Who we are
Our Dancing
We’ve been dancing Lindy Hop for twenty-five years, training with a host of international teachers, including Bic & Simone, Lana Williams, and the incredible Ryan Francois.
We took our very first triple-steps with Julie Oram at Jitterbugs in London, and for a while learnt Hollywood style from Robert & Claire Austin, performing with their dance troupe, the London SwingCats. Throughout the years we lived in London, we were out social-dancing and taking classes several times a week in the wide variety of clubs that made up the scene across the city.
Since moving to Bristol fifteen years ago, we’ve combined our dance skills with Ollie's extensive professional experience as a drama practitioner and school teacher to develop effective and enjoyable Lindy Hop tuition.
Our Teaching
All our teaching focuses on the importance of good technique: the dynamics within our own movement, the connection to our partner and our expression of the music. We also work to contextualise the dance within its history and culture. Most of all, we have fun!
We regularly attend workshops to further our own knowledge, and we host guest teachers in Bristol so that other dancers can share in their knowledge and expertise too.
The dance floor is our happy place: shared with a diverse group of people expressing the music in their own individual style, all of us enjoying the awesome dance that is Lindy Hop.
Focus on Fundamentals
Fundamentals are what dancers use all the time.
Whether you’re stepping, sliding, jumping or flying, quality of movement and connection impact every part of your dance, and should be something you work on continually.
Fundamentals are at the core of all our classes. We teach these skills from the beginning; as classes progress, we refine this knowledge to build understanding and extend your versatility as a dancer.
Testimonials
It's very important to us that we teach in a way that gives students the skills and confidence they need, as well as provides a fun and sociable hobby. Here's what people tell us:
David
I've taken private Lindy Hop choreography lessons with Ollie for over two years. Thanks to his enthusiastic, passionate and energetic teaching style, and his extensive knowledge of Lindy moves, my dancing skills and my confidence in Lindy Hop have improved enormously. Ollie's classes are always fun!
Hannah
Ollie and Helen expertly choreographed us a First Dance that was achievable but stretched us! We had 5/6 sessions with them which were very relaxed and really enjoyable. They gave us really helpful tips, noticing little things which made our dancing so much better! On the wedding day they came and did a really relaxed taster class for our guests which everyone really enjoyed. We had such a fun time and would recommend Ollie and Helen to anyone who is thinking of doing the same.
Edwina
We took a lesson with Ollie and Helen after we had been dancing for a while and felt we'd hit a bit of a plateau. It was well worth it - Ollie and Helen are great teachers who focus on technique as much as fun!