Our Story
Keen to learn West Coast Swing from a real person and not just from YouTube videos, Sharon organised a venue and set up social media accounts to spread the word that a West Coast Swing class was starting with Shane McKeever as the weekly teacher.
So, in August 2012 West Coast Swing NI was created and had its first Wednesday night Class in Windsor Tennis club.
When Shane could no longer teach due to other commitments, Sharon took over this roll and started travelling to the UK and Europe attending as many workshops and events as she could.
In 2017, Sharon invited Andrew Shellard, an Allstar from France, to come and teach for a weekend workshop. Well he loved NI that much a year later he had moved over and took over teaching the weekly classes. With Andrew teaching and Sharon working behind the scenes, together they created Swingterfell, NI’s first ever 3 day WCS event.
2020 threw a spanner in the works! Andrew moved back to France, we had a much longer than expected break. But.. we are back!
The amazingly talented Gráinne Farrell, started assisting the classes in 2022, but now co - teaches with Sharon (when she can get a word in)
There is never a dull moment with this duo!
Meet The Team
Meet the Team
Founder / Teacher
Sharon Matchett
Sharon has been integral to the West Coast Swing scene in Northern Ireland since its inception in 2012. Despite starting her dance journey in her mid-thirties after receiving vouchers for a class, her background as a competitive figure skater proved beneficial. Quickly becoming immersed in dancing, she attended classes three nights a week, frequented social events, and avidly watched YouTube videos. Unable to find West Coast Swing classes initially, she delved into Lindy Hop instead, eventually teaching and contributing to its growth in Belfast. Transitioning solely to West Coast Swing, Sharon has dedicated herself to nurturing and leading the community, she would say she is a scene leader first and teacher second.
Teacher
Gráinne Farrell
Gráinne's dance journey began early, joining her parents' salsa class at just 7 years old. Seeking something new at 11, she ventured into hip hop, eventually winning the Irish Hip hop Idol title. At 16, she rediscovered salsa at social events with her parents. In 2018, a West Coast Swing demo at the Salsa Summer Ball captivated her, leading her down a rabbit hole of YouTube videos. Inspired, she started attending classes and hasn't looked back since. Gráinne has since traveled extensively, learning from and competing alongside the best in the UK, Europe, and the US.