Swingland teaches swing dancing - Lindy hop (also known as "jitterbug" or "jive") and related dances (including East Coast "6-count" swing, Charleston, authentic jazz dance and more). We've been teaching professionally since 1998.
We teach regular drop-in classes where you can just turn up, as well as courses and workshops which require pre-booking. We are also available for private classes (eg to help you prepare for your wedding dance).
Drop-in classes are where most people start learning to swing dance - they're fun, friendly and accessible. You don't need to be there every week, you don't need a partner (although if you do have a partner, you may stay together if preferred), and all our drop-in classes include essential practice time. Often our drop-in classes are part of an evening where you can dance and practise afterwards to live or recorded music.
Our weekly drop-in classes generally run throughout the year but on rare occasions will be closed for holidays or other events at our venues - please follow the links below to check dates, or see the calendar.
A-Train is Swingland's weekly Monday night swing dance and music club at The Hammersmith Club in West London, with Lindy hop classes for absolute beginners through to intermediate/advanced dancers, plus freestyle dancing to top swing DJs and occasional live bands.
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!
Swingland's Windsor classes take place on Wednesday evenings, downstairs at The Old Court Arts Centre. Swing dance (Lindy hop) classes for absolute beginners and up.
Our courses provide a slightly more structured learning environment when compared to our drop-in classes. We'll cover a specific topic (eg, a set of fundamental moves using a particular rhythm) over a number of sessions. Numbers are limited and courses must be booked in advance to ensure that we can progress each course group as a whole.
Sorry, nothing in the diary at the moment - watch this space!
Our workshops 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!
Swing dance workshops @ The Hammersmith Club, London W6
10.45am Intermediates Lindy hop with Martin & Liza This workshop is aimed at those familiar with the 8-count fundamentals including the swing out, Lindy turn, and circle. We will cover some fun variations on these steps - technique, styling, footwork/rhythm and more! 1.15pm Collegiate Shag with Patrick & Karen This workshop is aimed at those confident with 6-count swing and/or Lindy hop; and with good lead/follow connection and rhythm. Specific experience of Collegiate Shag is not required. Leather soles recommended (nothing "sticky"!) Expect to have lots of fun - and some challenges!
Swing dance workshops @ Act One (The Old Library), Acton, London W3
Sorry, nothing in the diary at the moment - watch this space!
Swing dance workshops @ The Bedford, Balham, London SW12
This workshop is aimed at those who have recently started swing dancing, or are looking to improve their Lindy hop basics. We will cover 8-count fundamentals including the swing out, Lindy turn, and circle - these are the main steps that you need to know well before joining our intermediates classes. No partner needed (we rotate throughout) - although you may stay together if you do have a partner. Expect to have lots of fun - and a few challenges! Teachers - Martin and Kim (C Jam)