TEACHERS

Our Feb-Mar 2026 Term will be taught by Christine, Rob and Joe

This February, Christine is the mastermind behind our curriculum. To keep things fresh and dynamic, she’ll be joined by Joe and Rob on different nights! This triple threat line-up means you’ll get a fantastic variety of perspectives, techniques, and of course, plenty of classic ESDS energy. Whether you're looking to refine your basics or add some serious flair to your footwork, you’re in very capable hands.

Christine Simpson

If you’ve spent any time on an Edinburgh dancefloor, you’ve likely seen Christine in her element. A true chameleon of the swing world, she effortlessly glides between Lindy Hop, Charleston, and Balboa, letting the music dictate her moves.

In the classroom, Christine (pictured below right) focuses on the "feeling" of the dance. Her approach prioritises partnered connection first, building a solid foundation before layering in rhythms and inspiration drawn from the rich history of swing and jazz.

Rob Armitage

Rob (pictured above left) adopts a social dancer’s approach to Lindy Hop, blending his wide-ranging experience with insights from other dancers, teachers, and historical sources. As a guest in the Black American culture from which Lindy Hop originates, he continues to evolve in his understanding of the dance. Grounded in clear, authentic partner connection and the joy of truly swinging music, he's passionate about helping you discover your own spark on the dance floor.

Rob is a keystone of the Edinburgh scene, heavily involved in Edinbop, The Queer Lindy Mini-festival, the Castle Rock Jazz Band and the Reekie Rhythm Rendezvous among other projects.

Joe Smith

Joe started swing dancing around 2018 when living in London, his early lessons being below-deck on a boat on the Thames, “Great for practicing balance, not so great for a tall person’s head clearance!” With a background in drumming and animation, he loves analysing movement and timing, and what makes moves flow smoothly and musically from one to the other.

Joe Smith was the first graduate of our route to teaching. Now he's stepping up to teach full classes together with our more established teachers.

Want to teach for ESDS?