About

Our passion is Lindy Hop, the swing dance that originated in Harlem, mainly during the 1930’s and 40’s. At ChileSwing, our aim is to pass on swing dancing in a social setting. Our focus is on lead/follow techniques that allow us to dance with everyone, from rank beginners to seasoned veterans. We teach fun repertoire that can be danced with anyone while also emphasizing improvisation. Lindy Hop is a fun way to meet new friends, get some exercise, and enjoy great music. Come out and swing dance with us!

Chiles VandenBosche

Chiles began swing dancing in early 1998. By 1999, he was dancing at least 5 nights a week. In 2001, he started teaching at the Avalon Studio in Catonsville. He has taught workshops in venues such as the American Lindy Hop Championships, the Virginia State Open and as a regular guest instructor for the Washington Swing Dance Committee. In 2003 Chiles took 1st place at the Virginia State Open for the Open Jack & Jill Lindy Hop Fast.

Together, Kristen & Chiles have taught several times in Carlisle, twice in Pittsburgh (2006 & 2008), in York (Feb. 2009), Columbus, OH (May 2009), and Cleveland, OH (Feb. 2010).

Kristen LeChevet

Kristen started dancing as a kid with Jazz, Ballet, & Tap. When she moved to Baltimore for Grad school in 2003, she started taking ballroom lessons at the Avalon Studio, where she discovered Lindy Hop. Kristen began teaching with Chiles at a workshop in Carlisle, PA in June 2004.

Together, Kristen & Chiles have taught several times in Carlisle, twice in Pittsburgh (2006 & 2008), in York (Feb. 2009), Columbus, OH (May 2009), and Cleveland, OH (Feb. 2010).

Diana Schenck Chapin

Diana started dancing at the age of 4 and has been hooked on dance ever since. First trained in classical ballet, jazz, and musical theater, she started swing dancing in 1993 and soon found her true passion for Lindy Hop and Blues dancing. Always on the lookout for new inspiration and ideas, she has also dabbled in a variety of other styles, including West Coast Swing, ballroom, Latin, and Argentine tango. Years of study as a musician have also made her particularly sensitive to and focused on the relationship between music and dance. On the dance floor, Diana is known for her creativity, musicality, humor, and infectious love for dance.