Authentic Lindy Hop and solo jazz events in Bournemouth. Classes, courses, socials, workshops and other good stuff.
This dance is a whole lotta fun – and you're invited.
Authentic Lindy Hop and solo jazz events in Bournemouth. Classes, courses, socials, workshops and other good stuff.
This dance is a whole lotta fun – and you're invited.
Never danced before? Still finding your feet? Seasoned dancer?
We've got you all covered!
We run drop-in classes every Monday at BOH Studios, 104 Commercial Road, Bournemouth BH2 5LR. You don't need a partner, and you don't need to book in advance. Just turn up and pay on the door, cash or card.
7–7:50pm: Beginner Lindy Hop. £8.
One hour, pitched at people who are new to this dance. We'll take you gently through the fundamentals and build your confidence on the floor.
8–10pm: Intermediate Lindy Hop. £12.
A two-hour workshop-style class where we go deeper and harder. As well as drilling the fundamentals, we'll push you with more challenging combinations.
(You also get free entry to our beginner class at 7pm as well if you fancy it. You and the beginners can both benefit.)
Each month has a theme: one rhythm or style we dig into and build on, so you get enough repetition to feel yourself improving week on week. Beginners will need to have completed all the themes before moving up to intermediates. Check our schedule to see what's coming.
We teach authentic Lindy Hop, the original swing dance rooted in African American culture and jazz music. Not vintage costumes or cheesy routines. Improvisation, rhythm, and responding to your partner in real time.
Want to know more? See What to Expect, What to Bring, and our Q&A below.
"It's super fun, and the people are lovely! It will stretch you, but you will get it!"
Katie ThornYou'll learn basic steps, how to dance with a partner, and how to move to swing music - all at a comfortable pace in a supportive, friendly environment.
At Swing Shift, we teach authentic Lindy Hop passed down from the legends we learned from, like Frankie Manning and Norma Miller. It's proper swing dancing for people who want to learn the real thing: expressive, rhythmic, and tons of fun.
In our classes you'll master foundational techniques, classic moves, and solo jazz - all danced to genuine swing-era music from the 1930s and 40s.
"Beautifully patient teachers who always encourage us to find our own style"
– Paul FisherJoin our email list and you'll be the first to know about:
✓ New classes and events – get the details before anyone else
✓ Class recap videos – catch up even if you missed class
Tom 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 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.
Absolutely! Our beginner sessions are designed for people who have never danced Lindy Hop before.
Nope! You'll rotate partners throughout the class, so everyone gets to dance with everyone.
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.
Bring a bottle of water and yourself. Some people like to bring a spare t-shirt and deodorant in case you get sweaty. You can buy proper drinks at the venue: tea, coffee, soft drinks and alcohol, so please avoid bringing in anything other than water.
Comfortable clothes you can move freely in - think casual wear, even relaxed gym wear. Trainers or flat shoes work well, avoid high heels or heavy boots.
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.
BOH Studios is located near the Triangle in Bournemouth. There are car parks very nearby, and some free on-street parking if you'd rather walk a little way.
All our classes are drop-in for now. Just show up and pay on the door.
Sometimes, but we like to mix it up.
We do teach short sequences as well as longer routines (including classics such as California, Stops, Lindy Chorus, Shim Sham, Tranky Doo, Trickeration, Big Apple, ...). But often our classes are more conceptual, where we share an idea for you to explore and incorporate 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.
We do indeed. If you're interested in really challenging yourself with advanced techniques, and want to supercharge your skills at breakneck tempos, come chat to us about joining.
We're here to help! Drop us a message and we'll get right back to you.
Authentic swing dance entertainment to get your audience moving. We showcase genuine 1920s-40s Lindy Hop, Charleston, and solo jazz at festivals, corporate events, and private parties – then get your guests up dancing too. Email us to discuss your event.
Every Monday at BOH Studios, Bournemouth.
No need to book. Pay on the door, cash or card.
Beginners 7–7.50pm (£8) · Intermediates 8–10pm (£12).
(Intermediates also get free entry to the beginner class at 7pm.)
To be the first to know about our other classes, workshops and social events, join the Swing Shift email list.
| Date | What's on |
|---|---|
| Monday 17th August | 7–9pm All levels workshop |
| Monday 24th August | 7–9pm All levels workshop |
| Monday 31st August | 7–9pm All levels workshop |
| September – Theme of the month: Charleston | |
| Monday 7th September | Beginners 7–7.50pm (£8) · Intermediates 8–10pm (£12) |
| Monday 14th September | Beginners 7–7.50pm (£8) · Intermediates 8–10pm (£12) |
| Monday 21st September | Beginners 7–7.50pm (£8) · Intermediates 8–10pm (£12) |
| Monday 28th September | Beginners 7–7.50pm (£8) · Intermediates 8–10pm (£12) |
| October – Theme of the month: Eight-count rhythm | |
| Monday 5th October | Beginners 7–7.50pm (£8) · Intermediates 8–10pm (£12) |
| Monday 12th October | Beginners 7–7.50pm (£8) · Intermediates 8–10pm (£12) |
| Saturday 17th October | Scuttlebutt – Saturday afternoon social dance, 2–5pm, £10 (details) |
| Monday 19th October | Beginners 7–7.50pm (£8) · Intermediates 8–10pm (£12) |
| Monday 26th October | Beginners 7–7.50pm (£8) · Intermediates 8–10pm (£12) |
| November – Theme of the month: Six-count rhythm | |
| Monday 2nd November | Beginners 7–7.50pm (£8) · Intermediates 8–10pm (£12) |
| Monday 9th November | Beginners 7–7.50pm (£8) · Intermediates 8–10pm (£12) |
| Monday 16th November | Beginners 7–7.50pm (£8) · Intermediates 8–10pm (£12) |
| Monday 23rd November | Beginners 7–7.50pm (£8) · Intermediates 8–10pm (£12) |
| Monday 30th November | Beginners 7–7.50pm (£8) · Intermediates 8–10pm (£12) |
| December – Theme of the month: Solo jazz | |
| Monday 7th December | Beginners 7–7.50pm (£8) · Intermediates 8–10pm (£12) |
| Monday 14th December | Beginners 7–7.50pm (£8) · Intermediates 8–10pm (£12) |
| Monday 21st December | Christmas Break |
| Monday 21st December | Christmas Break |
Join our email list and you'll be the first to know about:
✓ New classes and events – get the details before anyone else
✓ Class recap videos – catch up even if you missed class
"Fun ...
and be prepared to get hot!"
Scuttlebutt
Bournemouth's jazz & swing social dance
Next date: Saturday 17th October, 2–5pm
BOH Studios, 104 Commercial Road, Bournemouth BH2 5LR
£10 on the door, cash or card. No need to book.
A Saturday afternoon of dancing to swinging jazz, with DJs TK Mixx and Big Vern.
Only just started? Come anyway. We know a social dance sounds mildly terrifying when you've had three classes. It isn't. Everyone in the room was a beginner once, and a Saturday afternoon is a far gentler way in than a late night: try a few things out, meet people, get your ear in for the music.
Bring a bottle of water and a change of clothes — it gets warm. There are hangers for coats but no cloakroom, so pack tidy. Closest car park is Avenue Road, plus some on-street parking nearby; check the signs.
There's a bar at the venue where you can get tea, coffee or something stronger – please don't bring any outside drinks besides water. Contributions to the snack table are very welcome. There's no kitchen at the venue, so it needs to be eat-by-hand, no-plate food.
Why the name? Well it's the nautical word for the water barrel where you hang about and gossip. It's also an Artie Shaw tune. And it's roughly what you do on a dancefloor.