Beginner Swing Dance Classes
Thursdays 8 pm at the Estonian Hall: 200 Jeffcott St, North Adelaide
Our beginner classes are in 6 week blocks. In these 6 weeks we cover two different styles of swing dance; one that is more comfortable for slower music and one that is more comfortable for faster music. This way, no matter what music is on, you’re ready to get out onto the dancefloor! You don’t need experience or a partner to attend our classes.
All the styles that we teach are Black American social dances.
An entire 6 week block is $110*. If it’s not feasible for you to sign up for the whole block, come see us at the door and purchase a 6-class pass (valid for 3 months) or a casual class entry ($20).
*If you can’t attend all the classes in a block, that’s okay - work, family commitments. It happens! Just send us an email letting us know how many classes you can attend and we’ll adjust the price accordingly.
In these beginner classes we rotate with a few different styles; Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa and Collegiate Shag. In every block, there will be Lindy Hop and something else.
Check out some of these styles below and if you’d like to learn more, head on over here!
Remember, there are only limited places in each class.
Please ensure you book ahead of time so you don’t miss out!
Lindy Hop
Lindy Hop is the swing dance. It originated in Harlem, New York in the early 20’s. It is a partner dance style all about rhythm, improvisation, and having a good time! This dance is about connecting with your partner and the music. We take inspiration from the pioneers of Lindy Hop of the jazz era, and well as contemporary dancers today.
Charleston
For Charleston there are actually two different kinds! We will cover both - the iconic 20’s Charleston and 30s/40/s Charleston, which is also called side-by-side Charleston. 20’s Charleston is incredibly fun, easy to pick up, and has plenty of opportunities for you to add your own flair! It can be danced comfortably at faster tempos as well as slower ones. 30’s/40’s Charleston has the same fun and energy, but with a different look. This style of Charleston is most comfortable at higher tempos and a core component of solo jazz.
Collegiate Shag
Collegiate Shag is a partnered swing dance that originated in the late 1920s. “Shag” has different variations and stylings depending on the geographic origin. What we know as Collegiate Shag is a dance that was made incredibly popular by college kids. It is usually a 6-count dance with quick and flashy footwork and a chugging rhythm. Though often performed in competition and showcases at great speeds, it can be very happily danced at a much more relaxed speed, so you can shag all night!
