Our Team

Jim Hannaway & Sarah Vernon

LINDY HOP, SWING JIVE & BALBOA- STROUD, TETBURY & CHELTENHAM

Jim is the founder member and formed Just Jive in 1996 after many years teaching freelance with other dance companies. He has performed in cabaret with many of the UK's top Swing Bands and has taught Lindy Hop at many events across the UK and has been lucky enough to attend workshops and teach alongside some of the best names in Swing Dancing. These include the ‘King of Lindy Hop’ Mr Frankie Manning, The Rhythm Hot Shots, Sylvia Sykes and Ryan Francois. Specialising in Lindy Hop and Balboa, once you have seen his technically precise style, you will always be able to spot one of his students!

Sarah graduated from the Just Jive school after falling in love with Lindy Hop several years ago. Sarah joins Jim as his business partner and brings with her many years of experience in owning and running a business alongside a background in management training. Together they love teaching and watching their love of swing dancing spread.

John Hall & Gail Newman

SWING JIVE - SWINDON

Graduates of the Just Jive school and trained with some of the top UK and European teachers! They have 20 years of teaching experience between them.

John is a sought after joiner and runs a successful local business. He is a qualified Sports Therapist and Gymnastics Coach.

Gail is a Practice Manager at an Accounting firm and has tried many dance styles before becoming hooked on Jive. What little spare time she has is spent indulging her other passion - singing. Specialising in Jive and Lindy Hop, you will always spot these two at dance weekenders! From flash moves, to subtle basics, these guys will always be first on the dance floor, and the last to leave

Shaun & Laure-Astrid Barker

LINDY HOP - SAUL, Gloucestershire.

Graduates of the Just Jive school, Shaun has been dancing for many years and has experience in many different styles, although he has truly fallen in love with the Swing family of dances ( Lindy Hop & Collegiate Shag). Shaun says "Dancing is the most fun you can have with your clothes on!" and his classes emphasise having fun whilst learning to dance. As Duke Ellington said " It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!"

Laure caught the dancing bug in her teenage years (Street dance, Hip Hop, and Salsa) but it's at Just Jive that she discovered her passion for Swing dancing in its many forms several years ago. " Swing is a truly fun social dance that will make you happy. I dare you not to smile and enjoy yourself!!"

Lin Hooper

SWING JIVE - STROUD

Lin has enjoyed dancing for many years and after discovering the Swing Dance scene she hasn't looked back. After graduating from the Just Jive School of Dancing, she is now one of the top teachers. She was a natural choice due to her technical ability and attention to detail. Her warm and encouraging personality brings out the best in even the most nervous student.

Meg Raine

SWING JIVE - SWINDON

Meg is the newest member of our Just Jive teaching team. She teaches Swing Jive with John. Meg has danced from a young age and has tried a variety of styles from Ballet to Scottish !! She found Swing Jive in her late teens and was hooked from her very first lesson. Never one for sitting still at social dances, Meg is most likely to be found starting a Stroll at any opportunity. Meg works as a Bookseller between studying, so if she isn’t dancing she’s usually reading.