There are so many great things to shout about in our region and here at La Vida Liverpool we love nothing more than showcasing some of the fantastic things you may not be aware of. In this feature we explore Liverpool’s thriving modern jive dance community and talk to the charismatic man behind it about the benefits of dance….
Call Jive Teddy on 07941 473 318 or email ted.williams@live.co.uk
What is Jive Teddy?
Around 15 years ago, local actor, singer and entertainer, Teddy Williams, decided to give modern jive dancing a go. Modern jive is a mixture of lindy hop, rock and roll, swing, salsa and other forms of dance — it’s one of the easiest to learn, with less emphasis on footwork, and suitable for a range of different music.
Call Jive Teddy on 07941 473 318 or email ted.williams@live.co.uk
Teddy would travel from his home in Liverpool to South Wirral every Sunday to learn how to modern jive and started to think about creating his own dance group in his home city. In August 2011, Teddy created his own dance organisation called Jive Teddy and with the help of his Wirral dance friends who came over to teach with him, it soon became a huge hit!
Call Jive Teddy on 07941 473 318 or email ted.williams@live.co.uk
Since its formation 8 years ago, Jive Teddy has gone from strength to strength — with between 50 and 100 people attending the Monday night class at The Railway Club next to 86 Melling Road in Aintree (L9 0LQ) every week. There are huge bi-monthly events at The Isla Gladstone in Stanley Park (L4 0TD) and trips away for dance weekends and flash mobs!
Call Jive Teddy on 07941 473 318 or email ted.williams@live.co.uk
Jive Teddy has become a thriving community of friends who come together through dance, with more and more people feeling the health, happiness (it’s fun), confidence and social benefits of getting involved. Many friendships have been formed, and even relationships, as a result of Jive Teddy.
Call Jive Teddy on 07941 473 318 or email ted.williams@live.co.uk
The classes….
Every Monday from 8pm at The Railway Club in Aintree, dance enthusiasts of varying levels come together to dance for just £6 per session. It’s an inclusive class where everyone is welcome. There’s a DJ who plays everything from 50s music to modern chart music and plenty of instructors on hand to assist.
Call Jive Teddy on 07941 473 318 or email ted.williams@live.co.uk
The first class focusses on the beginners. It usually takes between six and ten weeks to feel comfortable on the dancefloor however you will be dancing on the first night and there are lots of team members on hand to help beginners. There are 25 basic moves but over 100 to learn in time. Following the beginners class, there’s an intermediate class and then a freestyle dance until 11pm.
Call Jive Teddy on 07941 473 318 or email ted.williams@live.co.uk
The events….
Every two months, Jive Teddy puts on huge events at the iconic Isla Gladstone conservatory in Stanley Park. These are seasonal and themed events that consist of around 200 people attending from near and far for a big freestyle dance. There’s a top DJ and buffet food and it’s just £8 to attend the evening.
Call Jive Teddy on 07941 473 318 or email ted.williams@live.co.uk
A chat with Teddy….
Teddy Williams told us: “I’ve always been an entertainer, so to host a dance group came quite naturally. These events don’t make much money, it’s not about that. It’s about creating an inclusive community that’s easily accessible and gives people health, happiness, confidence and social benefits.”
Call Jive Teddy on 07941 473 318 or email ted.williams@live.co.uk
He continued: “For me it’s all about the people. I have my own full time job but in my spare time I give myself to dance and Jive Teddy. I love it, it’s a wonderful community and it’s great to see people flourish and develop. I also love acting and singing — I sing in care homes and at parties and events too.”
Call Jive Teddy on 07941 473 318 or email ted.williams@live.co.uk
Why we love Jive Teddy….
There are many fantastic and inspiring things going on in our region and it gives us great pleasure to showcase them. It’s communities like Jive Teddy that truly make a difference to people’s lives — giving them health, happiness, confidence and social benefits. We love Jive Teddy and everything it’s about — keep up the great work!
Jive Teddy / The Railway Club, Next to 86 Melling Road, Aintree, L9 0LQ / Every Monday night from 8pm
Events at The Isla Gladstone, Stanley Park, Liverpool, L4 OTD
Contact Jive Teddy on FACEBOOK!
Call Jive Teddy on 07941 473 318 or email ted.williams@live.co.uk
