Meet Peter Flahiff

The music, dancing, and style of the Swing Era has been a source of fascination and inspiration to Peter Flahiff for much of his life. Beginning with an early interest in Old Time Radio shows, and spurred on by the jazz music found in old cartoons, Peter was primed to fall in love with Swing Dancing which started for him when he came across it at Disneyland on a Saturday night at age 18! Peter was instantly captivated, but not terribly talented… Fortunately, he met a group of wildly friendly and encouraging peers who took him into their community and laid a foundation in his heart for fostering a welcoming scene for all. A short time later, he began teaching under the mentorship of the legendary Audrey Wilson, a testament to his passion and dedication.

Since then, he has shared his love of Swing Dancing in its many forms across the U.S. and around the world, teaching and headlining workshops at some of the most respected events in the community, including: The Herräng Dance Camp (Sweden), Lindy Focus (Asheville, NC), Camp Hollywood (Los Angeles, CA), California Balboa Classic (Los Angeles, AC), Camp Jitterbug (Seattle, WA), Minor Swing (Sweden), Black Forest Hop (Germany), Balboa on the River (Australia), and many more. Beyond teaching Swing Dance, Peter has been a featured DJ at premier events such as The Snowball (Sweden), The Experiment (NC), California Balboa Classic (LA) , and Camp Hollywood (LA)!

As the years went by, Peter Flahiff became known and appreciated for his warmth, hospitality, and willingness to share whatever he knew about swing music and dancing with anyone who seemed even slightly interested. As the dance scene began to embrace competitions as a way of engaging with the dance, Peter instead stayed committed to his passion for sharing Swing Dancing as a social activity, enthusiastically pursuing the idea that dancing is for EVERYONE; no matter what their innate talent may be, what matters is their desire to learn, and Peter loves to help people on that path!

Over the years, countless top dancers and instructors have honed their skills under Peter’s guidance, benefiting from his approachable, inspiring teaching style and deep understanding of swing dance. He has become known as a dancer who blends technical expertise with infectious energy, making learning both fun and transformative. Peter has also been instrumental in cultivating vibrant local swing communities, helping to build and grow beloved hubs such as Rusty’s Rhythm Club in Los Angeles, ATOMIC Ballroom in Orange County, and Eastside Stomp in Seattle. His contributions extend far beyond the dance floor—shaping the culture, mentoring the next generation, and ensuring that swing dance continues to thrive worldwide.

“Peter was instrumental in guiding me on my dance journey as he has for so many. His care and love of the dance is reflected through his teaching.”

— Nick Williams, International Swing Dance instructor and competitor