Fire Station Swing
Next DateS:
The next term will run from 24 September to 26 November 2026. You can pay at the door (drop in) or book a discounted term pass.
What is Fire Station Swing?
Fire Station Swing is our main teaching night on Thursday evenings at the Old Fire Station in the city centre. It is an inclusive and fun series of progressive classes in ten-week blocks designed to help you see tangible improvements in the joyous and expressive dance of Lindy Hop, Charleston and related authentic jazz dances that originated in African American communities at the height of the Swing Era in the 20s, 30s, and 40s and is a global phenomenon! Anyone from absolute beginners to more seasoned dancers will find a level suitable for them.
Fundamentals Class: requires no previous dance experience. By the end of the block, you will have experienced the 6-count, 8-count and Charleston.
7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. – The Loft
Guided practice and social dancing: included for students of either class.
8:15 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. – The Loft. Practice the things you learned in class in the context of social dancing. Teachers will be in the room to help with any questions.
Experienced Class: for regular social dancers who are comfortable at both medium and faster tempos. Gain a deeper understanding of rhythms, musicality and expression.
8:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. – The Loft
Social dancing: included for students of either class.
9:45 p.m. to ~10:25 p.m. – The Loft.
Exit by 10:30 p.m.
- One class – £8; Two classes – £10. Class payments include entry to all the social dance sessions.
- Social dance only with no classes – £3.
- Payment by card only. No cash payments.
- This is a progressive series of classes, each with about 3 class mini-blocks dedicated to a theme or topic. You can drop in at any point during a series, but the expectation will be that you can pick up the material from the recaps at the start of class. So we strongly recommend marking time in your calendar to attend the whole series, or join for the start of a mini-block.
- Booking a full block in advance (here) gives you a discount of about £20 versus paying for each class individually. Available till the first two classes of a series, after which you don’t make any saving over paying for individual classes.
Which class is right for me?
Learn to swing dance! This is aimed at beginners to Lindy Hop, people who haven’t danced in a while and those exploring Lindy Hop and other dances in their secondary roles (leads learning to follow or vice-versa). We will start from scratch and teach you the basics of this exciting, varied, and joyful dance so you can get dancing straight away. The aim is to get people to understand where Lindy Hop comes from, posture, pulse, connection to the music in Black dances, connecting with a partner, the basics of leading & following, as well as the core footwork which will be used that week (e.g. 6 count, 8 count, Charleston).
Suitable for those who regularly social dance and are comfortable with both medium and faster tempos.
This class aims to get people dancing expressively, taking a deeper dive into concepts like connection, rhythm and musicality.
What should I expect from a class?
- All of our classes focus on teaching in an inclusive and fun way.
- This is a role-based dance, not gender-based. We rotate partners throughout our classes. It’s a great way to meet people and learn by dancing with different partners. But you are welcome to step out of the rotation or choose to dance solely with someone you have come with. Just inform the teachers at the start of the class.
- All attendees, including teachers and the organisers, abide by our Safer Spaces Policy to make it a welcoming environment for all.
- No special clothing is required to dance Lindy Hop. Wear something comfortable as it will get warm!
- Wear shoes without too much grip: flat or low-heeled shoes with smooth or slightly slippery soles are ideal.
- Drinking water is available. Please bring a reusable cup or bottle.
- There’s always space to join.
- Payment by card only. No cash payments.
For any questions not covered on this page, email us at oxfordlindyhoppers@gmail.com, and we’ll reply as soon as possible.
Where do I find you?
Fire Station Swing is at the Old Fire Station, 40 George Street, OX1 2AQ. It is right in the City Centre and easily reached by public transport.
