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 Thursday's - Thursday Club - weekly Lindy Hop class for experienced dancers to play, explore and develop your dancing- Advanced
Sunday 28 April - Learn to Swing Dance in a Day!- Beginners
Saturday 11 May - Small Group Fast Beginners Balboa Workshop- SOLD OUT
Sunday 12 May - Musicality Workshop with Malcolm Earle-Smith & Simon Selmon- Intermediate & Advanced
Saturday 18 May - Small Group Improvers Balboa Workshop- Improvers
Sunday 19 May - Learn to Swing Dance in a Day! - Beginners
Sunday 16 June - Small Group Fast Beginners Balboa Workshop- Fast beginners - New date added!
Saturday 29 June - Small Group Fast Beginners Balboa Workshop - Fast beginners - New date added!
Sunday 30 June - Fast Beginner & Improver Lindy Hop- Improvers
Saturday 6 July - Small Group Improvers Balboa Workshop- Improvers
Saturday 20 July - Small Group Fast Beginners Balboa Workshop- Fast beginners - New date added!
Tuesday's 2-23 July - Small Group Lindy Hop classes - Improvers/Intermediate - New dates added!
Saturday 31 August - Ragtime Era Workshop with Richard Powers- General Level
Sunday 1 September - Historical Blues & Foxtrot Workshop with Richard Powers- General Level
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.
What people say...
“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
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, CitySport 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)
Sunday 28th April 2024 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 with Simon 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!
Future Dates:
Sunday 28 April
Sunday 19 May
"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
Small Group Fast Beginners Balboa Workshop with Simon Selmon
Learn this popular 1930s Swing dance. 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. Fast beginners classes suitable for those who have tried couple of taster classes before or you have other dance experience.
Please note, whilst we have a planned list of steps to cover, our classes are dynamic and may evolve based on the energy of the class and instructor's inspiration.
Saturday 11 May 2024 10.30am-1.30pm - SOLD OUT!
Class itinerary: Uphold, downhold, rock step basics, come around, grapevine and lollies.
New dates added:
Saturday 16 June 2024 10.30am-1.30pm
Class itinerary: Uphold, downhold, basic with a rock step, free spin & reverse, out & ins, come around, underarm turns & multiple turns.
Saturday 29 June 2024 10.30am-1.30pm
Class itinerary: Uphold, downhold, basic with a rock step, come around, underarm turns & multiple turns, transition, crab walks.
What is Balboa? If you love dancing to faster music then Balboa could be the dance for you! As a response to overcrowded dance floors, Balboa evolved as a very close hold dance, with shuffling footwork and a subtle lead/follow connection relying on the shifting of weight. The upper body remains very still in this dance, with most of the movement below the knees. Although usually danced to quicker tempo music, Balboa can also be adapted to slower music, allowing more time for intricate footwork.
Location: 266 Long Drive, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 0HY - Google Map. Free street parking available.
Tubes: South Ruislip (Central line) & 12-minute walk or Eastcote Station (Metropolitan / Piccadilly line) 25 minute walk or 282 bus to Long Drive.
Limited numbers - maximum of 4 couples* (1 leader, 1 follower).
Cost: £60 per couple +bf (Advanced bookings only)
Next Dates: (each class will include different material)
Saturday 16 June 2024 10.30am-1.30pm
Saturday 29 June 2024 10.30am-1.30pm
Saturday 20 July 2024 10.30am-1.30pm
If you would like to be notified of forthcoming small group Balboa workshops please email us at [email protected].
*Please note, this workshop will only run with a minimum of 3 couples. If we don't reach the minimum, bookings will be fully refunded.
Sunday 12 May 2024 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, CitySport 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 / Advanced £35 + bf (Before 1 May) / After £40 + bf
Feedback from last workshop:
"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
Small Group Improver Balboa Workshop with Simon Selmon
Join Simon and increase your vocabulary, frame and connection skills. Suitable for those who have danced Balboa before and want to move up to the next level.
Please note, whilst we have a planned list of steps to cover, our classes are dynamic and may evolve based on the energy of the class and instructor's inspiration.
Saturday 18 May 2024 10.30am-1.30pm
Class itinerary: Getting comfortable at higher tempos, Fans to spice up your footwork, better Come Arounds, Throw Out/Spike, transition into crossover, Lolly Kick variations, Underarm Turns.
Location: 266 Long Drive, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 0HY - Google Map. Free street parking available.
Tubes: South Ruislip (Central line) & 12-minute walk or Eastcote Station (Metropolitan / Piccadilly line) 25 minute walk or 282 bus to Long Drive.
Limited numbers - maximum of 4 couples* (1 leader, 1 follower).
If you are a single dancer please email us at [email protected] to let us know if you are a leader or follower and we will endeavour to match you up with another dancer.
Cost: £60 per couple +bf (Advanced bookings only).
Next Dates: (each class will include different material)
Saturday 18 May 2024 10.30am-1.30pm
Saturday 6 July 2024 10.30am-1.30pm
*Please note, this workshop will only run with a minimum of 3 couples. If we don't reach the minimum, bookings will be fully refunded.
Sunday 16 June 2024 10.30am-1.30pm
Small group Intermediate Balboa Workshop with Simon Selmon
You've been dancing Balboa for a while now and want to build up speed, correct technique and your lead and follow skills. Class will include improving your basics, footwork variations, a greater understanding of compression/tension and tone, dancing to faster music and some cool moves.
Suitable for Balboa dancers who are confident with up, down & rock step basics, come arounds, lolly kicks, throw outs, grapevine, paddles and free spins.
Location: 266 Long Drive, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 0HY - Google Map. Free street parking available.
Tubes: South Ruislip (Central line) & 12-minute walk or Eastcote Station (Metropolitan / Piccadilly line) 25 minute walk or 282 bus to Long Drive.
Limited numbers - maximum of 4 couples* (1 leader, 1 follower).
If you are a single dancer please email us at [email protected] to let us know if you are a leader or follower and we will endeavour to match you up with another dancer.
Cost: £60 per couple +bf (Advanced bookings only).
*Please note, this workshop will only run with a minimum of 3 couples. If we don't reach the minimum, bookings will be fully refunded.
Sunday 30 June 2024 10.30am-1.30pm
Fast-Beginners & Improvers Lindy Hop with Simon Selmon
Ready to take your Lindy Hop skills to the next level? Our Fast Beginners & improvers Lindy Hop workshop is the perfect opportunity to add some flair to your Lindy Hop repertoire. This workshop with Simon will focus on technique and connection plus of course as many fun moves as we can fit in. The aim is to get you dancing as confidently and as quickly as possible.
This workshop will help prepare you to move confidently up to intermediate classes.
No partner required and whilst no experience is necessary, the class will move at a faster pace than absolute beginners and is suitable for those with some experience.
Location: Studio 2, CitySport Studio, 124 Goswell Road, London, EC1V 7DP - Google Map
Tubes: Barbican, Old Street
Cost: Advance £30 + bf / £35 on the day (Please note, advanced bookings close at 9am on the day of the workshop, after that please bring cash on the day)
Workshops with special guest international teacher Richard Powers (US)
Richard Powers (US) is a full-time instructor in dance history and contemporary social dance forms at Stanford University Dance Division, Department of Theater 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.
We are excited to have not one but TWO workshops with him this coming Summer! Book early to reserve your spot!
Saturday 31 August 2024 10.30am-1.30pm
Ragtime Era Workshop including One Step & Animal Dances
More bands these days who are incorporating Ragtime music into their repertoire so why not learn dances that go with the music! They were one of the forerunners of the Lindy Hop.
Sunday 1 September 2024 10am-1pm
Historical Blues & Foxtrot Workshop
What do you do when slower songs come on? Let's find out!
Cost:
Both workshops: £55 +bf per person advanced only - best value!
Each workshop: £30 + bf / £35 on the day
Advanced bookings close the day before the workshop - please bring cash on the day.
Location: Studio 1, CitySport Studio, 124 Goswell Road, London, EC1V 7DP - Google Map
Tubes: Barbican, Old Street
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
Fast-Beginners Lindy Hop Intensive Workshop with Simon Selmon
Ready to take your Lindy Hop skills to the next level? Our Fast Beginners Lindy Hop workshop is the perfect opportunity to add some flair to your Lindy Hop repertoire. This workshop with Simon will focus on technique and connection plus of course as many fun moves as we can fit in. The aim is to get you dancing as confidently and as quickly as possible.
No partner required and whilst no experience is necessary, the class will move at a faster pace than absolute beginners and is suitable for those with some experience.
Location: Studio 2, CitySport Studio, 124 Goswell Road, London, EC1V 7DP - Google Map
Tubes: Barbican, Old Street
Cost: Advance £30 + bf / £35 on the day (Please note, advanced bookings close at 9am on the day of the workshop, after that please bring cash on the day)
Next date tbc 12-1.30pm
Intermediate & Advanced Lindy Hop Intensive Workshop with Simon Selmon
Intermediate & Advanced Lindy Hop Intensive Workshop with Simon will focus on a high level connection and body control to enhance your social dance. We will use various moves, some of which may be new to you, as a way to work on our technique but also to explore how we can create multiple variations and stylings around these moves.
This workshop is aimed at experienced dancers who know all the classic moves such as Swing Outs, Lindy Charleston variations, mixing 6 and 8 count etc and are comfortable dancing them but want to fine tune and tidy up how they dance and explore what's possible.
Location: Studio 2, CitySport Studio, 124 Goswell Road, London, EC1V 7DP - Google Map
Tubes: Barbican, Old Street
Next course tbc 10.30am-12.30pm
Journey Through Jazz Swing Dance Course at Harrow Arts Centre with SwingdanceUK
Dig out your dancing shoes and learn to Swing dance! It's fun, friendly and a good workout too! During the course, we will be covering two dances: the Lindy Hop and a second social dance from the first half of the 20th Century such as the Peabody, Charleston & Foxtrot. No previous dance experience or partner required.
These accessible dances encourage creativity and innovation and have been enjoying a recent revival. Bring twinkling toes of the 1920s - 1950s to life as we Jitterbug and Jive our way through. The workshops will be taught by international teacher Simon Selmon of SwingdanceUK.com.
This course has been awarded ‘Outstanding’ by Learn Harrow, Adult and Community Learning within Harrow Council. Funded by the Mayor of London.
Location: Greenhill Studio 1, Harrow Arts Centre, Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, HA5 4EA- Google Map
Price: £12 for all 6 weeks - Click here to book
Next date tbc 10.30am-1.30pm
20s Charleston & Solo Jazz Workshop with Simon Selmon
Learn some short routines, the art of improvisation, enhance your musicality & find your style! Join us for an exhilarating exploration of the energetic Charleston and Jazz movements with 1001 variations!
Think of the 20s and you immediately think of Charleston capturing the exuberant spirit of the age. (Not to be confused with the swing era 'Lindy Charleston' steps which are part of swing dance family). Shimmying flappers, swivelling footwork and no inhibitions, whether it's solo or partnered, this dance is about having fun and going wild!
Jazz, sometimes known as Jazz Roots or Authentic Jazz, was born out of African American vernacular dance of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Think Suzi Q, Truckin' and Fall off the Log - classic solo jazz will add to your Lindy Hop vocabulary and is also great fun to dance on its own!
Not suitable for complete beginners, no partner required. Limited numbers.
Location: Studio 2, CitySport Studio, 124 Goswell Road, London, EC1V 7DP - Google Map. Tubes: Barbican, Old Street
Cost: Advance £30 + bf / £35 on the day (Please note, advanced bookings close at 9am on the day of the workshop, after that please bring cash on the day)
