Daric Lion
World Champion | Swiss Champion | International Instructor
About Me
Born and raised in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, I studied physics and nano-technology materials at EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne). During my studies I started with Latin Ballroom — and then discovered Discofox, which quickly became the dance of my life.
I won every Swiss Championship I entered, up to my 2025 retirement from competition (for the moment). I also became Vice World Champion and Vice European Champion in Discofox — twice (2005 and 2006).
In 2006 I was invited to Moscow to give workshops — where I met Nastia. She would later become my dance partner and wife.
Today, together with Nastia, we are the 2025 World Champions in Disco Hustle/Fox/Swing. We teach across Europe and beyond, and we continue to compete, judge, and grow.
Competition Achievements
World Championships (Discofox)
- 2025: WORLD CHAMPION — IDO World Discofox Championships, Janów Podlaski, Poland (with Nastia)
- 2024: Vice World Champion — IDO World Discofox Championships, Frankfurt (Oder), Germany (with Nastia)
- 2006: Vice World Champion
- 2005: Vice World Champion
European Championships (Discofox)
- 2006: Vice European Champion
- 2005: Vice European Champion
Swiss Championships (Discofox)
- Won every Swiss Championship I entered, up to my 2025 retirement from competition.
- Together with Nastia: Swiss Champions 2015, 2016, 2025
West Coast Swing
- 2017: 1st Place — Swing Dance America, Advanced JnJ
- 2017: 4th Place — Swing Dance America, Champions JnJ (WCS+Hustle) (with Nastia)
- 2017: 3rd Place — Italian Open, Open Strictly (with Nastia)
- 2017: 3rd Place — French Open, Open Strictly (with Nastia)
- 2012: 1st Place — Generation Swing, Novice JnJ
- 2012: 2nd Place — Russian Championship, JnJ
Where I Teach
Home base
- K’Danse — Lausanne, Switzerland (resident instructor, weekly classes)
Workshops around the world
I’ve given workshops across Europe, in Russia, and in the US. Some recurring events:
- Euro Dance Festival — teaching there every year since 2007 (together with Nastia since 2013)
- Dance Imperial Festival (Germany) — every year for the past 4 years
- MoveOn — our own event in Switzerland: moveon.pro
- Past workshop appearances also include Moscow Westie Fest and Hot Winter in Siberia (Russia)
Competitions (competed, did not teach)
- French Open WCS
- Italian Open WCS
Background
Education: Physics & Nano-technology Materials, EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne)
Languages: French (native), English, German, Russian
Dance styles: Discofox / Hustle, West Coast Swing, Latin Ballroom
Roles: Dancer, Instructor (27+ years), Judge (holder of Russian judging qualification since 2012), Choreographer
My Teaching Philosophy
“It’s all about frame, connection, steps — but also about intention, motivation, surprise, and life.”
I go as deep as possible into technique, but technique is only a tool used to dance better and to show feelings. My scientific background taught me to understand WHY movements work, not just HOW. I break down dance into precise, teachable elements — always in service of emotion and connection.
My goal is to help every student find their own style while building a solid technical foundation. Dance should be fun, expressive, and accessible to everyone.