing community and together they form an iconic partnership that has reshaped the landscape of our dance world. Renowned for their impeccable musicality, innovative choreography, and powerful, emotive performances, they bring an unmatched depth of musical interpretation and connection to the dance floor.
Winning an incredible 11 US Open Classic division titles together, they have captivated audiences around the world for over 20 years. Their dedication to the dance community has inspired a generation of dancers, as they share their knowledge and passion with students in all corners of the globe.
They joined us for our inaugural event in 2024 and they made sure that every one of our guests had the most incredible time. We could not be happier to welcome Jordan Frisbee and Tatiana Mollmann back to the Safari Swing dance floor in 2026.
Jakub Jakoubek and Emeline Rochefeuille
Their partnership began with a single dance in 2016 and from that moment, something clicked. They have since become one of the most unique and captivating partnerships in the West Coast Swing world. Known for their effortless fluidity, soulful movement, and original style, shaped by urban, contemporary, zouk and modern influences, they bring something truly special to the dance floor.
They both began dancing as children—Jakub in the Czech Republic, Emeline on the island of Réunion—discovering their respective passion through various style, including Ballroom, Latin, Zouk and later, West Coast Swing.
When they joined forces in 2016, it sparked a creative connection that has taken them around the globe, earning international recognition and a devoted following. In 2024, they made history by becoming the first European couple to win the US Open Classic Division, bringing their artistry, power and raw emotion to West Coast Swing's biggest stage.
Now, Coming to South Africa for the first time, they are ready to teach, inspire, and share their magic beneath the stunning African skies. Joining us at Safari Swing 2026, We are absolutely delighted to welcome Jakub Jakoubek and Emeline Rochefeuille to the Safari Swing family.
Robert Royston
There are legends in our dance world—and then there’s this guy. Dancer, choreographer, teacher, emcee, and creative powerhouse, he has left his mark on every corner of the dance world.
With eight US Open world titles and six Country World Championships, his accolades are unmatched. From Broadway to stadium tours, music videos to films, his choreography has lit up stages for stars like Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood. Inducted into more halls of fame than we can count, he’s the voice of the Open and a mentor to champions. Whether he’s breaking down musicality or energising a room, his presence is unforgettable.
In 2026, he is bringing his legendary energy to the African bush for the very first time. We could not be more excited to welcome Robert Royston to the world of Safari Swing.
Teaching alongside Robert is Mia Pastor, an esteemed dancer, competitor and judge who is fast becoming a force to be reckoned with on the West Coast Swing stage.
Since stepping onto the Open floor in 2019 and winning the Rising Star Showcase division, Mia has continued to rise—claiming an incredible 2nd place in Showcase in 2023. A true star of the future, we’re thrilled to welcome her to the Safari Swing dance floor.
MEDIA TEAM
Bradford Whelan
If you haven't seen him parading around the dance floor at a dance event, camera in hand, you will almost certainly have seen his work all over social media. He is the creative force behind the camera at some of biggest and most prestigious swing dance events, with a renowned talent for capturing the essence of movement and emotion through his lens.
Beyond the camera lens, he is a very talented West Coast Swing dancer. Often found competing in Champions' Jack and Jill competitions with the world's top dancers, he sits at number one in the all time list of All Star Jack and Jill wins, and he can't wait to step onto the Safari Swing dance floor with you!
Having captured the most incredible pictures at Safari Swing 2024, we are delighted to welcome Bradford Whelan back to the Safari Swing team in 2026 as our official event photographer. Safari Swing truly does create memories to last a lifetime and Brad will be there to capture them for you.