Jack Childs
Jack discovered swing dancing in January 2017 when a friend convinced him to join a class. What started as a reluctant visit quickly turned into a deep love for both the dance and its welcoming community. By 2023, the collegiate shag bug had bitten, following the vibrant atmosphere at fast feet festivals around Europe. Jack’s enthusiasm for live music plays a key role in shaping the socials we organise at Essex Swing Dance, with a sheer determination to support the live music scene while making it affordable and accessible for all.
Jessica Smith
Jess started swing dancing in 2015 and hasn’t stopped swinging ever since! She loves travelling to festivals in the UK and abroad to continue learning and having the fantastic experience of new places and people everywhere! Through teaching in Essex, she hopes to share that passion and keep the vibrant local swing dance community thriving. Jess is enthusiastic for all styles of dance and can often be seen mixing Lindy, Collegiate Shag, St. Louis Shag, Balboa, and Charleston on the dance floor, to name a few.
Jasmine Gall
Jasmine discovered swing dancing in 2011 when her brother introduced her to social dancing, sparking a passion that would stay with her. After a break, she returned to classes in 2017, and by 2018, she was travelling across Europe, learning, dancing, and connecting with fellow enthusiasts. She spent three years with a London performance troupe, refining her solo jazz skills, experimenting with aerials, and always embracing the energy of jam circles. Now, she’s thrilled to share her love for swing dancing and her experiences with the Essex Swing Dance community!
Lauren Ekins
Lauren first had a fling with swing dancing at a London Blitz Party in 2011 and stalked the trail to classes in Southend and Chelmsford. Within a few short weeks it was officially love, with regular socials and weekends away around the UK. After an intense beginning and an enduring on and off relationship with dance, the friendship and extended family that came with the scene became the true love story. Lauren is keen to reignite the dancing flame that had once burned so brightly in Essex and is thrilled to be a part of spreading the joy of dancing and the arms of friendship to our gorgeous community and beyond.