Student Feedback

Thanks Sophie! I think the class you gave with Kieran at CCB (momentum and movement on the 'pause') was the most influential for me out of the seven I attended at CCB. Thanks soooo much!!! You might not think it at the time, but some of the stuff you teach really has (positive) impact.

- Ian (Church City Blues)

Thanks for the workshop on Saturday. I really enjoyed the day and found the focus on connection in the earlier workshops valuable. I hope I can carry some of the great content into my fledgling social dancing.

- Peter (Sweet & Hot Weekend)

Great venue. Teachers outstanding. Would love some Bal Rueda in our regular Bal classes.

- Anon (Sweet & Hot Weekend)

Thoroughly enjoyed all you taught in Bal and Lindy. Excellent day.

- Anon (Sweet & Hot Weekend)

Since Sophie's first visit, quite a crowd have been coming along to a weekly class as they're now hooked on swing. This second weekend workshop had smaller numbers but those present felt this was a good thing, especially when having their first taste of some more complex 8-count moves. Some of us had a try at Tandem Charleston, which was loads of fun. We're hoping to have Sophie back again in early 2011.

- Marion Christie (Nov 2010 Weekend Workshop in Albany)

Hi Sophie, I just wanted to let you know - a couple of people commented at the Leedy Hop that my dancing seemed to be suddenly much better! These are people I've danced with only a few weeks ago, so thanks for working your magic on my style! Hey presto! I know its just the start but the private lesson really made a difference - I hope I can keep remembering what I was doing differently!

- Janelle

We've just had a fabulous weekend with Sophie coming to Albany for the first time to conduct Lindy Hop workshops. This was made possible due to funding from the Dept of Sport and Recreation. At the first session there was a grand turnout of 38 participants. The feedback was all extremely positive with them loving Sophie's clear teaching style as well as her sense of fun!

- Marion Christie (Oct 2010 Weekend Workshop in Albany)

I just wanted to say thank you for organising a really fabulous weekend of workshops. I had a blast and I am definitely addicted to blues now. The whole weekend was really well organised and Damon and Heidi were brilliant instructors. The classes were pitched at a good level and I found their instruction to be very helpful and fun. They were both engaging and approachable and their enthusiasm was quite infectious. Thanks again! I am looking forward to going to some more blues events in the future :-)

- Tse Chee (The Hand-me-down Blues weekend)

Just wanted to thank you for organising such a great weekend! They are such fantastic teachers and it was great to see such a large and diverse group of dancers interested in blues. Looking forward to the monthly Wednesday night bluesing!

- Beck (The Hand-me-down Blues weekend)

Three cheers and a kangaroo fillet for Sophie Yesberg, who organized the Hand-me-down Blues workshop, held over the weekend of the 14th and 15th of June. It was thoroughly enjoyable, with Damon and Heidi, who traveled from California, taking us through the foundation and essence of blues dancing and explaining the nuances of each move, giving us time to practise – and to recuperate, as they told us something of the history of the blues... the Hand-me-down workshops gave me a new perspective on what dance is meant to be, and it can only improve the way I strut my groovy stuff on the floor – even if my innermost self is whiter than an albino in a milkbath – and I’m looking forward to more blues events in Perth.

- Darren (The Hand-me-down Blues weekend)

Awesome, awesome weekend! Damon and Heidi delivered the best breakdown of 'what-makes-it-blues' I've ever heard. The classes were practical, challenging, and a lot of fun - culminating in a fabulous blues immersion experience.

- Edwina (The Hand-me-down Blues weekend)

The weekend was very well organised and executed, funny and entertaining. Blues if delivered in the right fashion could be the next big thing. Damon and Heidi are phenomenal. Their personalities and experience can be seen in their delivery in all aspects. Biggest lesson here I learnt was how to let go, feel, groove, and to dance to a more commune feel. Top work. We want an encore!

- Dan (The Hand-me-down Blues weekend)

Hand me down blues...What else can I say except that this was an experience that I will take with me everywhere I dance. Damon and Heidi have a wealth of knowledge and I feel honoured to have had them share it with Perth's dance community to make blues part of the local scene. Get them back ASAP!

- Robbie (The Hand-me-down Blues weekend)

Love of the dance and blues experience brought to town - all well packaged and accessible. Instruction was clear and a joy to participate. You all come back now, you hear!

- Sheldon (The Hand-me-down Blues weekend)

I had a lot of fun and am definitely a better dancer for the weekend. Great concepts and logical progression. Thanks for making all this possible.

- Anon. (The Hand-me-down Blues weekend)

I had a blast this weekend. Damon and Heidi are an awesome teaching team. All the variation and styles really changed my ideas of what Blues dance is all about. Good idea bringing them down. Get them back again! And bring on some more Blues in Perth!

- Shawn (The Hand-me-down Blues weekend)

Excellent weekend: 2 awesome teachers. They took it slowly so everyone had time to pick up on the moves. Bring them back anytime - more more more!

- Anon (The Hand-me-down Blues weekend)

The Blues weekend was great. It opened my eyes to what Blues dancing is all about - the music. Also the wide range of tempos fast and slow.

- Anon. (The Hand-me-down Blues weekend)

I really enjoyed the weekend workshops. I found that the classes flowed on to each other well, and there was a good amount of content in each class. I also liked how some history/background of blues dancing was incorporated to give a better understanding of how/where different styles might be used. It was great to learn from such energetic, funny and passionate teachers : )

- Anon. (The Hand-me-down Blues weekend)

I really enjoyed your class last Thursday, I especially like how instructors dance with the students in the class, as I got some good tips! I will definitely be there again this week. The PICA dance last night was great, it was such a beautiful venue.

- Bronwyn

I just wanted to say that I have been attending a number of dance classes this year (due to changes in personal circumstances I have decided to make this my year of abundance), and I really appreciate the attention to technique that is taught in your classes, as opposed to just teaching steps. I feel like I'm really learning a solid foundation to build on for understanding swing style.

- Leeanne

I have never experienced a more social or fun loving group since I have been associated with swing dancing at Bassendean.

- Debbie

Re 'Moocher Meltdown' event: - Fantastic event! Excellent Balboa Demo! Had a great time.

- Sandy

The social dance was great for me to practise the steps. Thanks for organising the event.

- Andrea

Re 'Moocher Meltdown' event: Yay for SwingZing fun-ness!! Awesome venue. Loved my birthday dance!

- Kat

Sophie is a fantastic teacher, providing a great atmosphere to learn fun moves.

- Sophie B.

Re 'Moocher Meltdown' event: - Seriously cool dancing! Totally hep gig!

- Dave

Sophie always gives the right amount of demonstration combined with practical. I loved the fact that after only a few classes I can now Bal, and combine with swing!

- Andrea

I had so much fun learning to swing. It's great using so much energy without feeling tired, and great to really groove to the music.

- Arlene

I really loved swing dancing both for fun and exercise and I can't wait to learn more.

- Jane

Hi Sophie, I just wanted to say thanks for a great class last night. I think I learnt more in the 5 minutes dancing bal with you last night than I have in many hour long classes before! I was so pleased about it when I got home that I think I've even coaxed my partner into re-joining classes!

- Carita

Re Mark and Vicki's Balboa Workshop: Another great weekend with great teachers and great organisers. Well done to all. Thanks.

- Tim

Re Mark and Vicki's Balboa Workshop: Great weekend with Vicki and Mark! Getting back to basics was great. I really felt I learned a lot even though I've been to a few Bal classes - a great fresh way to look at it. These guys are heaps of fun and the whole weekend was fantastic! Awesome to pump some more energy into the Perth scene to help it grow!!

- Edwina

Re Mark and Vicki's Balboa Workshop: Great moves. Something for everyone! I love having footwork variations to work on.

- Rachel

Re Mark and Vicki's Balboa Workshop: Thankyou Mark and Vicki. I love how you finish off with easy moves to make us feel and look great.

- Dabelyn

Re Mark and Vicki's Balboa Workshop: Mark and Vicki are fantastic teachers - clear explanations, fun moves, solid organic teaching!!

- Lauren

Thankyou for the excellent classes, easy to follow instructions, and the good fun.

-Melissa and Matt

Good fun! Good exercise. Invigorating!

- Gaby

Thank you for the great class! It was very fun and the teachers are great - very friendly. Made it easy to learn.

- Rebecca

Thanks so much for the Bal lessons. They are great fun and easy to follow. Yay!

- Aileen

Re Mark and Vicki's Balboa Workshop: Great teachers (love the banter). Makes the workshops a pleasure to be a part of. Bal forever!

- Bruce and Jill

Re Mark and Vicki's Balboa Workshop: I signed on with trepidation as I have not had much experience in this dance, but I find Mark and Vicki very clear with their instructions, great value for my money and they made it so much fun.

- Leah

Re Mark and Vicki's Balboa Workshop: Classes have been fantastic. Teachers are great, and progressive nature was good also.

- Tim

Re Mark and Vicki's Balboa Workshop: Great workshop - fantastic expansion on very good teaching received from Greg and Sophie.

- Robert

Re Mark and Vicki's Balboa Workshop: Fantastic workshop - have learnt heaps, and looking forward to practising and expanding our abilities. Hope to see you again in the future.

- Mick and Laura

Re Mark and Vicki's Balboa Workshop: All classes were great, the progression was good, and the techniques of basics were excellent. Loved Charleston also.

- Lozza

Re Mark and Vicki's Balboa Workshop: Awesome weekend - very well organised! Big thanks to Mark and Vicki for their expertise! Progressive classes were great- exactly the right amount of repetition and the emphasis on the lead techniques was also very helpful for the follows. Nice input from both teachers. Very enjoyable!!

- Teneille

Re Mark and Vicki's Balboa Workshop: Had a great weekend. Well paced, despite feeling quite exhausted. I'm totally hooked.

- Dot

Re Mark and Vicki's Balboa Workshop: Thanks Mark and Vicki - your classes were fantastic, sweet, solid and organic!!! Hope to see you again!

- Sandy and John

We have enjoyed the classes immensely. Greg and Sophie obviously enjoy what they do, and they do it well. Their enthusiasm is infectious. Well done and thank you.

- Alex and Ivy

I love your approachable and all inclusive style of workshops. I've taken workshops all over the world and I'm getting a lot out of your classes. Keep it comin'.

- Lee

Best Beginners Class I've been to! Great moves, easy to understand explanations and lots of fun!

- Edwina

Well! There is no other dance class to give such value - do not tell Greg and Sophie they may cut down !!! :-) Love to them both.

- Gaela

The purpose of this letter is to express my thanks to you for making Patricia and I feel so young. A couple of months ago, we attended some sort of charity party. Of the many shows we saw that night, only one caught our attention. A young couple were dancing swing. It was lovely to see them dancing. I said to myself How I wish I were able to dance a little bit of swing (The couple turned out to be Sophie and Greg). Finally I plucked courage and decided to enrol in your class. Somebody of my age sometimes feels intimidated by the presence mainly of young people. But just only minutes into the class I realized that Swing is open for everybody regardless of age. After my first class I felt so good that I told a friend of mine (Patricia) about this swing course. After her second class she told me that she loves the way the teachers are conducting the class. It is a perfect mixture of technique and fun fun fun. It is almost impossible not to laugh during the class. Sophie you are such a talented dancer and good teacher that Patricia and I enjoy being in your class. Lauren is very helpful, and all are very friendly. To tell you the truth, the actual class lasts 60 minutes but we feel it lasts only 10 minutes due to our enjoyment. We are a little over 50 but in your class and among so many young people, we feel as young as the youngest people in your class and this feeling is one of the best medicines. Thank you once again.

- Ramon and Patricia

Great explanations. Keep doing what you're doing!

- Julie

Inspiring dancing and excellent step by step instructions.

- Dabelyn

Excellent teaching! It showed how much fun the dance can be. I was progressing and feeling like I was learning right from the start. It's a fantastic way to get on the dance floor and have some fun!

- Caron

Great teaching. Best I have ever been a part of. Really enjoyable and great exercise.

- Jacques

Sophie is a very encouraging, wonderful teacher whose teaching style is very clear.

- Gemma

Am really enjoying the Balboa classes. I like the way you break down some of the more difficult steps, and are still so patient when some of us dummies just don’t get it the first time round! I love Bal and I’m so pleased you decided to teach it on a regular basis. Both you and Greg are wonderful teachers, warm and friendly, but most of all make the classes so fun and enjoyable, it’s easy to want to come back!

- Lauren

Just wanted to let you know how much Ken and I are enjoying your classes. I look forward to Thursday nights all week now! We love the way you break things down so that moves, which I found difficult in the past, now seem so much easier, and we love the way you revise steps for those of us who need a refresher. You are both very patient and have a knack for making us feel good about how we are going. So a big thank you to both you and Greg for making us feel so welcome and for the effort you go to to make sure all in the class are happy and learning.

- Sheena

Have thoroughly enjoyed the Beginner's Course and am really keen to continue on. Am hoping to refine the moves learnt in course 1. Thanks guys - it's great fun.

- Melissa

Greg and Sophie, you have a great teaching style - we feel at ease in the class! Have had a great time!! Do more demo's - you look fantastic!

- Teneille

Thankyou for such a fun and enjoyable set of classes - great teaching, it was really easy to learn from you.

- SuLin

Sophie and Greg, you are wonderfully talented teachers and bring your passion for the dance to us all. Thankyou for helping us to dance these lively fun dances!

- Jacques and Gemma

Very good instruction. Strong on connection between partners. Also very clear rhythm, instruction, technique.

- Greg

Fantastic fun - we'll definitely be back!

- Julian and Janice

How great for males to be shown leading correctly from day 1!! Thankyou.

- Arthur

I love swing dancing and I think it is fantastic that I am the only 6 year old child learning great funky moves.

- Taylor Jade