Daric Lion
World Champion | Swiss Champion | International Instructor
About Me
Born and raised in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, I came to dance through an unusual path. While studying physics and nanotechnology at ETH (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology), I started Latin Ballroom dancing.
In 1994, a friend made a bet: could I compete in Discofox in just 3 weeks? I taught myself the dance alone – and won. That moment changed my life.
From 1995 to 2006, I won every Swiss Championship I entered. I became Vice World Champion and Vice European Champion twice (2005, 2006). In 2006, I was invited to Moscow to give workshops – where I met Nastia, who 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 continue to compete and grow as dancers.
Competition Achievements
World Championships
- 2025: WORLD CHAMPION – IDO World Discofox Championships (with Nastia)
- 2024: Vice World Champion – IDO World Discofox Championships (with Nastia)
- 2006: Vice World Champion – Discofox
- 2005: Vice World Champion – Discofox
European Championships
- 2006: Vice European Champion – Discofox
- 2005: Vice European Champion – Discofox
Swiss Championships
- 2015, 2016: Swiss Champion – Discofox (with Nastia)
- 2006: Swiss Champion – Discofox
- 2005: Swiss Champion – Discofox
- 2000: Swiss Champion – Discofox
- 1999: Swiss Champion – Discofox
- 1995: Swiss Champion – Discofox
West Coast Swing
- 2017: 1st Place – Swing Dance America, Advanced JnJ
- 2017: 4th Place – Swing Dance America, Champions JnJ (WCS+Hustle)
- 2017: 3rd Place – Italian Open, Open Strictly
- 2017: 3rd Place – French Open, Open Strictly
- 2017: 2nd Place – Scandinavian Open, All-Stars JnJ
- 2012: 1st Place – WestieFest, WCS Intermediate (with Nastia)
- 2012: 1st Place – Generation Swing, Novice JnJ
- 2012: 2nd Place – Russian Championship, JnJ
Where I Teach
Regular Classes
- K’Danse – Lausanne, Switzerland (weekly)
- Tanzschule Joy – Bern, Switzerland
International Festivals & Events
- Euro Dance Festival – Europa-Park Rust & Freiburg, Germany (7+ years)
- Tanzschule No10 – Technical Workshops
- Dance Imperial Festival – Germany
- MoveOn Events
- Hot Winter in Siberia – Russia
- Moscow Westie Fest – Russia
- French Open WCS
- Italian Open WCS
- German Open WCS
Background
Education: Physics and Nanotechnology, ETH Zürich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology)
Languages: French (native), English, German, Russian
Dance Styles: Discofox/Hustle, West Coast Swing, Latin Ballroom
Roles: Dancer, Instructor, Judge, Choreographer, DJ
My Teaching Philosophy
“It’s all about frame, connection, steps – but also about intention, surprise, and life.”
I go as deep as possible in technique, but technique is only a tool used to dance better and show feelings. My scientific background taught me to understand WHY movements work, not just HOW. I break down dance into precise, teachable elements – but 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.
Fun Facts
- I had to choose between my girlfriend and dance in my student days. I chose dance. (And later found Nastia!)
- I learned Discofox in 3 weeks to win a bet – and then won all Swiss Championships for 11 years
- My physics background means I can explain the biomechanics of every movement
- I’ve taught at Euro Dance Festival 7+ times
- I’m certified as an international competition judge