Ben Cook

Ben began to swing in 2006 and after just one lesson was hooked, making sure he never missed a class for a good 6 months! Realising that "It Don't Mean a Thing If It 'Aint Got That Swing", and regularly seen out at least 4 times per week, Ben quickly learned to love what keeps bringing him back: the great people (who have now become great friends), the social dancing, and the swingin' beats of the big band era.
 
Trying to get as involved in this new world as he could, Ben entered his first competition in Sydney's SJC after just 7 months of dancing, winning both the "Like a Virgin" and "Up and Comers" divisions (with Alice Williams and Sarah Johnson respectively). Ben also competed and won the "Swing Rookie" event with Laura Perriam at the Melbourne Lindy Battle in 2007. Deciding that competing wasn't enough he became a member of the troupes "Brat Pack" in 2007 and "Harlem Shout" in 2008, performing for corporate audiences all over Melbourne.
 
At the 2008 Australian Jitterbug Championships, and perhaps his proudest swing moment thus far, Ben took on the challenge to compete in the "Fast Foot" section with Steph Resciniti and came 3rd, fulfilling a 2 year long goal! ( http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=AOYzJwuWfF4 )
 
Ben is extremely excited to be teaching in London in 2009, and is looking forward to help bring swing dancing to as many people as he can!

Ban will be part of the Swing Patrol  team teaching swing dancing ( mainly Lindy Hop ) around London. At present we haven't allocated venues to our fabulous team of swing dance instructors but watch this space and we will sort out as soon as possible. One thing we can assure you though is that our team of seven teachers all absolutely love their swing dancing and can't wait to share the dane that they love in 2009.