Dancehall Origins promotes and supports dancers, teachers and performers from Jamaica to share their practice in the UK.

As an advocate for Dancehall history and culture, we aim to increase cultural awareness and appreciation of the form by providing opportunities for UK dancers to connect with Dancehall Originators.



News


Stay tuned for details of upcoming events! Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter for the latest news.

We can’t wait to be dancing with you again soon.


What is Dancehall?


To answer this question, we are sharing with you the Dancehall Dance Definition (below) from Dance Jamaica Academy – based in Kingston, Jamaica. This serves as a good introduction to the principles and key features of Dancehall.

Here at Dancehall Origins, we would always encourage those who are interested in Dancehall to conduct their own research and, of course, to attend our events where Jamaican artists give their own unique insight into the history, dance and culture of Dancehall through workshops, lectures and panel discussions.


Dancehall Dance Definition by Dance Jamaica Academy

The Artists

Since our first event in October 2016, Dancehall Origins has been honoured to invite eleven world-renowned artists from Jamaica to lead workshops and lectures here in the UK and abroad.

Dancehall Origins x Queens on Top was the first time Mara had ever taught in the UK.

A founding member of the popular Jackhammer Girls, Shamara Sullivan is in popular demand – often teaching more than 20 classes a week to European tourists who travel to her home in Kingston, Jamaica.

Specialising in New Skool and Female Dancehall, she has taught in cities across Russia and in January 2020 will embark on her first European tour.

Mara is the creator of a number of female steps, including:

  • Mood Swing
  • Gear Up
  • Afro Motion
  • Glide n Wine
  • So Unique
  • Sshh Wine
  • Roll n Juk

Check out her Instagram page here.



Orville Xpressionz

Dancehall Origins 4th Edition in March 2018 was the first time Orville ‘Xpressionz’ Hall had taught in the UK.

He is the Artistic Director for Theatre Xpressionz, the professional company that operates the popular dance group Dance Xpressionz and Xpressive Moves dance workshops. Orville has also been the Chief Judge for Jamaica’s number one dance programme Dancing Dynamite for the past 7 seasons.

A graduate of Exd Community College, he holds an Associate Degree in Performing Arts. Orville Hall has placed his name in the history books, having written the Dancehall course for the college – the first in any institution in the Caribbean. This was achieved with the assistance of legends Patsy Ricketts and Kenny Salmon.

Today, Orville Xpressionz is one the chief choreographers of music videos and corporate functions in Jamaica, working with such names as Shaggy, Sean Paul, Beenie Man, Sean Kingston, Jimmy Cliff, Rick Rock and Mr Vegas, RDX – to name a few.

In relation to all this, Mr Xpressionz, Villa X, Sir Orville or Professor as he is also affectionately known, has appeared in over 15 commercial stage plays, written poems, plays and video scripts all on a professional level. He still finds time to tour the world teaching and lecturing about Dancehall. Truly multi-talented in every sense of the word Orville Hall is a true pioneer.

Check out Orville’s Instagram page here and the Dance Xpressionz YouTube channel here.


Dancehall Origins 1st Edition in October 2016 was the first time Shelly Xpressionz had taught in the UK. The First Lady returned to London for our 4th Edition, March 2018.

Shelly-Ann Callum is a founding member, principal dancer and choreographer for her company Dance Xpressionz – formed over 16 years ago in Kingston, Jamaica.  Holder of an Associate degree in Performing Arts (majoring in dance), Shelly taught at a high school for six years before committing to performing full time.

Shelly Xpressionz has worked with key artists including: Shaggy, Rick Rock, Mr. Vegas, T.O.K, Beenie Man, Bounty Killa, Baby Cham, RDX and Spice.

In 2010, Shelly was appointed Operations Manager for Dance Xpressionz.  She is also an original member of  #teamSpice, undertaking promotion and overseas tours for the artist Spice.

Shelly Xpressionz is creator of a number of key female Dancehall steps, namely:

  • Shelly Bounce
  • Jockey
  • Tight Squeeze
  • Rude Wine
  • Big and Nasty
  • Tender Touch
  • Skettel
  • Gwaan Wid Yuh Self

Check out Shelly’s Instagram page here and the Dance Xpressionz YouTube channel here.



Shelly Xpressionz
Famous Dancer

Dancehall Origins 5th Edition was the first time Famous Dancer had ever taught in the UK.

Jason Nembhard, aka Famous from the legendary Colo Squad crew, is a renowned dancer from Kingston Jamaica.

Specialising in in Old/Middle Skool Dancehall, he has travelled the world sharing his knowledge and talent.  He has created a number of popular steps, including: Ash, Rubba Bounce, Easy Skank and Famous Flow.

Famous is Official Dancer for the incredible Chi Chi Ching and has featured in music videos for artists such as Beenie Man, Major Lazer, Elephant Man, RDX, Busy Signal, Mr Vegas and more.

Check out his Instagram page here.


Dancehall Origins 5th Edition was the first time Dancing Rebel had ever taught in the UK.

Christina Nelson aka Dancing Rebel is one of the most popular female dancers from Kingston Jamaica.

Specialising in New Skool and Female Dancehall, she has travelled the world teaching sell-out classes and judging competitions sharing her energy and skill.

Since 2016 she has been a member of #teamSpice, choreographing and performing in her music videos and supporting her tours around the world.

Check out her Instagram page here.

Dancing Rebel


Latonya Style’s European Tours are managed by:


Dancehall Origins 3rd Edition was the first time Latonya Style had ever taught in the UK.

Latonya Style is undeniably one of Jamaica’s most renowned and distinguished Dance Instructors. Her objective is to preserve, promote and protect authentic Jamaican Dancehall.

She is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dance Jamaica (DanceJa Movement) a Talent/Entertainment Organisation which portrays the culture of Jamaica and its vibrant people. Dance JA facilitates the training and development of Jamaica’s local talent, as well as providing an environment that uplifts Dancehall dance techniques.

Ms. Style has worked with key artists, including: Sean Kingston, Cecile, Mr. Vegas, RDX, Elephant Man, Sizzla, Patra, Spice, Beenie Man, Charly Black, Aidonia, Busy Signal and many more.

Latonya has developed a series of over 60 original steps, through which she has stamped her signature style on the industry – infusing her classy, sexy movements with the unapologetically raw dancehall ideology, to create what she calls her ‘Stylish Moves’. Steps include:

  • Original Rude Girl
  • Jiggle It
  • Nuff Respek
  • Pretty Wine
  • Clap Yuhself
  • Leggings
  • QT-Booty
  • Versatile
  • Xcuse Mi Plz

Check out Latonya’s Instagram and the Dance JA YouTube channel.


Dancehall Origins Special Edition in September 2017 was the first time Stacy Xpressionz had taught in the UK.

Stacy-Ann Facey is a founding member and principal dancer of world renowned Dance Xpressionz. She holds an Associate Degree in Performing Arts and is a proud Dancehall Specialist.

Stacy Xpressionz has won numerous awards, including:

  • Nipples Tuesdays Hottest Female Dance Group 2016
  • Uptown Mondays Best Female Dance Group 2016
  • Weddy Weddy Best Female Dance Group 2016
  • Dance JA Online Award for Dance Group of the Year 2011-12

In 2010, Stacy was appointed Production Manager for Dance Xpressionz. She is also an original member of #teamspice, undertaking promotion and overseas tours to critical acclaim.

Stacy Xpressionz is creator of a number of key female Dancehall steps, namely:

  • Best Friend
  • Sight and Wine
  • One Knock
  • Lif’ It Up
  • Punch
  • Work Out

Check out her Instagram page here and Dance Xpressionz YouTube channel here


Stacy Xpressionz



Global Bob

Dancehall Origins is proud to be the exclusive host and promoter for Global Bob in the UK. After organising his first ever UK workshop and lecture in October 2016, we were thrilled to invite him back to London for our 2nd Edition in March 2017. He returned to London by popular demand for our 3rd Edition in November 2017.

Born and raised in Kingston Jamaica, Chad ‘Global Bob’ Torrington has forged an international career in Dancehall, performing cultural duties in over 20 countries around the world.

Celebrated for his grooving style, encapsulating the spirit of his mentor Father Bogle aka. Mr Wacky, Global Bob was given his first stage name ‘Dancer Spongebob’ by Bogle himself.

Global Bob has appeared in music videos for top artists including: Voicemail, Konshens, Mr. Vegas, M.I.A, Versatile, Brick & Lace, Bob Sinclair & Dollar Man, Cecile and Murda Medley.

He has also won prestigious awards for his work, including:

  • 2013 Favourite Dancehall Teacher from Jamaica, DanceJA Awards
  • 2012 Best Male International Dancer of the Year, Carivibez.tv
  • 2012 Jamaica’s Certificate of Recognition for Invaluable Work in Dancehall
  • 2011 Jamaica’s Most Outstanding Dancer of the Year (2010)

Check out his Instagram page here and his YouTube channel here.


Dancehall Origins 2nd Edition in March 2017 was the first time Stacia Fya had taught in the UK.

Stacia ‘Fya’ Edwards, born in Kingston Jamaica, is devoted to the street styles of dance. For more than a decade, she has been practising and teaching Dancehall, Reggae, Traditional and Afrocentric Dance and considers herself 100% street certified. Stacia is the longest standing Female Dancehall Veteran and is the founder of the group Vibe Ihatas, who won the first Dancin Dynamite Competition in 2006.

Stacia Fya has worked with key artists including: Patra, Shabba Ranks, Busy Signal, Bounty Killer, Sizzla, Cecile, Lady Saw, Gyptian and Nicki Minaj.

Stacia is one of the most sought-after dancers and choreographers in Jamaica and has developed her own concept called ‘Confidence Dancehall’ to empower female dancers. She is a key member of Dance JA and shares their unified mission to educate the world about Jamaican Dancehall while preserving its authenticity.

Stacia Fya is creator of a number of key female Dancehall steps, namely:

  • Fabulus
  • Tek it
  • Kantankarus
  • I-Bless
  • Snake Charmer
  • Confidence

Check out the Dance JA YouTube channel here.



Stacia Fya

Stacia Fya’s European tours are  managed by:

  •  



Crazyhype

Dancehall Origins was excited to invite Crazyhype to London for our 2nd Edition in March 2017, nine years since his last workshop in the UK.

Michael ‘Crazyhype’ Graham, was born in St. Catherine Jamaica then moved to Kingston, where he met the Legend Mr.Wacky – who welcomed him into the Dancehall world.

Bringing new creative ideas to the Dancehall scene, Crazyhype is considered a Dancehall Pioneer. He is Founder and CEO of M.O.B. (Men Of Business) Dance Group, which now consists of Crazyhype, Cojo, Cash, Tom and Unknown.

In 2007 the group (M.O.B) entered the JCDC World Reggae Dance Championship and came out victorious, after which Crazyhype and M.O.B became household names across Jamaica.

Crazyhype has shared Dancehall culture around the world including Brazil, Russia, USA and across Europe.

He has appeared in music videos for renowned artists including: Shaggy, Cecile, Major Lazer, M.I.A, Pharell Williams, RDX, Future Fambo, Elephant Man and Oceana.

Crazyhype is also creator of a number of popular Dancehall steps, including:

  • Calm Dem Down
  • Paper Note
  • Mi Nuh Know
  • Master Piece
  • Wi Nuh C Dem
  • MVP
  • Wacky Skelly
  • Praise The Lord
  • PiCatchU

Check out his Instagram and Youtube channel.


Dancehall Origins Escape Edition was the first time Kimiko ‘Versatile’ Miller had taught in the Canary Islands. DHO was invited to join the teachers line-up at Escape Dance Holiday 2019 in Fuerteventura and Kimiko was the perfect choice!

Kimiko trained at the prestigious Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts, graduating in 2008. Since then she has performed as part of Jamaica’s renowned L’Acadco Dance Theatre Company, she has featured in music videos for Beenie Man, Vybz Kartel and Diana King, and she has travelled the world teaching sold-out workshops in Jamaican Folk and Authentic Dancehall including cities in Russia, Sweden and Italy.

Kimiko has created a number of popular Dancehall steps, including:

Cut and Clear
Kuukuu
Dig-it
Crunch
Passage Wine
Scizzors
Watch di Pumz
Purpletouch
Jafrican Whine
Knock It Up

Kimiko now operates her own dance studio in Kingston ‘Versatile Studioz’ and is the founder of popular all-female dance group ‘Versatile Ones’.

Check out Kimiko’s Instagram page here.

Kimiko’s European Tours are managed by:

Past Events

Dancehall Origins 1st Edition, 15 October 2016

Our 1st Edition took place in Chalk Farm, London with invited artists Global Bob and Shelly ‘First Lady’ Xpressionz direct from Jamaica. This was the first time either artist had ever taught in the UK.

Global Bob began the day with a 1.5hr workshop, taking us back to old skool Dancehall with steps including urkle, zip it up and world dance. This led us on to a 45min lecture led by Global Bob, sharing insight into Dancehall history and culture based on his own research and lived experiences in the Dancehall space.

Shelly Xpressionz closed our first event with a 1.5hr workshop for females only. She discussed the changing relationships between men and women in the Dancehall space, shared old skool steps including water pumpee and go go whine, before taking us to present day with her latest choreography for female Dancehall musician Spice.

Check out our highlights video below!

Dancehall Origins 2nd Edition, 18 March 2017

Our 2nd Edition returned to Chalk Farm in North London and was a clear development from our first event in October 2016. Building on this success, we saw an increase of 49% in participant numbers, we had Dancehall on the Big Screen and we were able to connect with more teachers/instructors – some travelling from Sheffield, Birmingham and even Italy to take part.

Global Bob started the day with a 45min lecture, setting the tone for the day by sharing cultural knowledge – rooted in Dancehall Origins’ core values.

After this came three high-energy workshops, one each by Global Bob, Crazyhype and Stacia Fya, all eager to share and accurately represent Dancehall culture – taking the participants on a unique journey to enhance their knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the form.

Global Bob led us through old skool Dancehall, Crazyhype focused on his new skool steps, and Stacia Fya led a females-only workshop that began with mento and dinki-mini, going on to skanks, before introducing us to her ‘Confidence Dancehall’ technique.

Check out our highlights video below!

Dancehall Origins Special Edition, 2 September 2017

Our Special Edition took place in Chalk Farm, London with invited artist Stacy Xpressionz leading her first ever UK workshop.

We are proud to build our relationship with Dance Xpressionz by hosting Stacy, after inviting Shelly Xpressionz to teach in the UK for the first time in October 2016.

For this Special Edition, Stacy’s high energy class featured renowned Dance Xpressionz female steps, including: lif’ it up, gwaan wid yuhself and skettel. Going on to discuss the difference between Dancehall for stage and Dancehall in the Dancehall Space, Stacy’s knowledge and experience proved invaluable for the UK dancers in attendance.

Sweat was dripping, laughs were bursting and good vibes were flowing – we can’t wait to invite Stacy back soon.

Check out our highlights video below!

Bruk Out! Screening, 8 November 2017

We were excited to work with Birds Eye View Film on the post-screening activity for Bruk Out, A Dancehall Queen Documentary at Curzon Soho.

The evening included a brilliant and insightful Panel Discussion with Anthony Andrews of We Are Parable and Shelaine Prince of Ignition Dance Company PLUS a jaw-dropping performance from DHQ Hanna Braveheart followed by music from DJ Chloë Dees.

Big thank you to Mia of Birds Eye View Film and Michael of Curzon for creating this platform to share part of Dancehall’s story, and for inviting Dancehall Origins to help ensure the screening was connected to (and showcased) the UK scene.

Bruk Out! screening, November 2018.

Dancehall Origins 3rd Edition, 18 November 2017

Our 3rd Edition took place in Chalk Farm, London with invited artists Latonya Style (leading her first ever UK workshop) and Global Bob – back by popular demand.

We started the day with a panel discussion between Latonya and Global Bob, chaired by renowned choreographer and storyteller “H” Patten. The artists spoke honestly about their journey within Dancehall, problems facing Jamaican artists at home and abroad, and their respective goals for the future.

After this, Latonya guided us through basic principles of female steps, right up to her own ‘Stylish Moves’ – spelling L.O.N.D.O.N with her unique choreography. Global Bob kept things old skool, sharing invaluable knowledge, but gave a whole new energy we’d never experienced before!

Five hours of Dancehall excellence! Check out our highlights video below.

Bruk Out! Screening, 7 March 2018

We were thrilled to present another screening of Bruk Out! A Dancehall Queen Documentary in London, this time working with Screen 25 to programme the evening, which featured a special Dancehall class with Ignition Dance Company plus a Q&A with IDC and Dancehall Origins – focusing on women in Dancehall and the UK scene.

Big thank you to Katie and the team at Screen 25 for partnering up with us and hosting the event at Harris Academy in South Norwood. Thank you also to our eight DHQs-in-the-making for joining the class, and to our brilliant audience (of 50 people!) who even cheered when the International Dancehall Queen 2014 was crowned.

Huge thank you to everyone involved and to all who came out. Watch the trailer for the film below and read a blog on the event here.

Dancehall Origins 4th Edition, 10 March 2018

Our 4th Edition took place in Chalk Farm, London with invited artists Orville Hall (leading his first ever UK workshop) and Shelly Xpressionz – back by popular demand.

We started the day with a 1hr lecture by Orville on the origins and evolution of Dancehall, setting the tone for the day by sharing cultural knowledge – rooted in Dancehall Origins’ core values. After this, Shelly led a “Female Fierceness inna Dancehall Style” workshop, focusing on the power and importance of the whine for female dancers. Next, Orville’s class “From Den ‘til Now” included current popular steps such as Hectic Dymondz ‘Walk’ and Dansa Bling’s ‘Top Dat’ right back to ‘Step Ova’, ‘Bogle’ and so much more – with incomparable energy! To close the day we had Shelly and Orville together, demonstrating how to adapt male steps to include female energy in the Dancehall space, as well as correcting common mistakes and exploring choreography.

This was an incredible day. With just over two weeks to promote, we saw 50 dancers participate (with some travelling from Bristol, Huddersfield, Argentina and Taiwan) and even had guest appearances from the legend ‘H’ Patten and Urkle (the creator of Urkle Dance).

Over six hours of Dancehall excellence! Check out our highlights video below.

Dancehall Origins performance, 13 September 2018

Early in September, we were approached by Jamaica Tourist Board UK to arrange a Dancehall performance at Travel Weekly UK’s annual Northern Ball. JTB were a headline sponsor for the event, and wanted something that would celebrate and showcase Jamaican Culture to the audience.

Five brilliant dancers stepped up to be involved: Adrian Ashdon Smith, Kaderoy Wildon, Marlon G Gordon, Marisse MissRose Dyer and Rashida Zion who created something fun, relatable, with plenty of VIBE!

We had a great time and can’t wait to see the professional footage. HUGE THANK YOU to the dancers for their energy and to Jamaica Tourist Board for inviting Dancehall Origins to be involved.

Dancehall Origins 5th Edition, 23 March 2019

Our 5th Edition took place in Chalk Farm, London with invited artists Famous Dancer and Dancing Rebel who led their first ever UK workshop.

We started the day with a New Skool Dancehall class from Dancing Rebel, which showed her world-renowned versatility and attracted the most male participants that we have ever had at a DHO event.

Next up, Famous Dancer took us on a journey through Middle Skool Dancehall with fierce attention to detail and crazy energy!

After this, we held a Q&A with both Rebel and Famous that was facilitated by renowned choreographer and storyteller “H” Patten. It’s important to us to give opportunity for discussion, to show the realities of working in Dancehall from the artists perspective. This was a rare chance to hear from Rebel and Famous about their journeys in Dancehall and we are so grateful for their honesty!

To close the day, Rebel taught a female-only workshop focusing on one of Spice’s latest tracks.

This was an incredible Edition. We saw our first release-tickets sell out on the first day, and we had the most participants we had ever seen before at a DHO event.

Over six hours of Dancehall excellence! Check out our highlights videos below.

Dancehall Origins Escape Edition, Fuerteventura 16-23 May 2019

Dancehall Origins was honoured to be invited to join the teaching line-up at Escape Dance Holiday 2019. Taking place 16-23 May on the stunning island of Fuerteventura, Escape was a dance holiday like no other. Hosted at the Las Playitas Golf and Spa Resort, the programme featured 24+ classes ranging from Hip Hop, to Dancehall, to African Dance led by some of the UK’s best teachers. For the first time, DHO hosted renowned Jamaican artist Kimiko Versatile at Escape, to lead Dancehall sessions and bring the 876 flavour to Las Playitas!

For Kimiko’s first class of the holiday, she started things off with an introduction to Ska before taking us right through to New Skool social dances like Hop A Long and Language. Next was her Bruk Out (females only) class, which had all the ladies feeling themselves to Kimi’s latest steps. Finally, she went head to head with Letitia Simpson to co-lead a Soca vs Dancehall session. Unfortunately, Soca took the win this time – but both routines were FIERCE.

Escape Dance Holiday was a huge celebration of Dance of the African Diaspora. We are so grateful to Impact Dance for the opportunity to share what we do and spread the word about DHO.

Check out highlights from Kimi’s first workshop below, and visit our YouTube channel to see footage from her other two classes!

Dancehall Origins x Queens On Top, 12-13 October 2019

We were so excited to start our first collaboration with Queens On Top, to bring you our first two day event that was all about empowering women through Dancehall.

Teaching for the FIRST TIME EVER in the UK, we had the one and only Mara Jackhammer flying in direct from Jamaica to teach TWO workshops sharing her unmistakable vibe!

Another UK FIRST, we learnt from Queens On Top founder DHQ Alevanille who proved every girl is a queen!

Alongside these amazing international artists, we had an incredible line-up of UK-based Dancehall teachers who came ready to show you that women have it all: Miss Rose, Jess Baddie, Natty JCDT and Shelaine Prince These QUEENS gave us New Skool, Mid Skool and DHQ Styles – standing on your head was optional!

IF THAT WASN’T ENOUGH we also hosted a screening of Bruk Out, A Dancehall Queen Documentary (featuring DHQ Alevanille) followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with all our teachers, facilitated by Dr Celena Monteiro.

This was a truly epic weekend celebrating all things women in Dancehall.

Get a glimpse of some highlights from the weekend below, and stay tuned for the class videos!

Testimonials

This will be a day I shall never forget in my Dancehall journey. Today’s sharing by one of the best in my personal opinion.

The sharing of roots, foundation of JA culture and knowledge about some of the most epic dancers/leaders in Dancehall provided by this King Global Bob. Thank you for the intimate knowledge. It was an honour.

Big up Dancehall Origins for organising and providing this platform for such amazing beings to grace our souls with this knowledge that will now be retained and shared.DHOrigins 1st Edition participant

Thank you for putting so much time and effort to bring authentic culture which has been hit and miss for me to find since moving to the UK. It was a joy to have Shelly and Orville’s wonderful credential and skill.DHOrigins 4th Edition participant
The cultural element, learning about the ORIGINS, having a combination of practice and lecture…thank you!DHOrigins 1st Edition participant
Highlight: all of it! It was great! Lovely people, great music, great fun. It was really good to learn some of the background culture and history behind the dance…please do more!DHOrigins 2nd Edition participant
If you’re in the UK Dancehall scene and didn’t come to Dancehall Origins to meet legends Shelly and Orville Xpressionz, what are we even talking about?! Even Urkle creator came to support! Can’t thank DHO enough for making these spiritual events that make all of us mad emotional.DHOrigins 4th Edition participant
Global Bob, you made a change in me. You opened my eyes to things I knew were there but never REALLY understood them. Thank you for dancing and thank you for teaching.DHOrigins 2nd Edition participant
It was super friendly and unpretentious which was great! It felt very inclusive for young and old. I love the ambition and the fact that you run this! Thank you!DHOrigins 4th Edition participant
My love and passion for Dancehall (attracted me to the event)…the possibility to study it with people directly from Jamaica that could give us a deep and honest understanding of it and the culture behind it – I would never have the opportunity to know (what was shared) just by studying the dance here in London.DHOrigins 2nd Edition participant
What I enjoy most about Dancehall Origins is that I get to support artists from Jamaica and learn (about the culture). It’s like feeling at home, but in England.DHOrigins 4th Edition participant
Hugely successful event made colourful and high octane by the Dancehall Origins performance. It was delightful to work with you. We were very impressed and will definitely be using you again.Jamaica Tourist Board

Dancehall Origins is endorsed by:










Dancehall Origins is excited to make connections with artists and organisations in London, across the UK and beyond.

While You Wait

Dancehall Origins receives regular enquiries about where to train while you wait for our next event.
Why not check out regular, weekly classes taking place across the UK?

Laura Basso – 6pm – Pineapple Dance Studios, 7 Langley Street, London, WC2H 9JA

JCDT – 6.30pm – Base Dance Studios, 4 Tinworth Street, London, SE11 5EJ

Island Dance Fitness* – 7pm & 7.45pm  – Yorkshire Dance, St Peter’s Square, Leeds, LS9 8AH

Laura Basso – 7.15pm – Third Space, 67 Brewer Street, Soho, London, W1F 9US

Mash It Up Fitness* – 7.15pm – The Fitness Club, Surrey Street, Sheffield, S1 2LG

Ignition Dance Company – 7.30pm – Base Dance Studios, 4 Tinworth Street, London SE11 5EJ

Sarah ‘SHE’ Hobson – 8pm – The Fitness Club, Surrey Street, Sheffield, S1 2LG

Paradigmz – 8pm – Danceworks, 16 Balderton Street, London, W1K 6TN

DHK Pandi – 8pm – Base Dance Studios, 4 Tinworth Street, London SE11 5EJ

Confi Dance – 8pm – Ab Salute Gym,  3B Hubert Rd, Brentwood, CM14 4JE

Dancehall & Soca Mondays – 8.30pm – Husky Studio, 29a Amelia Street, London, SE17 3PY

Wuk-Up Academy* – 8.30pm – Base Dance Studios, 4 Tinworth Street, London, SE11 5EJ

Reggae Aerobics* – 6pm – Islington Arts Factory, 2 Parkhurst Road, London, N7 0SF

Jess Baddie – 6pm – Studio 68, 68 Ewer Street, London, SE1 0NR

Marta Szlach – 6pm – Pineapple Dance Studios, 7 Langley Street, London, WC2H 9JA

Throwback Tuesdays – 6.30pm – Husky Studio, 29a Amelia Street, London, SE17 3PY

Magnum Artifex – 7.30pm – Dance Studio Leeds, Mill 6, Mabgate Mills, Macaulay St, Leeds, LS9 7SW

Jess Baddie – 8pm – At Your Beat, Sylvia Young Theatre School, 1 Nutford Place, London, W1H 5YZ

Naomi Czuba Dance – 8.15pm – UNIT 16, Bizspace Alexander Road, London Colney, AL2 1JG

Ignition Dance Company – 8.30pm – Studio.B, 130 Brixton Hill, London, SW2 1RS

Rockaz Tuesdayz Fresh Az Ice – 8.45pm – Husky Studio, 29a Amelia Street, London, SE17 3PY

Jess Baddie – 6pm – Gymbox Old Street, 201A Old Street, London, EC1V 9NP

Mash It Up Fitness* – 6pm – Danceworks, 16 Balderton Street, London, W1K 6TN

Shallahni Rose – 6pm – Buzz Gym, Herschel Street, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 1PG

Rise Youth Dance (adult class, age 16+) – 6pm – Filwood Community Centre, Barnstable Road, Bristol, BS4 1JP

DanceABeat* – 6.15pm – Forest YMCA, Walthamstow, London, E17 3EF

Reggae Aerobics* – 6.30pm – YMCA at ONE KX, 120 Cromer Street, London, WC1H 8BS

Island Dance Fitness* – 6.30pm – Dance Studio Leeds, Mill 6, Mabgate Mills, Macaulay St, Leeds, LS9 7SW

Culture Vybez* – 7pm – Studio 25, 25 Church St, Manchester, M4 1PE

Mash It Up Fitness* – 7pm – Pineapple Dance Studios, 7 Langley Street, London, WC2H 9JA

Dancehall Vybz UK – 7pm – Studio.B, 130 Brixton Hill, London, SW2 1RS (starting 1 May 2019)

Timeless / Pretty Shades – 7.30pm – The Rose Lipman Library, 43 De Beauvoir Road, London, N1 5SQ

Rise Youth Dance (adult class, age 16+) – 7.30pm – City Academy High School, Russel Town Ave, Bristol, BS5 9HJ

AfroVibes Dance – 8.15pm – Centre Stage Studio, 1 Gurney Road, E15 1SH

Jess Baddie – 8.30pm – Base Dance Studios, 4 Tinworth Street, London SE11 5EJ

Wuk-Up Academy* – 8.30pm – Innovation Dance Studios, 120 Pitshanger Lane, London, W5 1QP

Margerida Peneda – 6.30pm – Flow Dance London, Kennington Business Park, 1-3 Brixton Road, London SW9 6DE

Jess Baddie – 6.45pm – Gymbox Stratford, 6 Chestnut Place, London, E20 1GL

Laura Basso – 7.15pm – Third Space, 67 Brewer Street, Soho, London, W1F 9US

Dance Emporium – 8pm – Dance Emporium, Albert Mills, Albert Street, Huddersfield, HD1 3PZ

Marta Szlach – 8pm – Pineapple Dance Studios, 7 Langley Street, London, WC2H 9JA

Vybz FitNatixs* – 8pm – Wavelengths Leisure Centre, Giffin Street, London, SE8 4RJ (returns end of 2018)

Pareesha – 8.30pm – Dance Studio Leeds, Mabgate Mills, Leeds, LS9 7SW

Ignition Dance Company – 8.30pm – Studio.B, 130 Brixton Hill, London, SW2 1RS

Wuk-Up Academy* – 8.30pm – Innovation Dance Studios, 120 Pitshanger Lane, London, W5 1QP

Shallahni Rose – 8.30pm – Base Dance Studios, 4 Tinworth Street, London SE11 5EJ

Free Up Fridays – 6pm – Base Dance Studios, 4 Tinworth Street, London SE11 5EJ

Chukkky Bulletproof876 – 7.30pm – Husky Studio, 29a Amelia Street, London, SE17 3PY

Wuk-Up Academy* – 7.30pm – Paul Wiffen Academy, Whitewall Road, Rochester, ME2 4DZ

DHK Pandi & Marta Szlach – 8pm – Pineapple Dance Studios, 7 Langley Street, London, WC2H 9JA

Jess Baddie – 8.30pm – Base Dance Studios, 4 Tinworth Street, London SE11 5EJ

Martyna Bozentka – 8.30pm – Base Dance Studios, 4 Tinworth Street, London SE11 5EJ

Mash It Up Fitness* – 10.45am – The Fitness Club, Surrey Street, Sheffield, S1 2LG

Wuk-Up Academy* – 11am – St Helen’s Sports Centre, 75 Green Lane, Northwood, HA6 1AF

Jess Baddie – 1pm – At Your Beat, White Space, 5 Great Newport St, London WC2H 7JB

JCDT – 4pm – Base Dance Studios, 4 Tinworth Street, London, SE11 5EJ

Dancehall Vibes – 4pm – Base Dance Studios, 4 Tinworth Street, London, SE11 5EJ

Streetenvy Dance Academy – 7pm – Oriental City (1st Floor), Eastgate Road, Bristol, BS5 6XX

*classes marked with this symbol indicate fitness-based classes inspired by Dancehall

Please note, none of the above classes are taught or managed by Dancehall Origins. Please contact individual teachers/studios (using the links provided) for confirmation of styles, dates, times, locations and prices.

These are classes we are currently aware of, do you know of any others? If so, get in touch and we’ll add them here.

The Organiser


Emily and Tashon co-manage Dancehall Origins.

Emily is responsible for the creative vision of DHO: everything from planning, communicating with artists and their managers, booking the venue, arranging flights/travel/accommodation, hosting the day, editing the video footage and pretty much anything else you can think of!

Tashon is responsible for event logistics, our marketing strategy, brand design, photography and filming – everything and anything to do with digital media.

We are supported on event days by brilliant volunteers Jess, Joanna, Sayak, Zoe and Urté.


Get In Touch


Want to find out more? Support us? Add a testimonial? 

Send us an email: emily@dancehallorigins.co.uk