MJ Hall of Fame - The Barkers

[Minnie M]

I nominate David & Lily Barker

David Barker
One of the best modern jive leads - also featured on the "How to Jive" video -"The Oracle" as he is know here is what he is in the MJ world, a wealth of dancing knowledge, always available for a dance, sometimes when in pain, a gentleman and a gentle man

Lily Barker
Known to many as the best follower in the business - whatever the style of the lead, Lily will follow with the grace and elegance only she can offer - also featured on the "How to Jive" (nee Barker). Lily gives new leads confidence and the experienced a great dance - a genuine and lovely person and liked and respected by all

The Barkers
Where would West Coast Swing be today without them, and they are the inovators of spectacular cabarets. Although their dance experience covers many dance styles, they have stayed true to Modern Jive. IMO By far the most respected dance couple on the MJ scene for both their style and technical ability.

[Banana Man]

Originally Posted by Minnie M

I nominate David & Lily Barker

David Barker
One of the best modern jive leads - also featured on the "How to Jive" video -"The Oracle" as he is know here is what he is in the MJ world, a wealth of dancing knowledge, always available for a dance, sometimes when in pain, a gentleman and a gentle man

Lily Barker
Known to many as the best follower in the business - whatever the style of the lead, Lily will follow with the grace and elegance only she can offer - also featured on the "How to Jive" (nee Barker). Lily gives new leads confidence and the experienced a great dance - a genuine and lovely person and liked and respected by all

The Barkers
Where would West Coast Swing be today without them, and they are the inovators of spectacular cabarets. Although their dance experience covers many dance styles, they have stayed true to Modern Jive. IMO By far the most respected dance couple on the MJ scene for both their style and technical ability.

[Mary]

Originally Posted by Minnie M

I nominate David & Lily Barker

David Barker
One of the best modern jive leads - also featured on the "How to Jive" video -"The Oracle" as he is know here is what he is in the MJ world, a wealth of dancing knowledge, always available for a dance, sometimes when in pain, a gentleman and a gentle man

Lily Barker
Known to many as the best follower in the business - whatever the style of the lead, Lily will follow with the grace and elegance only she can offer - also featured on the "How to Jive" (nee Barker). Lily gives new leads confidence and the experienced a great dance - a genuine and lovely person and liked and respected by all

The Barkers
Where would West Coast Swing be today without them, and they are the inovators of spectacular cabarets. Although their dance experience covers many dance styles, they have stayed true to Modern Jive. IMO By far the most respected dance couple on the MJ scene for both their style and technical ability.

Big time!!! and total

M

[Dreadful Scathe]

Lily is one of those people that although a fantastic dancer, has not a single ounce of arrogance in her - a badly executed first move can be greeted with a beaming smile and an 'oooh' as if she's never experienced such an excellent variation

And I've heard similar 'makes us feel great' comments from followers of David.


I'm Barker Mad I am

[Minnie M]

Originally Posted by Dreadful Scathe

I'm Barker Mad I am

me toooo
in fact I think there more of us in their fan club

PS: good play on words - that as well

[Sparkles]

They encourage me to carry on dancing whenever I'm flagging and have given me (and so many others) so much confidence.
Lovely people, amazing dancers and an inspiration to us all ...
I can't think of a better reason for being in the Hall of Fame
S. x

[Gadget]

To most people, they are at a level we can only aspire to - and yet they are constantly looking for other teachers to help them improve even further... an inspiration in both dancing and learning to dance.

[bobgadjet]

Originally Posted by Minnie M

I nominate David & Lily Barker

Lily Barker
Known to many as the best follower in the business - whatever the style of the lead, Lily will follow with the grace and elegance only she can offer - also featured on the "How to Jive" (nee Barker). Lily gives new leads confidence and the experienced a great dance - a genuine and lovely person and liked and respected by all

Minnie.... you forgot BEAUTIFUL,
a very open description as it is meant not only to portray her looks, but something much deeper, and in that, the word must describe David also.

[Sheepman]

Originally Posted by Dreadful Scathe

Lily is one of those people that although a fantastic dancer, has not a single ounce of arrogance in her

One of the most self effacing people you could hope to meet, particularly considering all her and David's achievemnts. (And someone who is most embarrassed about being mentioned here, too!)
If I recall correctly, then I must have attended some of David and Lily's first classes in WCS (at Camber). It has been great to see their teaching style progress over the years, (and I hope it corresponded with progression in my own dancing too, what more can I say?!) I will always look forward to lessons, or cabarets from them, and of course dances (I've yet to dance with David ) And David knows a *bit* about music too!

So Lily, can I now pass around that Come Dancing video from 1993?

Greg

[ElaineB]

Originally Posted by Dreadful Scathe

Lily is one of those people that although a fantastic dancer, has not a single ounce of arrogance in her - a badly executed first move can be greeted with a beaming smile and an 'oooh' as if she's never experienced such an excellent variation

And I've heard similar 'makes us feel great' comments from followers of David.


I'm Barker Mad I am

Agreed!!! Bearing in mind the level that they have achieved, it never ceases to amaze how unaffected they are. They are prepared to share their knowledge and are genuinely interested in helping people improve their dance ability.

Elaine

[Ste]

Two of the nicest people you could ever meet.

I remeber visiting WIll's chalet in SOuthport and Dave was doing stuff in the kitchen for other people and he might have cooked me something. A real servant heart.

That really spoke to me

[Lory]

Great ambassadors for the world Modern Jive, down to earth and geniune people!

With David's wit and wisdom and Lily's kind words of encouragement to all, they certainly make worthy nominee's

[Sheepman]

Originally Posted by Ste

and Dave was doing stuff in the kitchen for other people

But he was probably just looking for the beer!

(Now how many others in the Hall of Fame would I dare be that rude about?!!)

Greg