Russell Sargeant

London

Lindy Hop

Russell started dancing at an early age at his mothers dance school in Chorley, Lancashire. After learning ballet and tap he spent many years on the competition Ballroom and Latin American scene where he was competing at world championship level. It was whilst he was at the Italia Conti performing arts college he became a member of the Jiving Lindy Hoppers, with whom he has been a company member for the past 21 years. Russell has enjoyed working in theatre, TV and education.

As a member of the Jiving Lindy Hoppers he has travelled extensively both here in the UK and many many parts of the world. Performing in all kinds of venues from Village Halls, Theatres and 50,000 seat Stadiums in the U.S.A. has been part of that 21 year history. Memorable moments have been performing for the Queen and various members of the Royal family, 2 coast-to-coast tours of the U.S.A. and a tour of Japan, although one of his favourite cities in the world is Zurich. Not only is Russell a dancer with the Jiving Lindy Hoppers but he is also the administrator and company manager not to mention driver, technician……

Of course it would be rude to forget his training and for this thanks goes to Warren Heyes who first got him inspired to learn the Lindy Hop back in 1987. Since then he has been fortunate enough to have worked with some of the “Greats” of the Authentic Jazz Dance scene including Frankie Manning, Norma Miller, Pepsi Bethel, George & Sugar Sullivan, Dickie Harris and not forgetting Mama Lou Parks. Without these teachers and many others he would not have gained the level of experience that he has today. Dance is a “hand me down” art form.

Russell is glad to be here this week and is looking forward to passing on some of the steps and skills that he has learnt over the years.

Russell