Spirit of the South © All Rights Reserved.

Site designed and Maintained by Justine

Hello, I'm Justine.

I’m the manager and hostess of the Spirit of the South. But I wanted to use this space to tell you a little about myself and my dance classes.

I started Line dancing in 1996 at a Romney Marsh dance class run by Bob & Kath Cribben, immediately catching the line dance bug.

Dancing at social clubs with friends I had made was great as I was new to the area.

I didn't dance for long as I was expecting, and in July 1997 My beautiful daughter was born, Although not without problems. Pre-eclampsia during pregnancy almost cost me and my daughter our lives. 18 months and still 3 stone heavier I decided to return to the Dance class, My husband (not really one for dancing) was happy to enjoy quiet time with Natalie once a week while I went out, so I started getting really involved.

By 2000 I was teaching a class of absolute beginners, in a small village hall, By the way those flame shirts were all the rage in 2000.....

Moving on. My classes grew and I decided if a jobs worth doing , its worth doing right. So I trained hard, took my teachers exams with the C.W.D.C (Country & Western Dance Council) and became a National Dance instructor. At this point I had encouraged John to dance with me and we started to teach partner classes together for a while. This was great fun but lack of attendance put a stop to that. although we still enjoy a few partner dances when we are out.
 

In 2004 I opened the Spirit of the South, and as you can see we are having a blast every month, with different events. Its hard work and takes up a lot of my time, but it is worth it every month when we are watching and dancing to the best of British country Music. I work very closely with Scott Valance, from Nashville Artist Management who provide most of

the acts at the club, Scott has become a great friend over the years, John and I were privileged to be invited to Norfolk in 2006 to his wedding.

I have been very lucky to host some brilliant acts at the club over the years, including the outstanding Swing Commanders. I have been involved in putting music into a

Harley Davidson bike show, The New Romney Country fair, a fund raiser for St. Nicholas Primary school, Choreographer workshop days, not to mention our all day festivals. I am very proud of the club and all we have achieved in a small time.

I have a great family, a very supportive husband, and understanding Daughter.

I also work from home as a qualified web designer, and support my Mum's western wear business ' Bobbie - Ann's western wear' through advertising web presence and carrying her merchandise to gigs... I love Line dancing and Country Music, I consider myself very lucky to have jobs that not only work round my family life, but are fun and different week to week. I have met some fascinating people and continue to be surprised at what’s around the next corner. Who knows where it will take me next.