We are passionate about sharing the art of swing and Jive dance, from the tunes of the 1930s to modern music. Experience the thrill of dancing in our dynamic classes suitable for all skill levels! Whether you're new to dancing or a seasoned pro, our classes provide a lively and sociable way to keep active, make new connections, and master a timeless dance form. By adding contemporary elements to traditional steps, we ensure that swing dancing remains fresh and appealing to a younger crowd. Join us for themed gatherings, social evenings, and hands-on sessions that not only help you master the dance but also introduce you to a warm and inclusive community. Let's dive into the world of fun together!
Our offerings include instruction in Jive, Lindy Hop, Line Dancing & basic Keep Fit to music, along with regular weekend social dances and workshops that fully immerse you in the dance experience.
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Our classes are fun and instructive and you may join at any time, simply book up on our shop for an available date. Classes progress each week with some moves repeated and new moves added with techniques explained so that you can build up a portfolio of moves whilst learning how to lead and follow your partner in the correct manner. We cater for absolute beginners and intermediate levels; you'll learn great moves whilst enjoying the atmosphere and listening to great music. Children aged 12 and over & those with certain disabilities are welcome but MUST be chaperoned by a parent or guardian, please call us for information on pricing. Wear casual clothing, flat soled shoes and come with a sense of fun, we'll provide the rest!
We offer the following classes which are great fun, good value and easy to learn, as well as weekend social dances
Ralph and June, as the proprietors and leaders of Surrey Swing, bring a wealth of expertise in vintage swing dancing and teaching, with a history that spans numerous years. After a year of learning how to teach, took the plunge and established the Surrey Swing Dance Society to share their love for swing dancing with the community. When G-Live opened in Guildford, they were fortunate to secure a regular teaching slot in the studio, gaining a large following for Lindy-Hop. Throughout their time there, they managed to bring in the renowned Lindy-Hop choreographers Ryan Francois and Jenny Thomas, who have extensive experience in both stage and screen productions. Some of their former pupils have gone on to establish their own dance academies and clubs after being inspired by their teachings. This year Ralph & June were called upon to coach Sir Ed Davey in the art of LindyHop and have showcased their talents at various public and corporate functions.
Currently, Ralph and June specialize in crafting easy to understand dance classes & 'ice-breaker' routines for weddings and private dances with DJ services if needed. Since founding the society in 2008, Ralph and June have continued to offer classes, workshops, and social dances for the Guildford area and beyond. Why not drop by and experience first-hand what all the excitement is about?
Instructor & Founder
Ralph has 30 years dance experience including 20 years as an instructor. Ralph tap-danced and learnt ballroom aged 8, but he wasn't a keen dancer at the time and the tap shoes lay dormant for 20+ years until a friend asked him to go to some jive classes (sound familiar)? His friend gave up after a few weeks but Ralph battled on and realised his feet wanted to do more than they were already doing. So he enrolled in some Lindy-Hop classes. After partnering up (and marrying) June they both felt the weekly travel to London for lessons was irksome so they decided that they should start up their own club on their doorstep in Ash, then later on in Farnham and Guildford. Ralph is the first to admit that he leaves all the hard work to June and 'just turns up on the night'
Instructor & Founder
June has been dancing since the 1990's and is an excellent instructor. June started dancing when a friend asked her to go to some jive classes. She soon realised what an amazing experience it was and she started to go regularly to different venues, getting better all the time. Eventually she started teaching for Rebel Roc in Guildford. She gate-crashed Ralph's 40th party and were soon to cross paths again at a dance in Portsmouth, beginning a long and happy relationship with both him and dancing... June is the backbone of the company, working hard both behind the scenes and keeping Ralph on the straight and narrow. She plans all the lessons, arranges the music playlists and does the finances too.
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