London Swing Dance Society: swing, lindy hop, jive events and classes in London, UK

swing in London, swing events, UK lindy hop classes, swing dance, Lindy Hop events, dancing in London, lindy hop dancing, jive dancing, jive in London

Calendar

A recommended list of London Swing Dance Society things to come.

Regular Events:

Date	Event	Location
Mondays	Stompin' at the 100 Club live band dance + classes	London, W1
Tuesdays	Lindy Hop Classes and dance: beginners, beginners-intermediate, advanced + 3 hours non-stop dancing!	London, Holborn
Wednesdays	Lindy Hop Foundation Course - class New course starts Wed 8 October	London, Covent Garden
Wednesdays	Preston Road Lindy Hop - class 8-week beginners and improvers Lindy Hop and Authentic Jazz Dance Course starting Wed 15 October	Preston Road, Harrow
Thursdays	Pinner Lindy Hop - Monthly class & dance. Next date 23 October	Pinner, Middx
Saturday	Rhythm Lounge - Music, dancing & classes all night long!	London, N1
Sundays	Lindy Hop, Balboa etc etc workshops - workshop	London, Bloomsbury

Prebook LSDS workshops here

Special Events:

Date	Event	Location
13 September	Thames Festival	Southbank, London
27-28 September	LSDS in USA	Minneapolis, USA
1 November	Mo'jive meets Tango & Swing	Southampton, UK
21-23 November	Andrew Sutton Weekend Workshop	Bloomsbury, London
9-11 January 2009	Bournemouth Boogie	Bournemouth, UK
24 January 2009	Swingin' the Blues	Chiswick, London

MONDAYS
Stompin’ at the 100 Club
London's First, Foremost & Friendliest Swing dance club

100 Oxford Street. W1D 1LL

How to get there

Beginners and Intermediate Lindy Hop classes 7.45 - 8.30pm
Band sets 9.15pm & 10.30pm
Admission £10/£9 membs (£7 student membs) - No need to pre-book

01 Sept	Sugar Ray Ford & the Zephyrs of Swing	One of the most highly acclaimed swing jazz bands in the country. Plus Stompin's Swing For The Crown dance contest 1st heat.
08 Sept	Jay Craig & his Orchestra	Top musicians, top arrangements = top dancing!
15 Sept	Sentinels of Rhythm	Rhythm n Blues being played just the way it oughta!
22 Sept	Slammers Maximum Jive Band	A kicking horn section rides a driving rhythm of boogie piano, powerhouse bass & sizzling drums...
29 Sept	Laura B & the Moonlighters	The style is Ruth Brown come Anita O'Day but upbeat
06 Oct	King Groovy & the Horn Stars	Stylish, top-notch 17-piece big band with charts from Duke Ellington to Glenn Miller
13 Oct	Ding Dong Daddios	Bringing you the most danceable tunes from the swing heydays! Plus Stompin's Swing For The Crown dance contest 2nd heat.
20 Oct	Pete Long Five	Swingin’ & swayin’ with Pete & the gang
27 Oct	Jay Craig & his Orchestra	Top musicians, top arrangements = top dancing!
3 Nov	Blue Harlem	One of the UK’s premier swing/jive bands. Plus Stompin's Swing For The Crown dance contest 3rd heat.
10 Nov	Five Go Jiving goes Hot Club	Louis Jordan meets Django Reinhardt.

~ Stompin’s Swing for the Crown Dance Contest ~
Monday 1st December
Finalists will compete for the title
‘Stompin’s Swing King & Queen’ and £150 of prize money.

To enter the final you must place in one of our heats.
The heats will be: 1st Sept, Oct 13th and Nov 3rd

To participate, register on the night of the heat 8.30-9pm

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TUESDAYS
Wild Times
Lindy Hop & Authentic Jazz Classes & Dancing

Every Tuesday with dance champ Simon Selmon
Successfully teaching 1,000’s of students Lindy Hop since 1986

Friendly Atmosphere & Central London Location!
No need to book - Just Turn Up

Wild Court, 4 Wild Court, London, WC2B 4AU
(From Holborn tube head towards the Strand,
Wild Ct is next to Belgo's. Easy parking on Kingsway after 7pm)

How to get there

	Upstairs		Downstairs
7:15-8:15	Beginners' Lindy Hop	7:15-8:15	Authentic Jazz
8:15-9:15	Intermediate Lindy Hop	8:15-11:15	3 hours non-stop social dancing to top guest swing DJs
9:15-10:15	Advanced Lindy Hop
Beginners Lindy Hop - Learn over 30 classic moves. No experience necessary .
Intermediate Lindy Hop - You've done beginners, now increase your vocabulary, improve technique & develop your style. Minimum 10 weeks of beginners Lindy.
Advanced Lindy Hop - Challenging & fun. Improve your dancing. Minimum 20 weeks of Intermediate Lindy. 16th, 23rd and 30th September - Special 3-week Collegiate Shag course! As seen in the old movies! It's hoppin, its fun and it's very impressive! This 1930s dance was popular with college kids and Lindy Hoppers alike, and now its your chance to learn. Paul & Natasha will be teaching three weeks of Shag 9.15-10.15pm.
Authentic Jazz - From Cakewalk to Charleston, to Jazz and technique, improve your Lindy Hop with Authentic Afro-American Jazz Classes. Learn a different style or routine each week.

Upcoming jazz classes:

2nd September	Sailor Routine with the Bees Knees	Ahoy maties! Fun Sailor inspired jazz routine with classic Lindy Hop & Charleston steps.
9th September	Authentic Jazz with Melanie Stocker	Top teacher, dancer and winner of over 61 competitions including European and World Championships. A class not to be missed!
16th September	Hip Hop for Lindy Hoppers with Dan Baines	Back by popular demand! Spice up your Lindy Hop with some funky Hip Hop and learn new ways of using your body.
23rd September	Hip Hop for Lindy Hoppers with Dan Baines	More Hip Hop with Dan Baines (Stomp)
30th September	Shim Sham with Nikki Santilli	Tack Annie, Breaks, Crossover and more - learn this classic 1930s routine and work on styling and technique.
7th October	Shim Sham Shines with Nikki Santilli	T'aint what you do its the way that you do it! Stying and variations on the classic Shim Sham
14th October	Slips, Slides and Glides with Amir Giles	How to slide: fundamentals. Technique and posture, for the standard Lindy slides and the slide drag. Don't forget shoes you can slide in! :)

Upcoming guest teachers:

25th November

John & Charissa Ratto*
7:15 - Social Partnered Shag for Intermediate Lindy Hoppers
9:15 - Shag Tricks & Slides

*John & Charissa specialize in Collegiate Shag or “double shag”, a dance that was the rage with college kids in the 1930’s. They have won several competitions including 2006 National Bal Fest (Shag Division) and 2007 San Francisco Shag Jam

Dancing till late at the Wild Times Lounge! - Dance to the hottest Swing, Rhythm n Blues, Rock n Roll, Lounge & a dash of Charleston from the last 80yrs .

Upcoming guest DJs:

2nd - 30th September	*Bees Knees plus guests*
7th October	*Strollin' Steve*

Wild Times Admission:
£11/£10 (members) for all classes & dancing
One Class or Dancing only £6/£5 (members)
*Student Concessions*

WEDNESDAYS

Beginners Lindy Hop Foundation Course
with Caron & Steve
8.00pm - 9.45pm
New 10 Week Course starting 8th October 2008

Complete beginners welcome. Different moves each week.
Registration now open!
Join in our fully instructive foundation course to Lindy Hop.
This course will enable you to understand and perform the basics of Lindy Hop confidently.
Class numbers limited to enable personal feedback.
£10 per class (inc entry to Pineapple)

Pineapple Dance Studios
London’s most famous dance studios
7 Langley Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9JA

How to get there

Phone Caron for availability and further information
07859 814 239 www.52ndstreetjump.co.uk
or email info@52ndstreetjump.co.uk

Future course start dates for 2009: February 4th, April 22nd, July 8th, September 23rd

WEDNESDAYS

Preston Road Lindy Hop
& Authentic Jazz Dance Classes
With Nina Daines & Simon Selmon
8-week beginners and improvers courses
starting Wednesday 15 October 2008
(No class Wed 29 October)

Doors open 7:45pm
Beginners Lindy Hop 8 - 9pm
No experience required nor partner necessary.
This course will build up the essential basics to enable you to be confident on the social dance floor.
Charleston, Balboa & Shim Sham 9 - 10pm
Build up the basics and beyond for these fun swing dances that are danced everywhere!
Warm up by learning the classic Shim Sham as danced by Lindy Hoppers all over the world. Plus either:
1920's solo & partnered Charleston
1930's Balboa - dance to fast swing tempos without getting out of breath!
Improvers Lindy Hop 10pm
New moves each week. Go beyond the basics, increase your confidence and develop your style.

Registration now open!
To reserve your place, call Simon 01895 613 703 or Nina 07768 774 536
or email swinguk@zetnet.co.uk

Admission: £6/£5 LSDS members for 1 class
or £10/£9 for 2 or more classes
Pre-book 8 weeks in advance and get the party night for free

Harrow & Wembley Synagogue,
326 Preston Rd, Harrow, Middx, HA3 0QH
(Preston Road tube, easy parking)

How to get there

Party night Wednesday 17 December 2008!

Dance all night to music from the 20s-50s
Plus! Fun class, competition and cabaret entertainment.
Admission £8/£7 LSDS members

THURSDAYS

Pinner Lindy Hop
Next date 23rd October 2008

Pinner Village Hall, Chapel Lane, Pinner, Middx HA5 1AA
(Free parking or 2 min walk Pinner tube)

How to get there

Doors open 7:45pm
Beginners Lindy Hop 8 - 9pm
No experience required nor partner necessary.
Balboa 9 - 9:45pm
Dance to fast swing tempos without getting out of breath! (General Level)
Dancing 9:45 - 11pm

Licensed bar!

Admission: £7 class & dancing / £4 dancing only

Future Dates: 20 Nov, 4 Dec

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SATURDAYS

Rhythm Lounge
Music, dancing, classes all night long!

Our next night of revelry returns on
Saturday 11th October
WILLIAM IV, 7 SHEPHERDESS WALK, LONDON N1 7QE
Nearest tube Old Street.

Doors open 7.30pm - Dancing until 1am Full Bar
Classes upstairs on the hour from 8pm
Admission £9 membs / £10 non-membs
Dress Retro or Modern but an effort appreciated!

Details

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SUNDAYS

Sunday Workshops

Dance Studio, Fitness First, Coram Street, WC1

How to get there

PRE-BOOK HERE

* All prices £10 per 2hr session. £9 when pre-paid (unless stated below) plus £2 entry fee payable to FF (includes use of gym)
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Sunday 7th September with Niall & Nikki.
Beginners Lindy Hop 12-2pm
Learn the basics of this cool dance. No experience necessary.

Fast-Beginners Lindy 2-4pm
You've done beginners or have other dance experience.
with Niall & Nikki.

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Sunday 14th Sept with Alan & Julie*.
Rock 'n' Roll Part 1, 12-2pm
Beginners' 50s style Jive. No experience necessary.
Emphasising different style variation from Lindy. Lady's basic turns, Flat Palm Lead,
Man's turn followed by Lady Turn (He goes under, she goes under)
Push Pull Start, Ladies Double Spin, and more!

Fast Beginners' Lindy Hop, 2-4pm
Continuing from the previous week, learn new 6 & 8 count classic variations to enhance your dancing.

*Apologies, due to the office being closed from Sept 8th thru Oct 4th, advanced bookings are no longer being taken for this workshop. However, there are still places available so please just turn up and pay on the day!
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Sunday 21st Sept with Alan & Julie*.
Rock 'n' Roll Part 2, 12-2pm
More 50s style Jive. You've done part 1 or have other dance experience.
Adding more essential and fun moves such as the American Spin, Man's Spin, Aeroplane, Helter Skelter, Pretzel, Heels & Spin, and more!

Lindy Charleston for Fast Beginners & Intermediates, 2-4pm
Some basic knowledge required. Practise & learn classic Charleston inspired Lindy Hop variations, such as the Curtsey, Wobbly Bits Charleston, Kick Through, Zip Zap, etc...

*Apologies, due to the office being closed from Sept 8th thru Oct 4th, advanced bookings are no longer being taken for this workshop. However, there are still places available so please just turn up and pay on the day!
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Sunday 28th Sept with Nina*.
Jazz Technique for Lindy Hoppers 12-2pm
Always look good on the dance floor, move your body with confidence and spin like a top!
Lindy Routine using Jazz Technique 2-4pm
A short Lindy routine using the skill you learnt in the previous class.
Not suitable for total beginners!

*Apologies, due to the office being closed from Sept 8th thru Oct 4th, advanced bookings are no longer being taken for this workshop. However, there are still places available so please just turn up and pay on the day!
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Sunday 5th Oct with Simon
Whitey's Big Apple (part 1) 12-2pm
For intermediate or higher level dancers. (Sorry not suitable for beginners).
Learn the first half of the famous Whitey's Big Apple routine, as seen in "Keep Punchin".

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Sunday 12th Oct with Simon
Whitey's Big Apple (part 2) 12-2pm
For intermediate or higher level dancers. (Sorry not suitable for beginners).
Learn the second half of the famous Whitey's Big Apple routine, as seen in "Keep Punchin".

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Sunday 19th Oct with Simon
Tricks, Dips & Airsteps 12-4pm
Learn some great tricks, aerials and other fun stuff.
Trainers and long-sleeved tops advised.
£24 / 4hr session. Pre-booking only - limited numbers. Please book with a partner.

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Sunday 2nd November with Simon
Beginners Lindy Hop 12-2pm
Learn the basics of this cool dance. No experience necessary.

Fast-Beginners Lindy 2-4pm
You've done beginners or have other dance experience.

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Sunday 9th November with Amir
Improved Body Awareness, Control & Spinning Technique 12-2pm
This is how you get to feel that freedom & creativity in your dancing that comes with knowing what your body is doing & how to get it where you want it! There are very specific exercises that you can do to improve your balance & experience more awareness & control. You will discover the techniques that train your awareness of your body in space, the guidelines for discovering ideal alignment, exercises that will teach you to spin, & isolations that allow you to dance with more expression whilst still connecting with your partner! This workshop is all about the essential dance knowledge that we never have time to learn in normal weekly classes. Don't miss it!
For intermediate or higher level dancers. (Sorry not suitable for beginners).

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Sunday 16th November with Simon
Social 20's Charleston 12-2pm
Partnered and Solo 20s Charleston for the social dance floor.

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Saturday 22nd November with Andrew Sutton
Intermediate Lindy Hop 12:30-4:30pm
at Fitness First 179a Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7PA (Nearest tube Goodge Street)
Challenging Charleston & Rhythm Variations (everyone should know Lindy Charleston) As well as giving you some stylings to make your Charleston look better, this class will also give you some new ideas on how to make your Charleston more interesting by adding both rhythm and lead changes to some old and new variations.
The "Hidden" Closed Position Connection Learn about a very simple "secret" connection most advanced leads and follows use. This technique will enhance your connection and open up a new world of opportunities for cool moves.
Rhythm Musicality Rhythm is the backbone of music but often it is overlooked by dancers. This class discusses details learned from some of the most rhythmic Tappers, Percussionists, and Body Drummers in the world and applies these details to Swing Dancing. When it comes to being rhythmical, this is one of the most helpful things Andrew has learned.
For intermediate or higher level dancers. (Sorry not suitable for beginners).
£22 before 24th October / £24 before 7th November / £26 after 7th November.

Sunday 23rd November with Andrew Sutton
Intermediate & Advanced Lindy Hop 12-4pm
This is a non-rotational class so a partner is required or individuals without partners can work together.
Learning to be Late - Leads will learn to lead some cool moves in a new timing paradigm - creating a very different style and feel of dance. Follows will learn a new approach to styling – making use of concepts on how to control movement and be more precise with following.

The Partner Challenge - This class will go at the pace of the top 1-2 couples in the class Once Andrew feels that 1-2 couples have learned the move, he will move on to the next move. Any couple is allowed to take this class but be forewarned that you might be one of the top couples to learn the first move and then be one of the couples struggling to learn the next move! Go on & challenge yourself!!

Things that make your partner go Hmmm... For the Follows, this class will teach several different "tricks" that follows can do to make the lead think she is more creative and fun to dance with. For the Leads, this class will teach you how to be receptive to your partner and how to make up moves of your own on the spot by working with your follow and her movement.
For intermediate or higher level dancers. (Sorry not suitable for beginners).
£22 before 24th October / £24 before 7th November / £26 after 7th November.

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PRE-BOOK HERE

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Special Events
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Saturday 13th September
Thames Festival
The LSDS will provide an exciting mix of classes,
demos and social dancing with live music from Ray Gelato.
www.thamesfestival.org/index.php

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27-28 September
Weekend Workshop at Rendezvous Ballroom, Minnesota
Simon & Kirsty will be teaching Lindy Hop, Tricks & Airsteps, Blues, and that famous 1930s English dance, the Lambeth Walk!

Saturday September 27, 9:00am - noon and 1:30 - 4:30pm.
Sunday September 28, 1:00 - 5:00pm

Saturday morning: $36 / Saturday afternoon: $36 / Sunday session: $48
Saturday and Sunday: $100 in advance (postmarked by September 20) or $120 at the door

http://www.theplacetodance.com

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Saturday 1st November
Mo’jive Meets Tango & Swing
with Simon Selmon & Kirsty
Incorporate tango-inspired steps & swing moves into your jive.
Workshop 2.15-5.15pm £60 per couple.
plus evening Mo’jive party at this amazing purpose built dance club.
West Quay Road, Southampton.
www.mojive.co.uk

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21-23 November
Andrew Sutton Weekend Workshop
One of the USA's top Lindy Hop teachers gives a weekend of fun & Inspiring classes. Schedule to be announced soon.

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9-11th January 2009
Bournemouth Boogie
Join Simon Selmon & Moe Sakan for a weekend of Lindy Hop, including full board 3* accommodation, 10hrs of workshops plus
evening socials. Aimed at experienced dancers who would like to learn a performance orientated Fast Lindy routine, including fast Lindy technique & aerials. Limited to 18 leaders & 18 followers.

£120 - 2 nights accomodation, all meals, tuition, evening parties
£155 - 3 nights accomodation, all meals, tuition, evening parties

To apply for your place, email the LSDS with details of your dance level and experience.

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Saturday 24th January '09 (not 31st Jan as previously advertised)
Swingin’ the Blues
A whole day of Blues workshops from the very top UK Blues teachers, followed by an evening of Blues, Swing and Jive dancing.
Watch this space for details on how to book!

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