Welcome to The Swing Dance Company / Workshops

Workshops

The Swing Dance Company organises a wide variety of dance workshops. Before each new term, recap workshops give participants on our jive courses a timely reminder of what they have learnt during the previous term prior to learning a new set of moves. There are  workshops in more advanced steps, other partnered swing styles such as lindy hop, balboa and collegiate shag, solo dances like tap and jazz routines such as The Shim Sham and the Jitterbug Stroll.

Taster sessions in other dance styles also take place from time to time, previous bookings have included hip hop, ballet, and cha-cha-cha!

Upcoming workshops:

Saturday 18th May  Afternoon of Workshops with Darren & Lana

We are pleased to announce the line-up for our afternoon of workshops on the 18th May.

In particular we would like to welcome back the wonderful Darren & Lana. You may have seen this couple in the Strictly Dance Fever Final on BBC TV or more recently at our afternoon of workshops in March. They will be teaching taster classes in Quick Step and Cha Cha Cha. Due to popular demand they will also be teaching a Cha Cha improvers class.

Joining them will be Jo and Isobel, salsa teachers and great dancers. They will be teaching a variety of latin styles including salsa and merenge. (Descriptions of dance styles to be found in the FAQ's at the bottom of this newspost). Jo is currently teaching a 10 week salsa course for us in Fareham on a Tuesday night.

Other SDC teachers include Brooke & Debbie, Gary Tewkesbury and Elena. These fun and friendly teachers will be offering you dance tasters in the swing styles including Lindy Hop, Tandem Charleston and Jazz Strolls.

The classes are held at Admiral Lord nelson School in Dundas Lane, Portsmouth. This venue offers three rooms all with a lovely dance floor.

The table below gives details of the classes. If you are still not sure what to choose, read the FAQ's after the timetable.

Each workshop lasts for approx 1 hour 10 minutes

2.00pm Classes

Quick Step with Darren & lana

Salsa with Jo & Isobel

Tandem Charleston with Brooke & Debbie

3.20pm Classes

Cha Cha Cha with Darren & Lana

Merenge & Bachata with Jo & Isobel

Tandem Charleston Variations with Brooke & Debbie

4.40pm Classes

Cha Cha Cha Improvers with Darren & Lana

New York & Rock'n'Roll Stroll with Elena

Lindy Hop with Gary T

FAQ's

How much are the classes?

Each class costs £8 per person, however as a special offer you can attend 2 classes for £14 or 3 for the bargain price of £18

Do I need to know how to dance?

No, These are taster classes and no dance experience is necessary*

*The Tandem Charleston Variations and Cha Cha Improvers require a basic knowledge. If you don't know the basics, please attend the earlier taster classes first.

What is Merenge & Bachata?

Merenge is the dance and music of the Dominican Republic. It is extremely popular in Latin America and other dance venues the world over. The comparative simplicity of merenge's dance steps makes it an attractive and fun alternative to salsa.

Bachata is a softer and more romantic music and dance from the Dominican Republic. The character of the dance is achieved through sensual hip and body movements.

Should I bring a partner?

Yes, if you could bring a partner it saves us trying to find you one on the day! Alternatively try our need a dance partner on our forum. If you don't want to bring a partner, you could try one of our solo dances. The New York & Rock'n'Roll strolls are solo dances.

How do I book?

Send an email to us at info@theswingdancecompany.co.uk or call 01329 230960 quoting your name, address and the classes you'd like to attend. Remember to bring a method of payment on the day. Numbers are limited so don't waste too much time deciding! 

Can I just turn up on the door?

We always recommend that you book your places first. If you turn up on the door, there is a chance your chosen class will be full.

What should I wear?

Loose clothing and comfortable shoes. Flat shoes are appropriate for most of the dances, though ladies may like to wear shoes with a small heel for the Cha Cha and Quick Step classes with Darren & Lana.

What do I do when I get there?

Our receptionist will be in the entrance hall. She will take your payment and direct you to your first class.

Southampton Swing Sunday Sunday 25th May

Tracie's Latin Club joins forces with The Swing Dance Company to bring you an Afternoon of Swing at the Archers Club. Join fun and friendly teachers Brooke & Debbie to try out this lovely forties style dance.  

There will be three classes throughout the afternoon.

1.30-2.30pm  LindyHop fundimentals.  This workshop is aimed at beginners to LindyHop. It is the first of four lessons that will give you the basic moves required in this fun dance. Each class is held on the last Sunday of the month throughout the summer

3.00-4.00pm  Charleston and six beat (all levels welcome).

4.30-5.30pm  LindyHop variations  (a basic lindyhop knowledge is required for this class)

There will be a 30 minute practice time in between sessions.  Each workshop costs £6 each or do two for £10.

Please book your space in advance to avoid disappointment.  Tickets are available online at www.theswingdancecompany.co.uk

Places can also be booked by sending a cheque to The Swing Dance Company, Merrivale Road, Hilsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO2 0TJ.  For queries telephone 01329 230960

Sunday 13th July  Joseph & Trisha, Brooke & Debbie + others for Workshops and Tea Dance.  Lindy Hop and Advanced Jive

We welcome back former Lindy Hop champions Joseph & Trisha to an afternoon of workshops on Sunday 13th July.  They will be teaching two LindyHop workshops at intermediate level.  Details of what these classes will cover will be confirmed shortly. 

For some time we have had people asking for jive classes to a higher level. This is your chance to get top tuition, advice on frame, lead & follow, style and of course new and exciting moves.  This class is limited to ten couples and will run over two sessions.

We will also be offering classes in another dance style. Details to be confirmed.

Workshops cost £6 each or £10 for 2. The tea dance is included in the price.

Full teaching line-up and times to be confirmed shortly.