40th Anniversary Celebrations (1986-2026)

With your permission, selected stories will be shared below as part of our 40th Anniversary celebrations. We’ll be adding memories over time, so do check back to see the collection grow.

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"I first saw Lindy Hop being danced in New York 1985, in 1986 whilst a keen Rock n Roll and modern Jive dancer, I started taking Lindy Hop lessons with Warren Heyes in London. On a second trip to NY in '86 and following an introduction by Terry Monaghan to Margaret Batiuchok I went along to some events by the NYSDS (New York Swing Dance Society). Once back in London, I knew we needed something similar, so in December 1986, I set up the LSDS (London Swing Dance Society). When I first started dancing as a 21-year-old, little did I realise how my life was to change - dance became both my passion & career, took me across the world and was how I met my wife Anna, and now we have two beautiful boys." Simon Selmon (Founder of the LSDS & SDUK)

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"A colleague took me to one of your free events at the RFH in 1993.  I loved it and started gong to classes in Covent Garden - can't remember the first place, but then there was top floor at the Urdang, and then Wild Court. 100 club on Mondays.  Together with my (then) husband we did some Argentine Tango, Salsa and then he persuaded me to try Ballroom. Starting with discovering the amazing dance halls I published a book about the social history of Ballroom (See ref in chapter 13 fn28)." Dr Hilary French

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"I started dancing in your class in 1986, so it must have been just after you started the class! We used to dance in The Urdang Institute. I remember once Wayne Sleep wandered into our class (before it started), put on his dance shoes, realised he had the wrong room, and left! My favourite swing dance venues were Camden Lock ( I love dancing in the open air), The Albert Hall, and The 100 Club (every Monday night). My husband is a jazz musician and often played there; when we got married we had our wedding Reception at the 100 Club with his band.  A few years ago I got chatting to a girl in the class who mentioned that her mother used to attend your class. It turned out I knew and remembered her mother! It’s strange to think I’m now dancing alongside the children of people I used to dance with. Thank you for all the happy dancing sessions and memories down the years. I’m now 62 and you have been the wonderful backdrop to my life since I was 22." Helen Limb

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"My husband and I used to attend Simon’s classes on a Monday evening at the 100 club about 20 years ago I think. I remember that Imelda May began her career there in the Blue Harlem band and I helped zip up her dress in the ladies 😂." Beverley Garber

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"My first time dancing in London was at Festival Hall on Christmas Eve 2004. I met Caron, who was to become my wife. I started attending Stompin' at the 100 Club, and eventually taught beginner's classes alongside Caron. We taught beginner's classes at Pineapple Dance Studios, which ran in conjunction with London Swing Dance Society. Eventually, we ran Saturday Night Swing Club - a fantastic club on three floors - near The Old Bailey with LSDS. Alongside Simon, I was resident DJ - Dr Swing. I was lucky enough to DJ for London Swing Dance Society at the 100 Club, the swing festival and also Rhythm Lounge. It was a fantastic scene to be part of! In fact, coming to Stompin' at the 100 Club changed my life. I gave up my career as a dentist and worked full-time in dance.
Eventually Caron and I moved to Lincolnshire where we continued to teach and run dances. The start we had in London served us both really well until things changed with covid and ill-health for Caron. Sadly, Caron lost her battle with cancer in August 2024, but I have rebuilt our dance community, and I'm pleased to see it grow. My love of swing dance - in particular Lindy Hop - is due to the excitement, support and encouragement I found being part of the London scene as well as the partnership I was lucky enough to have with Caron. 40 great years! Here's to many more, Simon!" Steve Mason

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"First time in London was @ 100 Club May 1999 after the Jumping at the Woodside. We came each year form 1999 to 2006. The best memories ever." Gilbert

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