Meet Our Team

Plasterer come Professional Lindy Hopper Martyn founded The Swing Era to bring Lindy Hop to the masses through it's Dance School and Events. He hopes you too will find the joys of Lindy Hop and it's loving Dance Community.

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, almost 8 years later she teaches Lindy Hop and Solo jazz 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.

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!

"Nothing bad comes from dance" Jack has been dancing, learning, teaching and competing since his first taster class in 2015. "It's my favourite thing in the world. The people I've met, the places I've been, the opportunities it's given me, I love being able to share it with more people and grow the dance community."

Tanya-Louise is a Birmingham based swing dancer and has been teaching since 2017. She loves to share her passion for jazz music and lindy hop dancing, performing, and competing both nationally and internationally. “Lindy hop dancing is one of the best things I have ever done, it completely changed my life. I was hooked from the very first dance."

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."

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.”

I started my dance journey by chance really when I was shoehorned into accompanying a friend to a dance class. Eight years later this art form called swing dancing is now part of my life. I’ve had so many amazing experiences, attended festivals throughout Europe and more importantly met so many amazing people along the way.

James started swing dancing in 2013 at the University of Sheffield and quickly fell in love. His favourite thing about dance is sharing joyful moments with a partner and creating something new every time. James really enjoys teaching absolute beginners.

From dancing down a salt mine in Poland to appearing on BBC news during a Peaky Blinders event, Millie has made plenty of memories with The Swing Era! “What I love most about Lindy Hop is how fun it can be! Whether it’s a flash mob in Grand Central, dressing up for our annual Halloween ‘Spookeasy’, or doing a cheeky aerial during a performance, this is a dance that brings me joy!” When she’s not dancing, she teaches history of medicine, collects antique books, and enjoys long walks with her rescue beagle, Peggy. Fun fact: Millie has a mild form of ‘face blindness’, so if you see her at a social event or taster class, don’t forget to come and say hello!

Growing up playing in a brass band, music has always been a big part of David’s life. He’s never happier than when he hits that stop in the music just right. He loves a good swing-out and is a patient teacher who knows how to help dancers have fun with the music! When he’s not dancing you’ll find him treating patients in his dental surgery or playing boardgames. “The best part of lindy hop for me is the amazing and supportive community that The Swing Era has built. Many of our dancers have become life long friends.”

Alex is a trumpet player based in the wonderful city of Birmingham where he has been involved in the jazz scene for 8 years. He got involved with the swing dance scene after he graduated from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Jazz music is deep rooted in this style of dancing and Alex and his band always ensures that the music is as authentic as possible.

Lisa is delighted to be involved with bringing this era to the people of Birmingham and beyond!