Robert
& Claire have been dancing, performing and teaching together for
almost 15 years.
They
met in the early 90s at a dance event and quickly found themselves
in demand for displays at corporate events and private functions.
In
1993 they entered their first competition coming 3rd in the UK Rock
'n' Roll Championships and the following year they came 1st in the UK
Lindy Hop Championships. In 1996 they entered the World Lindy Hop
Championships in Sweden where they gained 4th place (This
is the highest ranking of any British couple in a World Championship
- ever! It was
only equalled when Robert and Claire gained 4th place again in 2003!)
For
a number of years they moved away from Lindy Hop to concentrate on
other jive/swing based dance styles. At this time they established a
nationwide dance company, created & hosted the UK's biggest jive
dance contest, produced a best selling video and wrote the definitive
book "How To Modern Jive".
In
early 1998, after visiting Chicago in the middle of the US swing
boom, they became re-enthused by the energy of the young American
Lindy Hop dancers.
Upon
returning to the UK, they worked with Interscope (Universal Records)
where they consulted and assisted in promoting artists like The
Cherry Poppin' Daddies
and Brian Setzer.
They
also acted as choreographers on the British film "Mojo"
where they were lucky enough to work with the likes of Andy
Serkis ("Lord
Of The Rings" & "King Kong").
In
1999 on a further visit to the US they came across Hollywood Style
Lindy Hop which had been "rediscovered" by some young Los
Angeles dancers.
Robert
and Claire were so impressed with the smooth styling and technique,
that they decided to concentrate and focus their energies on
mastering Hollywood Style.
In
2000 they set up their first Hollywood Style classes and in 2002
became the first ever non-American couple to reach the finals at the
prestigious Camp Hollywood Jitterbug contest.
Robert
and Claire work as choreographers, teachers and performers. They
also promote and host dance and live music events across London.
CORPORATE
BOOKINGS AND EVENTS
Robert
and Claire are often called upon by companies and party organisers.
They have taught and performed for film premieres, schools,
charities, festivals and organisations ranging from small companies
through to major multi-nationals.
Past
clients have included: IBM,
Rothchild Assurance, Kraft Suchard, Dunhill, Sarah Lee, Northern
Telecom, Universal, British Heart Foundation, Friends of the Earth
etc, etc...
For
more information about getting your
event
swinging please call: 020 8829 0919.
We
can help with dance performances, ice breaker classes, DJs, live
bands, vintage cars and decor etc.
We
are also specialists in the music, dances, fashions and culture of
the 1930s, '40s & '50s; and can act as consultants to help you
get the period exactly right.
Look out for our new performance group in rehearsal now and
available for bookings.
