A-Train - Times etc.

A-Train is Swingland's weekly Monday night swing dance and music club in the historic dance hall at The Hammersmith Club, close to Hammersmith Bridge in the heart of West London. Lindy hop classes for absolute beginners through to intermediate/advanced dancers, plus freestyle dancing to top swing DJs and occasional live bands.

Class at A-Train.

What happens at A-Train?

A-Train runs on Monday evenings

Doors open from 6.30pm

We open 15 minutes before the beginners class starts (but there is no need to arrive early). If you get to Hammersmith early there are plenty of pubs, restaurants, and cafés along the river front, and on nearby King Street. The nearest to the venue is The Rutland Arms.

Starting out - beginners class - 6.45pm-7.45pm

If you're new to swing dancing or still learning the basics, 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 is required, and you don't need a partner. Our classes are fun and friendly, with manageable numbers so that we can give you individual attention as needed.

Practice time/social

Between the classes there is time to practise - please do take advantage of this if you want to progress faster! The bar in the dance hall is open after the first class too.

Intermediates class - 8.15pm-9pm*

Challenge yourself and move your dancing to the next level! You need to be familiar with the Lindy hop basics including swing out, Lindy turn and partnered Lindy hop Charleston to take this class. These steps are covered regularly in our beginners classes and in our workshops.

Social dancing - 9pm-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!

*On live music nights there is no intermediates class - instead the band and social dancing run from 8.15pm to 11pm. If you're taking the beginners class but not staying for the band, you can still take advantage of the half-hour of practice time/social (from 7.45pm to 8.15pm) after the class. Please check the dates/booking tab.

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 the dates/booking tab for more details, including prices. Pre-booking is optional unless stated, but can save you money on the door price.

Private classes also available

Martin is available for private classes for couples or small groups from 5.30pm (before the evening starts). Please enquire.

Social dancing at A-Train.
Learning to dance at A-Train.
Learning to dance at A-Train.
Martin Ellis and Jess Bowers at A-Train in the mid-2010s.

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. No children or pets. 16/17 year-olds must be accompanied.

This page - Swingland > Learn to dance > Weekly classes and dancing > A-Train

Relates to - Weekly classes • Social dancing • Live music • Events