Autumn TermLindy Hop - Beginners3-week course From its roots in the African American community in the late 1920s through to its current international scene, the Lindy Hop has proved irresistible to all generations. You will learn the basic steps and how to lead or follow them with a partner. You will learn to dance rhythmically, communicate with a partner on the dance floor and adapt to different partners to give you the confidence to participate in a social dance as either a lead or follow.
Courses
Swing Dance for Absolute Beginners
When & Where
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13 September 2025 - 27 September 2025 ( 5.25 hours, 3 weeks )
- Afternoon, Saturday
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View course timetable
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Waterloo Centre
Quick Facts
- Availability Yes
- Tutor Nikki Santilli
- Course Code W25DNEE02A
- Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course
What you will learn
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Dance the iconic lindy hop figures of the Swing Out
- Use 6 count rhythms to move between closed and open dance position
- Combine the figures learnt to begin to build a social dance with a partner.
- Dance more fluidly and musically
- Demonstrate an understanding of the roots of the dance as well as modern social swing dance etiquette
Cost
Full fee
£60
Concession fee
£60
Class format and activities
Beginning with a short warm up, the tutor will teach one of the basic rhythms. After practising these in a group, the students will divide into lead or follow roles and dance these rhythms with a partner, developing them into figures with direction (eg open position, closed position, travelling between positions etc). The classes will be a combination of copying a teacher demonstration, practising with one other person and learning together as part of the whole group when we sporadically come together to ask questions and discuss progress. There will be ample time given to practising, to consolidate the learning of the figures as well as getting used to leading / following them with different partners. As a break, the teacher will show a film clip of vintage or contemporary swing dancers to initiate a discussion on an aspect of the social dance such as dance floor etiquette as well as styling etc.
Entry requirements
This short course is designed for people new to Swing Dance or those looking for a refresher or interested in learning the “other” role (to their primary one). No previous experience is required. An average level of fitness is required. You will also need to be comfortable dancing with one other person. You do not need to enrol with a dance partner, although it does help contribute to equal ratios of leads and follows in the class if you are able to do so. If you have any physical restrictions, please notify the teacher before the term begins
What you need to know before you enrol
Lindy Hop is a partner dance, so you will need to be comfortable dancing with another person in close physical proximity. We practice the social dance aspect in class by rotating partners, so you will need to be willing to dance with different people. Lead and Follow roles are not gender-defined and anybody is welcome to take either role. A reasonable level of fitness is required. If you have any physical restrictions, please make the tutor aware of this before the start of class. Be aware that each session involves on average 1. 5hrs of dancing and 15 mins pausing for discussion.
What you need
Comfortable shoes with a low or flat heel that allows you to move freely (i. e. , no trainers); Water; Notepad - you will be encouraged to make your own notes (text or video)
What you can do next
After taking the Beginners Course, you will be ready to take the 9-week Intermediate course.
