With Strictly currently on our screens, and the exploits of the celebrities learning to Quickstep and Jive, I thought it’d be a good time to mention my dancing feet, which have only just got moving!
As I dress in vintage style, people often ask me if I dance ‘vintage’ too. Which to most people means Jive, Lindy Hop, or Charleston. My answer in the past was always, “no, I have two left feet!”
I did love watching the dancing though, so, when I had my tearoom, I sometimes booked Jive Swing to come and teach lessons, while I provide the tea and cake, and although the lovely teachers always invited me to join in, I always had a handy excuse, like “I’ve got to make the teas” or “I’m not wearing the right shoes” basically, I was chicken!
Photos – Put The Kettle On Tearoom – Facebook
When we went to The fabulous Twinwood for the first time, one of the things I was excited about was watching the dancing. I didn’t quite manage to join in on the classes, although we did go and watch one, and tried some initial steps, but it was a bit tricky with the little one.
So, after we got back, I decided I was going to be brave and go to some lessons. Luckily, the Jive Swing Enfield class was really nearby, so I bit the bullet and went.
At the first class, I was really nervous, but everyone was so friendly and welcoming, that I soon felt more comfortable. I even managed to pick up the basic steps!
The classes start with an hour for beginners just before 8 o’clock, then the beginners have an opportunity to stay for an extra class while the intermediates have a lesson, then at the end of the evening, there’s a chance for social dancing, which is great for underlining the skills you’ve learnt in class.
Some of the dancers are amazing, and if nothing else, watching them dance is a real treat!
There a great social side outside class too, with regular meet ups, social dances and events, including the Christmas vintage ball, which my husband and I went to last year. We had a blast, and the live music by the Down for the Count Orchestra was amazing. Check out upcoming events here.
The great thing about Lindy Hop and Charleston, which the courses are based on, is that it’s energetic and fun, and our Enfield teacher, Charlotte, has a great way of making the steps make sense to me. The other members of the class are absolutely lovely, and although I’ve not been well enough to join them lately, I can’t wait to go back for the next course.
Jive Swing run several different classes in different areas, and I definitely recommend popping in to try out a class, you might find yourself getting hooked…
Just to show you how fun it is, here’s Joseph, Charlotte’s husband and Jive Swing founder, teaching the warm up we do each week, ‘The Jive Swing Stroll’. Give it a try!
Photos from JiveSwing.com. Check them out online here and on Facebook here
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