When Gill first walked into SwingFit, she was not thinking about becoming a teacher.
She was simply taking a brave first step.
After spending four years in bed with illness, joining a fitness class felt like a huge leap. Gill had not been active for a long time, and walking into a room full of people was understandably daunting.
As she explains:
“When I first came to Joo-Lee’s class, I hadn’t done anything. I mean, I hadn’t lived. For the past four years I’d been in bed with my illness.”
At first, she felt completely out of her depth.
But then something changed.
Member to Trainee – The Music Started
Once the music started, and once she experienced the warmth of the class, Gill began to feel accepted. Moreover, she felt swept up in the positivity of SwingFit. That hour gave her something she had not felt for a long time: movement, connection, encouragement and joy.
And very quickly, a thought began to form.
If SwingFit could make her feel that way, perhaps one day she could help other women feel the same way, too.
Finding Something More Than Fitness – From SwingFit Member to Instructor
Gill first booked her SwingFit class on 3 June 2025 and came along that week.
She was also going through a very stressful time in her personal life. Her son had been experiencing mental health difficulties. Similarly, like many women, Gill was carrying a great deal quietly in the background.
For one hour, SwingFit gave her space to step away from being the parent, the counsellor, the problem-solver and the strong one.
She could simply be herself.
Gill says:
“I came to the classes in a really stressful part of my own life, and it’s been difficult and challenging to manage. So for me to go and have that hour where I didn’t have to be the parent, the counsellor, the whatever… that also made me think. Most women have got multiple things going on in their lives.”
That is the heart of SwingFit.
It is not about being the best dancer in the room.
Furthermore, it is not about perfect steps.
It is not about pressure, performance or comparison.
You’ll find it is about giving women an uplifting hour. Moreover, an hour to move, smile, feel included, and leave feeling better than when they arrived.
Why Gill Wanted to Train as a SwingFit Instructor
Gill knew quite early on that she wanted to be part of SwingFit in a bigger way.
She says she may have felt the desire before she was fully ready to begin, but the feeling was strong.
“I just had to tell Joo-Lee that I wanted to be a part of it.”
That first spark has now grown into action.
Training in Progress
Gill is now training as a SwingFit Teacher, learning routines, building confidence, developing her teaching skills and taking small, supported steps towards leading others.
Her reason is beautifully simple.
SwingFit helped her feel accepted, positive and alive again. Now she wants to help other women experience that same feeling.
From SwingFit Member to Trainee Instructor
Most importantly, Gill’s story is a reminder that SwingFit Teachers do not need to come from a perfect background.
They do not need to be flawless performers.
Also, they do not need to have years of teaching experience.
Nor do they need to feel confident from day one.
What matters is that they care about people.
Gill understands what it feels like to be nervous walking into a class. She understands what it feels like to have life happening in the background. She understands how powerful it can be to have one hour where you feel welcomed, encouraged and part of something positive.
That is exactly the kind of experience SwingFit Teachers help to create.
Could This Be Your Next Step Too, as a SwingFit Dance Instructor?
Gill’s journey began as a class member.
She is now training to become a SwingFit Instructor.
If you love dancing, enjoy encouraging others, and would like to explore a new path in fitness, friendship, and personal growth, SwingFit Teacher Training is worth exploring.
You do not have to feel ready before you begin.
Sometimes the first step is simply saying:
“I’d like to be part of this.”
Our next SwingFit Teacher Training Taster Session is on 11 July.
It is just 2 hours, relaxed and friendly, with time to learn a little, ask questions and find out whether SwingFit Teacher Training could be right for you.
No pressure.
No need to be perfect.
Just a chance to take the next step.
Message us to find out more or book your place.