ilario ritacco

teacher

Ilario Ritacco is a passionate Lindy Hop and Jazz Roots dancer, teacher, and choreographer based in Rome. Born in Calabria, he grew up playing sports—especially soccer—but everything changed in 2010 during his Erasmus in Valencia, where he discovered the electrifying world of swing dancing.

At the same time, his passion for theatre and acting led him to meet Egle Miccoli. After completing his degree in Medicine and Surgery and moving back to Rome for his Psychiatry specialization, Ilario kept studying swing, traveling across Europe and training with top international dancers. His journey into teaching began almost by chance, and soon after, it became a calling.

Together with Egle, he co-founded Spirit of St. Louis Roma Lindy Hop—a name he chose to honor the school where he took his very first swing dance classes in Valencia.

In 2017, Ilario and Egle brought their energy and experience to Lecce for an unforgettable swing workshop weekend, sharing their passion with the growing Italian Lindy Hop scene. Since then, they’ve taught at major international festivals including Athens Rhythm Hop, Swing Train, Thessaloniki Swing Festival, Policoro in Swing, and Elba Swing Festival.

Ilario is known for his joyful presence on the social dance floor and for his commitment to spreading the swing dance culture in all its richness. His classes blend history, technique, and rhythm, making each session an emotional and empowering experience.