Swing North - Manchester Swing Dance

Swing North – Manchester Swing Dance is a vibrant dance school and jazz club located in the heart of Manchester, UK. It offers classes and social dancing every Tuesday, allowing individuals to learn and enjoy the Lindy Hop, Shag, and Balboa dance styles.

With a warm and inclusive atmosphere, Swing North welcomes individuals of all skill levels, including complete beginners. The weekly Lindy Hop class at 8pm is specifically designed for those new to swing dancing, while the 7pm class is perfect for improvers. In addition, the club offers Collegiate Shag and Balboa classes at 7pm and 8pm respectively.

At Swing North, there's no need to bring a dance partner or make a booking in advance. Simply show up at the location, which is in the basement of Whitworth Locke at 74 Princess St, Manchester M1 6JD. For the Balboa and Shag classes, head to the ground floor coffee shop of the same building. Cash and card payments are accepted upon arrival, with admission fees being 8 for non-members, 5 for those who don't take the classes, and free for Swing North members.

Swing North prides itself on being a volunteer-run swing dance community, with a dedicated core team led by an elected admin board. The chairperson of the board is Kevin Leach, the secretary is Samantha Hinckley, and the treasurer is Rebecca Rowaichi. The core team includes Andy Wilson, Rachel Meerloo, Linford Miller, Jo Barnes, Adam Marc Williams, and Jordi Bitlloch.

Swing North is committed to educating its members and the community about the history of Lindy Hop and other swing dances, which originated in African-American culture and Harlem, New York, a century ago. The club celebrates the heritage of these dances and the resilience of the African-American dancers who created them, despite facing adversity and prejudice. They also recognise the contribution of the talented musicians from that era.

In addition to its regular classes and social dancing events, Swing North encourages members to join their online community through the Manchester Swing Dancers group and stay updated by following the Swing North Facebook page. The club also organises special events throughout the year, such as the AGM & Social with special guest Corina Kwami.

As part of their commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable environment, Swing North has a safeguarding policy in place and follows a constitution. Volunteers at Swing North enjoy various benefits and play a crucial role in shaping the community. The club appreciates every member and attendee, recognising their valuable contributions.

For those looking for more personalised attention, Swing North also offers private lessons on the first Tuesday of every month. These lessons can be booked in advance and are free for members.

Swing North – Manchester Swing Dance is a thriving community that invites dancers of all backgrounds and experience levels to come together, learn, and celebrate the joy of swing dancing. Come join the fun and embrace the vibrant spirit of swing in Manchester!