C Jam is Swingland's weekly Tuesday night swing dance and music club at renowned venue The Bedford in Balham, South London - learn with experienced professional teachers and dance to top swing DJs and monthly live bands. C Jam is London's longest running weekly Lindy hop club night - we've been at The Bedford on Tuesday nights since mid-2000!
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.
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.
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 downstairs!
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.
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!
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!
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 Swingland's longest running 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 both 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 C Jam!
£5 (entry after 8.45pm)
Pre-book or just turn up
Social dancing at C Jam with live band!
£15 (£12 concessions) in advance or £20 (£15 concessions) on the door (entry from 9pm)
Pre-book or just turn up
- or book with class(es) beforehand
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.
C Jam is held at The Bedford - a stunning 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.
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
