Jive Buddies

Debbie Attwood has been on the Ceroc scene for ages, rising up to be a teacher and franchise owner. We finally get a chance to ask about her dancing start with Pops, how she managed to pass her teaching audition despite a lack of sleep, and what is the main reason for the Blaze holidays. Chapters: Listen to where Debbie did ice dancing with her dad [0:47] How did Debbie found out about her first class? [3:08] Debbie drags her dad along to a dance [7:40] What a journey Debbie had for her Ceroc teacher audition! [11:15] Disaster on her first teach! [14:05] Any hints for new male beginners? [18:41] Debbie wants to be a franchise owner! [21:30] Why was the name Ceroc Groove chosen? [26:35] Debbie gets her first DJ gig at a dance holiday! [31:30] Find out about the main reason for the Blaze holidays [34:07] Summary [38:06] Up next [39:34] What did you think? Add your comments at https://www.facebook.com/share/1BvJdMefy2/?mibextid=wwXIfr Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

Kerry is a fun dancer from the North West. We find out about why she started dancing, how she keeps her friends informed of events, and what flow states are. Chapters: After her kids were all grown up, Kerry looks for a new hobby [0:46] Kerry introduced to modern jive at Jive Teddy's before going to Rainford [3:42] Using a WhatsApp group to keep people informed of what dancing is on [10:26] Being part of the crew at the iJive classes [17:02] What makes a good dance for Kerry? [21:34] Kerry explains what flow states are [24:04] Using her camper van to visit new dance venues [27:26] Summary [30:59] Up next [32:48] What did you think? Add your comments at https://www.facebook.com/share/1LrRc3nu8N/?mibextid=wwXIfr Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

Sam is a dancer who also demos at Keith Davis' classes in Stockport Town Hall. Her dance journey involves trying lots of different things and challenging herself. And this interview is another challenge! Chapters: How did Sam first started dancing? [0:48] Sam gets involved in some ballroom competitions [5:17] First ever beginner class of Modern Jive for Sam [8:56] Sam reveals she's been training as a personal therapist and how that links to her dancing journey [11:12] Hear how Sam was being "auditioned" for being the demo for Keith Davies' classes [16:18] Sam gives her thoughts on how Keith teaches dancers about stretch and connection [21:18] Choreographed routines make Sam terrified! [24:21] Where does Sam get her musicality from? [27:09] Summary [32:23] Up next [34:03] Listen to an interview with Keith Davies' Stockport event at https://open.spotify.com/episode/093hWscFd6FLwcQogOdMSZ?si=4ivrASVpQfCxemiIiS0djA What did you think? Add your comments at https://www.facebook.com/share/1Csxq8bCgJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

To find out how the Ceroc Champs series of competitions work, we have Ceroc teacher Matthew Butler to help us. He explains the various categories, as well as telling us about his experiences at the Northern Champs with one of his partners, Mel. Chapters: What is the Ceroc Champs Series? [0:54] There's a random element to the Northern Star competition [3:50] Matthew competes with Mel [4:35] Lucky Dip competition on the Saturday morning [10:35] Who is allowed to be in the Intermediates category? [14:33] Find out the rules for the category of Newcomers [18:43] Ceroc X [24:10] Matthew explains what the Open category is [27:47] Are flashy moves necessary? [30:43] Find out why Scottish Champs is Matt's favourite competition [33:26] Top Cats [36:40] Summary [40:52] Up next [42:10] Watch the reel with Matthew dancing with Mel in the Northern Star competition: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CNBzn8hDV/?mibextid=wwXIfr Find out more about the Ceroc Champs competitions at https://www.cerocescape.com/champs/ What did you think? Add your comments at https://www.facebook.com/share/1HueeGak9L/?mibextid=wwXIfr Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

Our guests today, Bernie and Sally, go out dancing without their husbands. We find out how they manage it. Chapters: Where did Bernie first go dancing without her husband?[1:06] And Sally started a class and asked her husband Ian to come [2:50] Using a planner allows Sally to look ahead for when she can go to events [6:32] Does Bernie's husband ask what dancing is about? [9:22] Listen to Bernie's memories of weekenders, while Sally pines for the opportunity in future [14:31] Do single and married people mingle with each other? [18:23] Summary [20:51] Up next [23:27] What did you think? Add your comments at https://www.facebook.com/share/1H2ikmq5x8/?mibextid=wwXIfr Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

Gary and Julie Wharton run the successful Pirate Jive freestyle events in the East Midlands. Listen to find out how they purchased it from Ian Macleod, their venues such as The Shed and the Post Mill, their branching out into smoother music and, most importantly, how this duo got together. Chapters: How did Gary and Julie meet? [0:47] Listen to Gary explain how he got his first gig as a DJ [4:30] The opportunity to buy the Pirate Jive business came up [9:16] What did they do with the first gig of the newly purchased Pirate Jive freestyle? [13:45] Julie has an interesting way of finding out what people's feedback of the night [19:00] How did they find the Post Mill venue? [22:43] Branching out into a slower, Sunday chill out event [26:55] Summary [33:49] Up next [36:24] Find out about their upcoming events at https://www.piratejive.com/ , or on the calendar at https://ukjive.co.uk/ What did you think? Add your comments at https://www.facebook.com/share/1NuqApeXnd/?mibextid=wwXIfr Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

We continue Ashley Davis' story in this 2nd part, talking about his memories of weekenders, introduction to West Coast Swing, and starting a regular WCS class at Kegworth. Chapters: Does Ashley remember his first weekender teaching gig? [0:26] Ton recalls Ashley teaching a cha-cha-cha workshop on stage at Southport [4:02] Paul goes nostalgic about Ashley's DJ SILC set, dancing outside at Southport [7:22] On a Ceroc holiday in Medfest, Ton and Ashley cross paths! [12:41] Ashley tells us about his move to West Coast Swing [17:07] Learn how WCS dances on the up and down beat, rather than Ceroc just on the down beat [20:55] Ashley starts teaching WCS with his partner Georgina [23:45] Is there a sense of building a community at their new classes? [29:07] Summary [34:31] Up next [35:43] Find out about Ashley's West Coast Swing classes at https://www.evolveswing.com/nottingham-class What did you think? Add your comments at https://www.facebook.com/share/1c9xsqfMkQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

A big influence on the Jive Buddies was Ceroc teacher Ashley Davis. Paul remembers Ashley starting as a dancer in Nottingham and then, within a few months, was on the stage delivering his first class! We finally solve the mystery of how Ashley became a teacher so quickly... Chapters: Listen to how Ashley started sequence dancing at the age of 7 [1:02] Gran takes Ashley to ballroom classes [4:40] Someone suggests trying Ceroc [8:22] Guess how long it took Ashley to go to his first freestyle! [12:35] Did dancing play a part in Ashley's university choice? [16:08] Ashley makes a mistake on his very first class as a teacher [19:57] When did Ashley first do DJing? [21:29] Paul tells a story of Ashley's first freestyle as a DJ: Young Hearts Run Free by Candi Staton [25:33] When SILC started in the Midlands, Ashley was involved in the first classes [30:20] Summary [34:07] Up next [35:28] What did you think? Add your comments at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

Teacher Richard Chatland, who knows 14 dance styles, tells us his story of how he first got into ballroom and latin dancing, with its serious competitions, before he moved into modern jive and Ceroc. Try out his Change Dance freestyles, held in Nottingham, which caters for lots of different styles. Chapters: How did Richard first start dancing? [0:47] Richard as a child use to do ballroom and latin competitions [4:34] Find out how Richard got started in modern jive [8:16] Richard cheats when trying to remember women's names [14:00] Why does it seem like people don't move to ballroom and latin dances? [19:27] Some thoughts on slotted versus rotational dances [28:54] Richard runs Change Dance events, with a fusion of ballroom and latin dances [33:00] Summary [34:58] Up next [36:09] Find out more about Richard's multi-dance fusion freestyles, Change Dance, at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086463674478 What did you think? Add your comments at https://www.facebook.com/share/1GiuuCVpzT/?mibextid=wwXIfr Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

Jan Campling comes from a ballet background, and the Jive Buddies reminisce about attending her workshop at a weekender in York. We find out how Jan has taught ballet to footballers, rugby players, mixed martial arts fighters, as well has her experience with underwater scuba dancing! Chapters: Jan remembers Paul and Ton doing a ballet class on a weekender [0:45] When did Jan start ballet? [2:00] Paul wonders if ballet is good practise for social dancing [7:05] Ton admits to going to a couple of ballet classes [10:15] Hear about Jan's underwater scuba dancing! [14:19] When did Jan move to partner dancing? [19:40] Jan explains how she plans the workshops at weekenders [26:08] Summary [31:05] Up next [32:58] What did you think? Add your comments at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

We noticed one of our local dancers, Stuart, dancing lots of different styles during a freestyle and we thought we'd find out about his history - we didn't realise it was going to include salsa, modern jive, ballroom sequence, bachata, cha-cha-cha and waltz! And wait till you hear about his line model aircraft flying! Chapters: When did Stuart start dancing? [0:55] Hear about Stuart's hobby: line model aircraft flying [6:05] Stuart tries modern jive [10:29] Cramming in lots of lessons pays off when you first start dancing [13:11] Covid impacts on Stuart's dancing [15:25] Bachata comes into Stuart's repertoire [19:00] How does Stuart know which followers can do which dance? [20:42] Doing a competition will keep things fresh [25:25] Stuart recognises the similarities of leading in various partner dances [29:08] Summary [31:59] Up next [33:22] What did you think? Add your comments at https://www.facebook.com/share/18jAyrihe1/?mibextid=wwXIfr Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

The Jive Buddies revisit the topic of dating on the dance floor, by talking about the etiquette of it, with guests Joanne and Jane. This is a frank discussion about some of the things that may be going on while you're having fun dancing. Chapters: Why have so many people dated after meeting on the dance floor? [2:00] "Just because it's social doesn't meant it is a dating place, it's a place for everybody to meet" [7:45] Signals [8:15] Eye contact [15:25] "Like a love affair in 3 minutes" [15:45] Flirting [16:06] Getting to know someone [21:16] After a freestyle, getting a friend request on Facebook [22:58] Slipping into DMs [26:54] Setting boundaries [33:54] Being asked [37:44] Handling rejection [39:46] "In all walks of life, no means no" [42:50] Etiquette of dancing when in a relationship [43:08] What happens if a relationship ends? [46:18] Summary [52:51] Up next [54:05] Listen to the previous episodes of dating, with 3 guys: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3e5uA1hgjzaIcdycj3DHF8?si=YcyvQljGSEOCqgVKWFCA9w And with Lesley: https://open.spotify.com/episode/71mZJGowcWKH4Cz7Lc9hQg?si=zDuLbF_MTeupGPdlZOkrvA What did you think? Add your comments at https://www.facebook.com/share/194jb5HEbD/?mibextid=wwXIfr Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

Our guest today, Kris, was semi-paralysed due to an accident. But this is a great story of how he overcame the challenges, identifying the need for a passion, and finding dance. And wait till you hear about how he practises his Ceroc moves! Chapters: What happened with his injury? [0:57] Losing his passion, Kris looks for a new activity to do [6:11] Kris tries his first Ceroc class, to avoid getting old [10:14] Ceroc send videos to beginners, so find out how Kris practises (hint: not with his wife) [13:59] How long did it take Kris to think Ceroc was his new passion? [17:48] Kris loved Ceroc so much, he does lots of other classes, freestyles and workshops [19:12] Has dancing improved Kris' flexibility? [22:53] Summary [27:16] Up next [28:34] What did you think? Add your comments at https://www.facebook.com/share/1H76hZVvMf/?mibextid=wwXIfr Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

The Jive Buddies have wanted to talk to Bapi for a long time and so we were at his Be In Time & Be Connected workshop to find out what the fuss was all about. This is a special episode, recorded straight after the class, in Penkridge village - it's a fascinating discussion about thoughts on the workshop and dance connections, interwoven with some of this well loved teacher's history. Chapters: Bapi tells us about the workshop [1:29] Where did Bapi's expressive dancing come from? [5:56] Paul learns the difference between pressure and touch [11:51] Find out why Bapi got all the workshop attendees to skip around the room [16:22] An exercise with using an invisible string between two dancers [20:21] Being in time with the partner, not the music [24:25] Can you take lessons from this workshop into a Ceroc main room? [28:45] Bapi as a social dancer, not a competition dancer [32:18] Summary [35:43] Up next [37:01] YouTube video of Fred Astaire dancing with a hatstand: https://youtu.be/faN0kPOQykM What did you think? Add your comments at https://www.facebook.com/share/1G3jvg3vuz/?mibextid=wwXIfr Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

For our 100th episode, we had an extra special guest: Tim Sant. And we ask him the questions that only the Head of Dance at Ceroc can tell us: Why do you keep changing the beginner's syllabus? Why was SILC developed? Has the dance styles changed with the music, or is music changing the dance? Who thinks of new ideas to implement in Ceroc classes? But we also find out some of Tim's personal history: his dance journey at 14 years of age; how it changed the course of his education and his life; what are the proudest bits of his job. This is a great chat to celebrate our milestone. Chapters: Where did Tim's dance journey start? [0:54] Listen to how dancing impacted Tim's education choices [4:58] As Head of Dance, Tim explains part of the process of changing moves [11:11] What is the process for updating the beginner's syllabus? [16:38] Has dance styles changed with the music? [18:28] Tim gives some examples of new ideas and how to roll them out to Ceroc classes [22:06] Why was SILC developed? [27:13] Find out why Tim thinks music is ruined for dancers! [30:32] What is Tim's proudest moment as the head of Ceroc? [35:42] Summary [38:29] Up next [40:14] What did you think? Add your comments at https://www.facebook.com/share/193Kmyf5xP/?mibextid=wwXIfr Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

Jive Buddy Ton, with his friend Jane, went to the Scarborough Awesome Weekender, organised by Pulse Dance. This is their review of the venue, the lessons, the 2 rooms, the music, and of course, the dancing. Chapters: How many times has Jane been to the Scarborough weekender before? [0:43] Music in the main room, provided by DJ Lily Duffield [3:00] Jane describes the 2nd room [6:32] Ton lists some of the different classes available [10:20] Jane and Ton like the dedicated break times, to allow social interactions [14:15] How does Jane relate to the blues room? [18:29] This weekend had 2 themed nights: Hawaiian and Nautical! [21:39] Summary [23:02] Up next [24:42] What did you think? Add your comments at https://www.facebook.com/share/1CMsTjVvMG/?mibextid=wwXIfr Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

Jo Emmerson has recently qualified as an intermediate Ceroc teacher. Her dance story illustrates just how much Ceroc keeps evolving. After a hiatus to West Coast Swing, coming back to Ceroc was like walking into a room full of friends she didn't know yet, and a smoother slotted style of dancing. Listen to her opinions on rotational versus slotted dancing, whether it's harder for leads or followers, and how she balances private life with teaching. Chapters: How did Jo start with Ceroc? [0:40] The reasons Jo wanted to be a taxi dancer [4:30] Moving to Manchester meant no Ceroc! [7:15] Ceroc style had changed when Jo went back to a more slotted style [10:10] Jo gives her thoughts on why there is more slotted dancing in Cambridgeshire [12:55] How did Jo get into teaching? [15:26] What was going through Jo's head when she first taught a class? [17:57] Find out why Jo thinks Ceroc is hard for followers, as well as leads [21:56] Blood sweat and tears for Jo's intermediate Ceroc training [26:45] Shout out to Jo's private classes [28:44] Balancing private life with teaching [30:55] Summary [31:21] Up next [32:31] What did you think? Add your comments at https://www.facebook.com/share/18VmcmAmDA/?mibextid=wwXIfr Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

Jive Buddy Paul was at the first ever CORE weekender in Daventry with Carrie and her dance gang. Ton finds out what it was like, how social it was, and what it was like being in a group. Chapters: How did Carrie find the weekender? [0:53] Carrie's thoughts on going in a group [3:34] Weekenders as an opportunity to meet people, particularly of the same gender [6:27] Differences of going to a weekender on your own versus being in a group [12:15] Did Carrie get better from her dancing at Core? [14:50] Paul praises the responsiveness of the organisers for extending the SILC floor [18:14] The top recommendation from Carrie for attending a weekender [19:00] Paul's highlight of dancing outside [22:49] Carrie has already booked the next Core Daventry weekender! [24:10] What time did Carrie stay up until? [26:19] Summary [27:25] Up next [29:35] Find out more about Derby Speaker's Club at https://www.facebook.com/p/Derby-Speakers-Club-ASC-61564291809309/ What did you think? Add your comments at https://www.facebook.com/share/18XcThdx3c/?mibextid=wwXIfr Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

We got hold of Tor Khan to find out how she first started Ceroc, how she got into blues dancing and who her biggest influencers were. Listen out for "blue fox", "treacle jive", "bugg" and "practicas"! Chapters: How did Tor first get started in dancing? [0:50] Some women not keen with Tor leading in the intermediate class [4:23] Listen to what got Tor into the Blues room for the first time [7:20] What is "treacle jive"? [10:02] Blues not having moves, but movements [12:30] Becoming a demo then teacher with Sara White [15:10] What is "fox"? [17:53] What is "blue box"? [20:35] Teaching blue fox at weekenders [25:35] Tor becomes a Ceroc teacher [28:20] How did the free expression classes come about at Burton Town Hall freestyles? [30:55] Tor explains the Inspire and Evolve workshop events [33:25] Summary [36:38] Up next [37:53] Book on the next Inspire and Evolve workshop on 17th May 2026 at https://facebook.com/events/s/inspire-and-evolve-workshop-an/798823416204742/ What did you think? Add your comments at https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cg2EMs3ta/ Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.

Shannon and Jordan tell us about the wonderful world of dancing competitions: how they started; what the competition bug is; when they got together as a competition couple. They tell us about some of the secrets to their inspiration, what kind of training they do, even what outfits they wear - not sure Jordan should have told us about his grey, smelly blazer! This is a funny, insightful and bickering conversation from a much loved duo. Chapters: Jordan's first competition at World Modern Jive Championships in Blackpool [0:55] Doing ProAm for Shannon's first competition [3:51] What is the competition bug? [4:50] How did they both start dancing together? [6:41] Paul explains his ProAm experience [10:20] Are Shannon and Jordan choreographing their routines? [12:00] Find out how they up their game for upcoming competitions! [15:55] Do any of the big moves fail to work? [19:05] What kind of outfits do Shannon and Jordan wear on the dance floor? [21:00] Watching videos for inspiration [24:20] Does Jordan still get nerves? [26:10] What are the differences between freestyle and competition dancing? [28:55] Top tip for competition newcomers [33:53] Shannon asks Paul "Do you want to go to competitions again?" [36:24] Summary [39:12] Up next [40:54] Listen to how Shannon ( https://open.spotify.com/episode/6d6oWd2wqbICYfEAc98nt6 ) and Jordan ( https://open.spotify.com/episode/2eae6F1Ca9IEpeNhsDWXYN ) started their dance journeys. What did you think? Add your comments at https://www.facebook.com/share/1B972JNEBf/ Go to our Facebook page and hit our Follow button at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast so you get the links to every new episode.