Swing Dance Classes & Workshops
Learn to Swing Dance, Lindy Hop, 20s Charleston, Balboa and Solo Jazz with one of the world’s longest-running, award-winning swing dance schools in London.
Learn to swing dance in London with our fun and friendly Swing dance classes & workshops for all levels, from beginners to advanced.
🏆 Proudly awarded
*Excellence Award in Swing Dance Education & Cultural Preservation 2026*
UK Enterprise Awards 2026
Swing Dance School of the Year*
UK Enterprise Awards 2024
Signup to our free mailing list & get all the latest SwingdanceUK news straight to your inbox!
Classes & Workshops at a Glance:
Mondays - Solo Jazz with Anna, London
4-Week Solo Jazz Course: 15, 22, 29 June, 6 July
2-Week Chorus Line Course: 7 & 14 Sept
Thursdays - Lindy Hop Thursdays with Simon, London - Beginner & Intermediate
8-Week Beginners & Intermediate Lindy Hop Course: 9, 16, 23 30, April, 7, 14, 21 & 28 May
5-Week Beginners & Intermediate Lindy Hop Course: 4, 11, 18, 25 June & 2 July
Tuesdays - Lindy Hop classes & dancing with Simon, Buckinghamshire - Beginners & Intermediate
6-Week Lindy Hop course: 14, 21, 28 April, 19, 26 May, 2 June (closed 5 & 12 May)
Saturday 9 May - Next Steps Balboa Workshop with Janet Davis & Simon Selmon, Ruislip - Fast Beginner
Wednesday 20 May - Swing Dance Summertown Lindy Hop Class with Simon, Oxford
Sunday 24 May - Lindy Hop Workshop with guest international teacher Manuel Ignacio Bicain Goral, Ruislip - Fast Beg - Int
Sunday 14 June - Learn to Swing Dance in a Day, London - Beginner
Saturday 20 June - Blues Workshop with Nina & Simon, Ruislip
Saturday 4 July - Early Lindy Hop Styles Workshop with Special Guest Teacher Richard Powers US, London - Beg - Adv
Sunday 5 July - Rock n Roll Partnered Dances of the 1950s Workshop with Special Guest Teacher Richard Powers US, London - Beg - Adv
Sunday 5 July - Blues and Foxtrot Workshop with Special Guest Teacher Richard Powers US, London - Beg - Adv
Click here for our Special Events which often start with a fun class where you can learn some new dance moves and invite your friends to join the excitement!
We’re turning 40! Check out our 40th Anniversary page for exciting events and updates.
Solo Jazz in London with Anna 7.15-8.15pm
📍Studio 2, City Sport, 124 Goswell Rd, London, EC1V 7DP
Rooted in African American Jazz dance, Solo Jazz is the heartbeat of the Swing era — and it’s seriously fun. Come dance, shine, and sparkle like a diamond!
Why Solo Jazz?
✨ Boost rhythm, musicality and body awareness
✨ Build confidence and express yourself through movement
✨ No partner needed – just bring your energy!
What You’ll Learn:
✨ Classic Jazz steps from the 1920s–40s
✨ Charleston, tap-inspired moves, and chorus line flair
✨ Fun routines plus a taste of improvisation
Open Level - Not aimed at complete beginners. Classes will move at a steady pace and assume familiarity with learning choreography and steps.
Dates:
4-Week Solo Jazz Course in London with Anna
Mondays 15, 22, 29 June & 6 July
Early Bird Tickets (Available until 27 April) £36 +bf
Advanced Tickets £40 + bf
After Course Starts Advanced £10.50/week pp per course + bf
Drop-in £12 per class (cash on the day)
Please note, the classes will be progressive.
Forthcoming Jazz Courses:
2-Week Chorus Line Course: 7 & 14 Sept
4-Week Solo Jazz Course: 12, 19, 26 Oct & 2nd Nov
4-Week 20s Charleston Course: 16, 23, 30 Nov
📍 City Sport, 124 Goswell Rd, London, EC1V 7DP
Nearest Underground stations:
Farringdon (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan)
Old Street (Northern)
Barbican (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan).
Lindy Hop Thursdays in London
📍 Studio 1, City Sport, 124 Goswell Rd, London, EC1V 7DP
Beginners 7.30-8.30pm
✨Learn the essential basics
✨An introduction to Lindy Hop
✨Fun and friendly
✨No partner or experience needed!
✨Just bring your enthusiasm and we'll teach you the rest!
Intermediate 8.30-9.30pm (You should have attended a minimum of 20 weeks beginners, or equivalent, and be familiar with classic Swing Out and Charleston variations)
✨Build on your foundations, refine your basics
✨For social dancing expect new variations, stylings, connection & partnering skills, listen to the music and learn what it means to flow
✨For experienced dancers come play, explore & develop!
✨Plus the second half of the course we will put some of the material together into a routine to consolidate your knowledge
✨Progressive classes ensure the best results
Progressive courses are very different to drop-in classes, and you'll get the most out of attending weekly, however, if you have to miss one week don't panic - you'll be fine!
We’ve added an option for beginners who are thinking of moving up to Intermediates or Intermediates who want to warm up, brush up, or tidy up their fundamentals to book the second class at a 50% discount!
Upcoming Dates:
Thursdays 9, 16, 23 30, April, 7, 14, 21 & 28 May - 8-Week Beg & Int Lindy Hop Course in London
Early Bird Tickets (Available until 19 March) £72 pp per course +bf
Advanced Tickets £80 pp per course + bf
Book both Begs & Int courses £120 + bf
Drop-in £12 per class, £18 for 2 classes (cash on the day).
Please note, classes will be progressive.
Thursdays 4, 11, 18, 25 June & 2 July - 5-Week Beg & Int Lindy Hop Course in London
Early Bird Tickets (Available until 14 May) £45 pp per course +bf
Advanced Tickets £50 pp per course + bf
Book both Begs & Int courses £75 + bf
Drop-in £12 per class, £18 for 2 classes (cash on the day).
Please note, classes will be progressive.
Book Thursday Lindy Hop Classes
Forthcoming Lindy Course Dates:
7-Week Beginner & Intermediate Lindy Hop Course: 10, 17, 24 Sept, 1, 8, 15, 22 Oct
6-Week Beginner & Intermediate Lindy Hop Course: 29 Oct, 5, 12 19, 26 Nov 3 Dec
"I am really enjoying the Swing dance classes.....thanks again for leading the class in such a fun, effective way" Jeremy O
📍 City Sport, 124 Goswell Rd, London, EC1V 7DP
Nearest Underground stations:
Farringdon (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan)
Old Street (Northern)
Barbican (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan).
Balboa Workshops
Next Steps Balboa: Lollies & Lollie Variations with Janet Davis & Simon Selmon
Saturday 9 May 2026 10.30am-1.30pm
📍 266 Long Drive, Ruislip, HA4 0HY (Free street parking!)
This workshop is designed for dancers who have completed beginner-level classes in Balboa or other partner dances but aren’t yet at the intermediate stage. We’ll focus on Lollies and Lollie variations, helping you build confidence, refine your technique and explore new ways to play with the dance. Perfect for taking your fundamentals to the next level in a fun, supportive environment!
What you’ll learn:
✔️ Refined technique – Improve frame, connection & smooth flow
✔️ Expanded vocabulary – Learn stylish social-dance friendly moves & musical variations you’ll enjoy using on the social floor
✔️ Real confidence – Feel ready to lead or follow with ease
✔️ Clear guidance and personal feedback that you can only get with a small group class, to help you really progress
✔️ A fun, welcoming atmosphere with dancers at a similar level
Who It's for
Dancers who have completed beginner-level classes in Balboa or other partner dances but aren’t yet at the intermediate stage
Limited Places
Max 5 couples (1 leader + 1 follower) - Space left for 2 couples (1 lead/1 follow) + 5 leads
Advanced booking required
🎟️ Book your spot today!
Ruislip, HA4 0HY
📍 266 Long Drive, Ruislip, HA4 0HY (Free street parking!)
Lindy Hop Workshop with Manuel
Lindy Hop Workshop with special guest international teacher Manuel Ignacio Bicain Goral
Sunday 24 May 2026 10.30am-1.30pm
📍 266 Long Drive, Ruislip, HA4 0HY (Free street parking!)
Join us for a special one-off small group workshop with international guest teacher Manuel Ignacio Bicain Goral. This fast-paced beginner to intermediate session is designed to build confidence, improve technique and introduce fresh ideas in an engaging, focused setting.
The workshop is restricted to only 3 couples, ensuring highly personalised attention and direct feedback throughout. Ideal for dancers looking to progress quickly in an intimate and supportive environment.
Limited Places
Max 3 couples (1 leader + 1 follower).
Advanced booking required
🎟️ Book your spot today – spaces go quickly!
Ruislip, HA4 0HY
📍 266 Long Drive, Ruislip, HA4 0HY (Free street parking!)
Learn to Swing Dance in a Day!
Learn to Swing Dance in a Day with Simon Selmon in London!
Sunday 14 June 2026 10.30am-1.30pm
📍 Studio 1, City Sport, 124 Goswell Rd, London, EC1V 7DP
Unlock the secrets of Swing dancing and immerse yourself in a day filled with fun and learning.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN
✨The foundations of Lindy Hop, this popular 1940s partner dance.
✨6 and 8 count pattern moves
✨Lindy Charleston.
OUR GUARANTEE
✨By the end of this session, we guarantee you will be able to dance a whole song - and smile at the same time!
This workshop is for absolute beginners and those who have been dancing 6 months or less.
No experience necessary or partner required.
🎟️ Advance £30 + bf
On the door: £35
Book Learn to Swing Dance in a Day Workshop
Next dates:
Sun 14 June
"We found it not only really enjoyable but a game changer in terms of a belief in our ability to swing dance....We are finally making the progress that has alluded us for years. So thank you." Philip H
📍 City Sport, 124 Goswell Rd, EC1V 7DP
Nearest Underground stations:
Farringdon (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan)
Old Street (Northern)
Barbican (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan).
Blues Workshops
Blues Workshop with Simon Selmon & Nina Daines
Saturday 20 June (moved from 13 June) 10.30am-1.30pm
📍 266 Long Drive, Ruislip, HA4 0HY (Free street parking!)
Join Simon & Nina for a deep-dive Blues workshop focused on expressing yourself to slow 40s, 50s and contemporary Blues music. In this session, you’ll explore how to connect your movement to the richness and nuance of slower tempos - learning to feel the groove, interpret emotion and bring your own voice into the dance.
Through guided exercises, technique and playful exploration, Simon & Nina will help you develop greater musicality, confidence and connection. Whether you're new to Blues or looking to refine your expressive style, this workshop will give you tools to dance with more intention, texture and soulful authenticity.
Limited Places
Max 4 Leads, 4 Follows
Advanced booking required
Cost: £75 per couple / £39 individual +bf
🎟️ Book your spot today – spaces go quickly!
Please email mail@swingdanceuk.com to be the first to hear about future Blues Workshops
Ruislip, HA4 0HY
📍 266 Long Drive, Ruislip, HA4 0HY (Free street parking!)
Historical Dance Workshops with Special Guest Teacher Richard Powers USA
Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 July 2026
📍 Studio 1, City Sport, 124 Goswell Rd, London, EC1V 7DP
Following on from our hugely popular workshops in 2024, we’re thrilled to welcome back our favourite dance historian Richard Powers USA this July for more inspiring and joy-filled workshops! We are excited to have not one but THREE workshops with him this coming Summer!
Richard Powers (US) is a full-time instructor in dance history and contemporary social dance forms at Stanford University Dance Division, Department of Theatre and Performance Studies. His principal focus since 1975 has been social dance forms, from the Renaissance to today. Specializations include 19th century American and European social dance, dances of the Ragtime Era and Jazz Ages and currently evolving vernacular dance forms. As well as being hugely informative, his content is also very useable for the dancefloor.
Saturday 4 July 1-4.30pm
📍 Studio 1, City Sport, 124 Goswell Rd, London, EC1V 7DP
Early Lindy Hop Styles with Richard Powers
Step back to the roots of Lindy Hop with the moves that Shorty Snowden and his contemporaries danced in the late 1920s and early 1930s! These early styles were improvisational, playful and full of personality, blending Charleston-inspired footwork, syncopated rhythms, and “swing-outs” in their simplest, original form. Unlike the polished Lindy of later decades, this was social dance at its liveliest - creative, expressive and made for the dance floor battles and joy of the Savoy Ballroom.
Advanced Tickets: £38.50 +bf per person / £80 +bf all 3 workshops
On the door: £45
Sunday 5 July 10.30am-1.30pm
📍 Studio 1, City Sport, 124 Goswell Rd, London, EC1V 7DP
Rock n Roll Partnered Dances of the 1950s with Richard Powers
Step into the energy of the 1950s, learn the original stylings that were being danced back then! From the lively Jitterbug to the playful turns and spins of early Rock n Roll styles, this workshop is all about fun, rhythm and that irresistible 50s vibe. Let’s dance like it’s 1955!
Advanced Tickets: £33 +bf per person / £80 +bf all 3 workshops
On the door: £38
Sunday 5 July 3-4.30pm
📍 Studio 1, City Sport, 124 Goswell Rd, London, EC1V 7DP
Blues and Foxtrot with Richard Powers
Step back in time and explore the roots of these two popular social dances! This workshop dives into the Blues, with its slow, expressive movements full of feeling and improvisation, alongside the classic Foxtrot, the smooth, flowing ballroom dance that defined early 20th-century dance floors. Discover the musicality, connection and style that made these dances the heart of social dancing in their day - perfect for history lovers and dancers today.
Advanced Tickets: £16.50 +bf per person / £80 +bf all 3 workshops
On the door: £20
"The workshop sessions were so rewarding, we zoomed through such a mass of information, given expertly in bite size chunks by Richard who is just so clear in his knowledge and teaching, it was such a joy to be there and doing it!" Lisa-Marie Albes
📍 City Sport, 124 Goswell Rd, EC1V 7DP
Nearest Underground stations:
Farringdon (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan)
Old Street (Northern)
Barbican (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan).
Swing Dance Buckinghamshire
Lindy Hop Classes
📍 Chalfont St Giles Memorial Hall, School Lane, Chalfont Saint Giles, Buckinghamshire, HP8 4JJ
Learn to dance with Simon Selmon or Nina Daines. Whether you're a total beginner or looking to level up, come and learn the basics, refine your technique, or simply rediscover the joy of dancing in a warm, welcoming community.
✨Solid foundations
✨New moves every week
✨Fun and friendly
✨Styling, connection, musicality and flow
✨No partner or experience needed!
✨Just bring your enthusiasm and we'll teach you the rest!
Class Schedule
7:30 pm – Beginner Class
Fun, friendly introduction to Lindy Hop. No experience or partner needed
8:30 pm – Social Dancing
Practice what you’ve learned
8:45 pm – Intermediate Class
Refine your moves and musicality. For those confident with the basics
📍 Chalfont St Giles Memorial Hall, School Lane, Chalfont Saint Giles, Buckinghamshire, HP8 4JJ
Free Parking - Google Map.
Testimonials
“Loved the combination of you and Malcolm. Like you, he is passionate about his topic and that really shone through. I came way from the class with a bigger appreciation of the richness of the music and a greater commitment to listening to the music.” Clare L
"Loved the passion and learning about music and the interaction between music and dance." Anne P
"....The “conversation” with the trombone was exceptionally fun. Loved having an adaptable so highly talented musician- an incredible privilege."
"Great to hear what Malcolm had to say about the various levels within a song which gave me a new way to listen to music and how to interpret it in my dancing." Gari N
Many of our Special Events also start with a fun class where you can learn new dance moves and invite your friends to join the excitement!
Testimonials
"Simon's sessions are always well thought and adapted to the participants' needs and questions. We learn moves (and the story behind them) and how to mix them together to move the dancing to the next level. I would absolutely recommend his workshops!” Paola
"I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks for the incredible swing dance classes you've provided at Barbican. They truly stand out as some of the best dancing experiences I've had in London, and I will carry the joy and skills learned with me." Q Sun
“Top class Simon. Lots to think about." R Bull
"Love your lessons." A Pauleau
"Highly recommend SwingdanceUK, great classes with excellent teaching" Caroline T
"Excellent classes" Laura M
"I had a fantastic time yesterday - it was such a joyful experience attending the workshop- it was fab!" Deborah L
"We found it not only really enjoyable but a game changer in terms of a belief in our ability to swing dance....We are finally making the progress that has alluded us for years. So thank you." Philip H
"You created a very friendly, and non-scary atmosphere for us. Your teaching style was relaxed, encouraging and your instructions crystal clear." Elizabeth Davies
"A great day and well taught" Robyn R
"I LOVED last Sunday’s session – well attended but not crowded, very friendly participants, good-humoured witty tuition (with great explanations, vivid analogies, crystal-clear demos and eagle-eyed observation & feedback), lots of very useful basics + ‘extension’ exercises, options and sequences...." Danielle
"I really enjoyed the class and had fun, great stuff.” M Baldry
Musicality Workshop
Musicality Workshop with musician Malcolm Earle-Smith & Swing dancer Simon Selmon
Next Date TBC 10.30am-1.30pm
📍 Studio 1, City Sport, 124 Goswell Rd, London, EC1V 7DP
Move with the music — not just to it. Learn to listen, interpret, and dance more musically using Solo Jazz & Lindy Hop.
What You’ll Learn
✨ How Jazz music & dance evolved together
✨ What makes music “Swing” & how it affects your movement
✨ Phrasing, rhythm, energy & musical expression
✨ Call & response, accents, breaks, improvisation
✨ How to connect with the music—and the musicians
Your Teachers
Malcolm Earle-Smith, senior lecturer in Jazz at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, trombonist & singer in many of London's popular Swing dance bands.
Simon Selmon – International Swing dancer & teacher.
Together, they’ll bring expert guidance, live music, and fresh insights.
They have put together a unique workshop that offers invaluable insights and techniques that you won't find in regular classes.
What to Expect
✨ Musicality exercises with Solo Jazz & Lindy Hop
✨ Scatting, rhythm drills & improvisation
✨ Dance to recorded & live music
✨ Group work + individual feedback
To get the most out of this class, we recommend it for intermediate dancers and above (fast beginners with some experience are welcome).
Limited numbers. Pre-bookings only.
Join the Waiting List for Musicality Workshop
"Thanks for organising a great workshop! It was a unique and special opportunity to learn some new insights from a jazz musician and combine this with your interesting teaching on musicality . I really enjoyed the session and feel it has opened up new possibilities to me in the way I dance." Lynne Kirkwood
📍 City Sport, EC1V 7DP
FAQs
About your teacher:
Simon is an international award winning teacher who founded SwingdanceUK in 1986 following a trip to NY where he met many original dancers and instantly wanted to share the music & dance that had intoxicated him so much. He believes whilst the dance has changed over the years it is important to educate about its history & social context. To give new dancers the best opportunity to gain the most out of their dancing and to experience the fun & satisfaction of Swing dance. He will take you on a journey back to the heyday of Swing dance. His goal is to share some of that original spirit that he found in the 'old timers', keeping the traditions of the dance alive whilst taking it into the 21 century and he is known for making difficult things easy. Simon has choreographed and performed for stage, film & TV. He has been a UK and US dance champion and a World Lindy Hop Judge. Click here to read more or see Simon in action here
What workshop level is for me?
Beginner - no experience needed whatsoever!
Fast Beginners - no experience needed however the class moves slightly quicker than a beginners class so it's perfect for those who have done a few classes or have other dance experience.
Improvers - good for those who are not absolute beginners but still struggle in intermediate class. This level prepares you to move confidently up to intermediate classes.
Intermediate - you know the basic rhythms including 6 & 8 count & Charleston steps, you may not be perfect but you can confidently do several Swing Outs & Lindy Charleston variations but you still have lots to learn!
Intermediate/Advanced - suitable for more confident intermediate dancers. You are beginning to create your own steps, you understand frame, connection and musicality and you are confident dancing with anyone.
Advanced - you have been dancing for quite some time and you find that its a lot of recap when you go to regular classes.
Advanced + - you want to go back to working on your basics because you know how important the fundamentals are and looking at more advanced concepts such as flow, improvising and creativity.
What to wear?
When attending classes, the most important thing is to be comfortable and to wear something you can easily move about in - jeans and t-shirt is absolutely fine.
Shoes?
Comfortable every-day shoes are fine when you are just starting out. Make sure you have something which stays securely on your feet (eg. no flip flops!) and which you can spin easily in (very high heels or trainers with sticky soles are not recommended!).
Refund Policy
Bookings cannot be exchanged or money refunded once sold unless the workshop is cancelled by ourselves, in which case a full refund will be processed.
Disclaimer
Please consult your doctor before beginning any dance or exercise program. Dancing is a physical activity, and as such there is the possibility of physical injury. Please be aware of your surroundings and the suitability of the floor. If you engage in this dance or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, and assume all risk of injury to yourself, and agree to release and discharge SwingdanceUK from any and all claims or causes of action, known or unknown, arising out of SwingdanceUK's negligence.
Membership Site & Online Classes
The must have site for Swing dancers full of classes, routines & articles!