THIBAULT & NICOLE RAMIReZ
Thibault and Nicole’s story began in 2015, where dance became their universal language. Despite Thibault only speaking French and Nicole only speaking English, their connection on the dance floor transcended words. They continued to dance together, gradually learning each other’s languages, and, in January 2019, they officially announced their partnership. Since then, their bond has grown both on and off the floor, as they’ve become partners in both dance and life.
Together, Thibault and Nicole are three-time West Coast Swing Showcase World Champions, with a combined ten World Championship titles. Thibault has earned French titles in Boogie Woogie and was the first European to win an Opus at The Open Swing Dance Championships, and is the first French Showcase World Champion in West Coast Swing history. Nicole is a trained solo and partner dancer having won many titles in the Junior and Adult divisions as well as 7 World Champion Titles in the Showcase Division. She also appeared on shows and music videos including Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance.
Together, Thibault and Nicole are three-time West Coast Swing Showcase World Champions, with a combined ten World Championship titles. Thibault has earned French titles in Boogie Woogie and was the first European to win an Opus at The Open Swing Dance Championships, and is the first French Showcase World Champion in West Coast Swing history. Nicole is a trained solo and partner dancer having won many titles in the Junior and Adult divisions as well as 7 World Champion Titles in the Showcase Division. She also appeared on shows and music videos including Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance.
As renowned performers and instructors, they travel to dance events worldwide 40+ weekends per year, bringing unparalleled knowledge, passion, and artistry to every stage.
Known for their precise and engaging teaching style, Thibault and Nicole bring over 20 years of expertise in West Coast Swing and various dance styles. Their classes are rooted in technical precision and creative expression within a lively, supportive environment. Their infectious enthusiasm inspires students of all levels to reach their fullest potential. Warm, approachable, and always connecting with people on and off the dance floor, Thibault and Nicole are true leaders in the global dance community.
OUR CHIEF JUDGE
Paul Warden
Paul has been dancing and teaching WCS in UK and around the world for almost 20 years. Competitively his career began in 2008 after successfully attaining multiple world titles in competitive line dancing. Shortly after In 2010 he won 1st place Open J&J at the US Open Championships in California, after making the transition from Linedancing to West coast swing a year earlier in 2009. Since then he has competed at the highest level in J&Js, Strictly’s and The Classic division with multiple partners around the world, travelling from Brazil, to Russia, Australia, and all through Europe and continental USA.
While still actively competing Paul is passionate about passing on all his knowledge as he continues to teach all over UK, Europe and the World, his classes are fun, creative, technical and challenging without losing his natural sense of humour. Paul always strives to remain current with his teaching and techniques while remaining true to the authenticity of the dance, so wherever he teaches students will benefit from the full diversity across all aspects of WCS.
With his wealth of experience and knowledge along with immense passion and creativity he currently coaches and mentors’ students both through workshops and private lessons.
His drive to teach and develop dancers is a huge asset to the dance community in the UK, Europe and beyond. His great sense of passion, pride and professionalism is reflected in his popularity both as a teacher and a social dancer (always last to leave the ballroom). This passion, energy and personality shine through wherever he goes. He looks forward to seeing you in class or on the dance floor very soon! Paul has been judging and chief judging competitive West Coast events since 2016 and has judged all of the world. Recently became one of handful of people who has passed and taken the world wing Dance council chief Judge certification. Having been awarded the gold standard this reflects Paul’s experience knowledge and attention to detail.
Lauren Jones
Lauren got into West Coast Swing back in 2011 thanks to her wonderful mum. After a 5 year break from dancing, she scooted over to Singapore, fell in love with the community and WCS again and social danced her heart out before making her way through Europe in 2019 where she achieved All-Star Level in 2022.
She is completely hooked. She loves the balance between connecting with a partner on the floor and the freedom of self-expression, all to a wide range of music genres. The social floor is her ultimate happy place.
Lauren became well known after a few videos went viral on social media, with her unique style, musicality and approach to partnership within the dance being attributed to the success. She is over the moon to be working with the inspiring dancers of the community and strives to create meaningful and fun workshops. Her aim is to leave each person she dances with smiling, be it at her or with her!
Daniel Pavlov
Daniel discovered WCS in 2013 and quickly fell in love with the dance. Having tried many social partner dances prior to that point, West Coast Swing stood out as an art form with unending possibilities in musicality, partnership and self-expression. Today, these reasons still remain the foundation for his dedication and love for WCS.
In addition to more than a decade of experience teaching dance, Daniel likes to use knowledge from martial arts, psychology, music, sports and parkour to supplement his students’ learning. His aim in class is to strike a balance between efficient growth and simple light fun that can be shared by all.
Daniel trains regularly, teaches all over the globe, and competes in the All-Star division. His passion for West Coast Swing runs deep and having the ability to share it with others is something he is endlessly grateful for every single time!
In addition to more than a decade of experience teaching dance, Daniel likes to use knowledge from martial arts, psychology, music, sports and parkour to supplement his students’ learning. His aim in class is to strike a balance between efficient growth and simple light fun that can be shared by all.
Daniel trains regularly, teaches all over the globe, and competes in the All-Star division. His passion for West Coast Swing runs deep and having the ability to share it with others is something he is endlessly grateful for every single time!
