Testimonials

Dance Classes

“The classes at Bees’ Knees are always a lot of fun and more importantly easy for anyone to learn. I took my first classes with another school and the process of learning to dance was much more complicated and I found that I was stressed at the end of the class as I was worrying that I was falling behind and reluctant to go back. After changing schools, I’m constantly amazed at how the instructors can break it down in a way that is so easy that a class full of new dancers are dancing by the end of their first class! I recommend Bees’ Knees for anyone wishing to learn to dance in a friendly, fun and supportive environment!” – Jaime Almond, Business Strategist, www.jaimealmond.com

“Hi Mandi! I took my first Lindy Hop lesson last night (had limited west coast lessons previously). Your class was very well paced – but not too difficult and although I expected to “fumble through it” before I came – that was not the case…. It was fabulous! And, you exude such energy and style. Thank you for such a nice “first” experience. I’ll be back next week.” - Stella G.

“Mandi brings an abundance of skill and experience to her teaching. But what really makes her classes special is her infectious enthusiasm. It’s simply impossible to dance with Mandi and not have fun!” – Dave Steinberg

“I started dancing at around 53 years, when the rest of the Hoppers were in their 20s. Bees’ Knees Dance instructors, notably Mandi, were really patient with me, included me in an amateur performance and gave me the courage to “do it”. I’m still dancing with the Lindy community in Toronto and enjoying the mix of ages, backgrounds and dancing styles. Keep doing it, Mandi” – Moira Seed

“I’ve had the opportunity to learn from a number of swing instructors from all over the world. I have yet to find anyone who could equal Mandi’s innate ability to teach in a fun and relaxed atmosphere and to inspire a great number of students. Technique can be taught by many, but passion and love of dance is taught by few. Mandi is a breath of fresh air who showed me how to truly connect with another person in a beautiful display of cooperation, playfulness and creativity.” – Tamie Dale

“After taking Latin and ballroom dancing a friend of mine persuaded me to try Lindy Hop. I struggled through a workshop and then enrolled in classes with Mandi. Doing so was one of the best things I have ever done. Mandi is a personable, skilled, dedicated dancer with a warm and inviting classroom manner. She is positive and constructive in her appoach but insistent on having skills learned properly. Although I am retired and attended without a partner I never felt out of place. There is no generation gap in the swing dance community. Having spent my career in education, my final years as a secondary school principal I recognize an exceptional teacher when I see one. Mandi is certainly one of those. Coming from out of town I often drove through terrible winter conditions. Mandi’s class was always worth the drive. Because of Mandi’s instruction I am very comfortable dancing the Lindy Hop and a much better dancer in general. Mandi has truly enriched my life.”
- Michael Wasylenky

“I have always enjoyed taking Lindy Hop lessons with Bees’ Knees Dance. Mandi is a master at authentic, Savoy-style Lindy Hop. She brings the joyful spirit of the Swing Era to every class. Mandi is also highly skilled at working with all levels of students – from beginners to advanced dancers. She always gives personal attention to all her students – providing them with tips and techniques to help them improve their dancing. The only complaint I have about Mandi’s classes is that they end too soon!” – Rachel Sparacio-Foster

“I had dreamed of dancing to the swing music of the nineteen-thirties and forties for quite some time but had thought that era had long since passed. When I learned that swing music and dancing were alive and well, I knew I had to try. Bees Knee’s Dance gave me everything I was looking for and more. The classes are inviting, friendly and fun and Mandi Gould’s dedication to teaching authentic Lindy Hop is unparalleled.”
- Bryan Vandenberg

Wedding Choreography

“Mandi choreographed our Lindy Hop wedding dance in 2006. She originally planned to choreograph a short routine, but she became so excited about the project, that she developed choreography for the entire song! This attests to Mandi’s enthusiasm and her passion for Lindy Hop. Although we only had time for a few practice sessions before the wedding, the dance came together beautifully. The routine was fun and our guests loved it.” - Charlie Foster & Rachel Sparacio-Foster