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Read about all things Charleston
Videos: Watch what we got up to in Term Two 2026
Watch the spring term routines from all our groups during the second term of 2026! These routines were taught across Brighton & Hove, Lewes, Eastbourne, Portsmouth, and online.
Watch the spring term routines from all our groups during the second term of the year! These routines were taught across Brighton & Hove, Lewes, Eastbourne, Portsmouth, and online.
Hove Morning Group
Brighton Group
Lewes Group
Eastbourne Group
Hove Group
Portsmouth Group
Online Group
A Chorus Line- Musicals Group in Hove and Online
Jeepers Creepers - Partner Charleston
The Charleston - Intermediate Group
Course Previews: What's on This April
After the Easter break we will be back on the week commencing 13 April with 4 new courses, You can watch all previews here!
After the Easter break we will be back on the week commencing 13 April with 4 new courses, You can watch all previews here!
OPEN LEVEL CHARLESTON COURSE - I’VE FOUND A NEW BABY
BRIGHTON & HOVE | EASTBOURNE | LEWES | PORTSMOUTH
ONLINE
A brand new Charleston routine is on the way, set to “I Found a New Baby” — the perfect soundtrack for spring and new beginnings
Available in studio and online. See dates and locations below:
Brighton - 13 April-18 May, 7:30-8:30pm, The Dance Space
Hove PM - 14 April-19 May, 6-7pm, Open Space Studios
Lewes - 14 April-19 May, 6:30-7:30pm, The BodyWorkshop
Portsmouth -14 April-19 May, 7:30-8:30pm, CourtX
Eastbourne - 15 April-20 May, 6:30-7:30pm, Leaf Hal
Hove AM - 16 April-21 May, 10:30-11:30am, Open Space Studios
Online - 15 April-20 May via Zoom, 6pm BST
PARTNER CHARLESTON - STOMP STOMP
16 April-21 May, 6-7pm - Open Space Studios
Learn the joy of 1920s Partner Charleston in this fun, energetic 6-week course open to all levels. We’ll cover the foundations of Partner Charleston, including simple turns, playful call-and-response moves, and you’ll even learn a fantastic routine by the end..
INTERMEDIATE CHARLESTON
16 April-21 May, 7-8pm - Open Space Studios
We are currently in the planning stage of our brand new intermediate course and the students are voting for the course song. at the moment You Rascal You might be our winning track… We will announce the winning song by 27th March
Save the Date: Charleston Summer Speakeasy, 20 June, The Atrium, Worthing Pier
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.
Welcome to the Speakeasy — a dress-up and dance event that will transport you straight back to the Roaring Twenties.
Overlooking the sea, the historic Pavilion Theatre will come alive for its centenary celebration with the music, style and spirit of the Golden Age of Jazz, with plenty of opportunities to learn the iconic dance steps of the era.
Be enthralled by live music, lively Charleston lessons and dazzling performances throughout the afternoon. From the moment you arrive, our singers and dancers will sweep you into the swing of things.
Our live hot jazz band will have you dancing everything from the Charleston to the Black Bottom. Expect pop-up dance classes, sparkling performances from our flapper girls and plenty of fabulous outfits on display — so get your glad rags ready for a truly unforgettable afternoon of dancing as we celebrate 100 years of the Pavilion Theatre.
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 band.
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
A Chorus Line: One Singular Sensation ✨
Our deep dive into A Chorus Line, the iconic show that has inspired our latest musicals routine; its precision, glamour, and that unmistakable “one singular sensation” spirit that celebrates performers of every kind.
Few shows capture the heartbeat of dancers quite like A Chorus Line. Premiering in 1975, it burst onto Broadway with a simple premise that turned out to be revolutionary: real dancers telling real stories. No glittering sets, no elaborate plot twists. Just raw ambition, sweaty determination, and the electric hum of “I hope I get it.” The hunger, drive and dedication is relatable for anyone who’s ever had a dream or ambition, so it’s not surprising that the show became an instant classic. The show is remembered today by its multiple awards and for redefining what a musical could be.
The Vision Behind the Moves: Michael Bennett
At the centre of it all was choreographer and director Michael Bennett, a man who understood dancers from the inside out. He built the show from hours of recorded conversations with performers, shaping their lived experiences into movement. Bennett’s choreography wasn’t just steps; it was storytelling. Clean lines, razor-sharp unison, and that signature blend of precision and vulnerability made his work iconic. His style demanded discipline but radiated joy, and his work combined timeless Jazz style with dynamic athleticism - which is exactly why dancers still adore it and the challenge it brings today.
Spotlight on the Finale: “One”
And then there’s that finale. “One” is the moment the entire show snaps into full Broadway glamour - gold costumes, high kicks, and the kind of synchronised chorus line that makes your heart beat in time to the 5‑6‑7‑8. It’s a celebration of unity: individual stories merging into one shimmering, perfectly drilled ensemble. The choreography is deceptively simple at first glance, but anyone who’s tried it knows the truth - it’s a delicious challenge. Clean arms, crisp footwork, and that iconic kick-line; it’s theatrical, it’s satisfying, and it makes you feel like you’re stepping straight into Broadway history.
Want to Learn It Yourself? Join Us!
We’re teaching a routine inspired by the finale of A Chorus Line, full of that classic Bennett flavour, with a dash of our own sparkle, in a 5-week course that kick-starts on the week commencing 23 February.
Tuesdays in Hove: 7-8pm at Open Space Studios
Wednesdays on Zoom: 7pm GMT, with recordings available for replay
Come dance with us - because in MyCharleston classes, everyone can get their moment in the spotlight.
Course Previews: What's on This February
After the half-term break we will be back on the week commencing 23 February with 4 new courses, which are all 5 weeks long due to the school term dates. You can watch all previews here!
After the half-term break we will be back on the week commencing 23 February with 4 new courses, which are all 5 weeks long due to the school term dates. You can watch all previews here!
OPEN LEVEL CHARLESTON COURSE - IN THE MOOD
BRIGHTON & HOVE | EASTBOURNE | LEWES | PORTSMOUTH
ONLINE
Get In the Mood for some classic swing energy with our next Open Level Charleston routine. Set to Glenn Miller’s iconic tune, this bouncy, feel‑good choreography is set at a welcoming pace and is fully adaptable for all levels. Perfect for anyone who wants to swivel and soak up that big‑band joy.
Available in studio and online. See dates and locations below:
Brighton - 23 February - 23 March, 7:30-8:30pm, The Dance Space
Hove PM - 24 February - 24 March, 6-7pm, Open Space Studios
Lewes - 24 February - 24 March, 6:30-7:30pm, The BodyWorkshop
Portsmouth - 24 February - 24 March, 7:30-8:30pm, CourtX
Eastbourne - 25 February - 25 March, 6:30-7:30pm, Leaf Hal
Hove AM - 26 February - 26 March, 10:30-11:30am, Open Space Studios
Online - 25 February - 25 March via Zoom, 6pm GMT
MUSICALS COURSE - A CHORUS LINE
HOVE ONLINE
Inspired by the iconic finale of A Chorus Line, this routine captures the show’s signature blend of precision, glamour, and that unmistakable “one singular sensation” spirit that celebrates performers of every kind. The choreography is simple to learn yet highly effective, using strong lines, bold shaped poses, and - of course - a hat, which makes it extra fun to dance!
PARTNER CHARLESTON - JEEPERS CREEPERS
26 February - 26 March, 6-7pm - Open Space Studios
This happy, lilting tune pairs perfectly with playful moves like bunny hops, heel flicks, and Suzy-Qs, but at the heart of this dance is classic 1920s Charleston. Our Jeepers Creepers routine will help expand your partner Charleston vocabulary and add plenty of style to your dancing.
INTERMEDIATE CHARLESTON - THE CHARLESTON
26 February - 26 March, 7-8pm - Open Space Studios
It’s fast, it’s furious, and it’s one of the most iconic dances of the 1920s - The Charleston. Packed with classic moves and playful choreography, just when you think it can’t get any faster… it does!
This Is The Greatest Show!
This Is The Greatest Show! Everything you need to know about our ‘The Greatest Showman’ routine - and more opportunities to learn. Let’s go to the circus!
A burst of colour, courage, and unapologetic individuality; that’s what The Greatest Showman brought to cinema screens, and it’s exactly why it continues to resonate so deeply with performers and audiences alike. It’s also what drew us to choosing The Greatest Showman for our Musicals course this term, stepping away from the usual ‘classic’ era musicals.
🎪 The Story Behind the Spectacle
Inspired by the life of P.T. Barnum, The Greatest Showman reimagines the rise of a visionary who built a world of wonder from nothing. While the film takes creative liberties, its heart lies in celebrating those who live outside society’s expectations - the dreamers, the misfits, the bold souls who refuse to shrink themselves. Barnum’s story becomes a vibrant metaphor for possibility, reminding us that magic is often found in the places others overlook.
💥 A Global Phenomenon
When the film hit cinemas in 2017, it didn’t just perform well - it became a cultural wave. Despite a modest opening, word of mouth transformed it into one of the most successful musical films of all time. Its soundtrack dominated charts worldwide, with audiences returning again and again for the energy, emotion, and empowerment woven through every number.
💃 The Choreography: Power in Motion
The choreography of The Greatest Showman is a world of its own — explosive, athletic, and emotionally charged. Every movement is designed to amplify the film’s themes: strength, unity, and the thrill of stepping into your full self. From ensemble formations to acrobatic flourishes, the choreography blends circus-inspired spectacle with grounded storytelling, creating routines that feel both larger-than-life and deeply human.
✨ A Personal Connection
One of the most magical parts of writing this blog is sharing that I was lucky enough to take a dance class with the film’s choreographers back in 2016 — before the movie was even released. Learning some of the original choreography that would later explode onto the big screen was an unforgettable experience. It felt like being let in on a secret: a glimpse of the electricity that would soon captivate millions.
🌈 Why We’re Bringing It to You
What we adore most about The Greatest Showman is how boldly it celebrates individuality - the power, freedom, bravery, and joy of being exactly who you are. That spirit is at the heart of everything we do, which is why we choreographed a full routine to “The Greatest Show” for our Musicals courses this term in Hove and online.
And because the excitement is too good not to share, we’re also launching two special 2‑hour weekend workshops for anyone who wants to step into the spotlight and feel the thrill for themselves:
Portsmouth Workshop: Sat 31 Jan, 10am-12pm at CourtX, Southsea, PO4 9RF
Eastbourne Workshop: Sat 7 Feb, 10am-12pm at Leaf Hall Community Arts Centre, BN22 7NB
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or simply someone who loves the film, these sessions are designed to make you feel powerful, alive, and part of something extraordinary.
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.