Swingtime at the Brewery

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.

Collegiate Shag is a fast, bouncy swing dance from 1930s American colleges, with quick hopping steps that keep up with the speediest swing tunes. It is light and playful and a favourite at fast-music competitions and late-night jams. Read our full guide.

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.

Cotswold Shag and Charleston fitness teacher with Monday classes near Gloucester and Nailsworth, and Swingtime at the Brewery dances in Stroud. We list 12 of their sessions, running on Mondays. See everything from Swingbytes Dance.