Lindy Hop – Balboa – Collegiate Shag – Slow Jazz – Tap
Peter & Lauren are two dynamic instructors with over forty years of teaching experience between them. Based in Seattle, they are highly in-demand, sharing their passion for the great classic dances of the Swing Era. Their classes and workshops are noted for their clarity, humor and high spirits!
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 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 and 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, as well as many other events around the world.
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Peter and Lauren 