Swing Dance Classes & Workshops with Simon Selmon & special guest teachers in and around London!
Lindy Hop, Solo Jazz, 20s Charleston, Balboa, Musicality & more!
SwingdanceUK Proudly awarded: *Swing Dance School of the Year* UK Enterprise Awards 2024
Forthcoming Classes & Workshops:
Saturday 14 June (10.30-1.30pm) - Balboa Workshop with Guest teacher Janet Davis & Simon - Improvers
Saturday 14 June (2-5pm) - Intermediate Lindy Hop with guest teacher Mariel Gastiarena (ARG) - Intermediate
Sunday 15 June - Intermediate Solo Jazz with with guest teacher Mariel Gastiarena (ARG) - Intermediate
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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! Click here to check out what's coming up!
Find out what level you are & more info on dance styles here
Balboa Workshops
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.
Guest Teacher Workshops with Mariel Gastiarena (ARG)
Saturday 14 June & Sunday 15 June 2025
Intermediate Lindy Hop & Solo Jazz Workshops with Mariel Gastiarena (ARG)
Special guest Mariel Gastiarena will be joining us in London—for one weekend only. We're absolutely thrilled to welcome her back — her last visit was in 2016!
Mariel is a powerhouse Lindy Hop & Solo Jazz teacher, blending swing roots with personal flair, an international teacher, with over 20 years dedicated Lindy & Jazz experience. As a singer, musician and tap dancer, she brings a strong focus on musicality and styling to her solo Jazz and Lindy Hop! She started dancing Lindy Hop in 2004 and has since dedicated herself to dance Lindy Hop, Authentic Jazz and Tap. She is the co-founder and co-director of Swing City, the first Lindy Hop, Authentic Jazz and Tap school in Argentina and Swing City Jazz Club. She teaches regular classes in Swing City and workshops in countries around the world and she is one of the main well known dancers in South America. This is a rare chance to learn directly from a global talent right here in London!
Saturday 14 June, 2-5pm - Intermediate Lindy Workshop with Mariel
In this workshop, we’ll be diving into:
Rhythmic variations – playing with both 6- and 8-count moves in creative ways
Musical interpretation – dancing with the music, not just to it
Style & expression – adding your own flavour and character to classic Lindy
This one’s for dancers who are confident with the basics and ready to explore a bit more—think fun footwork, playful ideas, and a chance to grow your dance.
Spaces are limited, so grab your spot and come get inspired!
Only 2 leader & 2 follower spots left! This is small-group training at its best—personal, focused, and designed to make a real impact on your dancing. Advanced bookings only - Book your place
Sunday 15 June, 10.30am-1.30pm - Intermediate Solo Jazz Workshop with Mariel
Do you get overwhelmed thinking about which steps to do when you try to improvise? Mariel teaches a new approach to improvisation and musicality based on the Basic Swing Groove. This workshop will have a strong focus on Musicality - accents, grooves, syncopation, phrasing, rhythms! How to use your body to express yourself and find your voice.
You will learn the basic weight changes and accents of Swing, experiment with different shapes of moves, slowly adding in more rhythms and accents.
Mariel is renowned for her expressive musicality and dynamic movement, blending the rich traditions of swing with her own unique style.
In this workshop, we'll:
Delve into syncopation and timing to add depth to your dancing.
Learn how to infuse your movements with personal flair and character.
Discover methods to confidently improvise and connect with the music.
Location: Studio 1, City Sport, 124 Goswell Rd, EC1V 7DP
Limited numbers - Advanced Bookings only - Book your place
Don’t miss out – grab your ticket before they’re gone!
Saturday 14 June: Ruislip, HA4 0HY
Sunday 15 June: City Sport, EC1V 7DP
A great workshop is best shared with friends!
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
Learn to Swing Dance in a Day!
Next Date: TBC 10.30am-1.30pm
Learn to Swing Dance in a Day with Simon Selmon! 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
Cost: Advance £30 + bf
Tickets are available on the door £35
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:
TBC
What people say...
"My wife and I attended the Learn to Swing Dance in a Day Workshop and 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
"Thank you so much for a great workshop on Sunday. You created a very friendly, and non-scary atmosphere for us. Your teaching style was relaxed, encouraging and your instructions crystal clear. I liked the way you built up the moves one facet at a time. We were a mixed bag of absolute beginners through to experienced dancers who wanted to shore up their basics and you managed to encompass all our needs." Elizabeth Davies
"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
Fast Beginners Lindy Hop
Next Date TBC 10.30am-1.30pm
Fast Beginners Lindy Hop Workshop with Simon Selmon
This workshop is all about mastering technique, building strong connection, and packing in as many exciting moves as possible! Simon's goal is to have you dancing with confidence and style in record time—and he's famous for making even the toughest steps feel effortless!
No partner required and whilst no experience is necessary, the class will move at a faster pace than absolute beginners but is also suitable for those with some experience.
Location: City Sport Studio, 124 Goswell Road, London, EC1V 7DP - Google Map.
Tubes: Barbican, Old Street
Cost: Advance £30 + bf
Tickets are available on the door £35
Next Dates:
TBC
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!
Musicality Workshop
Next Date TBC 10.30am-1.30pm
Musicality Workshop with musician Malcolm Earle-Smith & Swing dancer Simon Selmon
The goal of the workshop is to get you dancing more musically and, whilst it's nice to know music theory, this workshop is more about how to listen, interpret and dance more musically.
It will include:
Brief history of Swing music
The connection between musician and dancer
Phrasing, form, pulse etc
How is the music articulated, how it makes us feel, what energy does it have and how we use it to express ourselves
Breaks/accenting music
Call and response, copy or challenge
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: Advanced £35 + bf
Tickets are available on the door £40
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
What people say...
“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
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!