ARTISTIC DIRECTOR:
Derek Madson is the face behind Swing It! He is a strong advocate for the "big tent" approach to dance, blending and sampling all the different dances rather than hiving them off into their own little hermetically sealed categories. He has crafted an easy to learn program of dance taught up and down Vancouver Island by hand picked instructors carefully chosen to retain his unique and fun teaching style.
Derek has been running dance classes and events since 2003, when he founded the highly successful Camosun Ballroom Dance Club, which he ran until 2011. Known for his clear and effective pedagogy, Derek keeps his program fun and light-hearted. He has taught and DJ'd at numerous venues in Victoria, including UVic, Camosun, the Edelweiss Club, Passion & Performance, the Martin Batchelor Gallery and the Black Stilt Cafe. Originally from the Kootenays, Derek now calls central Vancouver Island home. Derek and his authorized assistants have taught his program up and down Vancouver Island, ranging from Victoria to Courtenay, Comox, Black Creek and Campbell River.
TESTIMONIALS
"You are by far the best dance teacher ever! Richard and I are very glad we are learning from you. We have both been to other dance instructors so I know what I am talking about! I just about gave up thinking I could ever learn the dance!"
- Jennifer and Richard, Victoria
"My wife and I recently took dance classes from Derek over the last several months and were thoroughly impressed by his ability to teach us a multitude of fairly complex moves in a short period of time. He did this with a mix of professionalism, patience, easy to follow instruction and humour. We definitely will return to learn more. Thanks Derek!"
- Brian, Victoria
“I’ve always wanted to learn Swing, but as a single 60-year old woman I had reservations about signing up for this class with no partner. I needn’t have worried. Not only is Derek a good teacher, he smoothly mixes it up so even couples learn to take dance cues from any partner and there are no wallflowers. Go. Have fun.”
- Cynthia, Victoria
"Derek is a fantastic instructor, he keeps the atmosphere light and makes learning to dance easy!"
- Katie, UVic Student
"We were looking for an alternative to the traditional bride and groom
slow dance at our wedding. We decided to try swing dancing classes with
Derek. Derek's teaching style is fun and easy to follow. After 5 group
lessons, we had the basic steps down and we were twirling around the
dance floor! We highly recommend Derek's swing class to anyone who
wants to learn."
- Tom & Nicole Bradbooke, Victoria
"Bruce and I, as you know, are currently taking Swing Dance lessons with you. We want you to know how much we enjoy our classes and how much we appreciate you, your skill and your patience. We have learned so much and had fun doing it. Definitely we will be back for more. Thank you!"
- Bruce & Ellen, Victoria
"Bruce and I, as you know, are currently taking Swing Dance lessons with you. We want you to know how much we enjoy our classes and how much we appreciate you, your skill and your patience. We have learned so much and had fun doing it. Definitely we will be back for more. Thank you!"
- Bruce & Ellen, Victoria
