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-Train
West London's premier Weekly Swing Dance Night!
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.
What happens at A-Train?
A-Train runs on Monday evenings
Starting out - beginners class - 6.30pm-7.30pm
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.
Practice time/social
After each class there is time to practise - and to grab a drink from the bar!
Improvers class - 8pm-8.45pm
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.
Intermediates class - 9.15pm-10pm
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.
Social dancing at A-Train - from 10pm
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!
Live music at A-Train
Very occasionally we have live music at A-Train. These nights are definitely not to be missed - so check the calendar and save the dates!
Prices, booking, and schedule
Please see dates/booking for more details, including prices. Pre-booking is optional unless stated, but can save you money on the door price.
Dates/schedule, prices & booking
A-Train @ The Hammersmith Club
Please select a date
Monday 29 April 2024
Drop-in classes for all levels, and social dancing at A-Train
A-Train @ The Hammersmith Club - Monday 29-Apr-24, 6:30pm to 10:30pm
Weekly Lindy hop classes and dancing at West London's premier swing dance night! No previous experience required. Start any week. No partner needed.
6.30pm - Beginners Lindy hop class
Learn all the basics of Lindy hop! No previous experience required. Start any week.7.30pm - Practice time/social
Practise what you've learnt - or just relax with a drink from the bar after the class.8pm - Improvers Lindy hop class
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.8.45pm - Practice time/social
Practise what you've learnt - or just relax with a drink from the bar after the class.9.15pm - Intermediates Lindy hop class
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 beginners and improvers classes, and our monthly workshops.10pm - Social dancing
Dancing to top swing DJs.£13 (£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 - £20 (£15 concessions) in advance or £22 (£16 concessions) on the door.
We accept - credit/debit card (preferred) or cash.
Swingland Class Cards are also accepted.
Advance booking is entirely optional - you can just turn up and pay on the door - but can save you money, and is recommended for live music nights.
*Concession prices where offered are valid for current NUS or Equity members - please show your membership card at the door.
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.
How to get to A-Train
The Hammersmith Club
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.
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.
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 - please see the Parkopedia link below. 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. The small car park to the front of the venue is strictly for staff and must not be used.
Google Business Page (interactive map and more) - Swingland - A-Train & The Swing Ball
Facebook Page - Swingland - A-Train & The Swing Ball
what3words address: ///arrive.banana.going
Useful links
Venue website www.hammersmithclub.co.uk/
London Underground & Buses
AA Route Planner
Parkopedia - Tip - click on "Street" at the bottom and zoom out; also set the time and day appropriately as prices vary considerably
Relates to - Weekly classes • Social dancing • Live music • Events
