Swingland - C Jam @ The Bedford - Lindy hop classes & dancing

C Jam

The home of Savoy style Lindy hop in London!

A night at C Jam 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 C Jam attracts around 40 people - more when we have live music - from all walks of life, and all age ranges.

The classes are taught by Swingland founder Martin Ellis, partnered by Kim Sheard, and with guest teachers on occasion.

We're very proud that C Jam is now London's longest running weekly Lindy hop club night - we've been at The Bedford on Tuesday nights since mid-2000!

What happens at C Jam?

C Jam runs on Tuesday evenings

Starting out - beginners class - 6.45pm-7.45pm

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

Between the classes there is time to practise - and to grab a drink from the bar downstairs!

Intermediates class - 8.15pm-9pm

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 classes and beginners/improvers workshops. Partners all rotate in intermediates.

Social dancing - from 9pm

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 C Jam

Once a month - or thereabouts - we have live music at C Jam. 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.

How to get to C Jam

The Bedford

C Jam is held at The Bedford - 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 C Jam 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

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