Meet our team of passionate teachers and staff, who teach our courses, drop-in classes, run our bands, events and taster classes. This diverse group of people has one thing in common… their passion for Lindy Hop!
Martyn Nelson – Founder
“IF EVERYONE DANCED THE WORLD WOULD BE A BETTER PLACE, EVERYBODY SHOULD EXPERIENCE THE GIFT OF DANCE AT LEAST ONCE IN THEIR LIVES.”
Martyn Nelson is a multi-talented dancer, musician, deejay and event organiser from Birmingham, who started the Swing Era in 2014 to share his passion for lindy hop dancing with people across his hometown Birmingham. Martyn’s love for music has been evident from an early age. After playing lots of different instruments in his childhood and early teens, Martyn decided to study Performing Arts and Music. He professionally taught guitar for over six years, before securing a big record deal with his band King Adora. Two successful albums and numerous international gigs later, Martyn decided to take time away from making music. Then Martyn discovered Lindy Hop! Hearing the vintage swing music and being able to dance to it ignited Martyn’s passion for everything that breathes the authentic ‘swing era’. Martyn quickly grew as a dancer, teacher and performer. He has taught and performed at Glastonbury Festival, Twinwood, and events in Belfast, Glasgow, Sheffield, Exeter and more. Martyn always likes to take every opportunity to learn from the top-notch dancers in the international swing dance scene, and has had numerous private lessons with dancers such as Markus Rosendal, Pontus Persson, Issabella Gregorio, Angela Andrews, Pamela Gaizutyte, Bobby White, Kate Hedin, Ben Cook and Moe Sakan.
Over the years Martyn developed his teaching skills to a high level, and he trained with many talented teachers like Ali Taghavi and Katja Uckermann (Teaching Swing Summit – Swing Step) and Trisha Sewell (Savoy Hop). Martyn has been teaching Lindy Hop and jazz at big festivals like Glastonbury (2015) and Twinwood (2016), and across different UK dance scenes like Exeter, Glasgow and Belfast. As DJ ColoNel Swing his taste for fine authentic tunes brought him to deejay at Herrang Dance Camp (Sweden), Cork Jazz festival (Ireland), The Mooche (Ireland), London Swing Festival, Bristol Swing Festival and Manchester Lindy. Martyn has played many gigs with his swing band Martyn Nelson and the Rhythm remedies. Martyn is passionate about bringing more live music to the swing dance community by bringing together the best jazz musicians from Birmingham to play specifically for swing dancers.
Suzanne Grubham – Teacher and Choreographer Lindy Hop, Solo Jazz, Tap
Suzanne has over 20 years experience performing and teaching dance, she discovered Lindy Hop when Martyn Nelson attended one of her tap dance classes. They decided to do a skills swap, Tap for Lindy, and her love for Lindy Hop began. Now, Suzanne teaches Lindy Hop, Solo jazz and Tap for The Swing Era and also runs The Suzy Qs performance group. She loves sharing the joy of music and dance from the swing era with new dancers and especially enjoys helping higher level dancers to develop their skills.
Suky Chopra – teacher
Suky started his dance journey by chance really when he was shoehorned into accompanying a friend to a dance class. Many years later this art form called swing dancing is now part of his life: ‘I’ve had so many amazing experiences, attended festivals throughout Europe and more importantly met so many amazing people along the way.’
Jorine – teacher
Drama Therapist and avid Lindy Hopper Jorine loves to teach Lindy Hop seeking out ways to teach any age and ability and make it fun for all! She loves teaching beginners and will dance with anyone in the room. She also enjoys the high pressure of performing, with the Suzy Qs or the Sugar Foot Stompers, and likes to add in a bit of audience engagement.
Tom Moore- teacher and band leader
Tom is a full time double bassist who started dancing in 2017, discovering the dance through playing for Swing Era events. “I love Lindy Hop because it brings people together, like music and food. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from.”
Chloe Derry – Teacher
Digital Marketer by day, swing dancer by night, Chloe began dancing back in 2015 and enjoyed experiencing scenes across the UK before joining our team. She loves getting to share the joy of dance with the community. “I don’t know anything quite like swing dancing – it sets my heart alight. Some of my fondest memories were made on the dance floor.”
Norman Wakeman – teacher
Norman did his first triple step in 2017 and was hooked ever since. A few years of the Lindy Hop & Charleston soon led to the Collegiate Shag and St Louis Shag further exploring the world of swing dance styles. Immersing himself into festivals in the UK and across Europe he loves sharing the fun, energy and playfulness of these dances.
‘It’s a joy sharing a journey of communication & story telling during a dance with a partner and look to share this with students when teaching. I love mixing styles together; Lindy, Charleson & Shag as well as switching roles, hijacks while following with the flow of the music and partner connection during the dance… excited to see where the journey takes us!’
Glenn – events
Glenn is a wonderful and friendly dancer, with a real passion for social dances and events. He will make sure you have plenty of opportunity to put your skills into practice. Definitely ask him for a dance!