A familiar figure to many on the dance scene is that of Wallace Grimme, who has been treading the boards with Brighton Jive since its infancy. As a child between the ages of two and eight he was evacuated to Norfolk where there was a big American G.I presence and all its influences. After the war, Wallace returned to Potters Bar where he was at school with the Lightfoot Brothers, Terry and Paddy who initially formed a skiffle group using tea chests and washboards.

After serving a three year plumbing apprenticeship he was conscripted for two years National Service in the R.A.F. Wallace who already had a big interest in magic and stage hypnosis, found his talents were in demand entertaining his comrades and on occasion the officers.

After demob, returning to Potters Bar, Wallace met up with Terry Lightfoot again who was now playing clarinet and had formed the well known traditional Jazz band. As a friend and fan, Wallace followed the band eventually becoming doorman and bouncer at the 100 club in Oxford Street and Cy Lauries in Windmill Street getting to know many of the Jazz Greats; Humphrey Lyttleton, George Melley, Chris Barber and Kenny Ball. At the same time Wallace developed a big interest in Jive. Eventually he became a stunt man and film extra at Pinewood and Elstree Studios including a dance scene as an American Sailor in The World of Suzy Wong!

Unfortunately, Trad Jazz and jiving waned in popularity. Later in life, Wallace trained to be an hypnotherapist and went into private practice.

Dancing was not to revisit his life until many years later when he found a flyer for Brighton Jive in Sainsbury's. Despite his 72 years, metal hip and worn out knees, he still enjoys strutting his stuff. Rock on Wallace! If Frankie Manning managed to do it for 94 years, so can you !
(compiled by Gaye Hughes)