Meet the team
Grace - Founder and Teacher
A little note from me:
Firstly welcome to the Long Island Stompers family, we are so pleased to have you checking out our website.
When starting this venture I could never have expected it to go quite the way it did, and now my little idea has become my full time job.
I love how our classes are accessible to all ages and abilities and how they allow a new generation of dancers to come through who may have been put off by the more traditional country and folk line dancing.
My Background
I've been a dancer since the age of 2 and I've trained in contemporary, ballet, street dance, dance fitness and line dancing.
My love for line dancing began when I started my first class back in 2005 which makes me feel very old!! My mum would take me along with her to a little church in Sandown where we would learn classic line dances.
I trained at the university of Essex completing a degree in dance in the community where I specialised in contemporary, street and jazz as well as completing a 3rd year dissertation looking at how dance should be accessible to all abilities.
During my degree I also taught street dance and contemporary for children with additional needs and became the first student to run successful dance society classes throughout campus.
When I moved back to the island I concentrated on dance fitness and Zumba which I taught for over a decade.
but now... I'm going back to my root and loving life while doing it, I have line dancing for 20 years, and been teaching for most of that time.
Over the years I have watched Line dancing grow and develop into an amazing place for self expression and interpretation and now as we hit 2024 we see people just can't get enough of our NEW MODERN LINEDANCING
So forget what you know so far, because you are about to be transported into the new era of country and chart line dance
You will NOT be disappointed.
My Classes:
Shanklin, Binstead, Brighstone, Gunville Thursday Evening, and Freshwater
Lewis - Teacher
A little note from me:
I’m thrilled to be joining the team at Long Island Stompers. From my very first class, I was hooked by the energy, the brilliant music choices, and the genuinely welcoming atmosphere. Grace has created such a vibrant, inclusive community, and I’m really looking forward to playing a part in spreading the joy of line dancing even further.
My Background
I first caught the dance bug on a family holiday learning line dances — I loved it so much, I dragged my parents to local classes when we got home. In my teens it was step aerobics, then a Performing Arts diploma where I discovered I danced far better than I acted — and enjoyed it more, too!
I trained at Coventry University, the Scottish School of Contemporary Dance (briefly), and later returned to study at Birkbeck and Northbrook College. While I chose not to chase a full-time professional dance career, I’ve performed at events including Camp Bestival and been involved in exciting community-based arts projects along the way.
My Classes:
Chale, Brading and Wroxall
A comment from the boss
When Lewis emailed me about wanting to get more involved with the Stompers, I was very excited. Having only met lewis through covering a Gunville class he went to, I could instantly see his passion for dance. He radiates energy and posititivity.
I've been very excited to work with Lewis through the past few weeks, getting him unto scratch with the transition to teaching, not that he needed much guidance, he's a natural. Watch this space...
Amy- Assistant Teacher
A little note from me:
Grace approached me about working with the stompers team after we chatted about all our previous line dancing experience and shared our love for the style, I was over the moon to join the team, and currently assist classes.
There is nothing better after a long day at work than putting on your dancing shoes and joining a line dancing group.
At Long Island Stompers classes are fun, easy to follow and you will always leave with a smile on your face.
My Background
I started line dancing when I was 13 years old and i've been going to classes all across the island with different instructors and styles.
Long Island Stompers give a new flavour to a classic dance style using different terminology which is easier to get to grips with and so much fun to dance.
When the opportunity to join the stompers team arose, I jumped at the chance, what's better than doing what you love for work as well as fun.
My Classes:
Brighstone
A comment from the Boss
Amy is such a beautiful line dancer and a wonderful person, when she started coming along to classes I knew straight away she was very experienced.
Amy has been with me from day 1, literally and I couldn't have done this journey without her, she's not only part of the stompers team, but she is now a dear friend.
Kelly - Teacher
A little note from me:
After finding the Long Island Stompers back in October 2024 and joining my first class, I instantly felt welcomed, supported and I looked forward to going each week to catch up with the new friends I'd made. I soon realised just how special this fabulous group of people are and couldn't wait to get more involved with events, performing and helping others learn the steps along the way.
My Background
I started ballet at a young age before moving to tap dancing and then disco dancing, finally taking up line dancing in my teens. I've performed with The Wight Strollers in various pantomimes since I was a child, before leaving to have my children. I then started teaching country dancing at my girls' school for many years, before rejoining the Strollers and taking on several lead roles in recent years. I'm so excited to be teaching classes and passing on my love of line dancing.
My Class:
Gunville Wednesday evening
A comment from the boss
Kelly is the most wonderful human being and she has been an absolute star from the very beginning.
She is one of those people who makes everyone feel comfortable and she is so approachable if you ever need help with getting the steps
I could think of no better person to join our team at a very crucial time in the Stompers journey and her classes will no doubt be popular and sooo much fun.
I'm very lucky to have her on the team
Michaela - Junior Stompers Teacher
A Little note from me:
I remember seeing an advert on facebook about modern line dancing and in January 2024 I stomped it out for the very first time and have never looked back! I absolutely love line dancing because it brings so much joy and balance into my life. It’s an amazing workout that boosts both my physical and mental health — I leave every session feeling energised, clearer in my mind, and happier in my heart. The music is fantastic, the routines are super fun and our incredible teachers really help break routines down into clear and manageable steps. There’s something so satisfying about moving in sync with everyone else (Well... mostly! As my T-shirt says... 'Missteps are unexpected solos!' Lol) What makes it even more special is the sense of community; line dancing is so inclusive and welcoming, and it truly feels like being part of one huge family. I love that there is no judgement on age, size, ability or gender. Exactly how life should be! It’s the highlight of my week, something I always look forward to, and it never fails to make me smile and laugh. I’m so excited to share that joy by starting a Junior Stompers after-school club - with support and guidance from our amazing Grace - I can’t wait to pass on the fun, confidence, and feel-good energy it brings! I know they are going to love it! Let's continue to spread more line dancing around the island like confetti!
My Background:
I am a qualified primary teacher, having graduated from St Mary’s University, Twickenham in 2011. Since then, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to step away from my teaching role on two occasions to spend precious time with our two wonderful children, now aged 10 and 2. Being able to watch them grow and be present for those early years has been a true privilege. Now, I’m excited to step back into working with children part-time, and I’ve recently begun tutoring and doing cover work at a local school. I’m also thrilled to be branching out in a new and challenging direction by teaching line dancing to KS2 children for an after school club — an opportunity I’m so grateful for. I am honoured to work with Grace and help with Junior Stompers! I have a heart full of love, kindness, and passion. Having a child myself with additional needs has heightened my passion for inclusion and my commitment to ensuring every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential and have the happiest life possible. I can’t wait to see this exciting new chapter unfold!
My class:
Island primary schools
A comment from the boss:
Where to start with Michaela..... She is so incredible with everyone she meets, with the patience of a saint. She is a fantastic dancer and her love for line dancing shines through in every way. We had lots of chats about starting classes in school and everything just fell into place at the right time,
She is one in a million and I can't wait to see how this wonderful chapter unfolded for us both.
Norma - Teaching Assistant
A little note from me:
In 2024 I found Long Island Stompers and I can honestly say I've never looked back and it's changed my life.I've met some wonderful people who I can now call friends.
I am so happy and honoured to be part of the stompers family and to now be part of the team.
My Background
My Journey has been slightly different than the rest of the stompers team. I've always been the first on the dance floor and the last to leave. Throughout my life I've done step aerobics, aerobics, yoga and pilates wanting to keep fit.
My first experience of line dancing was while on holiday with my late husband, but when I came back home there was just nothing like it over here.
I retired as a hair dresser in 2023 and after a relationship breakdown I was feeling pretty low and had really lost myself.
Then I found Long Island Stompers.
My Class:
Yaverland and Gunville Thursday evening
A comment from the boss
I think Norma had a shock when I asked her to join our team, Norma has the ability to pick up routines in no time and welcomes everyone into classes like they have always been part of the family.
Her positivity was so endearing considering how much she has been through.
We now call her my stalker as she is always the first one to help with events and spread the word about our classes.
I have a lot of time and love for this lady, and the fact that she has become a line dancer through Long Island Stompers is just the most incredible thing.
Rebecca V - Cover Teacher
A little note from me
I am super excited to be joining the Long Island Stompers. After attending my first class, I knew straight away that I wanted to be a part of the lovely community Grace had built. There is no better feeling than doing something you love and I love dancing.
My Background
I started dancing as soon as I could walk. I trained in multiple styles (including line dancing) and went on to become an associate teacher of Freestyle and Hip Hip/Street Dance. Over the past 16 years I have taught at various dance schools and schools on the island. I have made a lot of happy memories performing in fantastic locations in the UK and abroad; my favourite being the Royal Albert Hall. I’m really looking forward to meeting you all and sharing the fun of modern line dancing.
My Classes:
Binstead, Brading and Gunville
A comment from the boss
This wonderful human joined our team after seeing an advert for additional teachers. Rebecca has a very similar teaching style to me ( where we don't always say the right thing) I knew she would fit right in. Nobody's perfect right?
Her dedication to helping grown our business has been incredible and she's an absolute gem, I'm very lucky to have her.