Bani Mlilo (he/him)

I have always loved dancing, whether I was doing it or watching others. When I was a teenager I discovered swing dance by falling into a YouTube hole and I saw some amazing dancers having a great time while dancing to swing music. I was hooked and for years I watched the videos with admiration until 2018 when I thought to do something about it. That was when I took it upon myself to sign up for lessons and I have absolutely loved being part of the Bristol swing scene. Now I am enjoying learning about the history of Swing Dance, whether race related, queer related or the revolutionary nature of the Harlem Renaissance.

Tashi Gregorska (she/her)

 Music makes me want to move! I’ve always loved to dance a range of styles (from ballet and tap to African and hip-hop) and am often found propping up the dance floor at clubs and parties. Having played clarinet in a big band as a teen I’d developed a penchant for old-time swing music, so when I happened upon a swing dance night in Bristol in 2010 it all clicked into place and I was instantly hooked. What I love most about swing dancing is the diversity and the fun - both in the dance itself and in the people who make up the swing dance community. I enjoy continuing to learn and develop my dance practice and love having the opportunity to share my passion with my students.
When I’m not dancing I am sometimes making props and costumes for theatre and shows (whilst dancing to the radio).

Sam Dobbie (he/him)

The seed was sown at an early age – long car journeys in my family were accompanied by cassettes of Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. But it wasn't until a few years ago while I was living in Toronto that the love of swing music transformed into a love of swing dancing. For me, the two are now inextricably intertwined. When I'm not dancing, I work in Bristol as an osteopath and also enjoy teaching myself to play various musical instruments.

Joe Medler

Joe is one of our founding BSR members, but as of July 2021 stepped down from the core team to focus on other things. He's still active on the scene as a DJ as well as a dancer. 

I've always loved dancing but had never been to any regular dance classes. Some friends suggested I should try Swing. Turns out I love it!

The best thing about swing is the golden combination of great energy in the music and freedom to create fun and playful dance with whoever you're dancing with!

When not dancing I'm a Folk/Ceilidh dance caller, event organiser and occasional gardener.

Francesca Santilli

Fran is one of our founding BSR members, but as of November 2023 she stepped down from the core team to focus on other things. She's still active on the scene as a dancer and can be seen in socials. 

I've wanted to learn lindyhop since I watched a TV show about the Jitterbug when I was 10, and since then I was always trying to find a class so I could take up this amazing dance. Corny, but true! 

I did lots of dancing in school, but really enjoy the playful and silly attitude in lindyhop - in no other dance style can you fall over and just laugh it off with jazz hands. Outside dancing I'm a chemist-turned-accountant, so enjoy geeking out about the forces and details in moves.