Igor PITANGUI was born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil and is based at Toulouse, France. A multi-artist who performs as a dancer, choreographer, artistic director/coach, instructor, event director. His artistic career began at the age of 8 learning modern dance and latin-brazilian partnered dance styles. After winning a TV show "Raul Gil" in Brazil (at age 14) started dancing classical, contemporary, jazz and street jazz. Igor also joined five other Brazilian TV shows after winning this one. At the age of 17 (2009) discovers the West Coast Swing and since then, he has been learning with the legendary champions of the United States, the most renowned on the circuit as Jordan & Tatiana, Melissa Rutz, Ben Morris and Benji Schwimmer. Igor joined professional dance companies, played as a producer and coordinator of show business events such as: operas, musical theater, congresses and artistic festivals. He’s the only one to win 1st place at Budafest All Stars/Champions J&J - two years in a row - and the Open Stricty at the same year, in two different roles as follower and leader, in the same year at the world largest competition. He’s well ranked with many routines at the French Open WCS (three times 1st place Showcase), the US Open (2nd place Rising Star, 6th place Showcase), West in Lyon (1st place Classic) and nowadays he competes in the WSDC All Stars category as a leader and follower, often in the top 5 of the podium.

Antoine started dancing with swing dance in 2010: Rock, Boogie, Lindy... then in an all-dance party, he discovered West Coast Swing and was immediately attracted by its fluidity and began to learn it. in 2011. For him, each class of each dance is an opportunity to practice as a leader and to absorb the information given to the followers. He therefore learns to Switch from the very beginning. He first learned from Nicolas Bourgeais, and deepened his knowledge by learning from renowned Champions such as: Maxence & Virginie, Jordan & Tatiana, Myles & Tessa. Nowadays he competes in the WSDC Advanced level. From practicing WCS and travelling, he found his place in the communities of Europe and the USA where Switch and Steal are practiced. He now wants to develop these communities in Europe to benefit as many dancers as possible.

Born in Tahiti, Jean-Nicolas moved to metropolitan France in 2015 to study, more specifically in Lyon. And there couldn't be a better place to start dancing, with which he will remain madly in love. Since then, he's been a regular on the dance scene, continuing to train and grow as a dancer. His third place in Rising Star at the US Open was a huge achievement for him. His interest in switch goes back to his early days. He discovered a playground where instinct and energy are the key words. So don't hesitate to invite him, he's always up for it!

Hélène developed her passion for WCS in Strasbourg where she quickly became one of the community leaders. Now based in Paris, she often travels internationally to learn and compete as an Advanced Division follower and Intermediate Division leader.

During her dance journey, she has discovered many dance styles like Lindy Hop, Blues, Zouk, and Ballroom dancing, and she brings all those influences with her into her WCS and her classes. She loves switching between leading and following within a dance, to challenge and develop creativity and partnership. For her, connection is everything!

The youngest All-Star in Europe and US Open Champion in the Young Adult Division, Melodie began dancing at the age of 4, focusing on contemporary and jazz styles. At 13 years old, she discovered West Coast Swing and instantly fell in love. Melodie is passionate about the co-creative and improvisational elements of switch and steals dancing. Imparting her knowledge to students of all levels, making it accessible and approachable for everyone !

Lena & Olivier are managing the Temple du Swing, a couple dance school of more than 750 dancers, among which the biggest West Coast Swing community : 500 westies. They own a dance studio in Paris center now, Montparnasse station, where most of Temple du Swing classes happen, and where two weekly parties (Tuesdays and Thursdays) gather the parisian westie community (but not limited to ;-)). As dancers, they both danced, competed in several events and divisions all over the world, as teachers they have more than 20 years of experience. They teach and dance in both roles since the beginning, as leader or follower. They took part of a special class of stealing in Riga in 2019, and judged the steal competition. They opened the first regular class ever of steal & switch last year in Paris. They love creative and smooth moves, playing with connection, counterweight and momentum. They are thrilled to take part of the first Steal & Switch Parisian edition!

Lena & Olivier are managing the Temple du Swing, a couple dance school of more than 750 dancers, among which the biggest West Coast Swing community : 500 westies. They own a dance studio in Paris center now, Montparnasse station, where most of Temple du Swing classes happen, and where two weekly parties (Tuesdays and Thursdays) gather the parisian westie community (but not limited to ;-)). As dancers, they both danced, competed in several events and divisions all over the world, as teachers they have more than 20 years of experience. They teach and dance in both roles since the beginning, as leader or follower. They took part of a special class of stealing in Riga in 2019, and judged the steal competition. They opened the first regular class ever of steal & switch last year in Paris. They love creative and smooth moves, playing with connection, counterweight and momentum. They are thrilled to take part of the first Steal & Switch Parisian edition!

Raphaël is a smiling and enthusiastic dancer. Coming from martial arts, he is passionate about pedagogy and understanding the biomechanics of movement.
He regularly competes and teach as both leader and follower, and loves helping others to unlock their full potential in this dance !

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Valérie likes dinosaurs

Laura is a passionnate dancer who feels strongly that anyone should be able to dance both roles. She has been taking weekly lessons as both a leader and a follower and occasionally competes as a leader. She had the chance to take her very first steal workshop in 2019 in Riga with Lena & Olivier. Laura feels very happy to be able to assist them in further spreading this knowledge. She was very excited to participate in the first European strictly steal competition in 2019 and cannot wait to see what the students bring on the floor at SwitchXperience! Also, Laura is absolutely not an Elf.