About Me
The Strictly Dance classes began because I wanted to share my love of dancing - you're never too old to enjoy it. I wanted to offer more variety than just one style, or only ballroom and latin. There seemed to be limited options available, especially dancing without a partner. I was sure it would be as much fun learning lots of different styles and not about getting really good at just one style. The element of fun has always been very important to me.
Background
My dancing life began at the age of 5, starting with ballet and later learning jazz and contemporary dance. During my school years I was heavily involved in choreographing and performing for our school dance competitions and musicals and at university (studying sport and dance) I joined the university Dance Company, which involved various performances.
After obtaining a Masters in Sport Science I began my working life as a lecturer at a sixth form college. But, it was difficult to find time for dancing whilst working full time. It wasn't until 2001 that I started dancing again after discovering modern jive partner dancing.
Modern Jive opened me up to the wonderful world of partner dancing. With 20 years of previous dance experience I progressed quickly and by 2005 I competed in various national competitions with my partner Simon Rich. The culmination of this saw us winning the Britrock 2005 Independent Modern Jive Championships at the end of that year.
I decided to end my competing days on a high and instead began to focus on teaching. I taught for various modern jive venues/organisers, including MJ Dance Party (Brighton), Rocsters (Shoreham/Findon), Dance Infinity (Worthing) and LeRoc (Dorking). It was at the latter I had the opportunity to meet some of the 'Strictly Come Dancing' stars including Ian Waite, Camilla Dallerup, Flavia Cacace, Vincent Simone and I even got to dance with Brendon Cole!
After 3 years of teaching modern jive it was time to diversify into other styles of dance, as this was where my true passion lay. I took on the 'Strictly' name because each week you learn a different dance style, however, I wanted to broaden the spectrum beyond ballroom and latin dancing and include styles such as Bollywood (Bhangra), Charleston, Jazz and Musical Theatre, to name just a few.
Since the first Strictly Dance classes began back in January 2008 it has gone from strength to strength. I now offer Dance Fit and FitSteps classes for those more interested in getting fit. I've also taught occasional weekend workshops for those who want to challenge themselves more and organised social events to build a friendly community amongst all the different people who come to class. I feel lucky to have found something I truly love doing.
Why not come and join me!
ABOUT ME
The Strictly Dance classes began because I wanted to share my love of dancing - you're never too old to enjoy it. I wanted to offer more variety than just one style, or only ballroom and latin. There seemed to be limited options available, especially dancing without a partner. I was sure it would be as much fun learning lots of different styles and not about getting really good at just one style. The element of fun has always been very important to me.
BACKGROUND
My dancing life began at the age of 5, starting with ballet and later learning jazz and contemporary dance. During my school years I was heavily involved in choreographing and performing for our school dance competitions and musicals and at university (studying sport and dance) I joined the university Dance Company, which involved various performances.
After obtaining a Masters in Sport Science I began my working life as a lecturer at a sixth form college. But, it was difficult to find time for dancing whilst working full time. It wasn't until 2001 that I started dancing again after discovering modern jive partner dancing.
Modern Jive opened me up to the wonderful world of partner dancing. With 20 years of previous dance experience I progressed quickly and by 2005 I competed in various national competitions with my partner Simon Rich. The culmination of this saw us winning the Britrock 2005 Independent Modern Jive Championships at the end of that year.
I decided to end my competing days on a high and instead began to focus on teaching. I taught for various modern jive venues/organisers, including MJ Dance Party (Brighton), Rocsters (Shoreham/Findon), Dance Infinity (Worthing) and LeRoc (Dorking). It was at the latter I had the opportunity to meet some of the 'Strictly Come Dancing' stars including Ian Waite, Camilla Dallerup, Flavia Cacace, Vincent Simone and I even got to dance with Brendon Cole!
After 3 years of teaching modern jive it was time to diversify into other styles of dance, as this was where my true passion lay. I took on the 'Strictly' name because each week you learn a different dance style, however, I wanted to broaden the spectrum beyond ballroom and latin dancing and include styles such as Bollywood (Bhangra), Charleston, Jazz and Musical Theatre, to name just a few.
Since the first Strictly Dance classes began back in January 2008 it has gone from strength to strength. I now offer Dance Fit and FitSteps classes for those more interested in getting fit. I've also taught occasional weekend workshops for those who want to challenge themselves more and organised social events to build a friendly community amongst all the different people who come to class. I feel lucky to have found something I truly love doing.
Why not come and join me!
ABOUT ME
The Strictly Dance classes began because I wanted to share my love of dancing - you're never too old to enjoy it. I wanted to offer more variety than just one style, or only ballroom and latin. There seemed to be limited options available, especially dancing without a partner. I was sure it would be as much fun learning lots of different styles and not about getting really good at just one style. The element of fun has always been very important to me.
BACKGROUND
My dancing life began at the age of 5, starting with ballet and later learning jazz and contemporary dance. During my school years I was heavily involved in choreographing and performing for our school dance competitions and musicals and at university (studying sport and dance) I joined the university Dance Company, which involved various performances.
After obtaining a Masters in Sport Science I began my working life as a lecturer at a sixth form college. But, it was difficult to find time for dancing whilst working full time. It wasn't until 2001 that I started dancing again after discovering modern jive partner dancing.
Modern Jive opened me up to the wonderful world of partner dancing. With 20 years of previous dance experience I progressed quickly and by 2005 I competed in various national competitions with my partner Simon Rich. The culmination of this saw us winning the Britrock 2005 Independent Modern Jive Championships at the end of that year.
I decided to end my competing days on a high and instead began to focus on teaching. I taught for various modern jive venues/organisers, including MJ Dance Party (Brighton), Rocsters (Shoreham/Findon), Dance Infinity (Worthing) and LeRoc (Dorking). It was at the latter I had the opportunity to meet some of the 'Strictly Come Dancing' stars including Ian Waite, Camilla Dallerup, Flavia Cacace, Vincent Simone and I even got to dance with Brendon Cole!
After 3 years of teaching modern jive it was time to diversify into other styles of dance, as this was where my true passion lay. I took on the 'Strictly' name because each week you learn a different dance style, however, I wanted to broaden the spectrum beyond ballroom and latin dancing and include styles such as Bollywood (Bhangra), Charleston, Jazz and Musical Theatre, to name just a few.
Since the first Strictly Dance classes began back in January 2008 it has gone from strength to strength. I now offer Dance Fit and FitSteps classes for those more interested in getting fit. I've also taught occasional weekend workshops for those who want to challenge themselves more and organised social events to build a friendly community amongst all the different people who come to class. I feel lucky to have found something I truly love doing.
Why not come and join me!
