Welcome!

We are Ella’s Fellas, a Zürich-based dance school specializing in Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz. The name “Ella’s Fellas” is inspired by Ella Fitzgerald’s iconic 1960 performance of “Mack the Knife” in Berlin. Taking on a song often associated with male performers, Ella delivered a groundbreaking rendition, saying, “We haven’t heard a girl sing it.” During the performance, she forgot the lyrics but improvised with brilliant spontaneity, singing the line “Ella and her fellas.” This moment symbolized breaking free from male-dominated norms and celebrated creativity, freedom, and the joy of embracing the unexpected—values we strive to embody while honoring and uplifting women artists in jazz.

Jazz dance has deep roots in African American culture, emerging from the rich history, community, and creativity of Black artists. We try to approach this tradition with respect and responsibility, remaining committed to preserving its origins and addressing issues of cultural appropriation and systemic racism. In our classes, we spotlight an “Artist of the Week” — a legendary dancer or musician from the jazz era — and spend a few minutes learning about their life, style, and impact on the culture. In the spirit of how Lindy Hop was originally passed down in ballrooms, we focus on learning by watching and doing, keeping explanations minimal and letting the rhythm and movement speak for themselves.