RESOURCES
Our Story
Edinburgh Swing Dance Society (ESDS) is an informal society of dancers. Our mission is to create and maintain a fun and friendly dance community, where we welcome new people to the wonderful world of Lindy Hop and Swing Dance. We run classes, workshops and events and look to promote social swing dancing in Scotland. We pride ourselves on our warm and welcoming atmosphere where all dancers are encouraged to share their experience, knowledge, and passion for swing, music, and culture.
ESDS was the first swing dance organisation in Scotland. It was formed in 1996 by local dancers Rhona and Niall Davies with Russell Sargeant and Carolene Hinds, leading members of The Jiving Lindy Hoppers. As our community developed, we established our first formal Constitution & Committee in 2017 to better serve our dancers. We make decisions as a group, and distribute responsibility as equally as possible.
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The Society has always been run on a non-profit basis. We remain grateful to and wholly reliant on the enthusiasm, commitment, support and goodwill of the many volunteers who have contributed over the years, whether by teaching classes, running events, managing websites, staffing registration desks, storing equipment or filling water jugs and running around clearing up after an evening or weekend of dancing.
Helpful Links
Swing Dancing in Edinburgh
There are places to dance swing and Jazz styles in Edinburgh on every night of the week! Here's a list of groups that we're aware of (and collaborate with on occasion). All of the following groups are also on Facebook.
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Classes and social dancing – Currently running Lindy Hop and Balboa on Wednesdays plus a monthly social (Southside Stomp), mostly at the Greyfriars Charteris Centre.
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Edinburgh University Swing Dance Society (EUSDS)
Classes and social dancing on Monday nights and Saturday afternoons, plus Solo Jazz tuition on Sundays, mostly at the Pleasance Courtyard Complex.
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Improver/Intermediate Lindy classes on Wednesdays. Temporarily relocated to Fairmilehead due to a long overdue floor replacement at their regular location at Marchmont St Giles.
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Currently teaching Improver Lindy Hop on Tuesdays at North Merchiston Club, plus workshops. Likely to offer Beginners' classes in early 2024.
Edinburgh Lindy Exchange (ELX)
A whole weekend of social dancing organised collaboratively by the whole swing dance community, featuring live music in venues across the city, every September.
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Friday nights at Heriot’s Rugby Club with live bands and plenty of room to dance.
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Live music every night, with Sundays particularly good for a bit of dancing.
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Sunday Jazz sessions with a bit of space for dancing.
Dancing outside Edinburgh
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Highland Swing
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Glasgow Jitterbugs
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Glasgow Lindy Hoppers
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BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing & UK’s leading Charleston & Lindy Hop Choreographer.
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The largest Lindy hop dance camp in the world is called Herräng, and takes place every year over 5 weeks during the month of July in Herräng Sweden. We highly recommend it!
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Swing Dancing in Chester, Cheshire, UK.
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Swing dancing all over London & Brighton.
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Excellent resource for Swing events all over the world.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CLASSES
What should I wear/bring to class?
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Comfortable clothes, and perhaps an extra top to change into once you get sweaty.
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Comfortable, flat shoes: Keds, Converse, plimsoles, dance shoes.
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A water bottle.
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Deodorant.
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Mints.
Do I need a partner?
Absolutely not! We rotate throughout the class, so no need for a partner.
I have never danced before, can I come to class?
Of course! Our 'Fundamentals' classes are designed for beginners, whether you have previous dance experience or not.
EVENTS & SOCIALS
You can wear whatever you like! There’s no need to dress ‘Vintage’ though you can if you prefer to. It’s a good idea to have at least one change of clothes with you as you can get hot and sweaty when dancing. Also, do bring deodorant so we can keep the dancefloor smelling fresh.
What can I wear to an event?
Can anyone go to a social/ event?
We welcome everyone to our socials and events! Although please be mindful when signing up to classes that you sign up for the appropriate level.
Do I have to book with a partner?
There’s no need to bring a dance partner with you. Swing dancing is a very social dance and we all dance with each other.
What is a social dance?
A social dance is an opportunity to dance in an non formal and relaxed setting, dancing for the enjoyment of the music and to make new friends!
WORKSHOPS
What is a Workshop?
A workshop is, in essence, an extended class. Usually running for longer than a hour, they gives teachers and dancers an opportunity go a little more in depth than your regular weekly classes.
Do I have to have a partner for Workshops?
Absolutely not! We rotate throughout the class, so no need for a partner.
GENERAL
What's the average age? Am I too old?
You’re never too old to dance and we have dancers of all ages learning and enjoying swing dancing. The age range across our classes is 18-80! Our students predominantly range from their late 20s to 40s, but swing dancing is for everyone!
What is 'Swing'?
Swing is a sound and a dance. Swing music comes under the overall musical umbrella of jazz, and swing dancing is a style of dance that suits swing music. Swing dancing can be upbeat and flashy or slow and sensual. Whatever the pace, the dancing is always an expression of the music that it relates to!
Chances are you are reading this page because a friend told you about swing dancing. They will be able to tell you more about the great steps and styling that make up swing dancing and how hard it is to swing without grinning.
Do you do private classes?
We do! Speak to our regular weekly teachers or email esdsinfo@gmail.com to enquire about availability.