Strictly sensation to get city swinging at 25th City of Derry Jazz Festival
22 April 2026
The City of Derry Jazz Festival is set to add some extra sparkle to its 25th anniversary edition next week, as Strictly Come Dancing choreographer Jenny Thomas brings her show-stopping expertise to a series of special dance workshops throughout the festival.
Widely recognised for her work on the hit BBC show, Jenny has been the mastermind behind some of Strictly’s most memorable performances, racking up perfect tens from the judges with her dynamic routines and dazzling choreography. Now festival-goers will have the opportunity to learn from one of the very best when she hosts three dedicated dance workshops and a special swing dance event over the festival weekend.
The workshops will take place in St Columb’s Hall on Saturday May 2nd and Sunday May 3rd, with a packed programme catering for all levels. Saturday will feature a beginners’ workshop and a solo Charleston session, while Sunday dancers can refine their moves at a ‘Style Your Lindy Hop’ workshop. Jenny will also host a dedicated Swing dance event on Saturday night, promising a lively, céilí-style celebration for swing enthusiasts, and look out for a special guest appearance at the Mayor’s Tea Dance on Friday.
Jenny’s journey with Strictly began after performing on the US version of the show Dancing With the Stars with her partner Ryan Francois. They both later choreographed on BBC’s Strictly Dance Fever, presented by Graham Norton, before being invited in 2006 to create a group routine for Strictly Come Dancing. In 2009 they introduced the Charleston to the show and since 2014 after going solo, Jenny has choreographed most of its salsa routines as well as the majority of Charlestons.
Her glittering career includes performing in the original Broadway cast of SWING, appearing at Sir Elton John’s 60th birthday party where she danced with Sir Paul McCartney, choreographing the BBC’s 75th D-Day Celebration in Southsea, performing at Buckingham Palace with Tap Dogs, and presenting Strictly Fitness on BBC’s Morning Live.
A specialist in Charleston, tap and Lindy Hop, as well as being a qualified ballet teacher, Jenny is passionate about making dance accessible to all and is looking forward to her visit to Derry next week.
“Dancing is for everyone,” she insists. “It’s great for your physical and mental wellbeing, as well as having huge social benefits.
“Having patience and being able to break down the steps for easy understanding is something I have great passion for. Bringing this to Strictly felt quite natural, I love finding what works for each individual. Choreography for me is about bringing the best out of each dancer and finding their personality, it’s not about giving them the most difficult step.
“Taking the first steps might be hard but it might just be the beginning of a whole new lease on life. As James Brown said, ‘Get up off of that thing. Dance and you’ll feel better!’”
Festival co-ordinator with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aisling McCallion, said she was delighted to welcome Jenny to the milestone celebrations.
“The name Jenny Thomas is synonymous with Strictly and we are very excited to have Jenny bring her expertise to the festival this year,” she said. “We have a dedicated following of dancers who come to the festival each year to demonstrate their skills in a live music setting. Jenny will bring some extra sparkle to our workshops with her amazing background in choreography and performance. I know there will be big demand for places in her classes so I would really encourage people to sign up early to secure their spot.”
Jenny promises that participants can expect sessions filled with fun, technique and great music and perhaps even a few favourite Strictly signature moves. All workshops are open to everyone, and no partner is required, as partners will rotate throughout the classes.
With places expected to book up fast, early registration is strongly advised – tickets for the St Columb’s hall workshop events are now available to book on the cityofderryjazzfestival.com website priced £10 for the Beginners’ Class, £20 for the Jazz Masterclass with Jenny Thomas, and £25 for the Jazz Ball featuring the Swing Commanders, all on Saturday May 2nd. The Ball will be followed by the Late Night Jazz Club led by local legend Paul McIntyre, at 10.30pm, admission £10. Then on Sunday, May 3rd, ‘Learn the Strictly Charleston’ with Jenny, tickets priced £15.
The City of Derry Jazz Festival is supported this year by Diageo and Share Energy.
For full programme details and booking information, visit the City of Derry Jazz Festival website, cityofderryjazzfestival.com