Dance Instructors
Learn to Swing Dance
Teaching across the globe, from the bustling streets of Harlem to the rugged outback of Australia, our talented dance instructors bring a world of experience and passion to the studio, offering a truly global perspective on swing dance. They specialize in a wide range of styles, from the energetic improvisation of Lindy Hop and the refined elegance of Balboa to the dynamic expressiveness of Collegiate Shag and the rhythmic artistry of Tap. Whether you’re a complete beginner taking your first steps or an experienced dancer looking to refine your technique, we have classes tailored to every level. Our instructors are dedicated to creating a fun, supportive environment where you can grow at your own pace and immerse yourself in the joy and spirit of swing dancing.
Classes are held at Gotta DAnce
17945 NE 65th St #100, Redmond, WA 98052
Peter Flahiff
Peter Flahiff began swing dancing in 1993 and started teaching just one year later. He’s taught across the United States and around the world, including Herrang Dance Camp (Sweden,) Lindy Focus (USA,) Camp Hollywood (USA,) California Balboa Classic (USA,) Balboa on the River (Australia,) and many others. Peter has been a featured DJ at The Snowball, The Experiment, California Balboa Classic, and Camp Hollywood, to name a few. He’s also a noted coach, lecturer, emcee and competition judge.
Today, Peter counts some of the world’s top dancers and instructors as his own former students. Peter’s worldwide reputation is as a highly sought-after social dancer and instructor. He helped create several thriving venues over the years (Rusty’s Rhythm Club in Los Angeles, ATOMIC Ballroom in Orange County, and Eastside Stomp in Seattle.)
Lauren Smith
Lauren Smith is a lifelong dancer in many styles, and started swing dancing in 2007 when a friend brought her to LA’s Lindy Groove. After that, she could be found dancing almost every night of the week, competing regularly, and teaching locally and around the world.
Lauren has headlined events across the globe, teaching at: Balboa on the River (Australia,) Minor Swing (Sweden,) Camp Jitterbug (USA,) Edinburgh Balboa & Shag Festival (Scotland,) Northwest Balboa Festival (USA), Cologne Balboa Festival (Germany,) and Swinging’ by the Sound (USA,) to name a few. She specializes in jazz era dances, including Lindy Hop, Balboa, Collegiate Shag, Charleston, and Slow Jazz. Her degree in vocal music education allows her to bring a unique approach to classes, incorporating natural musicality, body efficiency, and Alexander method techniques.
Lauren regularly competes as both a lead and a follow, winning and placing in a number of international dance competitions: Balorado, Hot Rhythm Holiday, Camp Hollywood, and All Balboa Weekend, among others. She is a sought after competition judge and DJ at major events, including California Balboa Classic, Snowball, Camp Hollywood, Camp Jitterbug, Hot Rhythm Holiday, The Balboa Experiment, and Balorado.
More to come…
Peter Flahiff began swing dancing in 1993 and started teaching just one year later. He’s taught across the United States and around the world, including Herrang Dance Camp (Sweden,) Lindy Focus (USA,) Camp Hollywood (USA,) California Balboa Classic (USA,) Balboa on the River (Australia,) and many others. Peter has been a featured DJ at The Snowball, The Experiment, California Balboa Classic, and Camp Hollywood, to name a few. He’s also a noted coach, lecturer, emcee and competition judge.
Today, Peter counts some of the world’s top dancers and instructors as his own former students. Peter’s worldwide reputation is as a highly sought-after social dancer and instructor. He helped create several thriving venues over the years (Rusty’s Rhythm Club in Los Angeles, ATOMIC Ballroom in Orange County, and Eastside Stomp in Seattle.)
Dance Styles
Balboa
Balboa is an elegant, close-embrace style of swing originating in the socially and ethnically diverse Southern California dance communities during the 1920s and 1930s, known for its intricate footwork, dynamic flow, and graceful, understated movements.
Lindy Hop
Lindy Hop is an energetic, improvisational swing dance that emerged in Harlem in the 1920s and 1930s, blending jazz, tap, and breakaway moves, and danced to a wide range of tempos, from slow, soulful tunes to fast, high-energy big band music.
Collegiate Shag
Collegiate Shag is a playful swing dance originating in the Carolinas during the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by its buoyant energy and fast footwork, expressing rhythms through kicks and turns, and perfect for dancing to fast tempos.
Let’s Dance
Questions? Comments? Ideas? We’d love to hear from you!