Every Wednesday in Penrith we run a beginner-friendly balboa class and two levels of Lindy Hop; Fundamentals, and Improver / Intermediate; followed by time for social dancing.

Fundamentals is our structured beginner course. It runs in four week blocks that repeat throughout the year and is designed for all dancers; complete beginners or any dancers who want to really focus on improving their essential skills. In Fundamentals you will learn the core principles of swing dancing; rhythm, musicality, connection, leading and following, and simple social dance skills. You will be introduced to Lindy Hop, along with a little of the history and culture behind the dance.

Improver / Intermediate classes are for dancers who are already comfortable with the Fundamentals material and have started experimenting with variation and musicality. These sessions explore a wider range of moves, footwork variations and musical ideas. As a general rule, we would probably expect most beginner dancers to have at least 9 to 12 months experience before they start Improver classes. The Fundamentals really are very important to gain the grounding you need for a solid base. If you feel you want to try the Improvers class, please come and speak to the Improvers teachers to discuss this further.

We offer regular blocks of classes in other swing dance styles such as Blues, Shag and Charleston throughout the year, as well as stand-alone workshops in various styles.

Class times

• 6:00pm Balboa (downstairs in the Tarn Room)

• 6:45pm Arrival and registration for Lindy Hop (upstairs in the Lake Room)

• 7.00 pm: Lindy Hop Fundamental class

• 7.45 to 8.15 pm: Social dancing!

• 8.15 pm: Lindy Hop Improver / Intermediate class

• 9:00pm Social dancing!

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If you don’t want to pre-book, you are welcome to pay drop-in at our welcome desk. Please arrive in good time before your class if you wish to pay drop-in so that we can register you for the class before it starts. Loyalty cards are also available for drop-in members; pay for nine classes and get the tenth class free.

• Drop in prices:
  1 class: £5
  1 class concession: £4*

• 2 classes on the same evening: £7
  2 classes concession: £5*

• 3 classes on the same evening: £10
  3 classes concession: £7*

*Concession tickets are for students and for people who would struggle to afford the full price.

You will find us at Penrith Parish Rooms, St Andrew’s Place, Penrith, CA11 7XX. We are a very short walk from Penrith Bus Station and there is ample parking at Friargate Car Park.