Birmingham based Swing Dancing School
WELCOME TO the Swing Era
The Dance School that brings you authentic 1920s 1930s and 1940s vintage swing dance classes (Lindy Hop), performances, authentic swing music and events in Birmingham! Since 2014.
Dance styles we teach: Lindy Hop, Balboa, Collegiate Shag, Charleston, Solo jazz.
Jump into the fun
Latest news
2027 course dates at the Swing Era
These are the 2027 dates for our 6 week courses ( and 4 week summer courses.) While tickets aren’t available just yet watch this space or sign up to our newsletter as they will go up as soon sooner than later. 🙂 Course 1 dates Jan | 14th, 21st, 28th Feb | 4th, 11th and 18th Course 2 dates Feb | 25th March | 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th April | 1st Course 3 dates April | 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th May | 6th, 13th Course 4 dates May | 20th, 27th June | 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th Course 6 dates ( only 4 weeks) July 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd Course 7 dates (only 4 weeks) July | 29th Aug | 5th, 12th, 19th Course 8 dates Aug | 26th Sep | 2nd, 9th, 16, 23rd, 30th Course 9 dates Oct | 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th Nov | 4th, 11th
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Venezuela earthquake appeal
We dance to lift our spirits To stay connected To create resilience and to actively care for the community we build Venezuela has been hit by a devastating earthquake, leaving families grieving, communities displaced, and essential services under severe strain. Homes and local infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed, and many people are facing urgent shortages of safe shelter, clean water, medical support, and basic supplies. In the immediate aftermath, rapid humanitarian assistance is critical to help people survive the days and weeks ahead and to support longer-term recovery for those most affected. As a swing dance community based in Birmingham, we’re built on connection and mutual support. One of our dancers at the heart of our community is Eli, she has family and friends directly affected by the catastrophe in Venezuela; and she can’t be there in person to help. Many of us feel for those affected through seeing the impact of the catastrophe on the news and through social media. What we can do is stand alongside Eli in a practical way—by coming together to raise funds for urgent relief and longer-term recovery efforts. We dance to lift our spirits and to strengthen our resilience, through this fundraiser, we dance to show our care, and to turn that care into meaningful support. A collective donation from the fundraiser will be directed to the International Rescue Committee (IRC) UK emergency appeal Practice your Swing dance moves throughout August 2026 to: Ella Fitzjerald ‘I’m Beginning to see the Light’ You can use the filmed choreography by Hsin and Tom which we will upload soon. You can also join the drop into an end of summer social at the Dark Horse on Thurs 27 Aug from 8pm – 10pm to learn the routine, practice and social dance with teachers Hsin and Graham. Then – Swing Out for Venezuela at The Swing Era Social Thurs 3 Sept 8.30pm – 11pm @The Dark Horse On arrival to The Dark Horse after class on Thurs 3 Sept make a donation and enter the partner draw *£5 (A give what you can donation) Dance to ‘I’m Beginning to see the Light’ (Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Wellington) with your surprise partner at 10pm Dress up and wear the colours of the Venezuelan flag The performance is for fun and enjoyment and doesn’t have to be perfect! Opt out of being filmed if you prefer. Invite friends along | Cash is king – there will be a charity raffle with great prizes with our top raffle prize being a pair of Swing Dance Shoes courtesy of Madame Dynamite We’ll announce what we raised following the event. WE DANCE TO RAISE FUNDS IN SUPPORT OF: INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE – UK: Venezuela Emergency Fund Disasters Emergency Committee Charity appeal: International Rescue Committee (IRC) UK emergency appeal
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Trisha Sewell is coming to town!
We are lucky enough to have the fabulous Trisha Sewell teaching solo jazz in Birmingham.
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We'd love your feedback
We’d Love Your Feedback The Swing Era has always been shaped by the people who dance with us, and we’d love your help in making it even better. We’ve put together a short survey to learn: What classes, workshops or events you’d love to see in the future. What you’re enjoying most about The Swing Era. Any ideas or suggestions you have for improving your experience. Whether you’ve been dancing with us for years or you’ve only just discovered swing, your feedback genuinely helps us plan for the future. The survey only takes 2–3 minutes, and every response is greatly appreciated. 👉 Complete the survey here Thank you for helping shape the future of The Swing Era!
Read moreA community focused dance school
Swing dancing is a family of social dances that grew out of the jazz era — Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa, and more. It is playful, musical, and welcoming to newcomers. No partner needed, no experience required.
- Beginners welcome
- No partner needed
- No experience required
- All ages
- Social & fun
Born in Harlem, loved everywhere
What is swing dancing?
Swing dancing grew out of the jazz clubs and ballrooms of 1920s New York. Lindy Hop — the mother of all swing dances — was danced at the famous Savoy Ballroom and spread across the world through Hollywood films and travelling performers. Today it's danced at festivals and socials on every continent. Playful, musical and deeply social, it's the perfect dance for anyone.
What people say
From the community
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The friendliest dance floor I have found—great music and patient teachers.
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I started with two left feet and now I cannot wait for Saturday night.
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The community here is the real draw—fun first, perfection optional.
Ready to start dancing?
Drop-in classes · 6-week courses
Private lessons · Day workshops
Regular socials