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Strictly Come Dancing 2025: The Charleston Showdown 💃
At MyCharleston, we know just how much joy and energy this dance brings — it’s why we run Charleston classes across the UK. And this year’s Strictly Come Dancing proved exactly that, with an unprecedented six Charleston routines lighting up the ballroom. From Amber Davies’s perfect-scoring Musicals Week triumph to Lewis Cope’s edgy Arctic Monkeys twist, the Charleston showed off its versatility and enduring appeal.
At MyCharleston, we know just how much joy and energy this dance brings - it’s why we run Charleston classes across the UK. And this year’s Strictly Come Dancing proved exactly that, with an unprecedented seven Charleston routines lighting up the ballroom. From Amber Davies’s perfect-scoring Musicals Week triumph to Lewis Cope’s edgy Arctic Monkeys twist, the Charleston showed off its versatility and enduring appeal.
Ahead of tomorrow’s final, we’ve compiled all seven performances, ranked by their scores to see which routines stood out most. Which one was your favourite?
The 7 Charleston Routines
1. Amber & Nikita – Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat
Score: 40 (10, 10, 10, 10)
2. Lewis & Katya – I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor
Score: 40 (10, 10, 10, 10)
3. George & Alexis – We No Speak Americano
Score: 37 (8, 9, 10, 10)
4. Karen & Carlos – Upside Down / Think
Score: 35 (8, 10, 8, 9)
5. Balvinder & Julian – Been Like This
Score: 30 (7, 8, 8, 7)
6. Stefan & Dianne - Dance Monkey
Score: 26 (5, 7, 7, 7)
7. Vicky & Kai – A Little Party Never Killed Nobody
Score: 25 (5, 7, 6, 7)
This season proved that Charleston isn’t just a quirky throwback — it’s a dance that can adapt to jazz, swing, pop, rock, and even musical theatre. Amber Davies’s routine will go down in Strictly history, but Lewis Cope’s Arctic Monkeys Charleston showed how the dance can evolve for a new generation.
And if you’ve been inspired by all this swivel and sass, you don’t have to just watch from the sofa. MyCharleston offers classes across the UK where you can learn the moves yourself, run in six-week course blocks. Even better - Jenny Thomas, the choreographer behind Strictly’s Charleston routines, is joining us in Brighton for exclusive workshops on 25 & 26 April 2026. It’s the perfect chance to experience the magic of Charleston first-hand, guided by the very expert who shapes the routines you’ve seen on TV. Our Open Level class is now sold out, but we still have spaces on our Intermediate and Partner workshops.
Book a MyCharleston course or Jenny Thomas Workshop below!
Course Previews: What's on This January
After the Christmas break we will be back with a bang and a brand new set of courses! You can watch all previews here. This 6-week course block begins on the week commencing 5th January
After the Christmas break we will be back with a bang and a brand new set of courses! You can watch all previews here. This 6-week course block begins on the week commencing 5th January.
OPEN LEVEL CHARLESTON COURSE - LET’S MISBEHAVE
BRIGHTON & HOVE | EASTBOURNE | LEWES | PORTSMOUTH
ONLINE
Our first Open Level course of 2026 is joyful and bouncy, and encourages a little bit of mischief! Set to the tune ‘Let’s Misbehave’, join us as we start the year the way we mean to go on…
Available in studio and online. See dates and locations below:
Brighton - 5 Jan - 9 Feb, 7:30-8:30pm, The Dance Space
Hove PM - 6 Jan - 10 Feb, 6-7pm, Open Space Studios
Lewes - 6 Jan - 10 Feb, 6:30-7:30pm, The BodyWorkshop
Portsmouth - 6 Jan - 10 Feb, 7:30-8:30pm, CourtX
Eastbourne - 7 Jan - 11 Feb, 6:30-7:30pm, Leaf Hal
Hove AM - 8 Jan - 12 Feb, 10:30-11:30am, Open Space Studios
Online - 7 Jan - 11 Feb via Zoom, 6pm GMT
MUSICALS COURSE - THE GREATEST SHOW
HOVE ONLINE
Inspired by the hit movie-musical, our first Musicals course of 2026 is going to be a showstopper! Chorographer Lauren was lucky enough to take a workshop with the choreographers of the film back in 2016 where she learnt some of the original choreography featured in the film. She took inspiration from this to create an explosive and empowering routine, and we are really excited to share it with you!
PARTNER CHARLESTON - BILL BAILEY
8 Jan - 12 Feb, 6-7pm - Open Space Studios
Our Partner Charleston class runs in Hove on Thursday evenings. Our upcoming routine ‘Bill Bailey’ is as cheerful and vintage as the tune itself, full of classic moves and fun guaranteed!
INTERMEDIATE CHARLESTON - CLAP YOUR HANDS
8 Jan - 12 Feb, 7-8pm - Open Space Studios
Join us in the studio in Hove at our Intermediate Charleston class which focuses on bringing a wider repertoire of Charleston and Solo Jazz steps together into routines for seasoned dancers. This one is bright, upbeat, and a call to action - clap your hands!
Course Previews: What's on This November
It's only 3 weeks to go until our final course block of the year and we are so excited to share the previews of our November routines with you! You can watch all previews here. This 6-week course block begins on the week commencing 3rd November.
It's only 3 weeks to go until our final course block of the year and we are so excited to share the previews of our November routines with you! You can watch all previews here. This 6-week course block begins on the week commencing 3rd November.
OPEN LEVEL CHARLESTON COURSE - BLACK BOTTOM
BRIGHTON & HOVE | EASTBOURNE | LEWES | PORTSMOUTH
ONLINE
Our final Open Level course of 2025 is high energy, silly and set to a firm favourite when it comes to classic Big Band songs. Our choreography complements the raucous energy and amusing sound effects in this hilarious tune and is guaranteed to get you giggling!
Available in studio and online. See dates and locations below:
Brighton - 3 Nov - 8 Dec, 7:30-8:30pm, The Dance Space
Hove PM - 4 Nov - 9 Dec, 6-7pm, Open Space Studios
Lewes - 4 Nov - 9 Dec, 6:30-7:30pm, The BodyWorkshop
Portsmouth - 4 Nov - 9 Dec, 7:30-8:30pm, CourtX
Eastbourne - 5 Nov - 10 Dec, 6:30-7:30pm, Leaf Hal
Hove AM - 6 Nov - 11 Dec, 10:30-11:30am, Open Space Studios
Online - 5 Nov - 10 Dec via Zoom, 6pm GMT
MUSICALS COURSE - SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN
HOVE ONLINE
This brand new Musicals routine is inspired by Gene Kelly’s smooth and expressive dance style and innovative original choreography, promising to warm your heart. So, grab an umbrella and join us - whether in the studio, from your living room or actually out in the rain!
PARTNER CHARLESTON - THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET
6 Nov - 11 Dec, 6-7pm - Open Space Studios
Step back in time with this joyful routine that blends 1930s Charleston flair with classic 1920s style! In this course, you’ll learn push-outs, tandem Charleston, and plenty of fun vintage moves.
BOOK NOW
INTERMEDIATE CHARLESTON - BABY WORKOUT
6 Nov - 11 Dec, 7-8pm - Open Space Studios
Get ready to move! This upbeat routine blends the energy of jive with 1930s-style Charleston and playful, expressive moves that capture the fun spirit of the tune.
Escape the Everyday – One Jazz Step at a Time
Our guide to escaping the stresses of everyday life by using Jazz music and vintage dance!
Feeling frazzled? Sometimes the best remedy for a weary mind and body isn’t in a bottle or a book – but on the dance floor, swinging to a toe-tapping jazz tune or kicking up your heels like it’s 1925.
As put by James Brown: “The one thing that can solve most of our problems is dancing.”
The Charleston isn’t just a relic of the past – it can be a powerful pick-me-up for the present. Vintage dance styles are high-energy, full of flair, and brimming with joy. They offer a delightful way to escape the pressures of modern life by jumping headfirst into rhythm and movement. Studies today confirm what the jitterbugs of yesterday already knew: dancing improves sleep, sharpens the mind, and zaps fatigue right out of your system.
Unlike more clinical forms of exercise, vintage jazz dance is playful, spirited, and deliciously unstructured. As the big band swings and the brass section blares, you can dance out your stress, stomp away your tension, and shimmy off the weight of the world. Whether you’re cutting loose with fast-footed Charleston kicks or gliding through a mellow blues step, the music sweeps you up and away. Within that moment, you’re no longer in the grind of the day. You're in a smoky Harlem ballroom, a sunlit Savoy afternoon, or simply lost in the beat of a bygone era.
Dancing this way doesn’t just move your body – it frees your soul. The endorphins do their work, yes, but so does the sheer joy of moving to music that was made to make people feel alive. Your worries fade, your muscles loosen, and suddenly life doesn’t seem quite so heavy.
And the best part? You don’t need to be Fred Astaire or Josephine Baker. Vintage dance is for everyone – young or old, solo or partnered, shy or showy. Whether you’re looking to get fit, find your groove, or just have a blast, stepping into the rhythm of the past might be exactly what the present you needs.
So, dust off those dancing shoes, cue up the jazz, and give yourself permission to let go. Swing out, let loose, and remember: in vintage dance, every step is a chance to feel free!
MyCharleston run weekly adult dance classes specialising in the Charleston, both solo and partnered, and solo jazz. We run classes primarily across the South Coast, as well as across the UK, in Italy and online.
We also post regular dance content on our YouTube channel, as well as on our Instagram and Facebook.
Stepping Out in Style: Top Hat Glides Back on Stage - and into the Studio with MyCharleston
As Top Hat wows audiences on stage, you can take centre stage yourself with MyCharleston’s new term of dance courses.
Few musicals evoke the glamour and elegance of the golden age of Hollywood quite like Top Hat. With the show now delighting audiences on a UK tour following its dazzling run at Chichester Festival Theatre, MyCharleston is stepping into the spotlight too - offering brand-new Charleston dance courses inspired by this timeless classic. This term, we're celebrating the show’s return by bringing two of its most iconic numbers, “Puttin’ On The Ritz” and “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails,” to life in our adult dance classes across the South East and online.
A Hollywood Classic Reimagined for the Stage
Top Hat is based on the 1935 film starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers - an enduring classic that epitomised the glitz and glamour of 1930s Hollywood. The stage musical, featuring Irving Berlin’s iconic score, first premiered in 2011 and has since charmed audiences across the UK with its sparkling choreography, witty romance, and sweeping period style.
With songs like “Cheek to Cheek,” “Let’s Face the Music and Dance,” and of course, “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails” and “Puttin’ On The Ritz,” the show is a tap-dancing spectacle filled with elegance, energy, and vintage flair.
Back on Tour
Following a standout revival at Chichester Festival Theatre, Top Hat is going on tour and heading to venues across the country. For those local to the South East, your closest venues will be Woking and Eastbourne. Whether you're a long-time musical lover or discovering it for the first time, Top Hat promises a night of classic entertainment. Check out tour dates here.
Dance like you're in the spotlight with MyCharleston
As Top Hat wows audiences on stage, you can take centre stage yourself with MyCharleston’s new term of dance courses. Learn the routines inspired by “Puttin’ On The Ritz” in adult dance classes available in Brighton & Hove, Eastbourne, Lewes, Portsmouth and Online. Or try something extra special with our partner dance course in Hove, featuring “Top Hat”.
No previous experience needed - just bring your energy, your love of vintage music, and your dancing shoes.
Courses start from 8 September - join us and dance like you're in the West End!
Course Previews: What's on This September
It's only 4 weeks to go until we're back dancing in the studio and we are so excited to share the previews of our September courses with you! You can watch all previews here. This 6-week course block begins on the week commencing 8th September.
It's only 4 weeks to go until we're back dancing in the studio and we are so excited to share the previews of our September courses with you! All courses begin on the week commencing 8th September.
OPEN LEVEL CHARLESTON COURSE - PUTTING ON THE RITZ
BRIGHTON & HOVE | EASTBOURNE | LEWES | PORTSMOUTH
ONLINE
Grab your top hats and join us to dance a brand new routine set to the fun and iconic track "Putting On The Ritz". Fiona's choreography offers a perfect mix of glitzy Charleston and joyful Jazz.. Perfect for all levels—no partner needed—and comes with a video tutorial pack for home practice.
Available online and in studio. See dates and locations below:
Online - 10 Sep via Zoom, 6pm BST
Brighton - 8 Sep, 7:30pm, The Dance Space
Hove PM - 9 Sep, 6pm, Open Space Studios
Lewes - 9 Sep, 6:30pm, The BodyWorkshop
Portsmouth - 9 Sep, 7:30pm, CourtX
Eastbourne - 10 Sep, 6:30pm, Leaf Hal
Hove AM - 11 Sep, 10:30am, Open Space Studios
MUSICALS COURSE - WE BOTH REACHED FOR THE GUN
HOVE ONLINE
Join us in our brand new musicals course inspired by a recent dance challenge video that went viral on social media. This routine, choreographed by Portsmouth teacher Lauren, comprises of classic Fosse style, puppetry-esque movements and a sultry Jazz flair!
PARTNER CHARLESTON - TOP HAT
11 Sep - Open Space Studios, 6pm
Take a look at what's in store in our Partner Charleston Course, running every Thursday at 6pm. Step back in time with classic partner moves which will have you swivelling back and forth and twirling across the dancefloor like it's 1925, set to the celebrated and cheerful tune 'Top Hat'.
BOOK NOW
INTERMEDIATE CHARLESTON - WHAM RE-BOP
11 Sep - Open Space Studios, 7pm
Join us for some joyful and electric choreography set to the catchy and iconic track Wham Re-Bop. This routine comprises of some of the most exhilarating Solo Jazz moves which guarantees a smile, and by the end of this 6-week course, it really will be 'easy to do like the Susie Q'.
Charleston By The Sea: A Vivacious Afternoon Awaits
We are very excited to announce that there are now only a few weeks to go until our next event and the final social of the Summer!
Join us for ‘Charleston by the Sea’ dance event on Sunday 29th June at the Pavilion Atrium, for an afternoon of dress-up and iconic dancing that will transport you back to the Roaring 1920s.
Put on your pearls and join us for live jazz and group-led dances at this dress-up-and-dance event at the beautiful Pavilion Atrium on Worthing Pier. With performances and a photo booth full of quirky props to pose with, this social promises to be a fun-packed afternoon!
Where: Pavilion Atrium, Marine Parade, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 3PX
When: Sunday 29th June 2025
Time: 2pm- 5pm
Age: Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets are selling fast so click the link below to secure your place. We can’t wait to dance with you there!
We are very excited to announce that there are now only a few weeks to go until the rhythmic sounds of our jazz band will spill from the doors of the stunning Pavilion Atrium, drawing curious passers-by to a unique scene, as our afternoon of ‘Charleston by the Sea’ unfolds.
The Setting: History Meets Coastal Charm
The Pavilion Atrium, with its elegant architecture and sweeping sea views, will serve as a spectacular stage for you to finesse your Charleston flair. As the waves lap gently against the shore, the pop-up dance classes, live music, and performances from our very own troupe of professional flappers will have you stepping, kicking, and twirling to the infectious rhythms of our Jazz Trio.
The contrast will be magical; 1920s glamour meets modern-day costal charm!
The Workshop: Vintage Vibes With A View
Led by our spirited vintage dance experts, the afternoon will consist of many opportunities for you to get your groove on, and experience dancing the Charleston. No matter your level of skill or previous dance knowledge, you will be guided through the basics of the Charleston dance. We will then build upon your knowledge so you will soon be dancing sequences in formation - think a Ceilidh and Line Dancing fusion, with a exuberant 1920s Charleston twist. Our ‘Caller’ will guide you through the dance moves and patterns; from aisles to arches, circle dances and strolls, anyone can join in this fun filled afternoon of dance!
The Sea As Your Dance Partner
One of the most unforgettable elements of the afternoon will be the way the dance feels infused with its surroundings. Between songs, you will be able to pause to catch your breath, take in the stunning sea views and even have a cheeky afternoon drink from the bar.
A vivacious afternoon awaits; so join us now for a celebration of music, dance, and community - let’s bring the Roaring 1920s to Worthing!
By: Eleanor O’Donnell, Fiona Ring & Lauren Pascolutti
All You Need To Know About Thoroughly Modern Millie
Join us for our next 6 week Musical Course in Hove or online, where you can learn a quirky routine from Thoroughly Modern Millie!
Online details: Mondays 2 June - 7 July, 7pm via Zoom
Hove details: Tuesdays 3 June - 8 July, 7pm at Open Space Studios
Visit www.mycharlestondance.com to secure your place!
If there’s one thing that makes Thoroughly Modern Millie unforgettable, it’s the dazzling dance numbers that keep you on your toes (quite literally)! From the jazzy tap rhythms to the flapper-inspired sequences; this musical number is a masterpiece of high-energy and visually stunning choreography.
This is one of the many reasons why we are very excited to be teaching this iconic routine in our next 6-week Musicals course, starting from week commencing 2nd June both Online and in Hove!
Whether you’re prepping to be the next Broadway Star, trying something new, or just want to add some jazzy flair to your daily routine; this course is perfect for you.
Watch the routine here:
From its Broadway debut to recent revivals, Thoroughly Modern Millie is a classic that has managed to captivate audiences across generations. So, what makes Millie so appealing? Read on to dive into a world of jazz and flapper-tastic fun!
The Roaring Twenties: Reimagined
Set in New York City during the Jazz Age, Thoroughly Modern Millie is a sparkling blend of vintage charm and modern energy – making it a perfect dance routine to learn for any occasion. The 1920s was an era of cultural revolution, with flappers, jazz, and influential feminism playing a huge role in making this decade iconic. The choreography in Thoroughly Modern Millie embodies the spirit of the epoch, with slick dance moves, that are full of precision and full flapper-style flair!
Millie: A Heroine For The Ages
At the heart of what this iconic routine is based on, is Millie; a character who refuses to let anything stand in her way as she navigates the complexities of being a woman in 1920s America. Her journey is inspiring for anyone who’s ever struggled with balancing ambition, love, and self-identity. It’s the perfect musical that encapsulates a fascinating period in history, where people were beginning to reinvent the world in bold and exciting ways!
So, if you’re looking to learn a dance routine that’s fun, lively, and upholds a sense of freedom that still resonates today; be sure to grab yourself a place on our upcoming Musical Course that will leave you humming the tune, tapping your feet, and feeling just a little more thoroughly modern yourself!
Credit: MTI
Join us for our next 6 week Musical Course in Hove or online, where you can learn a quirky routine from Thoroughly Modern Millie!
Online details: Mondays 2 June - 7 July, 7pm via Zoom
Hove details: Tuesdays 3 June - 8 July, 7pm at Open Space Studios
By: Eleanor O’Donnell
Course Previews: What's on This June
Spring has flown by and Summer is now just round the corner! We have an exciting lineup of 6-week courses starting in June. Our next course block begins on 2 June - and you can watch all the course previews here!
Spring has flown by and Summer is now just round the corner! We have an exciting lineup of 6-week courses starting in June. Our next course block begins on 2 June - and you can watch all the course previews here!
CHARLESTON COURSE - (I WISH I COULD) SHIMMY LIKE MY SISTER KATE
BRIGHTON & HOVE | EASTBOURNE | LEWES | PORTSMOUTH
ONLINE
Take a sneaky peek at the routine for our next Open Level Charleston course coming up in June, where we will be dancing to Shimmy Like My Sister Kate. An absolute classic from the 1920s which has been covered and reimagined many times; this version full of exuberance and truly reflective of ‘Roaring Twenties’ flamboyance! We run this course online and in studio locations in the UK.
Available online and in studio. See dates and locations below:
Online - 2 June, 6pm BST via Zoom
Brighton - 2 June, 7:30pm The Dance Space
Hove PM - 3 June, 6pm, Open Space Studios
Lewes - 3 June, 6:30pm, The Body Workshop
Portsmouth - 3 June, 7:30pm, CourtX
Eastbourne - 4 June, 6:30pm, Leaf Hall
Hove AM - 5 June, 10:30am, Open Space Studios
MUSICALS COURSE - THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE
HOVE ONLINE
Join us for our next Musicals course in June where we will be learning a routine to Thoroughly Modern Millie’s title track. Set in 1922, this show follows Millie, who moves to NYC from Kansas in order to enjoy a flapper lifestyle and “marry for money” instead of for love - a thoroughly modern ambition for that time - and chaos quickly ensues. This fun routine encapsulates the show’s energy, quirks and humour!
Available online and in studio. See dates and locations below:
INTERMEDIATE CHARLESTON - SMOOTH SAILING
5 June - Open Space Studios, 7pm
For our next Intermediate Charleston course, we will be dancing to a song by the Queen of Jazz herself - Smooth Sailing by Ella Fitzgerald. Smooth like butter but with plenty of spice, Fiona’s choreography is heavily inspired by Ella Fitzgerald’s deep, soothing voice, as well as the fierce freedom alluding from her enticing scats. You’re in for a treat with this one!
BOOK NOW
PARTNER CHARLESTON - FIDGETY FEET
5 June - Open Space Studios, 6pm
In our next Partner Charleston Course we will be learning a routine to Fidgety Feet. The choreography, much like the song, is fast paced and packed with classic 1920s partner moves and a sprinkle of 30s fun - get ready to rock, swivel, fidget and spin!
Never Forget a Step! Top Strategies for Memorising Dance Routines
Fiona’s Top Tips for maximising your retention when it comes to learning and remembering dance routines - especially helpful for those of you performing with us at the Summer Speakeasy in May!
It’s a real thrill when you’re learning a dance routine – and at the end of the course it’s always wonderful to look back on just how much choreography you learnt!
But remembering the steps from week to week when learning a routine is a very common struggle for dancers. For those of you performing at our Summer Speakeasy in May, how will you remember it when there’s no class or rehearsal for three weeks?!
The old adage “practice makes perfect” comes to mind, but what are the best techniques for not just learning the dance but also retaining it?
Here are my top tips, along with an explanation of the best ways to apply them:
Interrupt the forgetting process
Listen to the music until you know it by heart
Visualize the routine in your head
Develop muscle memory
Now, let’s dive in and explore how to use these practice techniques in a world where there’s never enough time!
Interrupt the forgetting process
A student in my class (who works in education) introduced me to this concept. Ironically, after she told me about it, I forgot the name and had to text her for a reminder!
I had noticed that if I went home and practiced a routine on the same day I learnt it, I could recall about 80–100% of the steps. However, if I waited until the next day, my recall dropped to around 50%. In other words, the longer you wait, the more you forget.
What does it mean? The phrase "interrupting forgetting" sounds a bit upside down to me, but it subtly shifts the focus from "How can I remember?" to "How can I prevent forgetting?” – a much more effective mindset for retentive learning.
The Forgetting Curve is a theory based on research by Hermann Ebbinghuas, and suggests that retention can drop by nearly 70% within one day of learning. However, repetition in small bouts at regular intervals can increase retention to 90%.
So, how does it work in practice? It’s natural to want to put your feet up after a dance class, but if you can run through the steps just once more when you get home from your class before you relax, it will greatly improve your memory recall. Even better if you can revisit the routine in intervals throughout the week in between your classes. So, give it a go!
Listen to the music until you know it by heart
For many musicians, and singers in particular, being able to hear a song in your head is essential for producing the melody you want to create. Different dance styles have unique relationships with music.
In early jazz and Charleston, that relationship is like a marriage – the dance is a direct response to the music, or even a re-enactment of its sound and rhythm through movement. Therefore, if you can hear the tune in your head, your movements will naturally become a fluid response to the music.
The great thing about this technique is that you can listen while engaging in another activity. So, be doubly productive – put on your headphones and learn as you walk, clean, cook, or simply lie down and enjoy!
Visualise the routine in your head
I love this one, and I also use it to help me fall asleep – but be warned, you might ear-worm yourself, which won’t exactly help you drift off!
My approach is quite simple: I start from the beginning and visualise the dance from a first-person perspective. If I reach a moment where I struggle to remember a step, I go back to the start and begin again. The downside? You might never get past a certain point before eventually falling asleep – but hey, mission accomplished, and at least you got in a bit of practice!
Others suggest practicing the routine with your eyes closed. When we are in a dance class or learning from a video, we’re often looking at someone else. Running the routine in your head allows you to prove to yourself that you actually know the steps – because chances are, you do!
Some people like to create a story around the movements. When actors learn their lines, they rarely memorise individual words but connect to the story they’re telling as whole and the character’s objectives throughout. So, when learning choreography, we try not to focus on individual moves but instead organise the moves into phrases. Then, group the phrases into paragraphs, and eventually, you’ll remember the whole story.
Some people take this further and create actual narratives. For example, in South Carolina (Charleston), Santa Claus (Messaround) was told off (wiggerly finger) for falling in the fountain (waterfall). I’m not entirely convinced by this strategy, but if it works for you, go for it!
Muscle memory
Dance is muscle memory – or so dance teachers say. But is this phrase just hocus pocus?
While I could only play the piano using muscle memory (I struggled with reading music), I was still a bit sceptical about its role in dance. However, time has taught me that muscle memory is real – and sometimes, it can even work against you.
Have you ever learned a dance sequence that was similar but not identical to one you had learned before? Did you find yourself reverting back to the original routine? I can’t explain the science behind muscle memory, but I’ve experienced it firsthand, and I know it’s real.
The key thing to understand is that muscle memory only kicks in once you’ve drilled the moves enough times for them to become ingrained in your body. As you drill, repeat, and practice, commit to going all in; don’t just mark the steps – dance them! This is how your body truly learns.
Once the steps feel familiar, it’s time to turn off your brain, lose that inner voice, and let your heart and soul take over. Your brain might try to regain control, but let your response here be: “I don’t need you now, brain – I’m putting you on a shelf.” The more you practice trusting your body over your conscious mind, the more you’ll experience that out-of-body feeling – the true magic of dance.
Put it to action: Saltdean Speakeasy Performance Opportunity!
On Saturday 3 May we are hosting our Summer Speakeasy at Saltdean Lido, and all students who completed our most recent courses are invited to perform with us at this event in the following routines:
Strut Miss Lizzie
Who’s Got The Pain
It Don’t Mean A Thing
Parla Piu Pano
For those of you that have performed for a crowd before, you will understand the exhilaration it brings! It is a chance to share the stage with a community, and show off your accomplishments. We are holding a rehearsal on 26 April at Open Space Studios for all performers, which costs £10 per performer.
There is still time to register to perform and book your rehearsal space – we’d love to see as many of you join us as possible!
All those wishing to perform must purchase a Speakeasy ticket here: https://www.saltdeanlido.co.uk/event-details-registration/summer-speakeasy
Register your interest: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXDgykeTwcVEMc_Ch5gCmUf3UhdgH0eaoW1jTT7PrVIdow5g/viewform
Book your rehearsal space: https://mycharlestondance.com/workshop/p/speigeltent-rehearsal-2025
By: Fiona Ring