Barbara Billups is a celebrated Lindy Hop dancer, hailing from the iconic Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, New York. A former Harvest Moon Ball Champion, Barbara’s legacy is steeped in the rich history of jazz and swing dance. Her illustrious career includes performances with Sonny Allen and the Rockets, a premier dance group with whom she graced stages across the United States and Canada.

In the early 1950s, Barbara met her longtime friend and fellow dancer, Sugar Sullivan, at the Savoy Ballroom. Together, they shared an unmatched energy and charisma, bringing Lindy Hop to audiences worldwide. Both Barbara and Sugar are honored inductees of the International Lindy Hop Hall of Fame, celebrated for their dedication to preserving and promoting Lindy Hop’s unique heritage and spirit.

Chester Whitmore has been dancing around the world since 1974, trained by none other than Fayard Nicholas of the legendary Nicholas Brothers. Chester is a dancer, teacher, choreographer, director, stuntman, entertainer, and even a renowned drummer and bandleader.

His choreography graces music videos for artists like Boys II Men, Sugar Ray, and Teena Marie, and he’s worked with icons such as Savion Glover, MC Hammer, and Prince. With his dance company, Black Ballet Jazz, he has lit up stages with the Lionel Hampton, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie orchestras.

Chester’s boundless energy and infectious passion make him an unforgettable entertainer—one who must be seen to be believed! Is there anything he can’t do? We don’t think so.

Lifelong Grassroots Activist, Daughter, Sister, Teacher, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Dancer, Buddhist, and professional Fundraiser for a wide variety of international, national, and local political, educational, progressive non-profit, and advocacy organizations. Her parents’ example of courage taught her never to acquiesce to the status quo and to be willing to fight for what you believe in… especially your dreams. This has been the touchstone of her life.

Sugar Sullivan began dancing at age nine and rose to fame as a member of the Original Jazz Dancers, a legendary group of Lindy Hoppers and Hoofers from Harlem's golden age. Her career highlights include performances with the Harlem Blues and Jazz Band, Cab Calloway's Hi-De-Ho Orchestra, and Panama Francis and his Savoy Sultans.

Starting with Tap at home, Sugar was trained by Buster Brown by age four. She met Barbara Billups at the Savoy Ballroom in the early fifties. They have performed across North America and Canada with Sonny Allen and the Rockets. Both are honored members of the International Lindy Hop Hall of Fame, celebrated for their dedication to preserving and promoting Lindy Hop’s unique heritage and spirit.

Sylvia is one of the most well-known and respected dancers, instructors and judges in the U.S. today. An internationally recognized authority on most types of Swing dance, she has been teaching and judging for over 30 years throughout the U.S., Europe, Asia and Australia. Sylvia studied with the great Swing dancer Dean Collins, studied Balboa with Maxie Dorf and spent years learning from the greatest Southern California Balboa dancers.