Our committee is a dedicated group of individuals who share a passion of wanting to bring more swing dancing to Exeter.
ARIANA
I first got into dancing when a friend invited me along to the South West Lindy Hoppers classes in 2016 and before I knew it I had made friends for life and was travelling around the country and Europe going to workshops and social dances. My favourite time to dance is in the kitchen late at night with friends.
When I am not dancing you can find me cooking epic food with friends, walking the South West Coast Path, winning at board games and trying to find the best hazy pale ale in Exeter.
CHRISTIAN
As one of the founding members of Swing Exe in 2019 I am involved in many areas of Swing Exe, including workshops, teaching and general administration. My hope is that Swing Exe can support the growth of the swing dance scene in Exeter. My aim has always been to grow a vibrant, fun and supportive community of dancers here in Devon.
When I am not dancing you’ll find me walking by the coast, swimming in the sea all year round and in my art studio drawing and painting.
JACKIE
I first started dancing in 2016 after spotting some Exeter dancers in The Bike Shed (now Bootlegger). I asked what they were doing and soon went along to a class. I loved it immediately and started travelling to any dance weekender I could get into.
When I am not dancing I’ll usually be somewhere on the South West Coast Path struggling up a steep hill. I also love making/eating delicious food, playing board games and getting out on the paddle board.
JACQUE
I often go to Jazz and Swing music gigs. I used to see the dancers dancing and wished I could be like them! When I moved back to Exeter in 2022 I joined Swing Exe and got hooked immediately!
When I’m not dancing you might find me; listening to local live music gigs, breaking out of escape rooms, doing a puzzle, or learning something new like practising sign language at my local Deaf club.
JOHN
A persuasive friend got me along to the Ballroom & Latin American Dance Society at university and I soon joined the team for inter varsity competitions. After a dancing hiatus I found Lindy Hop in 2018 and have been dancing regularly since then.
When I am not dancing I try to find time to play the trombone, play board games, go walking and volunteer at a local museum.
JULIA
I’d done some (modern) jazz dancing when I was younger but first discovered Lindy Hop when I came to my first Swing Exe class in 2022. Since then I’ve been getting stuck into as many classes and dance socials as I can! I love the jazzy tunes, bouncy moves and community it brings together.
When I’m not dancing you’ll find me singing with my choir, practising French and Spanish at local meet ups, or tucked up at home with a cup of tea and a TV crime drama.
ZOE
I have always love dancing (solo, partner and group) and discovered swing at the end of University. I re-discovered Lindy at the tail end of the pandemic, back when we were just doing socially distanced solo jazz moves. Since then I’ve been hooked!
When I am not dancing you’ll probably find me exploring the great outdoors – cycling, hiking, sea swimming. I also help out with the local community garden in St Thomas on Sundays – everything we grow always tastes delicious, especially when we’ve nurtured it from seed!
swingexe.co.uk 