CLASSES & TEACHERS
CLASSES AND TEACHERS
Our main aim in creating the LUX experience is to build confidence in dancing to different genres of music. Consequently the line-up of teachers always reflects the varying styles suited to each dance space - but more importantly our teachers are selected because of their teaching ability, experience and understanding of the lead and follow techniques required to develop their students. Of course approachability and a keen sense of fun are also high up on the list of requirements.
Our ‘A’ List Teacher Line-Up is shown below and the schedule of classes can be viewed HERE
The workshops taught at LUX will reflect the following styles:
Ceroc, Blues & SILC/UTOPIA Style
TEACHERS AT A GLANCE
(In alphabetical order)
Ben Davies, Caine Langford, Dale St. Rose, Dan Hewitt-Green, Debbie Attwood, Lucky Skillen, Marc & Rachel and Steve Thomas.
BEN DAVIES
Ben hosts the popular 'Blends' freestyles in the West Midlands and shot to fame when he won the UK Open Blues championships with Emily Attwood in 2010. He's now been teaching for over 10 years and often graces the main Ceroc weekenders with his presence. As a veteran at competing and at creating regular showcases he is a versatile dancing, teaching and DJ talent with plenty to offer this weekend.
Blends - Sun, 1.30pm - 2.30pm - Juniper - ADV
Ben's versatile style bridges, Ceroc, Blues and SILC. This class is a Chill Out fusion class with impressive moves and interpretation suitable for any room and any genre.
CAINE LANGFORD
Host of the popular Bristol SILC Sundays and veteran teacher / DJ on the dance weekender scene, Caine is a smooth dancer, a joy to watch, and a pleasure to dance with. He has been teaching for around 15 years, currently in the Bristol area after a long time teaching in Sussex and the South Coast. Caine focuses on technique and connection and this makes him a natural choice to lead the foundation and progressive SILC classes at PURE.
SILC Foundation - Sun, 1.30 - 2.30pm - Sequoia - ALL
SILC is the smooth, slotted dance that finds its home in the Chill-out & Utopia zone. The techniques taught allows room for interpretation and style that suits the slower music genres plays in the Chill Out and Utopia zones. The session is designed for those new to this style and focuses on mastering the art of slotting and timing.
SILC Progressive - Sun, 5.15 - 6.15pm - Sequoia - Int
This progressive session will include more moves & patterns to build repertoire and confidence in the Chill Out Room.
DALE ST. ROSE
London Based Ceroc Teacher Dale has a passion for different dance styles and his dedication to dance has led him to win 1st place at the Ceroc Championships twice, the Blues Open Championships in 2007 & 2009 and joint 1st place winning spot in the Blues showcase Category in 2010..... And 2017 the Open Winner at the London Ceroc Champs. His background in Line Dance, Salsa, Kizomba, Bachata and WCS influence his style and syncopation, and this makes for classes that are full of pure body and soul. He's also a talented Dj and will be playing in both the Main Room and Chill Out room over the weekend.
Bachata - Sun, 2.45 - 3.45pm - Juniper - All
This session will introduce you to Bachata which is a style of social dance from the Dominican Republic. Its slow and sensual and danced in 'hold' with simple, but rhythmic patterns.
DAN HEWITT-GREEN
Southampton based teacher and franchisee, Dan Hewitt-Green is one smooth teacher! One half of the original SO Ceroc, and now Ceroc Fever, Dan has been teaching for twenty years and is known for drilling down into technique, fluid moves and style plus golden nuggets of wisdom that help propel dancers to that next level. He’s also known for his propensity for mischief and getting the party started…
W.T.F - Sun, 12.15pm - 1.15pm - Juniper - Int
(Says what it is on the tin). What to do when your partner pulls something unexpected out the bag and doubles up as a class for 'Doing' the unexpected!
Making Shapes - Sun, 2.45pm - 3.45pm - Sequoia - Int+
Using a mix of Moves and Breaks to create an eye-catching pose
DEBBIE ATTWOOD
Debbie is the darling of the West Midlands! The hostess with the mostess on many of the Dance Holidays, including the ever popular Medfest, Blaze and dance ski holidays. With years of teaching experience and dedication to building her lovely community of dancers on the west side of Birmingham, her passion for dance never diminishes. She’s always dipping a toe into this dancefloor and that, gathering experience and skills that continually enhance her talents.
In the Frame - Sun, 11am - 12pm - Sequoia - Int
Debbie is going to help you to understand and execute beautiful connection through the fundamentals of 'frame'. The routine will feature moves that allow you to exercise and practice this skill improving your lead and follow.
Style it Out - Sun, 4pm - 5pm - Juniper - Int+
Often its not about the complexity of the moves that draws the eye on the dance-floor, instead its the people who are really living in the music. This class will help you find the fun, and style in the music you are dancing to for ultimate musical interpretation and maximum enjoyment.
MARC & RACHEL
Slinky, bluesy, elegant dancers Marc & Rachel have been introducing our dancers to Argentine Tango and Pure Blues on many of Ceroc's largest weekend events now for a number of years – not just through classes but with their involvement and introduction of Milongas at the Escape Weekenders.
Argentine Tango Introduction
Sun, 12.15 - 1.15pm - Pines
Introducing you to the sexy, sultry, intricate dance of Argentine Tango. Marc & Rachel will settle you into this dance style which inevitably will improve your connection, frame and tidy up your feet.
Immediately after this class Marc & Rachel will host a 1.15hr Argentine Tango freestyle set to allow you time to practice and bed in those techniques.
STEVE THOMAS
Steve is a veteran of over 25 years of Ceroc teaching and has taught at all major Ceroc Escape Dance weekenders for more years than we care to remember. As an event organiser he not only made the Dance Junction one of the most popular dance nights on the circuit but has also introduced some astonishing venues to our dance community; these include events at Ministry of Sound, O2, i360 and the Cutty Sark. His laidback and humorous approach, coupled with an extraordinary understanding of technique makes him an ever popular choice.
Whipcraft - Sun, 11 -12pm - Juniper - Int+
Whips put the whoosh and dynamic into your dancing. You probably have one in your repertoire, but this workshop will drop a few more in and make sure you have that technique absolutely right so that you create the momentum, capture the energy and redirect. Have fun with it!
Infinite Remix- Sun,4 - 5pm - Sequoia - Int
Take one base move and create multiple variation upon variation. a great way to boost your repertoire and develop creativity.
LUCKY SKILLEN
Back by popular demand all the way from the US of A, is the incomparable Lucky Skillen! Through the magic power of his huge smile, he brings dancing joy wherever he goes. Lucky started dancing in 1996 and began teaching in 1998. Since then he has taught and performed many styles of dances in Asia, Europe, and North America. He has also had the privilege of working with such celebrities as Neil Young, Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, Katie Holmes, and Frankie Manning. He will be teaching a classes over the weekend that will suit the Blues room and the Utopia Room.
Blues for the Start - Sun, 12.15 - 1.15pm Sequoia - All
Lucky & Chelsea are our king and queen of blues and this class is designed to introduce and develop your Blues style. Even if you have done some Blues before, you can be sure to take something away from this Blues Oracle, Mr Lucky Skillen!
Blues Masterclasses (£15 per head per session or £20 for both sessions - pre-book)
Session 1 Blues Interpretation for Musicality - Mon, 11am - 12pm - Pines
Blues is all about connection, not just to each other, but fundamentally to the music. Because the music is slow, the dance may at times appear pedestrian, but the skill and beauty of this dance is in the light & shade created through interpretation of the music.
Ballroomin' Blues - Sun, 5.15 - 6.15pm Juniper - All
Ballrooming, is a modern interpretation for the slow dancing style of the Savoy Ballroom in the 50’s anad traditionally it was danced with many turns lifts and dips. Today it has been developed into very dynamic dance adding a new flavor of movement to the floor craft - Video
Session 2 Micro-Blues - Mon, 12pm - 1pm - Pines
People regularly stop me in my tracks to rave about this masterclass with Lucky & Chelsea. This is a modern style of blues that uses small movements to communicate to your partner. This is the glue that holds the dance together and further develops the intricacy of connection