Swing State London is a swing dance school in the Raynes Park area of London, teaching vintage jazz styles to a friendly, enthusiastic crowd. Run by a well-liked teaching pair, it takes people from their very first steps through to performing full choreographies. It is ideal for couples and individuals drawn to swing music and a sociable class. Beginners with no dance background are exactly who it caters for.
Students describe a cheerful, welcoming atmosphere where even total beginners feel comfortable and relaxed. The teaching is praised for its patience, going over moves until everyone genuinely understands them. Several dancers mention progressing from no experience to Christmas shows within months, which says a lot about the encouraging environment.
The core is swing and Lindy Hop, taught with attention to timing, connection and the bounce that gives the style its energy. Classes build from basic steps into partnered sequences and solo jazz, so you steadily gather a repertoire you can use socially. Among London dance classes, this is one for people who love jazz music and want to dance to it properly. Levels progress week by week, with the teachers making sure nobody is left behind.
Wear comfortable clothes you can move energetically in and flat shoes that let you pivot without sticking. You do not need a partner, as classes rotate and the group is used to welcoming newcomers. Expect to be up and dancing, and probably grinning, before long.
The classes run in the Raynes Park area of south-west London and are within easy reach of nearby neighbourhoods.
My boyfriend and I joined Dawn & Moh’s classes March having zero experience with swing dancing. Eight months later I am happy to say that we are preparing for a Christmas show with a full choreography planned over two songs! This includes a solo jazz bit and a pair dancing element. Challenging indeed, but Dawn and Moh’s are extremely passionate about teaching and very patient. Every move is broken down and rehearsed several times until everyone learns it. I would also say that Swing State is more than just a dance class. There is a community aspect to it. We often organise game nights and atte— Agnes Brull
Started coming about 6 months ago as a birthday gift, since then have hardly missed a single week! The teaching is great – if you don't understand the moves, they make sure to go through everything until you do.
Learnt so much in this time, from no dance lessons in my life to going to social dances! Friendly regular group to hang out with makes it all the more enjoyable too.— Dan Naylor
If you love Jazz music and swing dance, you should definitely check out the SwingState London dance club.
I just recently joined this dance club it's a very friendly and cheerful atmosphere there. Even from being a very beginner I was made feel very comfortable and relaxed . As our lovely dance instructor Dawn says : " We are all here just to dance and enjoy the music ".— Lina Vertelyte-Zevallos
Dawn and Moh are amazing teachers. We are always excited to go to class on Wednesday. Grown allot as Lindy dancers. Won't go anywhere else— Elise Steyvers
Salsa is approachable for beginners, though this school specialises in swing dancing rather than salsa. Swing is similarly friendly to newcomers and taught from the basic step upwards. If it is the jazz-era styles that appeal, you will pick up the essentials quickly.
Non-dancers learn social partner styles all the time. This school teaches swing, which is taught entirely from scratch, so no dance background is needed. Many students arrive having never danced before.
Yes, adults take up ballet successfully elsewhere. This school focuses on swing dance, which is likewise well suited to adult beginners and easy on the nerves. Both are proof that starting as a grown-up is perfectly normal.
There is no age limit on learning to dance for enjoyment. While this school teaches swing rather than ballet, its classes welcome adults of all ages. Swing in particular attracts a wide range of ages on the floor.
Line dancing relies on moves such as the grapevine, step-touch, kick-ball-change, heel dig and pivot turn, though this school teaches swing instead. Swing has its own foundations like the basic rock step and the swing-out. The teachers introduce these gradually to newcomers.
Simple repeating line dances are easiest, but you would find those at a line dancing class rather than here. This school specialises in swing, where beginners start with the basic step and rock step. It is an equally friendly place to begin dancing.