Swing School

Ryan Francois

Ryan Francois is one of the original revivalists of the Lindy Hop from the 1980s. Mentored and trained by some of the original Savoy Lindy Hoppers such as Frankie Manning, Pepsi Bethel and Mama Lu Parks, he is considered by one of the greatest Lindy Hoppers of his generation, Frankie Manning, to be his third son – an honour Ryan works constantly to live up to.

Ryan can look back on a stunning career. He is without question one of the best dancers, choreographers and teachers of our time.

One of the most influential figures in the modern Lindy Hop world, teaching, competing, performing and choreographing for over 30 years. He’s taught, well, everywhere and directly or indirectly almost everybody. His credits include Hollywood movies Swing Kids, Malcolm X, Idlewild, and others; the hit Broadway show Swing! and of course choreographer for the hit TV shows Strictly Come Dancing, So You Think You Can Dance and Britain’s Got Talent, amongst many other credits both as a dancer and choreographer.

Simply put, he is a pioneer with a near Yoda-like knowledge of the Vernacular Dances who has a passion for sharing his knowledge of the Swing Era to dancers and non-dancers alike.

Lana Williams

Lana has been a professional dancer for over ten years. She dances as a soloist, ensemble dancer, partner dancer, and works as a choreographer. She has performed within all aspects of the industry, including film, TV, theatre, musical theatre, commercial and corporate events.

Lana began her professional training in classical ballet, progressing to tap, jazz and musical theatre. Then she found and fell in love with partner dancing. Working and training with three-times World Salsa Champions early on in her career, she specialised in latin and ballroom dance styles. Competing on the TV show Strictly Dance Fever, Lana met Ryan, who introduced her to swing dancing.

Ryan invited her to join his London-based dance company in 2006. Under his tuition she learnt Vernacular Jazz, Lindy Hop, Charleston, Black Bottom and Cake Walk, along with the historical roots of the Swing Era. Her debut into the global Lindy world was performing in the re-creation of Hellzapoppin’ at Frankie ’95. From there she continued to perform Swing worldwide, including the Dance Manifesto Launch in London, Assistant Choreographer for BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, BBC’s Dance House 1944, the boys of Tap Dogs at the Savoy Theatre London, and with Winton Marsalis at the Lincoln Center, NYC.

Lana has a teaching career to match her performance career, and has always taught multiple dance styles. Working and teaching with Ryan at swing camps across the UK and Europe is a particular joy. Over the past few years they have taught at Gloucester Swing, Bristol Swing Festival, Camp Savoy, Jazz Au Source and Jazz Cat Dance Camp, Montpelier.

Her approach to teaching begins with her passion for music, then technique and style. She teaches across the spectrum, from absolute beginners to advanced and professional dancers. Combining over 27 years of learning with some of the greatest teachers, Lana fuses a multitude of techniques and frameworks to develop dancers’ understanding of their own bodies and movement whilst expressing their own flavour, energy and joy. Whether swinging out fast or slow, throwing aerials, or fancy footwork, teaching and dancing swing is a pure passion of hers.