KENT, UK. February 23rd, 2026 – This March, Lesley Ellen Gould is set to launch Northern Soul Dance Coach, an innovative online platform designed to bring the spirit and technique of Northern Soul dancing to learners across the UK and beyond.
Drawing on a lifelong passion for the genre, Lesley’s new venture offers accessible, structured tuition for everyone from beginners to seasoned dancers, all from the comfort of their own homes.
The Northern Soul Dance Coach platform, available at northernsouldancecoach.com, will provide a range of online courses delivered through pre-recorded videos. Subscribers will have 12 months’ access to their chosen packages, allowing them to learn at their own pace and revisit lessons as needed. In addition to these self-guided modules, Lesley will offer live tuition via Zoom, catering to both individuals and groups. This flexible approach is designed to meet the growing demand for Northern Soul instruction, especially from those unable to attend in-person classes due to geography or schedule.
Reflecting on the origins of her journey, Lesley said: “People asking for me to show them my dance moves is where the story began. The whole piece is rooted back in the 1970s, when as a teenager I attended the legendary Wigan Casino, the epicentre of the Northern Soul movement.”
Her introduction to the scene at just 15 years old sparked a lifelong love for the music and dance, though life’s twists and turns – including a move to Spain and a decades-long hiatus – meant she would not return to the Northern Soul dance floor for nearly 50 years.
Lesley’s return to Northern Soul was serendipitous. In 2023, now living in Kent, she attended a local Northern Soul night and quickly found herself in demand as a mentor and performer. Within a year, she was competing at the prestigious Northern Soul international event at Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom. “I was really into Northern Soul by 2024 and went to Blackpool. I wasn’t meant to compete but was pushed into it and ended up making the quarterfinals. I think that was a sign I should do this,” Lesley added.
“They will buy packages that are right for them, and there is also the option for one-to-one online. Obviously, being based in Kent, there isn’t the option for me to travel the country, but I have been getting requests from all over,” Lesley said, highlighting the interest in her coaching.
Now in her 60s, Lesley is channelling nearly half a century of experience and enthusiasm into her new business. Northern Soul Dance Coach stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the genre and the power of personal reinvention. With the launch of this platform, Lesley aims to inspire a new generation of dancers and keep the Northern Soul tradition alive for years to come.
ENDS