Swingland runs occasional swing dance workshops on Saturday/Sunday mornings at The Bedford in Balham, South London. Advance booking is required.
Balham workshops - The Bedford
About our workshops
Our workshops at The Bedford are designed to progress and improve your dancing with in-depth technique and styling points. The numbers are limited so that we can give you more individual attention than in our regular group classes. Often as you are learning you will reach a plateau - for example, when moving from beginners to intermediates classes - and this is where a workshop can really help move your dancing to the next level!
Workshops are limited to 40 people maximum and everyone is welcome. No partner is required (we rotate partners throughout the workshop), but if you do have a partner you may stay together if preferred.
The workshops are taught by Swingland founder Martin Ellis, with C Jam teaching partner Kim Sheard, or guest teachers on occasion.
Beginners/improvers workshops - Lindy hop
Covering fundamental Lindy hop steps and rhythms, these workshops are an excellent introduction to the dance, as well as a great way to consolidate your basics.
Intermediates workshops - Lindy hop
For those with good knowledge of Lindy hop fundamentals, these workshops will stretch you. You'll need to be familiar with steps like the swing out, Lindy turn and partnered Lindy hop Charleston.
Advanced workshops - Lindy hop
You'll need to be an experienced swing dancer to take these. Fast routines, advanced techniques and more!
Other swing dance styles
Occasionally we will run a workshop covering another style - Charleston, or an authentic jazz dance routine for example.
Prices and booking
Please see dates/booking for workshop dates and levels coming up, as well as prices and booking. Pre-booking is essential.
Dates/schedule, prices & booking
Please select a date
Sunday 4 February 2024
Workshop - Improvers/intermediates Lindy hop, 4:00pm to 5:45pm
This workshop is aimed at those who are looking for some variations on their Lindy hop basics. You should be familiar with the 8-count fundamentals - swing out, Lindy turn and circle. No partner needed (we rotate throughout). Expect to have lots of fun - and a few challenges! Teachers - Martin and Kim (C Jam)
4pm - Lindy hop variations
8-count Lindy hop variations - on the swing out, Lindy turn, and related moves.£25 (£20 concessions*) per person - please book here. We will also accept Swingland Class Cards (2 vouchers per person) - please e-mail us to book if you want to use class vouchers.
*Concession prices where offered are valid for current NUS or Equity members - please show the relevant membership card on arrival.
Workshops 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 our Balham workshops
The Bedford
The Bedford is a fantastic period venue (pub, club, restaurant, live music & entertainment venue, and hotel!) in the heart of South London.
The Bedford is at 77 Bedford Hill, Balham, London SW12 9HD.
As well as being a friendly and vibrant community pub, The Bedford is a renowned live music venue, and has been home to Swingland's C Jam and other events since mid-2000. Dating back to 1931, the building was subject to a £multi-million renovation in 2018 - sympathetic to the original style, and retaining plenty of period features. The bar downstairs is open for drinks, meals and snacks throughout the evening. The ballroom upstairs - where you'll find us via the original marble staircase - is absolutely stunning.
Entrance to our workshops is via the pub doors on Bedford Hill, then the door to the right which takes you to the staircase. The ballroom, where you'll find us, is on the first floor.
By tube - Northern Line to Balham, 2 minutes walk. Turn right out of the station and walk up Balham Station Road. The Bedford is easily visible ahead of you.
By bus - bus routes 315 (Bedford Hill), 355, 249 or 155.
By car - just off the South Circular (A205), Balham is easily accessible by car from all directions. There is plenty of parking in local streets, free after 6.30pm - or use the Sainsbury's car park opposite.
Google Business Page (interactive map and more) - Swingland - C Jam
Facebook Page - Swingland - C Jam
what3words address: ///crest.hurray.fruit
Useful links
Venue website www.thebedford.com
Example videos of previous workshops. Workshop content varies and is always designed for the level of those attending at any particular point in time.