Edinburgh Swing Dance Society (ESDS) is a lively and welcoming dance school based in Edinburgh, Scotland. As a non-profit organisation, their primary goal is to create and maintain a fun and friendly dance community, while also introducing new individuals to the exciting world of Lindy Hop and Swing Dance. They offer a variety of classes, workshops, and events throughout the year, promoting social swing dancing in Scotland.
Lindy Hop, the primary form of dance taught at ESDS, originated in Harlem, New York, during the late 1920s and continued to evolve until the 1940s. It is a partnered dance that was traditionally performed to the rhythmic tunes of Big Band Jazz music. It drew inspiration from dances such as the Charleston, tap dance, and the breakaway.
ESDS provides beginner Lindy Hop classes starting from 11th January 2024, with tickets going on sale from 1st January at 6 pm. These classes are a great opportunity for newcomers to get started with the fundamentals of Lindy Hop. The society's classes are taught in blocks of six weeks, progressively building on the previous weeks' lessons. Level 1 classes cater to complete beginners, while Level 2 classes are designed for dancers who have attended at least two terms of Level 1 classes.
In addition to the structured classes, ESDS also offers open practise sessions where dancers can independently practise moves and techniques they have learned in class. While not teacher-led, experienced dancers are available to answer questions and provide assistance if requested. This is followed by social dancing, where dancers of all levels can come together to enjoy 45 minutes of dancing to tunes curated by the volunteer DJ team.
ESDS understands the importance of community and encourages dancers to socialise outside of class. After the social dancing session, participants are invited to join the group at The Antiquary, a local pub, to socialise and get to know their fellow Lindy Hop dancers.
For pricing and booking information, individuals can visit the society's website or refer to their relevant social media channels. Classes are held at the LifeCare Centre, located at 2 Cheyne St, Edinburgh EH4 1JB. For any further information, individuals can reach out to ESDS via email at info@esds. org.
uk or join their mailing list to stay updated on the latest news, classes, and events.
