Swing Dance Classes & Workshops with Simon Selmon & special guest teachers in London!
Lindy Hop, Solo Jazz, 20s Charleston, Balboa, Musicality & more!
Proudly awarded: *Swing Dance School of the Year 2024* UK Enterprise Awards 2024
Forthcoming Workshops:
Weekly Thursdays - Thursday Club - weekly Lindy Hop class for experienced dancers to play, explore and develop your dancing - Advanced
Saturday 5, 19 Oct & 2 Nov - 3-Week Fast Beginners to Improvers Balboa Course with Janet Davis & Simon Selmon
Mondays 4, 11 & 18 November - NEW Beginner & Intermediate Lindy Hop Class Series - Beginners & intermediates
Sunday 17 November - Learn to Swing Dance in a Day! - Beginners
Sunday 1 December - Partnered 20s Charleston Workshop - Fast Beginners/Intermediate
Sunday 15 December - Learn to Swing Dance in a Day! - Beginners.
Saturday 11 January 2025 - Fast Beginners Balboa Workshop with Simon - Fast Beginners
Saturday 18 January 2025 - Improvers Balboa Workshop with Simon - Intermediate
Next date tbc - Musicality Workshop with Malcolm Earle-Smith & Simon Selmon- Intermediate & Advanced
Thursday Club
A weekly Lindy Hop class for experienced dancers to play, explore and develop your dancing.
Learn new variations, work on your technique, find new ways to style your dance!
The Thursday Club will help you build self-confidence, learn techniques that work, get personalised feedback and build greater musicality!
Our objective is to make you a better dancer! Bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn in this fast paced class (not for the faint hearted).
We work together as a team under the guidance of one of the worlds most experienced Lindy instructors, Simon Selmon.
Each session will kick off with footwork and partnered drills for connection & frame followed by building better basics (less experienced dancers welcome to come for the first hour!)
The second half of the class will focus on one topic which will vary from week to week and allow time for supervised practice and feedback.
Who are the classes for?
This class is for dancers who have been dancing for some time, already know all the basic Swing Out & Charleston variations and want a class that moves at a slightly faster pace than a regular class.
Location: Studio 2, City Sport Studio, 124 Goswell Road, London, EC1V 7DP - Google Map.
Tubes: Barbican, Old Street
Cost:
4 weeks pre-booked: £60 +bf - Best value! Only £7.50/hr +bf! (4 classes to be used within 6 weeks of first use)
Drop-ins welcome: £20 cash on the day (first hour only £10 cash on the day)
What people say...
“Thank you very much for the fantastic class yesterday. I’d forgotten how wonderful it is to be taught swing dance by a knowledgeable, intuitive and experienced teacher.” R Wolek
“I thoroughly enjoyed the variations and technical details covered in the class and look forward to signing up for more classes.” Yan Shiang Yeap
"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
Small Group Balboa Workshops with Simon Selmon in Ruislip
Join Simon, one of the first UK Balboa dancers of the Swing resurgence and learn the basics you need to dance the Balboa and how to incorporate it into your Lindy Hop or Jive at these small group intensive fast beginners & improvers classes in Ruislip.
Monday Lindy Hop!
Mondays 4, 11 & 18 November 2024 7.30-10pm
NEW Beginners & Intermediate Lindy Hop Class Series with Simon
Level up your Swing dance skills with our fresh series of Lindy Hop classes in Central London!
Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to advance your swing skills, these classes are designed to help you grow as a dancer! Beginners will master the fundamental steps and learn classic moves that form the core of Lindy Hop. We’ll focus on technique, rhythm, and fun styling to get you confidently dancing in no time. No partner or experience required! Intermediate dancers will take their dancing to the next level, exploring new variations, intricate footwork, and advanced techniques. You'll also develop a sharper sense of musicality and partner connection. Plus, there's a social session in between to practice your moves!
These classes are a fantastic way to improve your dancing, meet new people, and build your confidence on the dance floor.
7.30pm Beginners Lindy Hop - Learn the foundational moves and build your confidence on the dance floor.
8.30pm Social Practise - A perfect opportunity to apply what you’ve just learned! Practice with fellow dancers, get feedback, and enjoy some fun social dancing.
9pm Intermediate Lindy Hop - Dive deeper into swing dance variations and refine your style with more advanced techniques.
Location: Club Room, American International Church, 79a Tottenham Ct Rd, London W1T 4TD - Google Map.
Tubes: Goodge Street, Euston Square, Warren Street and Tottenham Court Road are all within a 10-minute walk away.
Limited numbers! Secure your place online today!
Drop-in (cash only): £10 per class (inc social) / £15 both classes
PRIVATE LESSON WITH SIMON OFFER!
Join Simon between 6.15-7pm for a private lesson at the venue for only £45!
Dates: Mondays 4, 11 & 18 November
Limited availability - email [email protected] today to book your place!
Sunday 17 November 2024 10.30am-1.30pm
Learn to Swing Dance in a Day!
Unlock the secrets of Swing dancing and immerse yourself in a day filled with fun and learning.
Learn the foundations of Lindy Hop, this popular 1940s partner dance. You will learn both the 6 and 8 count Lindy Hop plus some Lindy Charleston. 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.
Location: Studio 1, City Sport Studio, 124 Goswell Road, London, EC1V 7DP - Google Maps. Tubes: Barbican, Old Street
Limited numbers.
Cost: Advance £30 + bf / £35 on the day (Please note, advanced booking close 9am on the day of the workshop, after that please bring cash on the day)
Can't make this class? No worries! We're back on the following dates with more chances for you to master the art of Swing dancing in just one day. Each workshop will include different material from the previous ones!
Next dates:
Sunday 17 November with Simon
Sunday 15 December with Simon
What people say...
"All in all 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, also great to have a couple of experienced generous-spirited leaders." Danielle
"I really enjoyed the class and had fun, great stuff.” M Baldry
Sunday 1 December 2024 10.30am-12.30pm
20s Partnered Charleston Workshop with Simon Selmon
Step into the Roaring 20s: Partnered Charleston Workshop with Simon Selmon
Think of the 20s and you immediately think of Charleston capturing the exuberant spirit of the age. Shimmying flappers, swivelling footwork and no inhibitions, whether it's solo or partnered, this dance is about having fun and going wild!
In this dynamic session, you'll:
-- Learn partnered & solo Charleston
-- Master some short sequences so you can shine on the dance floor
-- Whilst you will learn a short routine, you will also learn how to improvise steps
Ready to unleash your inner flapper or dapper gent? Book now
Join our 20s Partnered Charleston Workshop and dive into the energy, flair, and freedom of this iconic dance. Whether you're solo or with a partner, this class is all about having fun and embracing the spirit of the Charleston!
Location: City Sport Studio, 124 Goswell Road, London, EC1V 7DP - Google Map. Tubes: Barbican, Old Street
Cost: Advance £20 + bf / £25 on the day (Please note, advanced bookings close at 9am on the day of the workshop, after that please bring cash on the day)
Spaces are limited - reserve your spot now!
A great workshop is best shared with friends!
SwingdanceUK proudly awarded…
*Best Swing Dance Tuition Company 2024 - London* Business Excellence Awards 2024
*Best Swing Tuition Provider 2022* Greater London Enterprise Awards 2022
*Best Swing Dance Studio* Northern Enterprise Awards 2021
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
"I really enjoyed the class and had fun, great stuff.” M Baldry
"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, also great to have a couple of experienced generous-spirited leaders." Danielle
"Highly recommend SwingdanceUK, great classes with excellent teaching" Caroline T
"Excellent classes, great fun, make great friends and build confidence!!" Laura M
"Loved the passion and learning about music and the interaction between music and dance." Anne P
"I had a fantastic time yesterday -it was such a joyful experience attending the workshop- it was fab!" Deborah L
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!
Next date tbc 10.30am-1.30pm
Musicality Workshop with musician Malcolm Earle-Smith & Swing dancer Simon Selmon
Musician Malcolm Earle-Smith, Senior Lecturer in Jazz at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, is joining forces with Swing dancer Simon Selmon to bring you a musicality workshop with a difference!
Topics to be covered:
- A history of how Jazz music and dance developed side-by-side
- What makes music Swing & how it affects the way that you dance
- How to listen and what to listen for
- How to respond to what you hear starting with examples of solo Jazz and mini Lindy Hop choreographies leading to your own improvisation
- Interaction between musicians and dancers and how to improvise in the moment
- Learn about the Melody & Rhythm, Riffs, Pitch & Phrasing
- Call & Response
- Copy & trade dance moves with the musicians & fellow dancers
To get the most out of this class, we recommend it for intermediate dancers and above (fast beginners with some experience are welcome but not suitable for beginners).
Location: Studio 1, City Sport Studio, 124 Goswell Road, London, EC1V 7DP - Google Map
Tubes: Barbican, Old Street
Limited numbers. Pre-bookings only (no drop-ins).
Cost: Early bird (first 10 people) £30 (sold out) / Advanced £35 + bf (Before 1 May) / After £40 + bf
Feedback from previous workshops:
“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
About your teachers:
Malcolm Earle-Smith - a trombonist and singer in many of London's popular Swing dance bands as well as currently Senior Lecturer in Jazz at Trinity Laban Conservatoire (since 2005)....Read More
Simon Selmon - Simon is an international award winning Swing dance teacher ..... Read More
