recently
ZURICH
special
May 30 to June 2, 2025 Zurich
May 30 to June 2, 2025 Zurich
We believe in learning from the source, and this event is your opportunity to train directly with the legends who have shaped the art of Lindy Hop, Solo Jazz aka Vernacular Jazz, Jazz Roots and Swing Culture.
Our first edition proudly presents Chester Whitmore, the Lord of Swing, a direct link to the golden era of Jazz dance, offering classes in Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz for dancers of all levels.
Militärstrasse 84, 8004 Zürich
El Social (El Boge), Viadukt 10, 8005 Zürich
El Social (El Boge), Viadukt 10, 8005 Zürich
Hofwiesenstrasse 226, 8057 Zürich
• 21h-23h social dance DJ's and surprises (max 50 pax)
• 1230-1345h Solo Jazz Intermediate
• 1445-1600h Lindy Hop Advance
• 1615-1730h Solo Jazz Advance
Evening (same location max 80 pax)
• 1900h Watch - Chester clip talk part 1
• 2030 - 2330h Party with DJ's and suprises
• 1230-1345h Solo Jazz Advance
• 1445-1600h Lindy Hop Intermediate
• 1615-1730h Solo Jazz Intermediate
Evening (both studios max 80 pax)
• 1930 Listen - Chester talk ... part 2
• 2000 - 0200h Party live band and surprises
• 1400-1600h Teacher Track
• 1615-1730h Routine Class
Evening (same location, max 80 pax)
• 1930h Listen - Chester Talk ... part 1
• 2030 - 0200h Party with live Band and surprises
"Roots of Swing,"
hosted by MC Patrick & Muetze
20:30 Party
Party with live music and shows
Tonight's Featured Local Musicians (curated by Michel): Michel Muinch (Bass & Vocals), Dave Hasler (Guitar), Ueli Spoerri (Drums), Markus Tinner (Clarinet), Elena "Jazzsaxy" Pavlova (Tenor Sax)
"Roots of a Dancer,"
hosted by MC Patrick & Muetze
20:30h Party
Floor 1: Live music and shows *
Floor 2: No fast music
*Tonight's Featured Local Musicians (curated by Rico & Marco): Andy Dehner (Bass), Rico Fischbacher (Drums), Fulvio Granata (Piano), Beni Frei (Trumpet), Neal Sugarman (Tenor Sax)
"Dancers in Clips and Movies," hosted by Muetze
20:30: Party
with DJs in battle mode
"Chester's World, Chester's Favorites"
21:00 - 23:00: Social Dance (Organizers on the decks - DJs Muetze & bohéme)
Michel Münch (Bass & Vocals): The assembler of this evening's musical journey, Michel holds down the rhythm section with his bass and adds his voice to the mix. He is an active musician, playing in multiple bands and projects across Switzerland and French. His selections promise a memorable night.
Dave Hasler (Guitar): Dave is a highly versatile guitarist who brings a blend of melody and harmony to the ensemble. He attended jazz school in Lucerne and has played countless gigs in various bands, including the "New Hot Club of Zurich," "À la Django," "Swissband," and "ClinTonics." His experience ranges from interpreting tunes from the Great American Songbook to Jazz Manouche à la Django Reinhardt, and even pop and rock hits. He has also released music, such as the digital album "Jazzgrass."
Ueli Spoerri (Drums): As the backbone of the group, Ueli's drumming provides the essential pulse and dynamic energy. He is a local drummer known for his dynamic playing and has been an active part of the music scene, performing in multiple bands in and around Zurich.
Markus Tinner (Clarinet): Markus adds a unique and expressive voice with his clarinet. He is an active musician in Switzerland, frequently performing with bands such as "The New Hot Club of Zurich," "Billie's Buddies," "Alexanders Ragtime Band," and "The Pavilion Dance Orchestra." His website also features some of his original music.
Elena "Jazzsaxy" Pavlova (Tenor Sax): Known as "Jazzsaxy," Elena brings the soulful and powerful sound of the tenor saxophone. Elena is a highly accomplished musician who started learning piano at the age of three. A true prodigy, she won various music scholarships and awards, giving live piano concerts on TV at the young age of 11. She continued her musical education, mastering both piano and later, saxophone. Her rich experience includes working in numerous bands and orchestras, including jazz and retro jazz big bands, before embarking on international tours and performances in places like Seoul, Kiev, Malaysia, and France.
Rico Fischbacher (Drums): Rico drives the band with his drumming, providing the essential rhythm and groove. Known for his work in various projects, including the "Coniglio Connection" band, he brings a dynamic pulse that invites listeners to dance. Beyond his performance work, Rico is a dedicated drum instructor, teaching at the "Eat Your Sticks" drum school in St. Gallen. He's also leading the "Drumming" course for Pro Infirmis, for djembe and other instruments.
Fulvio Granata (Piano): Fulvio is a versatile pianist, known for performing in various projects, including jazz and acoustic duos. He has also been involved in collaborations with singers, performing jazz, pop, and musical songs, as well as classical pieces, often bringing a festive ambiance to events. His improvisations and accompanying textures will add depth and vibrancy to the performance.
Beni Frei (Trumpet): Growing up immersed in traditional brass band music, Beni now explores diverse musical styles. He plays primarily Oberkrainer music with the "Rex Quintett" and New Orleans Jazz with "Alexander's Ragtime Band." This versatility in style has also made him a part of projects like "Coniglio Connection." His lyrical phrasing and dynamic range are sure to captivate.
Neal Sugarman (Tenor Sax): The internationally renowned tenor saxophonist, Neal Sugarman is known for his soul- and powerful sound. He is a co-founder of Daptone Records, a label of the revival of soul and funk. Neal is also a founding member of the legendary funk band Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, with whom he has extensively toured and recorded, including on Amy Winehouse's "Back to Black" and Mark Ronson's "Version." He also leads his own soul-jazz project, The Sugarman 3, which pre-dates The Dap-Kings and was a major impetus for starting Daptone Records. He having played with a wide array of artists including Al Green and Michael Bublé,.
Elevate Your Teaching with Chester Whitmore,
partnered with Malou Meyenhofer.
Open to advanced swing dancers and current Lindy Hop/Solo Jazz teachers.
and Teacher
Single class CHF35
party CHF30/25,
monday clip talk & social CHF15
teachers track CHF75
Push Your Boundaries with Chester Whitmore,
partnered with Malou Meyenhofer.
Elevate Your Swing with Chester Whitmore,
partnered with Malou Meyenhofer.
Single class CHF35
party CHF30/25,
monday clip talk & social CHF15
teachers track CHF75
Foundations & Grooves with Chester Whitmore
(Beginner/Intermediate)
Explorations & Flow with Chester Whitmore
(Intermediate/Advanced)
Single class CHF35
party CHF30/25,
monday clip talk & social CHF15
teachers track CHF75
TRACK TICKETS & EVENTS:
• Teachers Track Leader 4h CHF75.-
• Teachers Track Follower 4h CHF75.-
---
• Routine Class 1h15 CHF35.-
---
• Lindy INT Track Follower 2h30 CHF60.-
• Lindy INT Track Leader 2h30 CHF60.-
• Lindy ADV Track Follower 2h30 CHF60.-
• Lindy ADV Track Leader 2h30 CHF60.-
---
• Solo INT Track 2h30 CHF60.-
• Solo ADV Track 2h30 CHF60.-
---
• Friday Talk & Partys CHF30.-
• Saturday Talk & Partys CHF30.-
• Sunday ClipsTalk & Partys CHF25.-
• Monday Clip & Social 15.-
• Monday Socialdance only 8.-
SINGLE TICKETS
• Lindy INT Class Follower Saturday SOLD OUT
• Lindy INT Class Leader Saturday SOLD OUT
• Lindy INT Class Follower Sunday 1h15 CHF35.-
• Lindy INT Class Leader Sunday 1h15 CHF35.-
---
• Lindy ADV Class Follower Saturday 1h15 CHF35.-
• Lindy ADV Class Leader Saturday 1h15 CHF35.-
• Lindy ADV Class Follower
__Sunday 1h15 CHF35.- (with partner only)
• Lindy ADV Class Leader Sunday 1h15 CHF35.-
---
• Solo INT Class Saturday 1h15 CHF35.-
• Solo ADV Class Saturday 1h15 CHF35.-
• Solo INT Class Sunday 1h15 CHF35.-
• Solo ADV Class Sunday 1h15 CHF35.-
The ticket prices appears exactly on the orderform too.
You will know what you order.
Emerging from this significant mentorship, Chester established himself as a mesmerizing performer, his feet articulating complex rhythms in a dazzling display of tap artistry, while his embodiment of the buoyant energy of Lindy Hop captivated audiences. As a choreographer, Chester distinguished himself by meticulously reconstructing historical dance forms, breathing new life into the authentic styles and infusing them with his own innovative spirit. His dedication extended beyond performance; he became a passionate educator, generously imparting his deep knowledge through workshops and residencies, ensuring the legacy of these vital dances continued to flourish.
Chester's commitment to historical accuracy, coupled with his dynamic teaching style, positioned him as a pivotal figure in dance preservation. He not only reconstructed steps but also illuminated the cultural narratives embedded within these forms, inspiring dancers to connect with the historical roots of American vernacular dance while encouraging their own creative exploration. His work stands as a testament to the enduring power and cultural significance of these dance traditions, ensuring their vibrancy for generations to come.
Versatile Choreographer: His choreography credits include music videos for artists like Michal Jackson, Paula Abdul & Janet Jackson, Boys II Men, Sugar Ray, and Teena Marie. He has also worked with notable artists such as Savion Glover, MC Hammer, and Prince.
Musician and Band Leader: Besides his dance career, Chester Whitmore is a highly regarded drummer and bandleader, he have his own BigBand. He has performed with prestigious orchestras like the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, the Count Basie Orchestra, and even with the legendary Miles Davis.
Founder of Black Ballet Jazz: He founded his own dance company, Black Ballet Jazz and toured several time the world.
Hollywood Connections: Chester Whitmore has choreographed fight scenes for Hollywood and has worked as a stuntman in films, including those with Chuck Norris. He is involved in the Movies as a Choreographer and Dancer like A Jazzmans Blues, LaLaLand and many more and has become "Hollywoods Go-To Choreographer".
Tap Dance Master: He is a high-speed tap dancer, having learned from one of the Nicholas Brothers.
Music Video Choreography: His choreography credits extend to iconic music videos such as Madonna's "Vogue" and the opening sequence of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal."
Instructor and Cultural Historian: Chester Whitmore is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of African-American dance. He conducts workshops and lectures, teaching about the roots of jazz, tap, and swing.
Global Ambassador of Dance: He is considered a global ambassador for American dance traditions, known for his dynamic and charismatic style.
Collaborations: He has collaborated with stars like Usher and Sammy Davis Jr.
0:09 Apple Jack
0:48 Black Bottom
1:11 Boogie Back aka 'Back it up'
1:29 Boogie Forward
1:35 Boogie Forward (clap behind)
and more
founder of Masters of Swing Dance
For me personally, Chester Whitmore has been a profound inspiration. He has not only lifted my own dancing to new heights but has also deepened my understanding of the dance and its rich history.
The idea behind these Masters workshops – to bring world-class instruction to local communities for better access – is something Chester and I have discussed many times. These conversations have truly inspired me to take this step forward and make it a reality here in Zürich.
Partnering with Chester is an honor. He is a living legend whose deep understanding of swing history, incredible musicality, and engaging teaching style are unparalleled. Learning from Chester is an opportunity to connect with the roots of swing and to refine your skills in a way that's both authentic and exhilarating. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and to take your swing dancing to the next level!
