Visiting Teachers
Over the years, we have regularly invited the world's best teachers to share their knowledge and love of the dance with us, right here in Bristol.
Ryan Francois
Ryan Francois is a Swing dancer and choreographer who was central to the resurgence of African-American dances in 1980s Britain. Specialising in dances related to the Jazz era - including Lindy Hop, Charleston, Tap and Vernacular Jazz - Ryan has over forty years' dance experience.
Ryan developed his knowledge of Authentic Jazz dances from their original source, chiefly Pepsi Bethel and Frankie Manning, George Lloyd and Mama Lu Parks. He has formed dance companies, choreographed and starred on Broadway, appeared in and choreographed numerous movies and TV shows including Malcolm X, Swing Kids, and Strictly Come Dancing. Ryan has taught and mentored many of the Lindy Hop teachers around the world today – including us!
With a vast range of experience and influence, Ryan has been instrumental in the proliferation of Lindy Hop across the UK, Europe and beyond, integrating professional dance technique while being custodian of its authentic roots and feel.
Bic & Simone
Bic and Simone have a reputation for a strong focus on technique in their teaching. On the social dance floor they are known for their fluid dance style and commitment to both each other and the music.
They teach these elements of the dance using relevant exercises, shapes and sequences of Lindy Hop moves.
Internationally renowned Lindy Hop dancers, teachers and event organisers based in the South of England, Bic & Simone are founders of The Lindy Club and teach weekly classes, workshops, and festivals combining technical skill with creativity to enhance dancers' musicality and connection.
Jenny Thomas
BBC Strictly Come Dancing choreographer. OFFIE-nominated. World-leading Swing specialist. With four decades of professional experience, Jenny is one of the most respected choreographers in Charleston, Lindy Hop and Authentic Jazz worldwide.
Jenny was introduced to Authentic Jazz dances such as Charleston, Blues & Lindy Hop back in 1992 for Anthony Van Laast's European tour 'Souls in Motion', during which she was invited to join 'Zoots and Spangles' Authentic Jazz Dance Company. She went on to win the US Open American Swing Dance Championship and the UK Open Lindy Hop Championship with Ryan Francois, establishing herself early as a formidable all-round performer.
Her expertise in these historically rich and highly specialised styles has led to choreographic and performance work across the world. Jenny has been part of the creative team on Strictly Come Dancing for twenty years.
Moe Sakan & Michael Jagger
Moe Sakan has had professional training in many types of dance from an early age. In 1999 Moe fell in love with the world of Swing dance, since then this has been her dance of choice. Moe moved to London in 2000, becoming the UK's top female Swing dancer. An active social and competition dancer, she has won numerous competition titles internationally, including the world’s biggest Jack 'n' Jill competition at Frankie 95 (2009).
Michael Jagger is an internationally renowned Lindy Hop dancer, instructor and choreographer, best known for his partnership with Evita Arce. Together since 2003, they have toured worldwide, won top titles in the cabaret divisions at ALHC and ILHC, and are recognised for their energetic, musical and technically precise Swing dancing.
