Explore every episode of the podcast 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]

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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]

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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 

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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/ 

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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]

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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/ 

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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 

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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]

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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

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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]

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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]

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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

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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]

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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 

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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/ 

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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/ 

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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.

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Nigel, a fitness instructor, and Katy, a yoga teacher, try Ceroc for the very first time at Ceroc Inspire Derby. The Jive Buddies get their initial thoughts just before their first class, and then a deep dive a few days later. Listen out for the moment when Katy felt like she was really dancing, and why Nigel got a score of 10 out of 10!

Chapters:

• Thoughts just before their first ever class! [0:55]
• How did the first 15 minutes of the beginner class work? [3:00]
• Worries about changing partners during the class [6:25]
• Katy feels like she is dancing and Nigel thinks he's flowing! [10:40]
• Feeling a sense of achievement, like in Nigel's exercise classes [15:37]
• Praise for the coaching on the night [18:25]
• Nigel and Katy care about their evenings and this is social, but less time together [21:10]
• Maybe we can send Paul to a yoga class? [24:50]
• Summary [26:25]
• Up next [27:25]

Check out Nigel and Katy's fitness classes at https://www.derbyoutdoorfitness.com 

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The Jive Buddies go to Shrewsbury to visit Matthew Butler in his weekly Ceroc class and the SY2 Sunday chillout freestyle, which he was instrumental in setting up. We find out what the fuss is all about.

Chapters:

• Why there's a younger demographic at Matthew's class [1:23]
• The importance of intermediate dancers in a class [5:25]
• What brought the SY2 freestyle about [8:50]
• Some opinions from the dancers at SY2 [12:50]
• The friendly dancers in Shrewsbury [15:55]
• Thoughts on the music at SY2 [18:20]
• The "after SY2 social" in the curry house as a way of connecting with people [22:13]
• Summary [25:00]
• Up next [26:55]

Details of the next SY2 event at https://www.facebook.com/events/1465324035098574 

Listen to Matthew's thoughts on Etiquette at https://open.spotify.com/episode/1MiRVew9XXt7GNGeimsLuC 

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The Jive Buddies interview Gemma about her experience of starting social dancing with her mum. Gemma started with West Coast Swing and only later found Ceroc. We chat about the differences in the learning experience and how her WCS techniques helped Gemma make progress with her Ceroc moves.

Chapters:

• How did Gemma get into social dancing? [0:37]
• What made Gemma and her mum go to West Coast Swing? [3:27]
• Paul introduces Gemma to Ceroc [7:50]
• Gemma finds her first Ceroc class easier due to connection and flow [11:20]
• Plug to Evolve for re-opening a West Coast Swing class at Kegworth [15:05]
• Thoughts on the Step-Up line and workshop [17:10]
• Gemma appreciates a tip from Ton [21:40]
• Finding it hard to ask a person to dance [23:50]
• A challenge for the new year - Gemma tries being a lead in class [25:05]
• Gemma gets asked to be a taxi [29:30]
• Up next [33:40]

West Coast Swing classes in Nottingham restart in April 2026: https://www.evolveswing.com/nottingham-class 

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Dancing is Tom's life. And even with his foot injury, there are too many competitions and exciting opportunities to stop him. We find out how hard it is to stay away. But maybe he should have rested himself better...

Chapters:

• Tom been dancing for 10 years [0:45]
• Injury from running a marathon [1:30]
• Missing Christmas and New Year, staying at home [4:12]
• Competed at Blackpool [6:00]
• Xray shows no broken foot [8:45]
• Wanted to do the Northern Champs instead of resting [12:00]
• MRI scan shows a torn tendon [14:45]
• Opportunity for Tom to be a demo at Blackpool Norbreck weekender [16:04]
• Still doing the Ceroc Champs in Daventry [18:40]
• Going to New Year's Eve at Fuse Manchester [20:46]
• An operation is now scheduled [22:10]
• Tom says it will be a 12 week recovery [25:10]
• A chiropractor helps Ton with his sciatica [26:45]
• Paul was told that he had a broken toe [28:57]
• Wrap up [31:20]
• Up next [31:55]

Buy your Fuego dance shoes with a 10% discount at https://fuegodance.com/discount/JIVEBUDDIES10 

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We re-interview our first guest of Season 2, Monica Johnson, who tells us her big news. And this time, we have her Nan, Hazel, as well! You’ll remember it was her Nan who took Monica along to her first lesson. This is a great chat to find out how this dance family keep having fun on the dance floor.

Chapters:

• Monica tells us she's become a Ceroc teacher! [1:15]
• Why Monica wanted to be a teacher [3:00]
• Why the training is so emotional and tough [6:20]
• First night teaching [7:05]
• "Having fun and enjoying it because that sells it itself" [9:35]
• Ton dances as a follower with Hazel [12:40]
• What was the funniest thing Monica has said in class [14:00]
• Encouraging the class to help with beginners [17:00]
• Making a pilgrimage to Canterbury [20:15]
• Appealing to a younger crowd [20:50]
• Monica's thoughts on slotting  [23:20]
• Summary [28:00]
• Up next [29:42]

Listen to Monica's interview from last year at https://open.spotify.com/episode/6tgdeW0lrGElQJDJ8w6MHu

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Live from the Ceroc Swish 20th Anniversary event, Brett Stewart gives us an exclusive look behind the scenes of this amazing weekender and spills the beans on how to get a teaching lesson and a DJ slot here. Find out how he had to propose a routine, where he trials it out, and how come he's known as "the one-take wonder"!

Chapters:

• When Brett first started teaching [0:50]
• Putting a playlist forward to get a DJ slot [4:20]
• How did Brett impress the organisers of Ceroc Swish? [7:00]
• Trialing a class at his local venue to try out new moves [11:30]
• Secrets of the Ceroc Hub videos [15:50]
• Thoughts on the live band at Ceroc Swish for the 20th anniversary [23:30]
• Does Brett manage to relax at a weekender? [24:30]
• A good tip for getting OFF the dance floor! [27:00]
• Summary [28:44]
• Up next [30:03]

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Tony Riccardi returns to the podcast to tell us how he puts his music together for weekenders and freestyles. Hear how he uses "guidelines" instead of "playlists". Guess the magic track that he played at Swish. Find out why 40 Years is such a special song for him. This is going to be a deep dive into a DJ's thoughts!

Chapters:

• Tony's first DJ gig [1:07]
• How to put a playlist together [2:50]
• Avoiding "same old, same old" music [6:15]
• Using guidelines, instead of playlists [9:10]
• Getting the floor back [13:00]
• Paul's Motown memories [14:05]
• How long did it take Teddy Swim's The Door to get onto Tony's playlist [16:35]
• Overplayed songs [17:20]
• Dealing with requests [18:35]
• Tony's magic track at Swish [20:45]
• 40 Years by Tone Damli - why Tony loves this song [24:35]
• Is a 4 hour playlist four times harder than a 1 hour playlist? [26:50]
• Thoughts on slowing down the tempo towards the end of the night [29:55]
• Older music for the older crowd? [35:40]
• Ton and Paul have to get to the next Sunday Exciter freestyle [39:20]
• Summary [41:00]
• Up next [42:00]

Listen to how Tony started his dance journey in last year's interview at https://open.spotify.com/episode/32gwWLlISmGrimUhWklILJ?si=kgqR2JvnQTi4TWWmhheQTQ

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We met a cheeky married couple early in their dance journey, and wanted to know what made them go (spoiler: Tiktok!), what their first class was like, and how it fits into the rest of their social life. There's a lotta laughs in this episode!

Chapters:

• How did you find out about dancing? [0:45]
• Beginner's class expectations [3:50]
• Bethan whisked away while Dan stuck on his own [5:20]
• Dan finds private lessons [7:00]
• First couple of freestyles [10:30]
• Comparing themselves to the original TikTok video [14:35]
• When the Jive Buddies first met Bethan [16:20]
• What Bethan does when Dan is sitting out [18:38]
• Their social life before dancing [19:50]
• Why changing partners in the lesson helps your dancing [22:30]
• Dan tries to dance with everyone in a freestyle, using the "octopus" move first [24:40]
• Bachata classes [28:30]
• Dan more confident with bachata [30:40]
• Summary [31:10]
• Wrap up [32:10]

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New Ceroc teacher Nic Lewis has recently started her classes at the relaunched Burton-upon-Trent venue, owned and operated by Ceroc Inspire. We chat with her to find out whose idea it was, what she did to advertise it, and hear about her solutions in adapting to the unique challenges of this venture.

Chapters:

• Intro
• First gig at Ashbourne [1:05]
• Creating social group to get to know each other [2:00]
• Dancing in a pub [3:10]
• Social group going to Northwich [4:20]
• Background to opening Burton [6:00]
• Advertising the launch [8:20]
• Overcoming teaching in a narrow room [12:40]
• Teaching on the same level as the class [16:00]
• Keeping numbers up [17:55]
• Importance of a good taxi team [18:40]
• Talking to new lead dancers [21:00]
• Shout outs to the taxi team [21:40]
• Why Burton is a good venue [24:20]
• Freestyle + challenges [24:50]
• Setting challenges to get a dance [26:00]
• Etiquette of walking onto dance floor + slotting [27:30]
• How does Nic choose the intermediate routine? [29:50]
• Add musicality moves [31:00]
• Summary [34:00]
• Wrap up [35:00]

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What a year it has been! We look back at some of our favourite episodes and highlights of a fantastic year of interviews and fun and laughter!

Listen to our favourite episodes:

• NRG weekender review with Jan: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4omCoRNYe0Mvz3FvxdWdVN?si=Glj84gMxQIODJPs-v3eCdw 
• Lucy's Me-Time story: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4VtDX2y9Sa8piouslcEUca?si=iXJtYpIsSCOusyWdJYttag 
• The love for Essie Jo: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2eivKS62aZnO0nttpBCBLG?si=Fhd8XcfKQOe2fzUm5jWTkA 
• Lesley's dating on the dance floor: https://open.spotify.com/episode/71mZJGowcWKH4Cz7Lc9hQg?si=qL5gzhwSRzmzMmMMv-nvhQ 
• Sue O'Reilly and the Ceroc Angels: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Dw9TY8exXQQchlLBEgR4T?si=3qAlNI-5TROUVDBzSFateg 
• Gen Z dancer Monica launching Season 2: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6tgdeW0lrGElQJDJ8w6MHu?si=LGcWiT20TAufBR9Wf-eMbA 

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Martin tells us about his love of disco and trance music and how he's trying to find the moments of "collective euphoria" in Ceroc. His sports psychologist background gives us unique insights into different learning experiences, micro-expressions and how there's a third person when you dance as a couple. It's a fascinating discussion!

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Holly joins us again for a fascinating discussion on sensual connection in dance. It's an open and honest conversation and we were brave enough to bring up the famous George Bernard Shaw quote "dancing is a perpendicular expression of a horizontal desire".

Listen to Holly's thoughts on other forms of dance connection at https://open.spotify.com/episode/64Y1OLgDVL738Wv6mubdC0?si=gbNML4RuR8CXRAjquqwHfg 

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We discover how the young Rickie and Zoe got into Ceroc. Their first experiences were scary, but one enjoys it and the other one loves it! Listen to their thoughts on this joint activity. Stay tuned for their news at the end!

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Jordan travelled across the country to follow his dream. Hear how he went from the East Midlands to South Wales via chill-out events in the Bristol area to owning a franchise in Somerset. It's an inspirational story of how a young man's dream became a reality.

Listen to an interview with his co-owner, Shannon Finn, at https://open.spotify.com/episode/6d6oWd2wqbICYfEAc98nt6 

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The Jive Buddies meet up with teacher Barry Watson to hear how he brings in his bachata and zouk influences, with other techniques and insights, into his classes and workshops. There's also a fascinating discussion about the future of Ceroc. But first, we find out what Barry was doing as a kid for entertainment, how he got blackmailed into line dancing and his professional dance background. What an intriguing journey for this Scottish lad!

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Kate joins us for the New Year Eve's celebrations with Revolution Dance at Stockport Town Hall. We tell you about the reception, the venue, the dancers and the Auld Lang Syne. And there's a few words from Janey and Keith Davies too!

Listen to Janey talk about the preparation she does for all her freestyles at https://open.spotify.com/episode/7rxIA1OWF24QHCqFdeBRV9?si=OhIPADemSFyOqopADVVPAQ 

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David Rokov, along with his wife Val and DJ Vince Silva, created the Utopia brand of chilled music. Hear about the people, dance styles and tunes that influenced and helped fashion this very successful mix of chilled music and dancing.

Listen to a review of the Lux weekend 2025 at https://open.spotify.com/episode/1PGUXXrJSmNDBFYpAUfFuM 

Find out more about the upcoming 2026 Pure weekend, also organised by David Rokov, at https://www.pureweekend.co.uk/

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The Jive Buddies meet a new beginner, Sarita, at their local Ceroc venue and she says she "loves it"! We find out what her background is, how her first class went, and what she thought of her first freestyle at Burton Town Hall.

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Our special guest, Sue O'Reilly, is the franchise owner of Ceroc Heaven in Nottinghamshire, but we wanted to find out how the Heaven Angels came about. There are many names, such as Prosecco Angel, Devine Angel, Suggestive Angel and Angel Faux-Pas. Find out what Sue O'Reilly and Paul's angel names are!

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The Jive Buddies bump into a researcher and creative arts therapist, and wonder what that is all about. Listen to the benefits of dance; learn what "social prescription" is; hear what we can do to get more people into this happy hobby.

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The Jive Buddies speak to Matthew Butler again to find out ideas on how to keeping people dancing by catching the dancing bug. Listen to some of the games that Matthew does in his classes, and what kind of social activities bring a sense of community. It's a great conversation - what keeps you dancing?

Buy your Fuego dance shoes with a 10% discount at https://fuegodance.com/discount/JIVEBUDDIES10

Listen to Matthew's ideas on Etiquette at https://open.spotify.com/episode/1MiRVew9XXt7GNGeimsLuC 

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The Jive Buddies spoke to two newbies about their first experience of a Ceroc weekender, after they went to Ceroc Bliss at Norbreck Castle in Blackpool. Find out what they talked about in the car on the way up, who they met there and what they'd do differently next time!

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It's a very different episode today! The Jive Buddies talk to their favourite guest, Holly, on the topic of "connection in dance". Listen to her thoughts about the physical, musical and emotional connection. It's a fascinating discussion as we all learn a bit more about our favourite hobby.

Hear Holly talking in an earlier episode about Etiquette on the dance floor at https://open.spotify.com/episode/5TPr7LAPqfcvj3iPTlE2e0?si=uJ8Hc82tQOmv8vfPJbm_aQ 

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Listen to Shannon Finn's story of how she got dragged by her mum to a Le Roc class and fell in love with jive dancing. After taking a break, she entered the world of Ceroc, doing competitions, co-teaching in workshops before co-owning a franchise in Somerset. It's a great story!

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Sometimes, you just have to go for it! Listen to Steph talk about how she just up and went to her first Ceroc class, how she learnt to enjoy letting go, and how she overcame her nerves at her first freestyle!

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Whilst at the Rock Bottoms weekender, the Jive Buddies interview the well-loved teacher pairing, Lee and Dawn, to find out how they got started and what makes their crazy classes so much fun!

Listen to the review of the Rock Bottoms 2025 weekender at https://open.spotify.com/episode/385msM1geODZy0c3TMLhQv?si=T8Hg2fIbQpmEf4lg4N2row 

Go to our Facebook page to see the rehearsal of the Pyjama Class and the performances of Lee and Pheonix at https://www.facebook.com/jivebuddiespodcast. Hit our Follow button there so you get the links to every new episode.

It's another great review of another great weekender! The Jive Buddies, with our special guest Lisa, give their thoughts on the Rock Bottoms weekender in Torquay, organised by Hev Mate. Spoiler alert: they all had a fantastic time!

Listen to Hev Mate's interview last year for some of her secrets: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7xonN2CPge4g5lEs5cTMfN 

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Matthew, a Ceroc teacher, gives us his view on dance etiquette. He tells us about the banner he displays at his Shrewsbury class night, which spells out how he would like everyone to treat each other. We discuss with him the tricky question of whether you can say "no" to a dance. This is a conversation you'll want to hear - it's a very uplifting chat as you'll hear so many good ideas!

Listen to the earlier conversation with Holly about etiquette at: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5TPr7LAPqfcvj3iPTlE2e0

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We speak to Linda about her love of the smooth slotted style of dancing and find out how she came to be a SILC teacher.

Listen to how SILC got started from Kieran Moore at https://open.spotify.com/episode/6wg5PydncuqBqE4Im7S4jQ?si=GpTO2dIBSeWKOGIbdAwM2w

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Scottish Ceroc franchise owner Nicola Di Folco tells us how her dance journey got started. It’s not how you would have thought. Nicola never expected to be a franchise owner, let alone a DJ or dance teacher, but she tells how each of these opportunities were presented to her. it's another fascinating story of how someone's dance journey can take unexpected turns.

Learn more about the Scotland Ceroc scene, including a review of the Ceroc ELEVATE weekender, at https://open.spotify.com/episode/0CCG64uWyQ49XKinsvfoRj?si=uwXd1-mRQRmOH_pnzrtl4Q

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