Lindy Hop & Charleston – Level 1
Join us on Monday or Thursday evenings to start your journey into Lindy Hop & Charleston dancing with classes suitable for complete beginners. No partner required!
We run 4-week progressive blocks so you can build your skills step by step, making it easier to start as a complete beginner and to grow as an improver. A block class structure enables progressive learning, allowing you to build on what you have learned each week, improve faster, and feel more confident on the dance floor.
We teach different material on Monday and Thursday nights – choose the night that fits your schedule or attend both if you’re feeling keen!
New to Lindy Hop and unsure about jumping into the full block? Turn up for Week 1 of any block and pay £9 to try the class, if you’d like to continue with the block we can upgrade you to the full block price. Please note: our classes have a maximum capacity and if our blocks are sold out we may not be able to accept drop-ins at the door.
Times & Dates
Mondays: Level 1 – 7.30-8.20pm
Social dance – 8.20-8.45pm
Thursdays: Level 1 – 7.30-8.20pm
Social Dance – 8.30-9.15pm
Please see below for upcoming block and class dates. Note that new beginners are welcome to start on the first week of any block or at any of our special drop-in classes.
Where: Southernhay Hall Exeter
19th January – Level 1 Charleston Block
Dates: 19/01, 26/01, 02/02, 09/02
2nd March – Level 1 6-Count Block
Dates: 02/03, 09/03, 16/03, 23/03
20th April – Level 1 8-Count Block
Dates: 20/04, 27/04, 11/05, 18/05
1st June – Level 1 Swing Out Block
Dates: 01/06, 08/06, 15/06, 22/06
6th July – Level 1 Charleston Block
Dates: 06/07, 13/07, 20/07, 27/07
Where: Exeter Community Centre
15th January – Level 1 8-Count Block
Dates: 15/01, 22/01, 29/01, 05/02
12th February – Level 1 Swing Out Block
Dates: 12/02, 26/02, 05/03, 12/03
19th March – Level 1 Charleston Block
Dates: 19/03, 26/03, 02/04, 09/04
23rd April – Level 1 6-Count Block
Dates: 23/04, 30/04, 14/05, 21/05
4th June – Level 1 8-Count Block
Dates: 04/06, 11/06, 18/06, 25/06
2nd July – Level 1 Swing Out Block
Dates: 02/07, 09/07, 16/07, 23/07
Level 1 – Block Curriculum
6 count
We begin with the fundamentals of 6-count Lindy Hop, focusing on mastering core techniques and exploring a variety of 6-count moves.
8 count
We begin this block focusing on 8-count moves. Each class builds your confidence with rhythm, partner connection, and fun practice.
Swing Out
We begin a focused journey into the iconic Lindy Hop move – the Swing Out! Whether you’re new to the move or looking to refine your technique, we’ll break it down step by step, building confidence.
Charleston
We begin with the fundamentals of Charleston technique and gradually progress to more challenging moves. This step is the foundation from which the Lindy Hop developed. It’s a lot of fun and offers a great workout!
Prices
Class sizes are limited so pre-booking is recommended.
Block of 4 Classes: £30 (£26 Students).
Drop-in for new students on first week of any new block: £9 (£8 Students), subject to availability.
Venue
Southernhay Church Hall, Dix’s Field, EX1 1GF (///yard.host.taken – what3words)
Car parking: There is limited on street parking on Southernhay East & West and Dix’s Field road which is free after 6pm. There are plenty of nearby car parks including Princesshay and Dix’s Field.
Further afield you can park in Triangle or Parr Street car parks, these cost a little less but will involve around 5 – 10 minutes walk. You may also find free parking in residential streets in Newtown and St Leonards.
Public transport: Our venue is approximately a 2 minute walk from the high street and city bus routes, and about 10 minutes walk from Exeter Central railway station. There is a cycle rack directly opposite the venue above the car park ramp to Princesshay 3.
Facilities: Toilets and kitchenette to refill water bottles.
Extra information: As the venue has a high quality sprung dance floor we ask that all attendees are mindful of the shoes they wear. No black soled shoes or stiletto heels which may mark the floor are to be worn. We may provide dance socks to be placed over shoes if shoes are worn which may damage the floor.
Haldon Room, Exeter Community Centre, 17 St David’s Hill, Exeter, EX4 3RG
Car parking: There are city centre car parks within a 5 to 10 minute walk from the centre. Nearest are Harlequins, Guildhall and Mary Arches, plus a smaller carpark at Bystock Terrace. There is also limited short stay on-street parking.
Public transport: The venue is approximately a 7 minute walk from the high street and city bus routes, and about 10 minutes walk from Exeter Central and Exeter St Davids railway stations.
Facilities: Toilets and kitchenette to refill water bottles.
swingexe.co.uk 