Dance styles

Charleston in the UK

8 organisers teaching or running Charleston in the UK, with 3 weekly nights and 11 dated events – each checked against the organiser's own site.

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 to Charleston.

Lindy Hop and swing in the UK

In the UK, 8 organisers run 3 regular weekly sessions on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with 11 dated events in the diary. Styles on offer: Lindy Hop, Charleston, Blues, Balboa, Collegiate Shag, Solo Jazz and Swing Jive.

Wednesdays: Lindy Hop and Charleston at 18:30–22:00 (Greyfriars Charteris Centre). Saturdays: Hot Charleston workshops (The Dance Studio Leeds, Leeds) and Solo Charleston and Vernacular Jazz (Wensum Community Centre).

Starting out? Dance In A Day: Solo Charleston on 13 Mar 2027, Hot Charleston workshops on Saturdays and Welwyn Garden City Swing Festival 2027 on 18 Jun 2027 are described by the organiser as suitable for newcomers. Most classes rotate partners, so you can come on your own – see your first class.

Prices listed by organisers here run from £8 to £100 – a drop-in class or social is usually at the lower end; courses, workshops and weekenders cost more.

Where: Claremont Project (N1 9PD), Ysgol Bro Morgannwg (Barry), Dinas Powys Parish Hall (CF64 4AF), Greyfriars Charteris Centre, The Dance Studio Leeds (LS9 7SW) and Leeds University (Leeds) and 4 other venues. Each listing has Google and Apple Maps links.

Next up: Dance In A Day: Solo Charleston on Saturday 14 November 2026, Pass the Bounce festival on Friday 20 November 2026 and Swing Fling 2026 (workshops and social dance) on Saturday 28 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I learn Lindy Hop or swing dance in the UK?

Lindy Hop and Charleston at Greyfriars Charteris Centre, Hot Charleston workshops at The Dance Studio Leeds and Solo Charleston and Vernacular Jazz at Wensum Community Centre. Full times and venues are listed on this page.

What nights are the classes and socials?

Wednesdays and Saturdays. Times are as listed by each organiser; anything marked "check first" should be confirmed before you travel.

How much does it cost?

Listed prices run from £8 to £100. Drop-in classes and socials are cheapest; courses and weekend workshops cost more.

Do I need a partner or any experience?

No. 6 sessions are marked as suitable for beginners, and most classes rotate partners so you can come alone.

Where can I go social dancing?

Swing Fling 2026 (workshops and social dance) and Workshop and Social Dancing. Socials often start with a short taster class.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothes and shoes that turn on a wooden floor – suede or leather soles are ideal, trainers with smooth soles are fine. See our guide to what to wear.