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 *Swing Dance School of the Year*
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Classes & Workshops at a Glance:
Mondays - Solo Jazz with Anna, London
Solo Jazz Course: 16 & 23 Feb; 2, 9 & 16 March (7.15-8.15pm)
3-Week 20s Charleston Course: 13, 20 & 27 April (7.15-8.15pm)
Thursdays - Lindy Hop Thursdays with Simon, London - Beginner & Intermediate
Beg & Int Lindy Course: 5, 12, 19 & 26 Feb; 5, 12 & 19 March
Tuesdays - Lindy Hop Course with Simon, Beaconsfield - Beginners & Intermediate
Lindy Hop course: 3, 10, 17, 24 Feb, 3, 10, 17 Mar
Thursdays 26 Feb - 26 March - Harrow Arts Centre Lindy Hop Course with Simon & Nina, Harrow - Beginner
Saturday 7 March - Balboa Workshop with Simon Selmon, Ruislip - Fast Beginner
Sunday 8 March - Musicality Workshop with Malcolm Earle-Smith & Simon Selmon, London - Improver & Intermediate
Sunday 19 April - Learn to Swing Dance in a Day, London - Beginner
Saturday 9 May - Balboa Workshop with Simon Selmon, Ruislip - Fast Beginner
Sunday 14 June - Learn to Swing Dance in a Day, London - Beginner
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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 course with Anna 7.15-8.15pm
Mondays 16 & 23 Feb; 2, 9 & 16 March 2026
📍Studio 2, City Sport, 124 Goswell Rd, 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.
Super Early Bird Tickets (until 02 Nov) - £80 pp per course +bf
Early Bird Tickets (02 Nov - 08 Dec) £90 pp per course +bf
Advanced Tickets (from 08 Dec) £100 pp per course + bfAfter 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.
3-Week 20s Charleston course with Anna 7.15-8.15pm
Mondays 13, 20 & 27 April 2026
📍Studio 2, City Sport, 124 Goswell Rd, EC1V 7DP
Step back into the Roaring Twenties and learn the joyful, high-energy Charleston! This fun, open level course will take you through classic 1920s moves to build your confidence and get you dancing to upbeat vintage jazz tunes!
No partner or experience needed — just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to kick, twist and smile your way through three lively weeks of dance!
Advanced Tickets £30 pp per course + bf
Drop-in £12 per class (cash on the day)
Please note, the classes will be progressive.
📍 City Sport, 124 Goswell Rd, EC1V 7DP
Nearest Underground stations:
Farringdon (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan)
Old Street (Northern)
Barbican (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan).
Beg & Int Lindy Course: 5, 12, 19 & 26 Feb; 5, 12 & 19 March 2026
📍 Studio 1, City Sport, 124 Goswell Rd, EC1V 7DP
Beginners 7.30-8.30pm
✨Learn the essential basics
✨10-week progressive course for 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
✨10-week progressive course will 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!
Early Bird Tickets (09 Nov - 14 Dec) £90 pp per course +bf
Advanced Tickets (from 14 Dec) £100 pp per course + bf - Book Beginners & intermediates and get second course half price!
Book both 10 week courses £150 + bf
After Course Starts Advanced £10.50/week pp per course + bf
Drop-in £12 per class, £18 for 2 classes (cash on the day).
Please note, the classes will be progressive.
"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, EC1V 7DP
Nearest Underground stations:
Farringdon (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan)
Old Street (Northern)
Barbican (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan).
Curzon Lindy Hop
Curzon Lindy Hop Classes
📍 Curzon Centre, 43 Maxwell Rd, Beaconsfield, HP9 1RG
Skip the gym. Ditch the Netflix scroll. Join our Lindy Hop classes instead!
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
Free tea, coffee & biscuits – BYO cup!
Dates:
Lindy course: 10, 17, 24 Feb, 3, 10, 17 Mar 2026
📍 Curzon Centre, 43 Maxwell Rd, Beaconsfield, HP9 1RG
Free Parking, 8 mins from station - 25 minutes from Marylebone station on Chiltern Railway - Google Map.
Balboa Workshops
Balboa Workshop with Simon, one of the UK’s pioneers of the modern Balboa scene!
Saturday 7 March 10.30am-1.30pm
📍 266 Long Drive, Ruislip, HA4 0HY (Free street parking!)
In this workshop we’ll be focusing on Lollies and Lollie Variations. We will be doing a quick recap of foundations in the first hour and the next 2 hours will cover different material, so it’s perfect whether you’re continuing on or joining us again fresh.
Fast-Track Your Balboa!
Still feeling unsure on the social floor? This workshop is perfect for dancers who’ve done a taster class or a bit of Balboa and want to quickly gain skill and confidence.
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
Early-stage Balboa dancers
Anyone ready to go from “just keeping up” to “dancing with control”
Limited Places
Max 5 couples (1 leader + 1 follower).
Advanced booking required
🎟️ Book your spot today – spaces go quickly!
Next Dates: (New material in each workshop)
Sat 7 March - Lollies & Lollie Variations
Sat 9 May
Ruislip, HA4 0HY
📍 266 Long Drive, Ruislip, HA4 0HY (Free street parking!)
Learn to Swing Dance in a Day with Simon Selmon!
Sunday 19 April 2026 10.30am-1.30pm
📍 Studio 1, City Sport, 124 Goswell Rd, 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 19 April
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
Next Date TBC 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
🎟️ Book your spot today – spaces go quickly!
Please email mail@swingdanceuk.com to join a waiting list and be the first to hear about future dates
Ruislip, HA4 0HY
📍 266 Long Drive, Ruislip, HA4 0HY (Free street parking!)
Musicality Workshop
Musicality Workshop with musician Malcolm Earle-Smith & Swing dancer Simon Selmon
Sunday 8 March 2026 10.30am-1.30pm
📍 Studio 1, City Sport, 124 Goswell Rd, 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.
📍 City Sport, EC1V 7DP
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
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
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