Dance & Music Historian

You must know your history in order to move forward…

Echoes of Swing

Peter Flahiff is a highly sought-after speaker whose engaging talks explore the rich history of swing dance and swing music through the lens of lived experience, scholarship, and deep respect for the culture. Drawing on decades of international travel, relationships with original era dancers and musicians, and immersion in swing communities, Peter connects the current (r)evolution of the music and dances to the social contexts that created them — bringing clarity and nuance to complex histories while honoring the artists and communities at their center. His presentations balance historical insight with personal storytelling, making the past feel immediate, human, and relevant to today’s dancers and listeners.

Whether speaking to dancers, musicians, or general audiences, Peter has a rare gift for making history accessible, thought-provoking, and alive. His talks invite reflection on musicality, partnership, cultural lineage, and the responsibilities of modern swing communities, encouraging audiences to listen more deeply and dance more consciously. Equal parts informative and inspiring, Peter’s speaking engagements leave audiences with a richer understanding of swing’s roots—and a renewed sense of connection to the music, the dance, and each other.