About Us
The core team is currently made up of three members - Bani Mlilo, Tashi Gregorska and Sam Dobbie - who teach the regular classes and generally run the ship. We had all been dancing and teaching for several years and, in May 2016, (Fran, Joe, Tashi and Sam), decided to join forces under the new name of Bristol Swing Riot.
We all love the infectious fun of swing music and its related dance styles, and have a passion for sharing our addiction with others. We enjoy being part of the friendly and inclusive swing dance community, both locally and world wide. We love to meet and dance with new people of all levels of experience, so if you see any of us out on the floor please ask us for a dance!
Photo credit - Matt Christie Media
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.
The Extended BSR Family
Bani, Tashi and Sam are the current core members, but we are eternally grateful to the other BSR founders for their amazing energy, skills and hard graft
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.
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.
