Hi! We're Swing Shift Lindy Hop

We run authentic Lindy Hop classes and events in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.Darn straight, this dance is a whole lotta fun. And you're invited.Our schedule for autumn 2025 is in the works at the moment. We'll be sharing details by email soon – you can sign up on this page.

To find out about upcoming classes, join our email list

  • Be the first to know about our next beginner intake (plus exclusive offers and discounts)

  • Stay up-to-date about weekly classes and weekend workshops

  • Get helpful class recap videos sent straight to your inbox

  • ...and music playlists and inspiring clips to get you fired up

  • ...and info about our social dance events


"It's super fun, and the people are lovely! It will stretch you, but you will get it!" - Katie



Clips from our classes



What to expect

At Swing Shift, you'll find proper Lindy Hop for people who want to learn the real thing. Fast, rhythmic, and FUN.We pass on what we learned from pioneers like Frankie Manning and Norma Miller. We bring the Savoy style right from the 1930s and deliver it in the 2020s.

In our classes you'll learn a ton about partner dancing technique, embodied rhythm, and classic moves from Texas Tommy to Tandem Charleston. All spiced up with vernacular solo jazz and danced to authentic swing-era music.


Q&A for beginners

Are brand-new beginners welcome?
Yes! Some of our classes are for experienced Lindy Hoppers, but we also have options if you've never danced before in your life. Make sure you sign up to our email list (you'll find the link above) so you can find out about the best way to get going as a total beginner. Sometimes it's drop-in classes, sometimes it's a course.
Do I need to come with a partner?
No. Lots of people come by themselves. Most people choose to rotate in our classes, which means you get the chance to dance with different partners throughout. But by all means, if you can convince a friend to join you, please do!
Is Lindy Hop hard to learn?
Well... it's not the easiest dance in the world. The good news is that we’ve got decades of experience getting people started, getting comfortable and having fun. And obviously we're biased, but it's oh-so-worth-it.
Are there social and fitness aspects too?
There sure are. Put it this way... we don't bother going to the gym ;) and for many folks the Lindy Hop community becomes a source of lifelong friendships.


Q&A for more experienced dancers

Will I learn fixed patterns of moves in your classes?We like to mix it up. Sometimes we teach small sequences and longer routines (including classics such as California, Lindy Chorus, Big Apple, Shim Sham, Tranky Doo). Sometimes our classes are more conceptual, where we teach an idea for you to play around with and throw into your social dancing. The latter is a bit like Marmite... some people love this approach, some don't! We're always open to honest feedback, so please do let us know how you found it afterwards.Do you have a performance troupe?We do indeed. If you're interested in really challenging yourself with some advanced technique and want to supercharge your skills, come chat to us about joining.



Meet your teachers


Tom with Angela Andrew

Tom

Tom Kerwin has been dancing Lindy Hop since 1999, starting with a few classes as a student in Cambridge. But he really got bitten by the bug when he first moved to London and stumbled into the LSE Swing Dance Society. From there, he started studying with dance legends Ronnie Slide and Angela Andrew, and became obsessed with this deep, rich art form.Before long Tom was teaching with LSE ‘Swingers’ founder Dawn Wong. Later, his partnership with Angela helped him develop his approach to teaching, finding balance between technique and spirit. In the intervening years, he’s taught at dance events around the UK and Europe, including the internationally-renowned Herrang Dance Camp in Sweden.Tom brings creativity and musicality to his dancing, and loves sharing the music and the dance with others, breaking down techniques and inspiring people to find their own style.He has also been known to DJ swing dance events in London, Stockholm and beyond (his extremely cool DJ name is TK Mixx).


Corissa

Corissa started dancing Lindy Hop in 2016 and stepped into a teaching role in 2023.She loves the way Lindy Hop gives you the power to have an unspoken conversation with another person – and helps you discover your own presence.“If you keep telling yourself you’ll never be a dancer, I know EXACTLY how you feel,” she says. Diagnosed with dyspraxia in childhood, Corissa always saw herself as having two left feet. But having learned the ropes from Tom (who is far too modest to admit how good he is), she's glad to confirm that she does in fact have a left foot AND a right foot, and they both bloomin' love to do Lindy Hop.These days, nothing makes her happier than working with others to develop their skills and confidence in this outrageously rewarding dance.


"Go for it! Amazing teachers and support ... friendly atmosphere where you're made to feel welcome and comfortable." – Paul


OK that's the end of the page – no more to read here. To find out about upcoming classes, hop onto our email list 👇

  • Be the first to know about our next beginner intake (plus exclusive offers and discounts)

  • Stay up-to-date about weekly classes and weekend workshops

  • Get helpful class recap videos sent straight to your inbox

  • ...and music playlists and inspiring clips to get you fired up

  • ...and info about our social dance events


"Fun ... and be prepared to get hot"
- Mandy


Class and event dates

Autumn Term 2025

DateWhat's on 
September 4Beginners + Social 7-10pm 
September 11Beginners, Fundamentals, Practice 7-10pmTom & Corissa
September 18Beginners, Fundamentals, Practice 7-10pmTom & Suzy
September 21[TBC] Scuttlebutt Tea Dance 2-5pm 
September 25Beginners, Fundamentals, Practice 7-10pmSteve & Corissa
October 2Beginners + Social 7-10pm 
October 9Beginners, Fundamentals, Practice 7-10pmTom & Corissa
October 16Beginners, Fundamentals, Practice 7-10pmTom & Suzy
October 23Beginners, Fundamentals, Practice 7-10pmSteve & Corissa
October 26[TBC] Scuttlebutt Tea Dance 2-5pm 
October 30Half term break 
November 6Beginners + Social 7-10pm 
November 13Beginners, Fundamentals, Practice 7-10pmTom & Corissa
November 20Beginners, Fundamentals, Practice 7-10pmTom & Suzy
November 27Beginners, Fundamentals, Practice 7-10pmSteve & Corissa
December 4Beginners + Xmas Social 7-10pm 
December 11Beginners, Fundamentals, Practice 7-10pmTom & Corissa
December 18Beginners, Fundamentals, Practice 7-10pmTom & Corissa

Spring Term 2025

DateWhat's on
January 8Beginners + New Year Social
January 15 
January 22 
January 29Guest teacher Steve
February 5Beginners + Social
February 12 
February 19Half term break?
February 26 
March 5Beginners + Social
March 12 
March 19 
March 26 

Summer Term 2025

DateWhat's on
April 16 
April 23 
April 30 
May 7Beginners + Social
May 14 
May 21 
May 28Half term break?
June 4Beginners + Social
June 11 
June 18 
June 25 
July 2Beginners + Social