Join us in celebrating four decades of community and pure swing joy!
In 2026 we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of SwingdanceUK & the London Swing Dance Society!
We’re cooking up a spectacular anniversary weekend of special events that you won’t want to miss.
Get ready to swing into history & celebrate 40 incredible years!
London SDUK LSDS 40 years - Designed by Gotcha Art Studio
Black & White Ball with 17 piece big band King Groovy & The Horn Stars
Saturday 5 December 2026 7-11pm
Chiswick Town Hall, Heathfield Terrace, Turnham Green, Chiswick, London W4 4JN
Dress to impress, hit the dance floor and help us celebrate 40 fabulous years of SwingdanceUK and the London Swing Dance Society! For one very special night, Chiswick Town Hall becomes our ballroom for an evening of big-band swing, dancing, performances and a touch of old-school glamour.
Start the evening with a Beginner or Intermediate Lindy Hop class, then dance to the sensational 17-piece King Groovy & the Horn Stars, playing two live sets guaranteed to keep the floor moving.
Come dressed in your finest black, white or both and be part of a milestone night in London swing history.
Chocolate fountains
Cabaret from the Diamond Girls
17-piece live big band
Beginner & Intermediate Lindy Hop classes
Pre-order Prosecco available
Timings:
Doors: 7:00pm
Classes: 7:30pm
Live band: 8:30pm & 9:45pm
Finish: 11:00pm
Jingle Bell Jive at the National Army Museum
Sunday 6 December 2026
National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Rd, London SW3 4HT
Whether you’re an absolute beginner or already know your way around the floor, SwingdanceUK will show you how it’s done. From Lindy Hop to Jitterbug, we’ll soon have you stepping out with our lessons for both new and improving dancers.
With class from SwingdanceUK, live music from South London Jazz Orchestra and cabaret from SwingdanceUK's the Diamond Girls, you’ll be shaking and shimmying to the best sounds of the ‘40s!
Hair and make-up artists Pretty Me Vintage will also be on hand (6.00pm to 9.30pm) to keep you looking the part.
Stompin' at the 100 Club featuring the Malcolm Earle-Smith Swingin' All Stars!
Monday 7 December 7.30pm-11pm
100 Club, 100 Oxford St, London W1D 1LL
Featuring some of Londons top Swing musicians:
Malcolm Earle-Smith (Trombone)
Enrico Tomasso (Trumpet)
Ewan Bleach (Sax)
Colin Good (Piano)
Martin Wheatley (Guitar),
Harry Evans (Double bass)
Joe Dessauer (Drums)
Louise Cookman (Vocals)
A lively night of hot Swing music and dancing brought to you by SwingdanceUK! Your host, DJ and dance teacher, Simon Selmon, will be joined by Holly France and the Malcolm Earle Smith Swingin’ all Stars featuring some of Londons top Swing musicians for a night which will sweep you off your feet, whether you are a newcomer on the Swing scene or a lifelong afficionado!
Get ready to be swept off your feet by an electrifying performance from Londons top Swing musicians, this is set to be a night to remember!
We’re collecting the stories that made it special.
Share your memories below, big or small and help us tell the story of our swing community!
Share Your Swing Story
Your Swing Stories:
With your permission, selected stories will be shared below as part of our 40th Anniversary celebrations. We’ll be adding memories over time, so do check back to see the collection grow.
Simon Selmon (Founder of the LSDS & SDUK)
"I first saw Lindy Hop being danced in New York 1985, in 1986 whilst a keen Rock n Roll and modern Jive dancer, I started taking Lindy Hop lessons with Warren Heyes in London...
Rusty Frank
"I wanted to send in my heartiest congratulations on such a major achievement. I’m only at 28 years in this swing-biz, and that is already daunting enough - but FORTY years!!
Dr Hilary French
"A colleague took me to one of your free events at the RFH in 1993. I loved it and started gong to classes in Covent Garden
Helen Limb
"I started dancing in your class in 1986, so it must have been just after you started the class! We used to dance in The Urdang Institute.
Beverley Garber
"My husband and I used to attend Simon’s classes on a Monday evening at the 100 club about 20 years ago
Steve Mason
"My first time dancing in London was at Festival Hall on Christmas Eve 2004. I met Caron, who was to become my wife. I started attending Stompin' at the 100 Club, and eventually taught beginner's classes alongside Caron.
Eventually Caron and I moved to Lincolnshire where we continued to teach and run dances. The start we had in London served us both really well until things changed with covid and ill-health for Caron. Sadly, Caron lost her battle with cancer in August 2024, but I have rebuilt our dance community, and I'm pleased to see it grow. My love of swing dance - in particular Lindy Hop - is due to the excitement, support and encouragement I found being part of the London scene as well as the partnership I was lucky enough to have with Caron. 40 great years! Here's to many more, Simon!"
Gilbert
"First time in London was @ 100 Club May 1999 after the Jumping at the Woodside. We came each year form 1999 to 2006. The best memories ever."
Lona
"Thank you, Simon, for your undivided dedication to teaching and maintaining a safe, enjoyable social dance environment. I took private lessons with you over 18 years ago; you taught me dance techniques as well as the language of a social dance floor, which led me to continue dancing and enjoying it to this day."
Helen Limb
"Many congratulations, Simon, on 40 SwingdanceUK years. I started dancing with you in 1988, so just two years after you started. The London Swingdance Society met in the Urdang Academy in Shelton Street. You were the first … and still the best!"
SwingdanceUK proudly awarded
*Excellence Award in Swing Dance Education & Cultural Preservation 2026*
UK Enterprise Awards 2026