My name is Jay. I live in Toulouse (south of France) and I've been teaching lindy hop since 2002 (Paris, Toulouse, Montpellier, Grenoble...). It's a passion and also my professionnal activity. My teachings are based on partnership in dancing, individual movement technics, leading and following. I am DJing since 2004 so don't hesitate to call me for weekly classes, private classes and DJing as well.

I began to learn lindy hop in 2001 at Paul Sabatier college in Toulouse. Christelle & Thierry were my first instructors and I take this opportunity to thank them for making me discover this dance!

My first workshop lessons were given by Bill Borgida, Ryan & Jenny and Eddie & Eva. Some of there words were never to be forgotten! This is the basic technics I worked on to become a good lead and a good dancer. I have never left the dancefloors since then and go out as often as I can.

I took classes with Anne-Hélène & Bernard (2001-2004). Their teaching skills gave me a lot as did their performance group: the Tagada Swing Swing which I was a member from 2002 to 2004. Also they were the ones who gave me the chance to start lindy hop teaching and I learnt the fundamentals from them. A big thank you to both of you guys!

During these years I went all over France and overseas as often as I could to take classes from the greatests: Steven & Virginie, Kevin & Carla, Sylvia & Jason, Eddie & Eva, Ryan & Jenny, Erik & Sylvia and many others. Now I am following my own path and continue to train and develop as a Lindy hop student when I have the opportunity to do so.

One last word concerning Toulousian lindy hop scene: young, full of energy, and eager for knowledge! I have seen this 3rd french lindy hopper generation evolve and I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to grow up among them! Keep swingin' guys!

Lindy hop is the authetic afro-american swing dance. You dance it in couple on jazz music from the late 20's to nowadays jazz.

The basic patterns follow the musical phrase which is a 8-count beat. Although the dance is really open and swing dancers particularly like syncoped steps and rhythm changes. There is a close relationship between the dancers and the richness of jazz music makes this dance really playful and joyful. You are probably aware that describing a dance is a hard task so you might be interested in viewing some of the videos from this website. I think they represent good examples of lindy hop.