C Jam - Dates and booking

About 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.

You don't need any previous dance experience - and you don't need a partner. You can start any week.

A typical night at C Jam attracts around 40 people - more when we have live music - from all walks of life. Come alone, with a partner or a friend, or in a group.

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

Class levels and times

Please see the times etc tab for start & finish times, and more information on what happens at C Jam.

Prices and booking

Please see the dates/booking tab for prices and booking. Unless otherwise stated, advance booking is completely optional and you can just turn up and pay on the door.

Making history...

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

Doors open from 6.30pm

We open 15 minutes before the beginners class starts (but there is no need to arrive early). The bar is open downstairs if you get there before doors - and they serve great food if you'd like to eat before or after the classes. There are plenty of local restaurants and cafés too, on and around Bedford Hill.

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!

Intermediates/advanced 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 - 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!

*On live music nights the intermediates class sometimes starts at 8pm to give more time for the band and dancing. Please check the dates/booking tab.

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 the dates/booking tab 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 @ The Bedford

Facebook Page - Facebook - Swingland @ The Bedford

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)