Sometimes, the biggest adventures begin with one decision.
On 14 October 2006, I said YES!
Not to a job offer. Not to someone else’s plans.
I said YES… to ME!
I made the big decision to hand in my notice, leave school teaching behind and take a leap into the unknown.
After years of teaching music in schools, I wanted to follow my passion for music and dance and create something of my own.
That something was Lindy Jazz.
We Expected 20 People. 80 Turned Up!
To introduce our new Lindy Jazz venture, Andy and I organised a little ‘soft launch’ – a social dance with two wonderful Lindy Hop teachers, Russell Sargeant and Carolene Hinds.
We thought perhaps 20 people might come along.
80 people turned up!
I was completely overwhelmed!
In fact, we had to turn people away, including some who have since become very good friends.
We certainly hadn’t expected that!
You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know!
Looking back, I smile at how little I knew about what lay ahead.
I had enthusiasm, ideas and a passion for bringing people together through music and dance.
But I had no idea what running my own venture would involve, what challenges I would face or where this adventure might take me.
And perhaps that was a good thing!
If I’d known everything that lay ahead, would I still have taken that leap?
I’d like to think so.
20 Years of Dancing, Laughter and Friendship
That little event turned out to be the beginning of an extraordinary journey.
Over the past twenty years, Lindy Jazz has brought so many people together. We’ve shared dance classes, social evenings, wonderful music, plenty of laughter and friendships that have lasted for years.
Some people came to learn a few dance steps and discovered a whole new social circle.
Others came along feeling nervous and unsure, only to discover the joy of giving something new a go.
And along the way, I’ve learned an enormous amount too – not just about dancing or running a business, but about people, friendship, resilience and myself.
I’m So Glad I Said YES!
Looking back, I’m incredibly glad I made that decision twenty years ago.
Not because everything has always been easy. It certainly hasn’t!
But because of the wonderful people I’ve met, the experiences I’ve enjoyed and the friendships that have grown along the way.
I’m especially grateful to everyone who has supported, encouraged and believed in Lindy Jazz, whether you joined us right at the beginning or have only recently discovered us.
You’ve all been part of this journey, and I couldn’t have done it without you.
As we begin celebrating twenty years of Lindy Jazz, I’d love to hear from you.
When did you first discover Lindy Jazz? What is your favourite memory?
Perhaps you were there in those early days. Perhaps you’ve only just joined us.
Either way, I’d love you to share your memories in the comments.
Here’s to twenty years of music, dancing, laughter and friendship – and to saying YES to the things that bring us joy!
Joo-Lee
