Part 4 - We hope you’ve enjoyed our story so far—from 1996 to 2001. So, what did the new millennium bring for them?
The journey from 2001 onwards was full of exciting milestones for Keith and Janey. After launching their first big competition in Blackpool, they gained recognition—not just for creating an incredible event, but for showing the world that Northern dancers were just as talented and passionate as anyone else. This newfound recognition led to numerous requests from other dance companies to teach and perform, even though they weren’t running regular classes of their own at that time.
Their very first teaching gig was with Newquay Jive, who invited them to run a workshop and perform in the evening. Naturally, they said yes—and then, of course, they panicked!
Keith reached out to Nigel Anderson, a friend and one of the top teachers in the Modern Jive scene. Nigel’s main advice was simple but invaluable: Preparation. Over the following weeks, Keith and Janey practiced tirelessly, refining their moves and techniques for the upcoming workshop.
When the day arrived, they were told the attendees would be at an ‘Intermediate’ level. They prepared accordingly and, after asking the dancers upon arrival how long they had danced, discovered that the crowd was a mix of dancers with all levels—some with over two years of experience, many with less, and even a couple who had never danced before.
This was a true test of their adaptability. With a deep breath, they took the plunge, breaking down moves step-by-step. Thanks to their careful preparation and the willingness to adapt on the spot, the workshop turned into a huge success. By the end of the session, everyone was confidently trying out their new moves, and the response from dancers was genuinely humbling. Even the newest dancers found themselves working through intermediate routines, and many left feeling inspired and motivated.
Later that year, Keith and Janey were invited to teach at the very first Pontins, a Jive Addiction Weekender, organised by John and Wes. Walking into a room with around 1,500 dancers, they felt both excited and terrified—yet they knew they had something special to share. The event was a blur of activity, with them DJing their own music on a tricky sound system, but despite the nerves, they believe the weekend went well, and they were asked back each year.
Another memorable moment was a workshop in London for IJIG, where they were asked to teach a fusion of Waltz, Cha Cha, Salsa, American Smooth, and Tango—blended into Modern Jive. They planned meticulously, even taking private lessons to perfect the Waltz section. The turnout was incredible—almost 120 dancers in three rows of 40 for an afternoon workshop! While the size of the group meant they couldn’t be as personal as they liked, the feedback was fantastic, and it was inspiring to see dancers incorporating Latin and Ballroom elements into their MJ later that evening.
In those early years, Keith and Janey’s focus was on teaching for other companies all across the UK. They traveled from Eastbourne to Edinburgh and even ventured into Spain, teaching in Barcelona—still one of their favourite cities. They also joined Jive Addiction’s holiday programs and worked with other dance organisations, gaining invaluable experience and exposure.
But the question remained: When would they start their own classes?
They recognised a gap in the local scene. While other companies did great work, none really focused on the structure—foot patterns, armography, and technique—that advanced dancers craved. Dancers with four or more years of experience felt they’d plateaued and wanted to learn more. Because Keith and Janey’s style incorporated a fresh look and a blend of different dance styles (often seen these days), they kept getting asked for classes that offered exactly that.
In 2005, Keith had discovered Skippy Blair, an American West Coast Swing expert whose teaching methods—like the dancer’s walk, three toe base, and slotting—radically transformed how they saw Modern Jive. They had already been playing with Salsa and other styles, so Skippy’s techniques inspired them to create the next level for their students.
And so, Revolution Dance was born—a mission to shake up the NW dance scene and introduce a new, more structured approach to Modern Jive.
In May 2006, they opened their first classes at Knutsford Civic Centre. The response was incredible—some dancers traveling over 100 miles round trip just to join them! Their structured beginner classes, focusing on solid technique and new moves, helped newcomers progress faster and develop better habits. It was a huge win for everyone involved.
Their performances also took on a new dimension. They supported charities like DEBRA, which supports families affected by Epidermolysis Bullosa. After one such charity event, singer and host Cole Page approached them—impressed by their dancing—and asked if they could join his act. This was around the rise of Strictly Come Dancing, and Cole believed their style could add a fresh dynamic to his performances, which had always been Singers & a Big Band.
Before long, Cole invited Keith and Janey to perform five dances at the Manchester Opera House—an experience neither of them would forget. The routines included “Mr. Bojangles,” which was a solo for Keith, his first ever!
They arrived at the theatre with butterflies, and rehearsals were limited—just two minutes to get used to the stage’s steep rake. Despite the nerves, the performance was a huge success, and it opened the door to more big shows. They performed at iconic venues like Manchester’s Palace Theatre, Lounge 10 (a secret spot for the rich and famous), and even danced alongside Katie Melua with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra at Proms in the Park.
They also appeared on Sky TV during Ricky Hatton’s big fight before his world-title bout, adding to their list of memorable moments.
From those early days as Keith and Janey, to launching Chance 2 Dance, and then Revolution Dance, their journey was only just beginning. And with many more years of dancing, teaching, and creating memories ahead, they continue to inspire and entertain.
