Dance teacher Rachel Hulme teaches our Charleston dance classes at Dance House Studios in Worthing. She’s taught with us for over 6 years and is also a dancer and the choreographer for our performance troupe, Ragtime Rascals. Find out more about her by reading our Q&A.

Why did you become a dance teacher?

When MyCharleston started classes in Hove (then called iCharleston Brighton). I was the first student to sign up to the classes. I remember it was a Boxing Day, in the pub and I had taken some time away from dancing to concentrate on my corporate career. I just needed to get my butt moving. After a short time of doing the courses with Fiona and Elena, they asked me to do some performances in the local community and we formed a performance troupe (Savoy Kicks). It naturally led on to covering some classes from time to time until I had my own dance class in Worthing.

What is it that you love about the teaching dance classes is Worthing?
I love that its often quite fast in pace and it has a lot of freedom to perform moves in different ways. There are a lot of variations for all ability’s or styles

 When did you get into dance and what style was it?
I think like many little girls my Mum took me first to ballet and tap. I always did well in tap but in ballet I was often told to stand still, I was just full of energy. After a few years of that a Disco (freestyle) class started up in the local community centre. I fell in love quickly with the fast music and the energy, ballet and tap were soon out the window. I competed in competitions until I was 18 when I took some professional opportunities. There have been many styles along the way from Latin & Ballroom to Krumping and West Coast Swing.

Where do you live and what do you do when you’re not dancing?
I live in Worthing and I have a full time corporate job in information security and data protection, when I am not working or dancing (which takes up most of my week) I do like a good Netflix binge or a good book. I also enjoy cooking and unfortunately eating.

 One fun fact about you?
I once entered a TV talent show (before the big boom of the many we have now). I was judged by Arlene Phillips and Wayne Sleep. Arlene Phillips description of me was “Averagely Average”. I am thinking of having this in my obituary when I die.  

Like to know more about Rachel? Read her blog post about her story Swapping Pom Poms for Pearls.

The Charleston 6 week dance course with Rachel takes place every Wednesday, 7pm at Dance House Studios, Worthing. Find our more about the course.