Testimonials

While still new to dancing Jive, starting less than three years ago, we now attend more events that have a 40’s & swing style than the 50’s Rock n Roll we started out with. Particularly why we asked around and friends (at The Powder Room Club) suggested we go to Carol & Dave at Eight Beat Jive to learn the Savoy Style Lindy Hop.

We took a ten week course locally in Sussex to start from the basics, and were encouraged right from the start to mix with others all the evening. On each new move, our teachers would demonstrate what we were to practice. Starting with our own partners, we paced out the steps, onward with slow music, and changed partners throughout. At the end of our course we feel we now know much more about Lindy Hop compared to learning to Jive.

Each lesson was good value for our money as we could stay through more than two hours into the intermediate section including the teaching of a fast line dance, with inclusive tea, coffee or soft drinks, ice pops in the summer heat and even sweet & sour treats. What was also nice that both Carol & Dave dance with all their students too, giving us a run down at the end of what you were taught that night. What was impressed upon us was to stay calm & collective. The evening was fun and enjoyable and a light hearted social night out.

Overall we can say the Eight Beat Jive teaching team along with the other more advanced that came along, were very patient, encouraging and helpful with the more intense dance style. The way Eight Beat Jive taught made the learning a delight rather than a task.

Certainly happy giving Eight Beat Jive five out of five stars and raring to go to the next round of ten classes.

G & C Brighton

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Ten weeks ago, along with a friend, I decided to have a go at learning Savoy Style Lindy Hop. This was prompted by the need to get more exercise and an allergy to gyms. However, not being a natural dancer, I wasn’t sure how difficult it would be, so contacted Dave and Carol to find out more.

They explained that each lesson would start with a recap of the previous weeks steps before learning a new move, and we would begin slowly with everyone learning at their own pace, then increase the pace as our confidence grew. This has proved to be an invaluable teaching method.

As with anything new, the first couple of classes were a little overwhelming and both my friend and I were convinced we would never learn even the most basic steps. However, Dave encouraged us to come a bit earlier the following week and gave us some one to one coaching which helped to boost our confidence enough to continue. If it mattered to us, it mattered to them.

Some weeks were more challenging than others, but as Dave and Carol patiently navigated the class through footwork we once thought we were incapable of mastering, their commitment to the class  and passion to help us succeed shone through, whilst their easy teaching style kept it a lot of fun.

We also met some really nice people and made new friends along the way and those with more dancing experience were always willing to support and encourage in any spare moment.

I feel as if both of my feet seem to know what to do now (well,mostly!)

Ten weeks on, I am so glad we didn’t give up at the first hurdle.

Thanks Dave and Carol, you took us there!

Kind Regards,
Caroline.

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Just a note to thank you so much for all the great work that you and Carol do for us dancers. We’d both tried to learn Lindy before but struggled. Your teaching is so good – lots of repetition and practice to help us really get those moves in our heads and feet – and such clear explanations. Not only that, the events that you organise are great fun. Loads of delightful people all willing to dance with each other with an eye for new people. They’re lively and we always leave with a huge smile feeling so much better for having been there. Oh and the music. Just superb variety of music that I keep coming back to at home. To be honest, couldn’t be better. Keep it up! We both love all that you do!

Mr B Waeland

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Dear Dave and Carol,
I just wanted to thank you for the simply fabulous Balboa and Lindy Hop classes you offer and that I have attended over the last few weeks. I have enjoyed every moment! I did not think I would be able to pick up the Balboa so easily, but the way you have broken down each move, bit by bit, has made it really easy to understand. Similarly with the Lindy Hop, each move is explained and repeated and I have been amazed how quickly I have been able to pick it up.
More than this, you make learning the moves really fun! You are both so friendly and have a great sense of humour (I’m thinking matching socks and microphones, here!) and all the people who attend your classes feel the same. It’s a real pleasure to attend your classes and learn. Thank you so much, both of you! Long may your classes continue!
Best wishes,
Alison S

Hi Dave & Carol

We have been dancing modern jive for a couple of years before taking up Savoy Lindy hop with Eight Beat Jive.
Thanks to Dave and Carol’s fun, patient, enthusiastic, and thorough teaching methods we are enjoying a whole new style of dancing.
The friendly crowd of dancers make each session a great time, we enjoy the lessons so much we go twice a week!

J & R Wakefield

We have now completed two dance workshops with Dave & Carol from Eight Beat Jive and they have been more than enjoyable.
The Lindy Hop classes over a 10 week course brings a new meaning to social friendship with you all learning the moves with each other and dancing with new gained friends.
The 3 week Balboa/Bal-Swing workshop is a fantastic way to learn this fascinating 1920s dance to amaze your friends with and takes you back into a different era of dance.
Dave & Carols patients and easy learning instructions means that in no time you soon begin wanting more out of these workshops and to attend their regular monthly dances to put into practice your new learnt dancing skills.

Many, many thanks to you both.
Tony.🙋

Hi Dave and Carol,  just thought i would drop you a line to say thank you for Eight Beat Jive. I love going to your Lindy hop classes. There’s a great mix of ages and everyone gels because you both make it fun. You’re great teachers ensuring that we’ve grasped the steps we’re learning.  Lindy hop has opened up a whole new social circle for me and I’ve made some great friends. Keep up the great tea dances and evening dances, love them.

Margaret Lago Littlehampton

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