VIP
Meet our VIPs 2025, dedicated dancers, organizers, and performers who have been part of the scene for many years,
contributing passion, knowledge, time and inspiration.
Tena Morales-Armstrong
Tena is a dedicated promoter and producer of several national dance events. She is currently co-producer of the International Lindy Hop Championships, and International Swing Dance Championships. In the past she has also produced the Houston Jazz Dance Festival, Atlanta's Swing and Soul Weekend, Lindyfest and the Frankie Manning 95th Birthday celebration.
She served as the Artistic director and choreographer of the Lindy Hop troupe The Houston Hepcats for many years.
A nationally renowned swing dance teacher and judge, Tena has hosted the international "Hellzapoppin" dance contest at the World Famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem in conjunction with the Harlem Jazz Dance Festival and has served as a main judge for Camp Jitterbug, US Open, American Lindy Hop Championships, National Hand Dance Association and the Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown.
Her dedication to preserving the roots of Lindy Hop has lead her to create the very popular Swing Dance Museum which showcases artifacts from the swing era. Tena has also started and supported many Youth Programs thu out the US.
Chester A Whitmore
Dancing since 1974 and a protege of Fayard Nicholas (of the Nicholas Brothers) Chester has been dancing his way around the world. These days he is a dancer, teacher, performer, choreographer, director, stunt man and entertainer.
His choreography can be seen in music videos for Boys II Men, Sugar Ray, Teena Marie as well as working with artists such as Savion Glover, MC Hammer, Prince and many more.
Also a highly renowned drummer and band leader he has worked with some of the best in the entertainment industry. He has performed with his dance company Black Ballet Jazz, with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, the Count Basie Orchestra and the great Miles Davies.
Chester exudes boundless positive energy and passion for dance and is a born entertainer. HIs contributions have been far too many to name them all. He can only be seen to be believed.