Strictly Dancing Lesson - Jive

JIVE WITH JAMES - Get ready to swing back in time with our jive dance workshop, suitable for all!

This workshop will take you on a fun-filled journey through the rhythms and steps of Jive - a dance style born from the Swing era and infused with an infectious, upbeat vibe.
No partner or previous dance experience is required for this inclusive and joyful class.You'll learn the fundamental basics of jive, in a fun and relaxed environment with a patient and enthusistic teacher.
Absolutely everyone is welcome to join in . Just bring your enthusiasm, comfortable shoes, and get ready to jive!

£20, complete the booking form here or call 01381 600354.  Read on for more about James. 

James began dancing as soon as he could walk, but didn’t start formal lessons until the age of 10 at his local dance school in Hampshire. He trained in various genres, including Latin, Ballroom, Freestyle, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Line Dance, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Ballet, and Kathak, qualifying as a professional with the Imperial Society for Teachers of Dancing in Latin American dance with a 96% Honours Grade in his Associate in 2003.

Over the next 13 years, James served as Chief Instructor at Angela's School of Dancing in Aldershot, choreographing performances in London’s West End and training students for exams and social dancing. He then went on to become Founder, Principal and Director of his own school SimplyDance Limited, for 15 years. During this time he trained dancers for IDTA examinations and professionals for teaching qualifications, as well as continuing his own professional development, achieving IDTA Fellowship Qualifications in multiple dance forms, and adjudicating across the UK at Regional and National level.

Since 2018, James has been teaching workshops and classes for the Cairngorm School of Dance and started his own classes in Grantown-on-Spey in 2021. He is currently the Chairperson of the IDTA South East Area after serving on the Committee for 9 years, organising events and supporting fellow Dance Teachers. In 2024, he founded his own dance movement “Bumba” – an inclusive and body positive dance fitness class that champions well-being and inclusivity. James is passionate about these topics and through his teaching and work in the dance world, he hopes to educate and support others and champion for diversity, inclusion and equality for all.