06/04/2022
B*W 2022 Teacher Announcement!
We are super excited to be bringing Peter Flahiff and Lauren Smith back to Brisbane!
Masters of their craft, Peter and Lauren have over thirty years of teaching experience between them in the great classic dances of the Swing Era. Before the pandemic, they spent much of their time teaching at dance events and workshops all over the world.
- Peter Flahiff began swing dancing in 1993 and started teaching just one year later. He has 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 has been dancing throughout her life 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 throughout the LA area.
Lauren has taught at Balboa on the River (Australia), Minor Swing (Sweden), Big Sky Weekend (USA), and has headlined events across Europe, Australia, and the United States. She specializes in jazz era dances, including Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston, Collegiate S**g, and Slow Drag. She has won and placed in a number of national dance competitions, including Camp Hollywood, the Lone Star Championships, Inspiration Weekend, Le Hot Sauce, and many others. She is also a sought after competition judge.
Lauren has been a DJ at several notable events, including The Snowball, Bal-Ast Off!, The Balboa Experiment, Balboa on the River, and Big Sky Weekend, to name a few. Her degree in vocal music education allows her to bring a unique approach to classes, incorporating Alexander techniques, natural musicality, body efficiency, and other dance skills.
