Swing dance social · London

Swing by the Riverside

Every Sunday at Doggett's Bar, Doggett's Coat and Badge, London – run by SwingdanceUK.

Check first – details not fully confirmed

When: Every Sunday
Monthly Sundays (see dated list)
Time: Time to confirm
Where: Doggett's Bar, Doggett's Coat and Badge, 1 Blackfriars Bridge, London, SE1 9UD
Level: Class (Balboa on 11 Oct) then 3-hour social
Price: Whole evening £15 door / £12+bf pre-booked; social only from 18:00 £10 door / £9+bf
Booking: https://swingdanceuk.cademy.io/swing-by-the-riverside

Listings desk note: 11 Oct listing: 17:00-21:00, class 17:15, social 18:00. Dedicated page failed to load on this crawl; details from the special-events page.

See it on swingdanceuk.com More from SwingdanceUK

What to expect

A social is an evening of dancing for fun rather than a lesson. Many start with a short taster class for newcomers, then the DJ or band takes over. It is normal to ask anyone to dance – and to say no thanks politely – and nobody minds if you are new; most dancers remember their own first social.

Lindy Hop is the original swing dance, created by African-American dancers in Harlem in the late 1920s and 1930s and danced to big-band swing jazz. It is a partner dance built on an eight-count swingout, mixed with six-count moves, and it is famously improvised – lead and follow play with the music rather than repeating a routine. It suits any age, and most classes rotate partners. Read our full guide.

Charleston is the high-energy jazz dance of the 1920s, named after the city of Charleston, South Carolina. It is danced solo, side by side or with a partner, and Lindy Hoppers use it constantly – it is the quickest way to add kicks, swivels and personality to your dancing. Read our full guide.

About SwingdanceUK

London swing dance school (formerly London Swing Dance Society) running live-band socials, beginner workshops and Lindy Hop events. We list 19 of their sessions, running on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. See everything from SwingdanceUK.