Peter and Lauren
Peter & Lauren are two dynamic instructors with over thirty years of teaching experience between them. Based in Seattle, they are highly in-demand, sharing their passion for the great classic dances of the Swing Era. Their classes and workshops are noted for their clarity, humor and high spirits!
Peter Flahiff began swing dancing in 1993 and started teaching just one year later. He’s taught across the United States and around the world, including Herrang Dance Camp (Sweden,) Lindy Focus (USA,) Camp Hollywood (USA,) California Balboa Classic (USA,) Balboa on the River (Australia,) and many others. Peter has been a featured DJ at The Snowball, The Experiment, California Balboa Classic, and Camp Hollywood, to name a few. He’s also a noted coach, lecturer, emcee and competition judge.
Today, Peter counts some of the world’s top dancers and instructors as his own former students. Peter’s worldwide reputation is as a highly sought-after social dancer and instructor. He helped create several thriving venues over the years (Rusty’s Rhythm Club in Los Angeles, ATOMIC Ballroom in Orange County, and Eastside Stomp in Seattle.)
Lauren Smith has been dancing throughout her life and started swing dancing in 2007 when a friend brought her to LA’s Lindy Groove. After that, she could be found dancing almost every night of the week, competing regularly, and teaching locally and around the world.
Lauren has taught at Balboa on the River (Australia,) Minor Swing (Sweden,) Edinburgh Balboa and Shag Festival (Scotland,) and Big Sky Weekend (USA,) to name a few, and has headlined events across Europe, Australia, and the United States. She specializes in Jazz era dances, including Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston, Collegiate Shag, and Solo Jazz. Her degree in vocal music education allows her to bring a unique approach to classes, incorporating natural musicality, body efficiency, and Alexander method techniques.
Lauren regularly competes as both a lead and a follow, and has won and placed in a number of dance competitions, including Hot Rhythm Holiday, Camp Hollywood, the Lone Star Championships, Inspiration Weekend, Le Hot Sauce, and many others. She is also a sought after competition judge. Lauren has been a DJ at several notable events, including The Snowball, Bal-Ast Off!, The Balboa Experiment, Balboa on the River, and Big Sky Weekend, and many other events around the world.