Unleash Your Inner Rhythm

I saw a free exercise class in my local park. I had excess baby weight and needed to exercise. I was pretty rubbish at first but enjoyed the music and the fun teaching style. Eventually I tried their dance class and loved it. The music, the movement, the endorphins. It became my stress relief. I could turn upto class fuming and be laughing within 5 minutes. I also liked the exercise element. Now I couldn't live without it. I need the stress relief, the exercise and friends.

For me the journey began as a troubled 14 year old who found solace in music. Having played in a group, I managed to get into the over 20's night! I danced jive all night and loved it. Then life sent me in a different direction and ended up working long shifts and weekends. My personal life was a mess and I was fortunate to meet Judi. She said why don't we dance when our weekends stopped. The rest is history and I love dancing, the friends we have made and the memories we continue to make.

My introduction to dance was in my early teens at Northern Soul all nighters. I loved the music and the freedom dance gave me. This was curtailed by shift work. 

I took up dancing again when Norman and I were looking for a shared hobby. So we started Jive lessons. We then moved to Lindy and after trying various different classes and teachers we found teachers and a class that suited us. We had found our happy place.

Dance has given and continues to give me many things. Exercise, a way to clear my mind, fun, a sense of belonging, increased self confidence and it has enabled me to go to places I would never have visited. Most importantly it has given me some fantastic friendships with people whom my path would never have crossed.

I came to Lindyhop/swing dance because a friend told me I'd love this type of fun and sociable dance style. Being as I'm a fan of everything vintage and music from that era!

I keep dancing as I like the social side to it, enjoy the music and challenge of learning this dance style. We have a lot of fun in the classes and lovely friendships.

From a dancers point of view I love all the technique and details Sarah gets into!

I first saw a demonstration of Lindy Hop and swing dance in the local shopping complex and thought this was so cool. My wife and I went to one class not knowing if it would be easy to pick up. After the first class we were buzzing and able to do the basics thanks to Sarah's excellent teaching style. It amazed me how nice everyone was and now some of best friends are within the dance community. What's not to like, friendly, fun and we have never felt fitter.

Started lindy classes 11 years ago after being encouraged by a couple of friends. Took me totally out of my comfort zone but stuck at it as I found myself smiling a lot at class. Have met a real eclectic mix of people, made a great number of friends and have a lot of fun at the social dances.

I started age 4 as both my parents danced. Over the years moved through many different genres (doing each for years). I was a shy child and young teen and could hide in dance - be who I wanted to be. I just loved that feeling, whether in my kitchen, a class or performing. It was an outlet and it was my voice.

Then an accident paralysed my left leg and lower back. I laid flat on my back for months. They didn't know if I'd walk again but I knew I would dance again! After months I moved to a wheelchair, crutches, sticks, hydrotherapy, physiotherapist and then I walked alone. I took up Pilates and then moved to upright dance and did Salsa for couple of years. I ventured into musical theatre and when that course stopped it was lindy hop that replaced it and the rest is history. 

So I love it! Sheer determination got me moving again. I'm nowhere near where I was dance wise and bits of my spine and hips give in but I love it more than I ever did. My fave times are feeling safe enough to be daft in dance and let go in the moment. It brings security and freedom and is great for exercise and joy.

Music was an integral part of growing up in my family, with an eclectic mix of genres played. Although I was not confident and thought I had two left feet, I loved to social dance and sought more opportunities for this when I met my now husband.

Having started partner dancing with modern jive, we found a new path into lindy hop swing dancing. It's a great ay to keep active and has opened up a world of safe social interaction, friendships and fun.