A-Train is Swingland's weekly Monday night swing dance and music club at The Hammersmith Club in West London, with Lindy hop classes for absolute beginners through to intermediate/advanced dancers, plus freestyle dancing to top swing DJs and occasional live bands.
A night at A-Train is a mixture of classes, practice and social dancing. In any of the classes you may join in the partner rotation, or stick with one partner if you prefer. Unless otherwise stated, advance booking is optional and you may just turn up and pay on the door. Come alone, with a partner or a friend, or in a group (sorry, no children or pets).
A typical night at A-Train attracts around 50 people from all walks of life, and all age ranges.
The classes are taught by Swingland founder Martin Ellis, Jessie Burgess, and Liza Patoux, with guest teachers on occasion.
The Hammersmith Club is a real gem of a venue - a recently-renovated period dance hall with a great dance floor and plenty of original features. The bar in the dance hall is open for drinks and snacks (crisps etc.) throughout the evening.
For those new to swing dancing the evening starts with weekly drop-in classes aimed to make those first steps as straightforward and enjoyable as possible. Covering all the basic steps and rhythms of Lindy hop - different material is taught each week and the classes are designed so that you can join any time and you can progress without needing to be there every week. No previous experience required. Fun, social and informative! Rotate partners (no partner needed) or stay with fixed partner - your choice.
Between the classes there is time to practise - and to grab a drink from the bar!
The bridge between beginners and intermediates - here we will move on from the absolute basics and cover more of the steps you need for intermediates. Partners all rotate in improvers.
Between the classes there is time to practise - and to grab a drink from the bar!
Challenge yourself and move your dancing to the next level! You need to be familiar with Lindy hop basics including swing out, Lindy turn and partnered Lindy hop Charleston to take this class. These steps are covered in our improvers classes and beginners/improvers workshops. Partners all rotate in intermediates.
After the classes it's dancing time - swing out to the very best recorded music from the 1930s, 40s & 50s. Newer recordings are also played - provided that they really do swing!
Occasionally we have live music at A-Train. These nights are definitely not to be missed - so check the calendar and save the dates!
Please see dates/booking for more details, including prices. Pre-booking is optional unless stated, but can save you money on the door price.
Weekly Lindy hop classes and dancing at West London's premier swing dance night! No previous experience required. Start any week. No partner needed.
£12 (£10 concessions) per class in advance, or £15 (£12 concessions) on the door - includes practice time and social dancing. Special combined rate for two classes plus social dancing - £18 (£15 concessions) in advance or £20 (£16 concessions) on the door.
Pre-book or just turn up
Swingland Class Cards are accepted for all our drop-in classes.
Social dancing at West London's premier swing dance night!
There is currently no charge for admission after 9.45pm at A-Train unless we have live music - but we do ask that you support our fantastic venue by making use of the bar, and please arrive by 10pm
Just turn up
Sorry, nothing in the diary at the moment - watch this space!
Classes start and finish promptly at the advertised times. If you're running a bit late, please do join in and do your best to catch up - but we can't run past the finish time.
A-Train is held at The Hammersmith Club - a stunning period dance hall in the heart of West London.
The Hammersmith Club is at 11 Rutland Grove, Hammersmith, London W6 9DH.
Entrance is via the large gate (pictured) then the new entrance porch to the left of the dance hall. NB the car park is private and must not be used.
From the river - The Hammersmith Club is located on Rutland Grove, very close to Hammersmith Bridge. Rutland Grove is one street back from the Thames waterfront (Lower Mall) with its historic pubs and rowing clubs. To the East the Thames Path winds along the river to the City, and to the West the waterfront stretches as far as Chiswick Eyot. If you are walking from Lower Mall take Mall Road next to the Rutland Arms pub and turn right into Rutland Grove. The entrance to The Hammersmith Club will be on your right.
By tube - Piccadilly, District or Hammermsith & City Lines to Hammersmith, 5-10 minutes walk. From the tube exit cross towards King Street and then walk up Blacks Road into Hammersmith Bridge Road - Rutland Grove is the last turning on the right before the river/bridge. Alternatively walk up King Street and turn left opposite Primark then continue straight (Bridge Ave then Bridge View after crossing under the flyover) until you reach Rutland Grove - look for Digby Mansions ahead of you. Turn right into Rutland Grove and the entrance to the venue is on your left nestled between smart townhouses.
By bus - any bus to Hammersmith Bridge - there is a stop right at the end of Rutland Grove.
By car - Just off the A4, Hammersmith is easily accessible by car from all directions. There is free parking on Lonsdale Road just the other side of Hammersmith Bridge from the venue, and in some local streets. Livat car park is just off King Street 5 minutes walk from the venue - open 24/7 and very good value for up to 4 hours. Please note that parking outside the venue in Rutland Grove is very restricted, and is metered until 10pm.
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Useful links
Venue website www.hammersmithclub.co.uk/
