Looking for a Swing Dance band?

Look no further!

Why work with me?

You need a Swing Band for your event. You want the dance floor to be packed from start to finish with songs in tempos to suit your beginners right up to your advanced dancers.

You need a band leader who understands the music and the dance; Lindy Hop, Balboa, Blues, Shag. The tempos, the rhythm, the groove, and the song length.

ENTER TESSA AND THE APPLEJACKS

“Tessa and her AppleJacks are entertaining captivating and really fun to move to. Their music choice has a variety of flavours to suit and will stretch your dancing to its optimum. Tessa has a natural flare and confidence so much so you just can’t keep your eyes off her. A must experience.”

- Trisha Sewell (teacher/performer/director of SavoyHop)

Singing for dancers is one of my favourite things to do. I love visiting different swing dance scenes and making music worthy of swinging-out to, for beginners and professionals alike

When I walked into my first ever Lindy Hop lesson back in 2010, something clicked. Suddenly, the music that I had been studying and singing for over 8 years became even more vibrant. I could see that there was more to Swing Music than a music to just sit and listen to. I saw how the dancers could be part of the improvisational conversation.

I was hooked.

I started heading to as many dance classes and socials as I could - travelling all over the North, to sometimes dance 6/7 nights a week!

By learning to dance myself, I learned about the best tempos to play for dancers, and I created a set of music that I believe is perfect for dancing to.

“Tessa Smith was storming at the Sunday tea dance! I would certainly recommend her and her band anytime. Her smart choices of songs at perfect dance tempos had a particular groove, that compelled you to stay on the dance floor with a warm feeling in the soul.”

- Ryan Francois (performer/choreographer/teacher)

Some name-dropping…

Over the years, I have been so grateful to perform across the country for various different events with some of my favourite musicians. I’ve performed for University swing societies, local scenes, exchanges, festivals, workshops; providing music for both teacher showcases, and social dances.

I’ve performed for and with:

Skye and Frida, Jo Hoffberg, Sharon Davis, Trisha Sewell, Isabella and Pontus, Bic and Simone, Ryan Francois, Sinclair Ang, Mikey Pedroza, Gaby Cook and countless other incredible dancers.

I’ve also sung with two of the most popular Swing Dance bands in the world - Gordon Webster’s band and the Shirt Tail Stompers.

Get in touch

I am always willing to chat openly about the needs of each dance event. I have run a number of Swing Dance events in the past, from small Tea Dances to weekend events with international teachers, so I understand all the things event organisers have to juggle; including budgets!

We can talk about band size options and fees, and see what will work for your event and allow me to give you the best band experience I can.

Please email me to chat further - I’d love to hear from you!