West Coast Swing Teachers

[Minnie M]

At long last WCS is really becoming popular - we all owe the Barkers so much for keeping it alive, and I am positive without them it would not be as popular now.

More and more MJ organisations all over the country are now getting interested and it is now a regular class at most weekenders

I would like to compile a list of teachers who are currently teaching West Coast Swing, which I can pass on and recommend to others

Could you please help possibly with a little bit about them

Thank you
(I know quite a few, but will add the list I have later)

[Gus]

One of the best teachers I know (not just WCS) is Chris Taylor. I had the privilage of him teaching WCS for me at Cool Catz (with his lovely demo Victoria). Learnt loads from him just by watching. He was originaly taught WCS by Cat but has developed his own style. If I get back into dancing he's one of the few instructors I would spent my cash on. He's got a long history with Line dancing, both as a choreographer and trainer .... and he is one of the nicest and most modest people you will ever meet.

The reason he's not a star on the national circuit? Simple ... he lives in that desolate dance wasteland of the North Midlands

Want to get in touch with him, just drop me a PM.

[Minnie M]

Originally Posted by Gus

One of the best teachers I know (not just WCS) is Chris Taylor............The reason he's not a star on the national circuit? Simple ... he lives in that desolate dance wasteland of the North Midlands

Thanks Gus location is not a problem, I have had requests for WCS teachers all over the country

[Paul F]

Originally Posted by Minnie M

Thanks Gus location is not a problem, I have had requests for WCS teachers all over the country

Thats really good to hear.

I wonder if this is still one of those flash-in-the-pan styles or whether the interest has been built sufficiently to see it grow and prosper.
Lets hope it will build from here.

[Rachel]

Originally Posted by Gus

One of the best teachers I know (not just WCS) is Chris Taylor. I had the privilage of him teaching WCS for me at Cool Catz (with his lovely demo Victoria). Learnt loads from him just by watching. He was originaly taught WCS by Cat but has developed his own style. If I get back into dancing he's one of the few instructors I would spent my cash on. He's got a long history with Line dancing, both as a choreographer and trainer .... and he is one of the nicest and most modest people you will ever meet.

He's lovely. Great to MJ with, too!
R. x

[Minnie M]

Let's move this thread along with who we know :-

CURRENT UK WCS DANCE TEACHERS

David & Lily Barker - not on a regular basis (London)
Paul Warden (London)
Cat (Kent)
Lee - not on a regular basis and not sure of location
Lindsay & Brady (Scotland)
Graham & Diane (Scotland)
Ralf Schiller (London)
Carola - not on a regular basis(Brighton)
Anna Nayler (Surrey)
Roi Forbes - I think he is/will be teaching in Scotland
Nelson & Karen Rose (Exeter)
Fred & Beckie - not on a regular basis (Watford or thereabouts)
Chris Taylor - not on a regular basis (North Midlands)

The location is were they are based NOT where they will teach

I know there are others teaching even if not regularly in the UK - please help

[frodo]

Originally Posted by Minnie M

At long last WCS is really becoming popular - we all owe the Barkers so much for keeping it alive, and I am positive without them it would not be as popular now.

More and more MJ organisations all over the country are now getting interested and it is now a regular class at most weekenders

I would like to compile a list of teachers who are currently teaching West Coast Swing, which I can pass on and recommend to others

Could you please help possibly with a little bit about them

Thank you
(I know quite a few, but will add the list I have later)

The following thread in the Leroc in Bristol forum has some links for "WCS Workshop with Jo & John Kinser"

http://www.leroc-in-bristol.co.uk/fo...hp?topic=631.0.

[Minnie M]

Originally Posted by frodo

The following thread in the Leroc in Bristol forum has some links for "WCS Workshop with Jo & John Kinser"

http://www.leroc-in-bristol.co.uk/fo...hp?topic=631.0.

I must be tired, followed the link but found trying to find out about Jo & John a bit confusing

Not to worry - where are they based ? I will add them to the growing list

[frodo]

Originally Posted by Minnie M

I must be tired, followed the link but found trying to find out about Jo & John a bit confusing

Not to worry - where are they based ? I will add them to the growing list

There is a biography here.

http://www.jjkdancin.com/JJKresume%202005.pdf

It looks that they are based in Mildenhall (near Cambridge)

[Minnie M]

thanks

[Geordieed]

Originally Posted by Minnie M

Let's move this thread along with who we know :-

CURRENT UK WCS DANCE TEACHERS


Ralf Schiller (London)


[/i]

Hello Minnie,

have you any details on where and when Ralf Schiller teaches.

[KatieR]

I was just wondering where an absolute WCS beginner would go to learn? I would really like to do some classes but dont know where to go..

[Geordieed]

Originally Posted by KatieR

I was just wondering where an absolute WCS beginner would go to learn? I would really like to do some classes but dont know where to go..

Kent House hosts WCS on Wednesdays. I know you would be most welcome. The beginners class starts at 8pm. The evening attracts alot of absolute beginners and the venue's ability to bring people together makes for a good mix of freestylers after the classes. It also helps that we can learn the dance by social dancing with different levels of dancer.

[KatieR]

Originally Posted by Geordieed

Kent House hosts WCS on Wednesdays. I know you would be most welcome. The beginners class starts at 8pm. The evening attracts alot of absolute beginners and the venue's ability to bring people together makes for a good mix of freestylers after the classes. It also helps that we can learn the dance by social dancing with different levels of dancer.

Perhaps I might try coming along next week, if people dont mind that I truly cant WCS to save myself at the moment... but would love to learn.

[Minnie M]

Originally Posted by Geordieed

Hello Minnie,

have you any details on where and when Ralf Schiller teaches.

Ralf teaches the 'old fashioned' way - just lessons - I would recommend him for a private class - his web site is http://www.kensingtondancestudio.com/

[Geordieed]

Originally Posted by Minnie M

Ralf teaches the 'old fashioned' way - just lessons - I would recommend him for a private class - his web site is http://www.kensingtondancestudio.com/

Brilliant. Thank you Minnie.

[Minnie M]

Originally Posted by Gus

One of the best teachers I know (not just WCS) is Chris Taylor. I had the privilage of him teaching WCS for me at Cool Catz (with his lovely demo Victoria). Learnt loads from him just by watching. He was originaly taught WCS by Cat but has developed his own style. If I get back into dancing he's one of the few instructors I would spent my cash on. He's got a long history with Line dancing, both as a choreographer and trainer .... and he is one of the nicest and most modest people you will ever meet.

The reason he's not a star on the national circuit? Simple ... he lives in that desolate dance wasteland of the North Midlands

Want to get in touch with him, just drop me a PM.

Just spoke to Chris on the phone - thanks Gus, he is emailing me his contact details

When I have a decent list I will email all the organisers (and weekend organisers) with their details - watch this space !!!!

missed Robert & Deborah last night as I am suffering with a bad cold and felt really (have had it all week now ) hope it will go for Monday (Ceroc Surrey at Woking )

[Keith J]

Sarah Fenn-Tye on the south coast, near Brighton offers lessons at her dance studio

[Keith J]

Glenn Ball occasionally helps out as well for Paul Warden

[Minnie M]

Originally Posted by Keith J

Sarah Fenn-Tye on the south coast, near Brighton offers lessons at her dance studio

hmmm..... very interesting, not hear of this lady and I live in Brighton. Do you have any other info please ?

BTW there is a lady teaching WCS in Brighton who was taught by Ralf Schiller, but she is not very good - I do hope that is not Sarah

I know Glenn Ball pretty well - unfortunately he is far too busy back the stars to be able to teach WCS on a regular basis - real shame as he is great