Lindy Jazz started in 2007 with a vision. We wanted to bring people together and share our love of dance and Swing music with as many people as possible. Dance can change your life in so many ways. It can help you keep fit, make friends, and feel alive. Whether you’re an experienced dancer or you’re the first to say you have two left feet, you’re always guaranteed lots of fun and a very warm welcome.
If you’ve not met her before, Joo-Lee is the Founder and Dance Director of Lindy Jazz and the creator of SwingFit — and a self-confessed, lifelong lover of dance.
Since first slipping on her ballet shoes at the age of eight, dance has been at the heart of Joo-Lee’s life. More than three decades later, she now shares that joy through swing dance and dance fitness classes across Durham, Newcastle, and the North East of England.
As Director of Lindy Jazz, Joo-Lee has created a warm, inclusive, and thriving swing dance community for adult beginners and improvers. What began as a single class in Durham has grown into a welcoming scene where everyone belongs — whether you’re completely new to dance, returning after a break, or joining from further afield.
Alongside partner dance, Joo-Lee is also the founder of SwingFit, a joyful, low-impact dance fitness programme designed especially for women who want fun, fitness, friendship, and confidence. SwingFit classes are taught locally and online, and are known for being uplifting, accessible, and deeply supportive — no dance experience required.
Joo-Lee’s career has taken her from dancing on television (including a BBC One ident, “Swing Dancers, County Durham”), to running her own international swing dance festival, DJam, which brought dancers from around the world together at Durham Town Hall. She has also delivered dance-fitness sessions for the NHS, using movement to support physical health, wellbeing, and social connection.
Think all that sounds lovely — but you’re not sure dancing is for you?
You’re in very safe hands. Joo-Lee has taught complete beginners of all ages and abilities, including actors with no prior dance experience. She has worked as a choreographer and dance coach for BBC TV dramas, helping people feel relaxed, confident, and capable — even if they’ve never danced before.
When you learn to dance with Joo-Lee — whether through Lindy Jazz or SwingFit — you’ll find a welcoming, encouraging environment where progress is gentle, laughter is guaranteed, and everyone is supported to move with confidence and joy.
Andy’s dance journey began in the 1990s with Ballroom and Modern Jive, before he discovered the joyful, uplifting, and social world of Lindy Hop — a dance style that quickly captured his heart.
He went on to study Lindy Hop with world-class teachers including Frankie Manning, Steven Mitchell, Peter Loggins, and Russell Sargeant, developing a deep appreciation not just for the dance, but for the music, connection, and sense of community at its core.
In Joo-Lee, Andy found both a life partner and dance partner who shared his vision for creating a welcoming and inclusive swing dance culture in the North East. Together, they founded Lindy Jazz in 2007 — growing what began as a shared love of swing music and social dancing into a vibrant community of classes, events, and friendships.
As a teacher, Andy is relaxed, supportive, and encouraging. His calm approach helps dancers feel at ease, while his broad experience across different dance styles brings clarity, musicality, and confidence to his teaching.
Music sits at the heart of Andy’s work, which is why he is also the resident Lindy Jazz DJ. He creates uplifting atmospheres at classes and events, spinning swing and blues music that brings people together on the dance floor.
Alongside Lindy Jazz events, Andy DJs at swing and blues festivals across the UK and internationally, including Herräng Dance Camp, The Snowball, Barswingona, and London Swing Festival.
Whether teaching or DJing, Andy brings the same intention to everything he does:
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