Four decades of music, dancing, friendships & unforgettable memories.
Now it's time to celebrate together. Three spectacular events, one unforgettable anniversary weekend.
Everyone welcome - whether you've been dancing with us for 40 years or are joining us for the first time.
40 Years. Thousands of Dances. One Extraordinary Journey.
In 1986, I founded the London Swing Dance Society with a simple ambition: to share the joy of Swing dancing and build a community of people who loved the music as much as I did.
Forty years later, that community has brought together generations of dancers, created lifelong friendships and taken me on a journey I could never have imagined. This anniversary is about more than celebrating 40 years of dancing. It's about celebrating everyone who has been part of the journey. And I'd love you to celebrate with us!
Simon Selmon, Founder of the London Swing Dance Society & SwingdanceUK
40 Years T-Shirt
Pre-Order 40th Anniversary Logo T-shirt: available to pre-order - COLLECT ON NIGHT ONLY.
40th Anniversary T-shirt: available to pre-order with a B&W Ball ticket for £22.99 (normal price £24.99) to collect on the night only.
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!"
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
SwingdanceUK proudly awarded
*Excellence Award in Swing Dance Education & Cultural Preservation 2026*
UK Enterprise Awards 2026