Geoff & Sue Routh have been teaching dance for over 15 years.  As the principals of Footloose Rockers, their aim is to instil a sense of fun and vitality into classes and social events, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Geoff first started learning rock n roll dancing in 1988 and by 1989, was learning with East West Rock n Roll – one of the original, and largest rock n roll dance studios in Sydney.  Within a short period of time, he was asked to assist in teaching lessons, and also took over classes all together if the teacher was unable to attend.

In 1990 Geoff and some friends started their own studio - Rave On Rock n Roll.  In 1992 Geoff went on to start Footloose Rock n Roll Dance Studio and has been successfully teaching all levels of rock n roll, swing, rockabilly, lindy hop, cha cha, waltz and step rock in Sydney and Wollongong since that time.  The first location was in a hall in Campbelltown with new venues opening up in quick succession across Sydney. 

Funnily enough, Sue also started learning to dance around 1988 - Ballroom and New Vogue, not rock n roll.  After learning the more formal styles for a couple of years, she decided that it was time to look for something a bit more lively, and learnt both rock n roll and rockabilly for many years.

Geoff and Sue first met in December 1993 at a Rock n Roll Prom in Canberra, and the rest as they say, is history…………

Geoff & Sue who were married in January 1996, made a formidable team and quickly created a thriving dance studio which is now teaching over 220 people a week.  They have also been instrumental in training people to teach, with quite a few of their students now having their own successful dance studios.

In 1997 Geoff & Sue were approached to start teaching in the Wollongong area (about an hour south of Sydney).  They started teaching at Pt Kembla Leagues and quickly opened a succession of locations teaching 3 nights a week.  Wollongong proved to be so popular they decided to move there in 2003 after travelling for many years.  Geoff & Sue now teach solely in the Wollongong area, where rock n roll and swing are thriving.

They organise a huge amount of social activities for their students including weekends away, picnics, ten-pin bowling, harbour cruises, not to mention regular social dances.  They even plan major holidays for their students including trips to Thailand, a P & O cruises, and Hawaii and coming up soon, who knows? Maybe New Zealand.

QUALIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

Geoff Routh

• Chairman, United Rockabilly Rock n Roll Federation of Aust. Inc. - 6 years
• Adjudicator and Compare of Competitions, URRRFA – 8 years
• Founding Member – Australian Rock n Roll Dance Council
• Associate – Australian Rock n Roll Council - Rock n Roll Dance Branch
• Affiliate - Australian Rock n Roll Council - Rock n Roll Freestyle Branch
• Affiliate - Australian Rock n Roll Council – Swing & Jitterbug Branch
• Associate - Australian Rock n Roll Council - Rockabilly Branch

Sue Routh

• Treasurer, United Rockabilly Rock n Roll Federation of Aust Inc – 4 years
• Adjudicator – URRRFA – 6 years
• Affiliate - Australian Rock n Roll Council - Rock n Roll Dance Branch
• Affiliate - Australian Rock n Roll Council - Rock n Roll Freestyle Branch
• Affiliate - Australian Rock n Roll Council – Swing & Jitterbug Branch
• Associate - Australian Rock n Roll Council - Rockabilly Branch

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2000 -  Organised and choreographed 155 couples to dance at the Sydney Rugby League Grand Final in front of 93,000 people.
• 2001 - Performed in an Australian-made feature film with Paul Mercurio called “THE FINDER”
• 2003 – Performed and featured in an ad for Bushells Tea
• 2003 – Performed live on Channel 10’s comedy show “The Panel”
• Formed the Footloose Dance Troupe who have performed at many functions including Wollongong City Council Australia Day Celebrations, New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular, Festivals, Street Parades, Weddings, Birthdays, Football games etc.

Geoff & Sue are keen supporters of local charities and have raised many thousands of dollars for charity including:

• $21,000 for the Parameadows Foundation – a local school for the physically and intellectually disabled
• Over $10,000 for the Cancer Council – organizing teams for the Relay for Life
• Over $9,000 for Canteen (teenagers who have been touched by Cancer)

These are just a few of the titles held by Geoff & Sue’s students who have competed in major dance events: (all having earned 1^st place in their respective events):

2001  ACT Dance Championships – Adult Novice – Keith & Marian Stewartson

2001 – ACT Dance Championships – E Grade – Terry & Wendy Rowe

2001 Pan Pacific Dance Championships  - E grade – Steve Laker & Jill Wiggins

2002 ACT National Dance Championships – E Grade – Terry & Wendy Rowe

2002 ACT National Dance Championships – D Grade – Bill Dobell & Ricky Anderson

2002 ACT National Dance Championships – Over 45’s – Bill Dobell & Ricky Anderson

2002 National Dance Championships – D Grade – Steven Rowe & Gemma Allen; 

2002 National Dance Championships E – Grade - Rachel & Michelle Lees

2002 National Dance Championships Professional/Amateur E Grade – Geoff Routh & Michelle Lees

2002 National Dance Championships Professional with Amateur D Grade – Sue Routh & Steven Rowe

And the list goes on………..

Geoff & Sue have brought many years of fun, entertainment and happiness to thousands of people ranging in age from a young 6 to a “youngish” 78 year old!

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