Derek Carruthers

Growing up Derek has always loved the 30-40s style and after he was dragged along to his first dance lesson by a friend there was no looking back.

Derek is originally from Perth (A city that has a great swing dance scene) but he didn't dance, he has also lived in Singapore (A city that also has a world class swing dance scene) and again he didn't dance ... it took until he travelled all the way to the east coast to discover partner dancing.

He started dancing late 2001 with a strong interest in the history of the dance as well as an interest in preserving local history of Sydney Swing dancing done during and after the war years.

"What I like most about swing dancing is the social aspect of the dance, and how you can walk into a room and not know anyone there and instantly you all have something in common."

"My most favourite swing memory's to date have been Meeting and learning from 'Frankie Manning' and attending the Herrang Dance Camp."

Swing Patrol have had a great association with Derek & Trish and we have always admired them for their determination to be true to the dance and be welcoming and open to all parties in the swing community. It is this ability to reach out to all groups that makes them great leaders in the Sydney swing scene and their dancing has thrilled on lookers all over town. We are delighted to have Derek & Trish as part of the Sydney Swing Patrol teaching team.

Some competition Results

Sydney Jitterbug Championships 2008
1st Place (Showcase Division)
2nd Place (Solo Charleston)

Sydney Jitterbug Championships 2007
1st Place (Balboa Division)
1st Place (Strictly Lindy)
1st Place (Solo Charleston)
3rd Place (Fast Foot) 

Sydney Jitterbug Championships 2006
1st Place (Balboa Division)
2nd Place (Showcase Division)
3rd Place (Strictly Lindy)
3rd Place (Fast Foot)

The Australian Balboa Championships 2006
2nd Place (Open Balboa / Bal-Swing Division)

The National Dance Championships 2005
1st Place (Open Invitational Harlem Swing)
1st Place (Open Invitational Lindy Hop)
1st Place (Teams Division)

Sydney Jitterbug Championships 2005
2nd Place (Balboa Jack'N'Jill)

The National Dance Championships 2004 
1st Place (Open Invitational Harlem Swing)
1st Place (Open Invitational Lindy Hop)

Sydney Jitterbug Championships 2004
1st Place (Showcase Division)
2nd Place (Fast Foot Division)
2nd Place (Strictly Lindy Division)

Rockdale Social Dance Comp 2004
1st Place (Open Swing)

National Capital Championships 2004
2nd Place Lindy Hop (Open Invitational)

The Pan Pacific Championships 2004
1st Place Slow Swing (Open Invitational)
1st Place Lindy Hop (Open Invitational)

Hullabaloo (Perth Lindy Exchange) 2004
3rd Place (Jack'N'Jill)

Lismore Dance Camp 2004
2nd Place (Jack'N'Jill)

The National Dance Championships 2003
1st Place Lindy Hop (Open)
1st Place Lindy Hop (Open Invitational)

Illawarra Rock'N'Roll Dance Championships 2003
1st Place Open Swing

The Pan Pacific Championships 2003
1st Place Slow Swing (Open Invitational)
1st Place Lindy Hop (Open Invitational)

QLD Rock'N'Roll / Lindy Hop Championships 2003
1st Place Slow Swing (E Grade)
2nd Place Lindy Hop (E Grade)

Camp Jitterbug Down Under 2003
2nd Place (Up & Comers)