Stokie's was born out of complete frustration. We felt that there was a total lack of anywhere local to dance that had any quality. By 'we' we're talking about Stokie and Essie-Jo. We've been happily married for 14 years, and we have three great kids who love to get involved in what we're doing. So Stokie's really is a traditional family business based on passion, not profit.

Let's go right back to the start of the story, because by finding out where Stokie's came from you'll be better placed to understand the ethos and passion behind it.

Many moons ago at the end of a Ceroc class night in Stafford we were talking to the franchisee about some of the rules he had put in place. We were really shocked to be told by him "if you don't like it, get your own f***ing venue!" At the time we weren't in a position to take him at his word. That advice wasn't lost on either of us though. As you are well aware, times and circumstances do change.

We spent the next eighteen months or so travelling the length and breadth of the U.K dancing. We drove literally thousands of miles together, attended hundreds of events and saw countless venues. You may have seen us, you may have even danced with us! If so, hello :) The thing is, if there was an event running that looked like it would have the 'majik ingredients' we would do our level best to get to it. The majik ingredients as far as we are concerned are great DJs, fantastic music and fun, musical, friendly dancers.

On one of the long motorway trips home the conversation turned for some reason to the night in Stafford. Essie said "You know what? We should do it. We should run our own freestyles." I didn't need any more persuasion than that. I was tired of not being able to find inspirational freestyles in our local area (not to mention the class nights taught by untrained stomping move monsters). No; developing our own ideas about what a dance night should really be like seemed to be a very logical step. The plans started right there and then - just north of Watford Gap Services on the M1. So, we decided to build something for dancers - who like us - enjoy dancing to inspiring music, in relaxed surroundings. Finally there is going to be something extra special in Staffordshire, we were going to make sure of it.

So after much work.... you probably wouldn't believe just how much work! We launched Stokie's. We were overwhelmed with the support we recieved - and are still recieving! Stokie's will always be about the music we love dancing to together the most - Blues. Of course you can't dance Blues all night on your own. So it was only a matter of time before Stokie's launched weekly Blues classes. Full details of those are here.

We would like to sincerely thank everyone who has encouraged and helped us to get this far. A special mention has to go to Stokie's Crew. You'll not find a more enthusiastic bunch of reprobates and hell raisers anywhere! Guys, we love you to bits and we couldn't do this without you.