Swing dance fans, take a deep breath—because James Bartlett and Lauren Jones just left everyone gasping at the Midland Swing Open! Their jaw-dropping first-place win in the Advanced/All-Stars Jack & Jill competition had the Copthorne Hotel in Slough-Windsor practically shaking with excitement.

West Coast Swing is all about connection, and these two had it in spades. From the second the music started, James and Lauren moved as if they were reading each other’s minds. Their footwork was sharper than a fresh pair of dance shoes, and their chemistry? Enough to light up the entire venue!

Then came the moment that sent the crowd into a frenzy—Meghan Trainor’s “Me Too” blasted through the speakers, and James and Lauren hit every beat like they were the music. Their playful back-and-forth, the seamless transitions, the sheer joy radiating from every move—it was like watching two best friends living their best dance life.

I’ve seen my fair share of West Coast Swing showdowns, but this one? Unforgettable. James led with confidence, Lauren followed with effortless grace, and together, they delivered pure poetry in motion. One moment smooth and sultry, the next bouncing and bursting with energy—these two kept the audience on the edge of their seats. And that synchronized sneeze move? Absolute genius! That’s the kind of creative spark that separates great dancers from legends.

With smiles as bright as their flawless footwork, it was no shock when all six judges gave them the green light to victory. When you mix undeniable talent with pure joy for the dance, magic happens—and that’s exactly what James and Lauren brought to the floor.

Their triumph wasn’t just a personal win; it was a victory for West Coast Swing lovers everywhere. They reminded us all what’s possible when skill, passion, and pure swagger collide.

And if you thought that was electrifying, just wait—PJ Turner and Tashina Beckmann are about to take the floor next, and trust me, you won’t want to miss it!