Chester Whitmore

Chester Whitmore is an internationally acclaimed multidisciplinary artist, historian, and educator based in Los Angeles.

A dancer, choreographer, bandleader, arranger, stunt performer, virtuoso drummer, and martial arts master, Chester is widely regarded as one of the last living links to the authentic traditions of Black American vernacular dance, jazz music, and Hollywood entertainment. His remarkable journey has taken him from the streets of South Central Los Angeles to stages and film sets around the world.

Over a career spanning more than five decades, Chester has helped shape the way dance is seen on screen, contributing to iconic productions such as Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal and the Oscar-winning La La Land. He has toured the globe 27 times with his Black Ballet Jazz Company and is recognized worldwide as a leading authority on jazz, tap, and Lindy Hop.

Chester is a true living legend, and we are incredibly honored to welcome him to the 5th Anniversary Edition of SwinG’amann. He will be joining us to share his energy, dance with us, connect with our community, and open the door to a lifetime of knowledge, history, and inspiration through his extraordinary experience.

Tadas & Pamela

Funny, energetic, warm-hearted, and full of enthusiasm, Tadas and Pamela have been active in the swing dance scene for more than 10 years! Through competitions, performances, and international workshops, they have repeatedly demonstrated both their talent and their passion for swing.

As Lindy Hop and Authentic Jazz dancers, each has a distinctive style and a unique way of moving. And when they dance together, the result is something truly special: musical, interactive, and highly technical all at once.

Today, they share their passion for dance through teaching and creative projects of their own. Tadas directs a Lindy Hop performance troupe that appears on theater stages and is the founder of the Harlem Speak Easy Jazz Club.

Pamela, meanwhile, is constantly learning everything she can about dance—whether it’s music, psychology, or anatomy. As a dancer, she values individuality and freedom; as a teacher, she encourages people to discover their own way of dancing:

“Learn to embrace who you are and how your body moves. That’s your dance!”

Ari & Simon

Ari and Simon are swing dance teachers, performers and choreographers. They are passionate about Lindy Hop and Authentic Jazz, especially in the context of their cultural traditions, their values and their place as an artform. Working together since 2016, they are now based in Madrid working globally as well as growing their online platform through Patreon. They are an energetic and rhythmical couple who love the interplay between the individual, the music and the partner during a dance and how it can develop into a beautiful conversation.

They hold titles from the International Lindy Hop Championships, The Savoy Cup and The Korean Lindy Hop Championships, among others. Their passion for the dance and the culture of swing has grown with them and is something they constantly strive to develop and express, whether in classes, on stage or in competition.

https://ariandsimon.com/

Nicolas & Alina

And here they are: the duo behind it all!

For more than 10 years, Nicolas and Alina have been at the heart of the swing and blues scene in Rennes, France. Through their dance school, Dance Addict, they have built a thriving local community while sharing their passion for Swing and Blues dances in France and across Europe.

Having met in 2015, they now teach nationally and internationally, organize numerous events throughout the year, and continue to foster a welcoming and vibrant dance culture. Their classes are a unique blend of French charm and Slavic rigor, combining warmth, humor, technique, and a genuine passion for sharing.

Alina’s attention to detail and love of precision keep dancers progressing, while Nico, a history graduate, enriches every lesson with fascinating stories and cultural insights that bring the dances to life. Together, they have taught and competed across Europe, constantly drawing inspiration from new experiences, ideas, and communities.

Above all, Nicolas and Alina believe that dance is about connection, self-expression, and growth. Their goal is simple: to create a space where everyone feels welcome, inspired, and free to enjoy the journey.

https://nicoandalina.com/