5–8 March 2027 · Trondheim
The teachers, judges, DJs and organisers who make Norway Westie Fest happen.
Teachers
João and Savana are known for their dynamic teaching style, infectious energy, and clear, engaging instruction. Partners for four years, they are committed to helping dancers develop body awareness and movement quality while keeping classes fun and accessible.
Whether in class or on the dance floor, they love sharing their passion for West Coast Swing and offering everyone a rich and inspiring learning experience.
João started dancing at eight years old in a German folk dance group in southern Brazil. He later added zouk, salsa, forró, samba de gafieira and Argentine tango, and began teaching in 2011. He found West Coast Swing in 2012, has taught it since 2014, and now teaches in Switzerland and at international events.
Savana started jazz at four and went on to train in contemporary, classical and hip hop. She won regional and national prizes and studied at a conservatory during high school. Savana discovered partner dancing at seven and began teaching young. She later chose to specialise in West Coast Swing and moved to Switzerland, where she met João.
Teachers
Joshua and Maïna formed their partnership after discovering a great connection on the social floor. They have since presented a Classic routine at The Open 2025 and teach at international events across Europe. Their chemistry carries into the classroom: expect lessons that are fun, personal and full of energy for West Coast Swing.
Joshua
Joshua has taught West Coast Swing for more than ten years and has run his own school in Freiburg, Germany, for seven, helping build the local community. His classes are detailed and technical, with plenty of humour and attention to each dancer. Expect solid technique, fresh concepts and a few moves you’ll want to try on the social floor right away.
Maïna started with tap and solo dance and found West Coast Swing in Rouen, France, in 2013. She now competes in the Champion division and is known for her elegance and musicality. She organises her own event, Normandie On West, and co-created an online follower styling course that helps dancers grow and find their own expression.
Teacher · CHIEF judge
Vanessa’s dance journey began as a competitive hip-hop dancer. Her passion for movement eventually led her to Brazilian dances before finding her true calling in West Coast Swing.
Since 2017, Vanessa has immersed herself in the world of swing dancing, mastering West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Charleston, Shag, and Balboa.
As a certified Health & Wellness Coach, Vanessa’s approach to dance instruction is rooted in anatomy. This foundation allows her to explain techniques with precision and clarity, helping students understand and differentiate the nuances between styles, techniques and influences in West Coast Swing.
Teacher · MC
Before partner dancing, he trained in hip-hop, flamenco, jazz, ballet and Latin folklore. In salsa, he became a three-time World Salsa Championships silver medalist and has more than 25 years of teaching experience.
He discovered West Coast Swing in the early 2000s and has taught and competed since 2010, becoming the first Scandinavian dancer to reach the WSDC All-Star division. Today he is hosting regular weekly classes in his hometown, travels both nationally and internationally to share his knowledge and passion for the dance.
Head DJ
CO HEAD DJ
SOCIAL DJ
PhotograPHer
SCORER
EVENT DIRECTORS
