Markus Smith & Tren Veal
Markus and Tren are one of the most dynamic, inspiring and fun loving couples that are hard to take your eyes off of, even on a crowded floor!
They are both Swing Dance Champions under the dance company StuckOnSwing. You may have seen one of Tren’s iconic dance videos go viral on Facebook Youtube or TikTok. You may have seen Markus on BET Television Network, So You Think You Can Dance, or the movie Love N’ Dancing.
Together they travel across the United States and internationally teaching, competing, judging, and performing at National and International Swing Dance events. They routinely place amongst the top 5 in the world of Swing Dance competitions and have shared their signature DC Hand Dance style with communities across the US and abroad.
They are most passionate about bringing people together and sharing the gift of dance and music with the next generation.
Allan Thivoz & Alexandra Branco
Alexandra has been passionate about dance since childhood. She practiced Country intensively for more than 10 years, developing the footwork that would later become her signature. Her journey led her around the world, training with top professionals at international WSDC events. Thanks to her technical expertise and passion for West Coast Swing, she reached the prestigious “All Stars” division in only two years.
Allan started West Coast Swing in Lyon at the age of 14, inspired by teachers who later became world champions. His growing passion pushed him to take part in national and international events, refining both his technical and teaching skills. By competing and training with the best, Allan also reached the “All Stars” level.
Beyond their performances, Alexandra and Allan are passionate instructors. They teach with clarity, kindness, and enthusiasm, helping their students grow and thrive through dance.
Teddy Sanchez & Dianéva Poirson
Teddy began dancing at the age of 7, exploring acrobatic rock, boogie-woogie and jazz. At 14, he joined the regional conservatory of Lyon, then a few years later, the Conservatoire National Supérieur de musique et de danse de Lyon, where he trained in classical and contemporary dance.
After an international career as a solo dancer (Mongolia, Russia, China, Italy, Spain), he discovered West Coast Swing in 2008 and chose to devote himself fully to it, emphasizing the quality of movement and body lines, which are the pillars of his teaching. After several years of teaching, he launched into Jack and Jill competitions in November 2022 and very quickly reached the All Star category in February 2024, in just 16 months.
Dianéva is renowned for the fluidity of her movements, her graceful style and her radiant stage presence. She discovered dance at the age of 4 with jazz, classical and contemporary dance, which she practiced for more than 20 years! As a teenager, she joined an intensive dance group which regularly performed in shows and competitions.
In 2011, she was introduced to West Coast Swing through Nicolas BOURGEAIS in the Cannes region where she is from. She then taught alongside him for almost 10 years. On the competition circuit, in just 3 years, Dianéva joined the “All-Stars” category in 2017.
Teddy and Dianéva are renowned for their quality of movement and their great artistic sensitivity. In 2022, they decided to partner up to create a Showcase choreography. Their first appearance at THE OPEN in Los Angeles in 2023 propelled them directly into the world’s top 3. In 2024, their new choreography confirms them in the world’s top 5.
In 2025, they are embarking on a teaching partnership in France and abroad. Their passion for dance is reflected in their classes, which they teach with enthusiasm and good humor.
François Vie & Dina Pop
Dina is a seasoned dancer, choreographer, and instructor whose journey began at just 8 years old. With a foundation in classical and ballroom dance, she quickly rose through the ranks, winning county and national titles and performing at festivals across Romania. Since 1998, she has been sharing her passion through teaching and choreographing in various styles, offering inclusive dance workshops for cancer patients and the visually impaired, and appearing on national TV and international stages.
In 2006, Dina discovered West Coast Swing during a trip to the U.S., training with top international instructors. She quickly brought the style back to Romania, introducing it in her social dance classes and founding Napoca Westies Dance School in Cluj-Napoca in 2009 — the first school in the city dedicated to West Coast Swing and Lindy Hop. She is also the driving force behind the Napoca Swing Festival, an annual celebration of swing dance that has energized the local scene since 2016.
François first discovered dance in school, eventually dedicating himself to the 10-dance ballroom discipline for three years. His passion for West Coast Swing began in 2015, when he attended his first event in Angoulême. That same year, he and his partner won their division at the French Open in Paris — at just 13 years old!
Since then, François has competed and placed in events across France, Budapest, and Los Angeles. While pursuing his medical studies, he began teaching West Coast Swing in Tours, Angoulême, and Cognac, sharing his enthusiasm with dancers of all levels.
Although based in different cities — Dina in Cluj and François currently studying in Cluj as well — they occasionally join forces to teach and dance together. Their partnership brings a fresh blend of experience, creativity, and joy to every class and performance. Don’t miss the chance to see them in action!