CASE STUDIES

Case Study

I fell in love with SwingFit in 2011 when I first attended a class with my mum. The unique blend of dance and fitness, uplifting music, and joyful atmosphere immediately resonated with me. I knew I’d found a community I wanted to be part of. By 2014, I was working for Joo-Lee as a Communication and Engagement Officer, deepening my involvement with SwingFit.

Over the years, SwingFit has done much more than keep me physically active. It has helped me build confidence, reignited my childhood love of dance, and reminded me that exercise can be fun. After relocating to the US in 2016, I pursued this passion by studying various dance genres and earning an associate degree in Fitness Leadership. Throughout, I stayed connected to SwingFit, and when the world went into lockdown in 2020, I eagerly joined Joo-Lee’s online instructor training programme.

Now back in the UK, I teach my own SwingFit classes in the North East. SwingFit has been part of my life for many years and is more than just a dance-fitness class—it offers both physical and mental benefits. Physically, it adapts to whatever my body needs, whether high or low impact, making it accessible. Each class—whether I’m teaching or participating—is an opportunity to practise mindfulness: tuning into how my body feels, listening to the music, and connecting with those around me. That sense of presence leaves me feeling refreshed and ready to face the day.

I want to share these benefits with as many people as possible. It’s incredibly rewarding to see participants leave smiling, often telling me they feel better than when they arrived. That was always my takeaway from Joo-Lee’s classes, and it became my goal as a teacher: to have a positive impact on people’s wellbeing.

One of SwingFit’s greatest strengths is its community. It introduced me to an amazing group of like-minded women—participants and fellow instructors, or SwingFit Sisters—who share ideas, encouragement, and friendship. I’m grateful for Joo-Lee, whose guidance, expertise, and generosity inspire us all. Being part of this community reminds me I don’t have to know everything—we figure things out together, and there’s always someone willing to help and share along the way.

SwingFit is about more than fitness; it’s about friendship, socialising, feel-good energy—and sometimes even cake! If you’re considering becoming a SwingFit instructor and already love the classes, it’s a fantastic way to deepen your understanding, grow your skills, and continue your dance journey. With great music, joyful movement, a supportive community, and all the uplifting benefits it brings, there’s nothing to lose by giving it a try.

Lucy Smith

I’ve been doing swing dance and Lindy Hop classes for a few years with Joo-Lee, and I love it.  I get a huge amount of pleasure out of it and it has benefited me in so many ways; not just physically but mentally as well.

When I started the online instructor training programme, the idea of one day being able to share my love of SwingFit with other people really spoke to my heart.

I already enjoy the music and dances at SwingFit and there’s such a sense of community. I love being able to go on the Facebook page and see all of the interactions and conversations. It’s such a good feeling knowing there are people there who you have something in common with and who want to engage and chat with you.

And I can’t forget to mention Joo-Lee. She’s always there and she gives so much, teaching us endless routines and business skills as well as giving us all the benefit of her experience.

When we all share our experiences and help each other, it’s so valuable. You are never by yourself and you are never left to figure it all out alone. Everyone has something different to offer, and when people work together, life is better.

I know I’d waste so much energy worrying about things I didn’t know the answer to if I didn’t have the community supporting me.

If you are thinking about becoming a SwingFit instructor,  I would say if you are already taking part in a SwingFit class, then you already know whether you love SwingFit or not. And if you love SwingFit, then becoming a SwingFit instructor is a really great opportunity for you to get more insight into it and grow as you go on your Swing Dance journey.

There’s great music, a sense of community, and it’s a very joyful experience; not to mention it keeps you fit! You have nothing to lose by giving it a try.

Cathy Barron

My name is Wendy Erickson and I live in Geelong, Australia with my husband and two children who are 10 and 2 years old. I enjoy getting outdoors on the coast biking, walking or surfing.

I am the founder and director of Big Blue Dance Co. providing fun local dance classes for children on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula. Much of my life has been devoted to dance; teaching, making and performing.

Of the many facets of dance, the most enduring aspects that motivate me are joy, human connection and the fantastic wholistic health benefits. I am so excited to launch the very first SwingFit classes in Australia, the perfect way to continue sharing a joyful dancing lifestyle!

Wendy Erickson

I became interested in being a SwingFit instructor because it looked so much fun. I love Swing dancing and Swing music, staying fit, and being part of a community of people. I liked how there was plenty of information available before I decided to sign up and do the training.

Being a SwingFit instructor gives you the freedom to choose how busy you want to be and you can easily fit it in around other commitments. There’s a lot to it, not just dancing. There’s marketing, finding venues, creating playlists, learning routines, and of course, getting to know your ladies.

I love being a part of the SwingFit Sisters community. It’s so supportive and welcoming, and a great place to share ideas and ask questions.

If you’re thinking of becoming a SwingFit instructor, I’d say join a class, decide what your goals are, and ask lots of questions. Go for it!

Helen Evans