TEACHERS
MEET THE FOUNDERS
Joel De Andrade & Karen Galsgaard
Joel De Andrade & Karen Galsgaard have roots and are pioneers in the Danish Hip Hop scene. Joel has been dancing since 1989 and Karen since 1998. They won the first Scandinavian Battle Of The Year – the biggest breaking title in Scandinavia at the time.
Their experience ranges from battles, shows and theatre to international judging and workshops as well as organising events, community outreach and charity projects.
They have mentored countless students at Hotstepper and overseas, many of whom have become world-class dancers including solo breaking world champion and dancing for some of the most famous international artists.
Joel and Karen have both been nominated for awards for their contribution to the Danish dance scene.
We are proud to have some of the freshest new talent as well as established world-class dancers
Artit Chatthai
Artit is an established dancer and choreographer with international experience from Germany to Thailand and a former Hotstepper Dance Education graduate. He has won many competitions including UDO, Kaufmann Cup, Hip Hop Unite and Hip Hop International DK. He is director, choreographer and mentor for SB Family and he runs a several dance projects such as "The Homegrown Experience". Artit also has many industry credits, e.g. co-choreographer for Vi Elsker 90’erne Tour, choreographed the dance theater play We Are SB and has danced for Fazli, TopGunn, OMEE and more.
Cassandra Andersen
Cass is a versatile dancer & choreographer with a passion for Hip Hop. She is active in the Copenhagen battle scene and is known for her dynamic freestyle within Hip Hop. Besides a dance education, Cass also has international experience from London, Malmö & Paris. She has industry experience with music videos and live shows at concerts, awards & opening acts. Cass has credits such as opening act for GIMS, showcase for Redbull, Mahal Kita, The Showoff crew competition & several studio showcases.
Catatau
Is a Hip Hop pioneer dancing since the mid 90’s and is co-founder of the legendary Tsunami All Stars crew that had a big global impact on the breaking scene. He also has a background in Capoeira and is an active graffiti artist and DJ. Catatau has over 20 years of teaching experience and has traveled world-wide conducting classes & workshops, mentoring the new generation, both in Brazil and across the globe.
Catatau has battled and worked with dance in South America, Asia, Europe and North Africa. He has competed at top battles winning Battle Of The Year Brazil, 3rd place at the international R16 in Korea, participating at international Battle Of The Year in Europe and judging in Brazil, Europe and Asia at many of the biggest battles. Catatau also has a successful industry career with experience ranging from dancing for Hip Hop legends like Grandmaster Flash & TV performance including for MTV to theatre tours with dance legends, music videos, movies and working with global brands like Coca Cola and Redbull.
Christian Mogensen
Chris is a passionate Hip Hop dancer with strong foundation who has returned to Copenhagen after an extended period abroad. He has dedicated himself to in-depth dance development through a total of four years at educations in Denmark and Sweden - including at Hotstepper Dance Education. During this period he has studied various styles under leading Danish and international dancers. In addition to extensive teaching experience conducting classes at various schools across Denmark, Chris has also taught at the Hotstepper Dance Education. He is deeply passionate about freestyle & the culture, competes in battles across Europe and is also active in the Danish underground scene, where he helps organise battles and sessions.
Daniel Bendtsen
Daniel is a passionate multidisciplinary artist working professionally in the fields of dance, music, theater & circus. As a dancer he has experience & training in a variety of styles. Daniel started with Latin styles such as Salsa & Bachata - in which he also organizes events - before developing his skills in Hip Hop-, Commercial- & Underground styles where he also completed the Hotstepper Dance Education. Over the years, he has been active within the different dance scenes, building bridges between the scenes & fusing styles from the different scenes.
A sought-after talent in the industry, Daniel has worked for event agencies worldwide, gaining extensive international experience in more than ten countries; from Switzerland to Saudi Arabia & France to the Philippines. His credits include Cirque du Soleil, Volkswagen, Save the Children (Red Barnet), Denmark’s Got Talent, Carmen Curls, TV2’s charity for cancer research show (Knæk Cancer), the Handball World Championships and more.
Daniel Rojas a.k.a. Blaze
Has grown up with breaking in his blood surrounded by several successful breakers in his family. He is a double Danish champion in Breaking and has represented Denmark in qualifications for breaking at the Olympics. Daniel has trained with- and competed against some of the best breakers in the world, and has achieved top rankings including winner of the Respect Culture series and Battle Flag vol 16 in Japan. A career highlight was winning over the Olympic breaking champion in a crew battle. After completing Hotstepper Dance Education he spent a year in Japan with intensive training and battle participations. He represents both Danish and Japanese crews including Jamillz, Now Or Never and Familia Loca Crew.
Datif
Is an experienced professional dancer from Zanzibar, Tanzania that specializes in Afro Beat and Amapiano as well as other African dance styles. Now in Denmark, he is making his mark where he continues to teach, perform and choreograph. Datif embodies the spirit of African dance & culture and loves to inspire others by sharing his energy and passion for dance. He is part of UNLOCKED crew and has credits such as workshops & performances at prominent events in Copenhagen including Distortion, he has collaborated with Nigerian artist 1da Banton and the South African artist Costa Titch as well as winning the Culture Clash Battle at Roskilde Festival.
Dennisha Mendoza
Is a strong versatile dancer and choreographer that has received training at Hotstepper both at the evening school, at workshops and the Hotstepper Dance Education. Dennisha has been one-to-watch and received an award for her skills and development at the Hotstepper Dance Education. Her experience ranges from music videos, concerts & shows to dance theatre, battles & teaching.
Dennisha has music video credits like Medina, Outlandish, Karen Mukupa, Blak, Brian Timothy, Ailin - Araba 3.0 and other credits including performance for Redbull Dance Your Style, Distortion ALORS on Danse, Trinity Cph, Diamond Platnumz concert and she has choreographed for the Hotstepper Dance Education graduation show.
Gavin Aquino
Gavin has been dancing since a young age starting with styles such as breaking and hip hop. He has completed Hotstepper Dance Education, participated in several workshops and is now also active in the Danish dance battle scene.
Gavin is a member of the dance group BEYOND BORDERS which is found in both Sweden and Denmark. He is the director of the Danish team, but also goes to Sweden to teach and share his experience. The group focuses on the Korean pop culture and the genres K-Pop, K-hip hop and K-RnB, with which they perform and compete in Sweden. At Hotstepper Dance Education, he has been a co-choreographer for a piece.
Giorgos Argyrou
A strong & versatile international dancer from Cyprus based in Copenhagen. He has participated in advanced dance camps, intensives & workshops, learning from renowned choreographers and has also received professional training in both Denmark & Cyprus. With credits including Suspekt, Kedde, Selma Milt, Evangelia, Tus, Porsche, EuroBasket & Benefit Cosmetics - Giorgos experience ranges from music videos, festivals & tours with Danish and Greek artists to performances across Europe at football & basketball arenas, luxury brand & corporate events, international competitions and more.
Isabel Lippert
Has been active and successful in the dance industry since a young age with experience ranging from fashion shows to music videos and even dancing for the former Danish Queen Margrethe. She has artist credits such as Topgunn, Jimilian, Kesi, Outlandish, Gio, David Jay, Medina and more. Furthermore she has performed at DR Concert House, Distortion, CPH Fashion Week and TV such as Zulu Awards, P3 Guld and X-Factor.
Isabel has on several occasions trained with leading teachers abroad and has lived 10 months in L.A. to train and come home with inspiration to share. She has also competed and won titles in the Danish, European & World Championships, Hip Hop International, Hip Hop Unite and UDO.
Joel De Andrade
Hotstepper co-founder Joel is a versatile dancer & choreographer with a dance journey that started in the late 80’s in Kenya. After moving to Europe, he became one of Denmark’s Hip Hop pioneers & later award nominated several times including for his work for the scene & giving back to the community. Today he is also the Danish Dance Federation Breaking Committee chairman & works to uplift breaking in Denmark.
Joel has been an active competitor & judge in the battle scene - from first Scandinavian champion at Scan BOTY 1999 and 2nd place at the first UK Bboy Championships to judging world-wide for 25+ years at both local, national and international battles including qualifiers for the Olympics, Battle of The Year & UK B-boy Champs. From street sessions to state theatre shows, Joel has been breaking in 25+ countries from USA to China. He also has extensive industry credits such as MTV European Music Awards, opening acts for Hip Hop legends like Fugees, Sugarhill Gang, Grandmaster Flash, Kurtis Blow and artist credits like Justin Timberlake & The Prodigy.
Keiran Araza
Is a strong, versatile dancer who is active in both the underground and the dance industry and is in Diversity Skankaz Crew. He is in the music video for Mund De Carlo, RH, Christopher, The Joker and Szhirley - danced for the afrobeat artists Tekno and Felicia Baby and performed at events such as Copenhagen Pride, Nordic Break League and Dancehall Madness. With Christopher, he has also, among other things. danced to Guldtuben, TV2 and The Biggest Moments, TV2 Zulu. During his time at the Hotstepper training, Keiran began to be active in battles and is i.a. winner of RUST Battle, semifinalist for Xmas Jam 2017 and 2019 as well as top 8 for CPH CLASH Battle for Culture vol 1.
Kyle Benjamin
Kyle is a charismatic dancer with a unique style and extensive training in multiple styles. He has a constant focus on personal growth and looks for new challenges & goals to further evolve his skills. Over the years, he has learned from leading Danish and international dancers & choreographers through classes, workshops and his time at Hotstepper Dance Education. Kyle has dance experience in Denmark, Sweden & the Faroe Islands that spans from classes, workshops & stage performances to festivals, flash mobs & battles. He has taught classes at dance schools, including Hotstepper, and conducted workshops in Malmö & Copenhagen including at the Copenhagen Sprint Festival. Kyle has performed for Red Bull and at Malmö Festival, Malmö Live, Alors On Danse at Distortion, Dansiekspementid in the Faroe Islands and more. He won "The Show Off" competition in Sweden, where he also was co-choreographer, and has actively participated in freestyle battles in Denmark & Sweden, including Refuse To Lose in Sweden, GAME & Fusepoint all styles battles in Copenhagen.
Lisa Zeaiter
Lisa has been dancing since 2013, is thoroughly trained in multiple styles and active in both the commercial & underground scenes. She has learned from leading Danish dancers & international icons through extended stay in Korea, classes & training in France & Vietnam, and by completing “The Source” mentorship program & Hotstepper Dance Education. In addition to numerous stage performances, Lisa was also in the music video for Mohombi’s "Stuck On You" directed by one of Denmark’s top industry choreographers - Michel Sian. Furthermore, she has been in dance-theater residency for the piece "Compassion" by world-renowned choreographer & hip hop pioneer Steen Koerner. Within the cultural underground, Lisa has been to some of the world’s biggest Hip Hop dance events in France & Korea, and has also competed in battles in Denmark & Vietnam.
Luka Halberg
Is an established and sought-after dancer & choreographer with a unique style. He is passionate about teaching with many years of experience at boarding schools and various dance studios in Copenhagen & Århus. He teaches an advanced commercial hip-hop mix with strong house influences. Luka has extensive competition & performance experience, with credits including being a former member of Champions League Family, being finalist in Denmarks Got Talent & “Den Vildeste Danser” as well as performances at Roskilde Festival, Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, Idea Nordic and more.
Mai Overgaard
Mai is an ambitious and versatile dancer specialized in Commercial, Heels, and Choreo. She is dedicated to her professional growth with extensive training from leading Danish & international teachers at evening classes, workshops, the Hotstepper Dance Education and she even received a scholarship for an international dance camp. Her talent and hard work have led to significant industry experience, including numerous music videos, stage performances, theater & her own successful dance classes. From Club Awards to concert at Copenhill, Mai has worked with artists such as DJ Aligator, Vinnie, Annella & Zavii. She also participated in a flash mob choreographed by L.A.-based Jeremy Kenyel for award-winning artist Jason Derulo as part of "The Last Dance World Tour." Within dance theater, she performed at the Attitudes International Dance Festival in the piece "Compassion" by world-renowned choreographer Steen Koerner.
Mathilde Borg Høj
Is a Hotstepper Dance Education graduate with strong skills in both choreography and freestyle in several styles. She has worked with leading choreographers such as Steen Koerner in the piece COMPASSION and Michel Sian for Mohombi's music video "Stuck on You". Mathilde has extensive show experience and has performed in Amager Bio in the dance theater piece "HOME", AUCTION by Tore Munch & WWF in CPH Zoo, Aalborg Zoo and Odense Zoo and is a brand ambassador for Dansevand. She is also a certified gymnastics instructor and has a background as an elite gymnast where she has performed and won competitions in several European countries. Mathilde is looking forward to sharing her experience, technique and joy of dancing!
Mikaela Mazanett
A passionate dancer, choreographer & creative with a background in multiple styles including Hip Hop, Popping & Locking, where she has trained extensively developing a versatile movement language and always exploring new ways of creating artistic expression inspired by both the choreography & underground dance scenes. Since graduating Hotstepper Dance Education, she has continued expanding her training & teaching as well as being represented by Real Talent Agency (RTA). Mikaela is active in both the commercial & freestyle dance scenes doing performances, battles & creative projects across south Sweden & Copenhagen. She is also the creative- & project leader for YTUCDANCE, a choreography-based dance competition in south Sweden, helping build the event from the ground up.
Nanna Sandau
A strong and passionate dancer with comprehensive training in various styles, but specialised in Heels, Choreo & Commercial dance. Dedicated to continuous training & professional development, Nana has completed the Hotstepper Dance Education, a fitness education, attended workshops and classes in Denmark & abroad, and has learned from leading Danish and international dancers & choreographers over the years. Already during her time at the Hotstepper Education, she was a go-getter with an infectious drive to pursue her dance dreams. Nanna was clearly "one to watch" - her talent, shine & hard work have led to diverse experience ranging from teaching, concept videos & music videos to stage performances & theater including being in the piece “Compassion” by world-renowned choreographer Steen Koerner.
Ronja Warring a.k.a. Jaja Steezy
Ronja made a name for herself in the underground performing with her crew, organising events & winning Hip Hop battles in Denmark, Sweden & Japan - but also has 10 years of dance experience in industry with choreography & stage performance. Her main style is Hip Hop, but she also has a contemporary & breaking foundation. She has travelled extensively in pursuit of inspiration & growth and spent a year in Japan fully dedicating herself to freestyle.
Ronja is winner of Chip Chop battle in Tokyo - Japan, Bounce Back Battle in Copenhagen & Moves ’N’ Grooves in Malmø, Sweden. Besides contributing to the culture with community work, she is also co-creator of the Hip Hop freestyle group Merged Crew who organised Blizzard battle and also choreographed & performed the piece “Mergin’” at Hip Hop culture events; Malmø Hip Hop Weekend, Beats & Bounce Battle & Nordic Break League in Copenhagen. Ronja has also participated in choreography competitions including with the piece L’ Adam ‘N’ Eve. Besides dance she is also an aspiring actor.
Rico Coker a.k.a. Griimsen
Rico a.k.a. bboy Griimsen, formerly known as Zoopreme is a dance prodigy & world famous breaker known for his musicality and freestyle skills. He is in several top crews; The Ruggeds, CCU7 as well as Lack of Crowns crew. Rico is originally “Hotstepper homegrown” - from kids classes to Kinetic Soul Kru & Hotstepper Dance Education, he has since come a long way; battling, judging & performing world-wide rising to become an international dance icon.
Besides winning the solo world championship – Undisputed Masters, Rico has won many other major battle leagues including R16 Europe, World Bboy Classic & Battle Of The year. He has also had a successful industry career dancing for artists, TV shows & brands, modelling including being the face for an H&M athleisure collection, and he has done extensive dance theatre all across Europe in plays like The Nutcracker, H.C. Andersen & Groove. Rico also received the Detours award for most inspiring male street dancer in Denmark.
Sophie Josefina
Sophie is a strong versatile dancer that has excelled in many styles. She has been dancing from an early age completing dance programmes, training abroad at studios like BASE & Pineapple in London and is also a Hotstepper Dance Education graduate. Her unique talent got her accepted into a prestigious dance agency and several teachers choosing her for lead roles at the Hotstepper Dance Education graduation show “Home” in 2025. Her experience ranges from teaching & choreographing to performances & shows for companies and iconic venues like Tivoli as well as music videos for Mohombi & Blak.
Siri Stokolos
A versatile professional dancer from Ukraine with strong technical training. Besides a university degree in choreography, she has also received professional choreography training in Kyiv & Copenhagen and has participated in dance camps, intensives & workshops with leading choreographers. Siri has diverse international performance & choreography experience in France, Denmark, Cyprus, Albania, Azerbaijan, Ukraine and more. Her credits include artists like Suspekt & Aura Dione, performances at Eurovision, M1 Music Awards, Formula 1, the TV Show “Game of Talents“, the movie “Awakening” as well as working as a dancer at a circus in France and on a luxury cruise ship.
Thea Jensen
Thea is a charismatic dancer trained in multiple styles and specializing in Commercial, Heels & Choreo. She has trained with leading Danish and international dancers, completed the Hotstepper Dance Education and received scholarship for dance camp abroad. Her experience ranges from stage performances & theater to teaching, concept videos & flashmobs. Thea has performed at the Attitudes International Dance Festival in the piece "Compassion" by world-renowned choreographer Steen Koerner and for the award-winning artist Jason Derulo as part of “The Last Dance World Tour” flashmob in Copenhagen choreographed by L.A.-based Jeremy Kenyel. Her other credits include dancing for brands like Benefit Cosmetics and theater work - such as productions with Eventyrteatret and the Kirana project at the Royal Danish Theatre.
Twixx
B-boy Twixx is a legendary breaker from USA active globally in battles, as a cultural ambassador & high-profile judge at international jams. His dynamic style & musicality helped cement his status as a powerhouse in the breaking community. As a solo b-boy & together with crews he has represented, that besides the iconic Massive Monkees include Super Cr3w, The Groovaloos & more - he inspired generations of breakers at countless battles including Redbull Lords Of The Floor, Bboy Summit & Out For Fame – events that shaped the international breaking scene.
Twixx also has extensive professional dance industry, acting, stage & music video credits. These range from Chris Brown, Beyoncé & Usher to Jason Derulo, 50 Cent & Jay-Z. He has starred in films like Magic Mike’s The Last Dance & Battle of the Year, performed shows for the NBA & the TV show America’s Best Dance Crew.
Xenia Saunte
Is a strong versatile dancer with over 15 years of dance experience. She completed the Hotstepper Dance Education and later specialized in the club dance House. She has learned from icons & legends in USA & Europe such as Sekou, Ejoe, Caleaf, Hiro, Shan S etc, and also attended house courses & intensives in Denmark, Asia and New York. Xenia has also co-organised dance events and is part of the battle scene where she has won 2 house dance battles in Denmark & Sweden. Other experience ranges from music videos, performance & shows in Scandinavia including Refugee Days 2024 & "Fri i Sindet" Festival 2024 as well as teaching & choreographing including for the Hotstepper Dance Education graduation show “Home” in 2025.