When we talk about Swing Dancing, we’re talking about dances that have evolved since the 1920s. The Swing family includes Charleston, Balboa, Shag, and and Solo Jazz Dance, but at the heart of swing dancing is Lindy Hop.
Lindy Hop evolved in Harlem, New York in the 1920s and 30s as a fusion of many dances that were popular during that time. Lindy Hop’s original dancers were swinging out at the Savoy Ballroom to music from Duke Ellington, Chick Webb, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman and many others.
Welcome!
If you’re new to dance, we offer beginner classes in Lindy Hop, Slow Jazz/Blues and Solo Jazz. They are perfect starting points for everyone. These classes introduce foundational steps and rhythms in a supportive environment.
No partner? No problem!
Our Solo Jazz classes are designed for individuals. You can sign up as individuals.
You also sign up for our Lindy Hop and Slow Jazz/Blues classes individually. We make sure that the balance between leads and follows is as equal as possible. Which means we accept a +1 or +2 balance depending on the total group size. In partnered Lindy Hop and Slow Jazz/Blues classes we rotate partners regularly, so you’ll have the opportunity to dance with various people, enhancing your skills and social experience.
No.
If you want to try out dancing you can join in your regular shoes, no problem. The longer you dance, the more you’ll probably want to invest in specific dance shoes, because they will make it easier to dance on. The more you develop your own dancing, the more you get to understand what kind of shoes fit you. Some like it very slippery and some like it very sticky.
Tip: If you like to alter shoes, you could put suede on the bottom of a comfortable pair of shoes if you’re ready to make them “dance only” shoes.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely.
For footwear, flat shoes with smooth soles are ideal.
High heels or shoes with sticky soles can be worn but best not if you’re a beginner.
Some dancers prefer to dance barefoot, especially in styles like blues or solo jazz.
Most of our classes are 60 minutes long.
We also offer occasional workshops and intensives that may vary in length.
Check our schedule for specific class durations.
Our pricing varies depending on the class and package.
We offer student discounts. Visit our Pricing Page for detailed information.
If you are unable to pay full price for classes, please send us a message at info@stampijamsterdam.com. We never want cost to prohibit anyone from dancing!
No problem, if you like to, you can offer your spot to someone else to drop-in. Please make sure this person is somewhat suited to the level they drop into.
Our classes are conducted in English to accommodate our diverse community.
Our instructors are often multilingual and most of them can assist in Dutch if needed.
We aim to keep our classes intimate, typically accommodating 10-30 students.
This ensures personalized attention and a comfortable learning environment.
Our classes take place at various locations in Amsterdam Noord.
Please refer to our Locations Page for the most up-to-date information.
We have a fixed 7-week block structure and advice to register in advance to secure your spot, as classes can fill up quickly. Registration also helps us maintain a balanced lead/follow ratio.
We welcome drop-ins during a block if it doesn’t disrupt the lead/follow ratio to much. Please reach out to us to check the possibilities.
Absolutely!
Many of our students explore various styles, such as Lindy Hop, Solo Jazz, and Slow Jazz/Blues. We encourage you to diversify your dance experience.
‘Lead’ and ‘follow’ are the two roles in partner dancing, and each comes with it’s own set of skills and challenges.
Leads often initiate the movement and follows often respond and add to it.
If the analogy were painting a picture, the lead might create broad brush strokes and the follow might fill in the details. As dancers become more skilled, there is an increasingly interesting and creative role for the follow in the dance. This is a particularly great article about the role of the proactive follow.
Occasionally, we capture moments during classes or events to share on our platforms.
If you prefer not to be photographed or recorded, please inform the instructor beforehand.
If you are new to Lindy Hop this is the class to start with. After 7 weeks you will be able to go to your first social dance and explore in the swing dance universe. During classes we will focus on learning some of the basic footwork and jazz steps, jazz music and culture.
No experience or partner needed, just bring comfy clothes, water, and good vibes!
You’ve done a beginner class and you’re ready to level up! This class dives deeper into rhythms, moves, and musical play. Expect fun topics like stealing, floorcraft, and classic variations.
You should know: 6-/8-count basics, swing outs, Charleston, circles, send outs, and tuck turns.
You’re social dancing regularly and ready to be challenged. These classes focus more on musicality, styling, rhythm, and dancing to different tempos. We’ll work with concepts and make you a more versatile and connected partner.
You’ve been dancing at least a year and have solo jazz experience too.
Open to everyone with some experience in Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz. These classes are ever-changing—led by different teachers sharing their styles and passions. Topics include styling, musicality, rhythm, bebop, competitions, and more.
A playground for curious dancers who love jazz in all its forms.
This is a feedback-based group for experienced dancers who train regularly and attend international events. Expect focused work, individual feedback, and shared responsibility for each other’s growth.
Think you belong here? Reach out for a level check.
Welcome to the world of Slow Jazz/Blues dancing. As a beginner we will guide you through foundational idiom dances like Slow Drag, Jukin’, Fishtails and more. These classes focus on the basics, movement quality, connection, and musicality.
As a beginner/intermediate you will likely stay at this level for around a year.
This block we will dig into Ballroomin’ Blues, which combines nicely with Lindy Hop. This is a good style to know because it fits very well with slower jazz music played at parties & festivals. We’ll work on connection, style, and foundational moves so you will be confident dancing this at parties.
You’ve had at least 1 block of beginner Slow Jazz/Blues or beginner Lindy Hop class.
Do you enjoy jazz music and dancing on your own? Or do you want to put more style into your Lindy Hop? Learn Solo Jazz! In this class you learn basic steps, musicality, styling and the history behind jazz steps and moves. Great for first-timers and anyone looking to get more comfortable in solo dancing.
No partner or experience needed—just comfy clothes and a love of music.
We dig deeper into groove, rhythm, musicality, and developing your personal expression. We’ll also do cool and difficult steps. Classes may be concept-driven or based on vintage clips.
Open to anyone who wants a challenge.
Learn essential jazz routines like the Trankey Doo, Al & Leon Shim Sham, Trickeration, Big Apple and Shim Sham. We will not only learn the choreographies themselves, we will also use steps and ideas from them in our improvisation. The goal for each routine will be to get to the point that you no longer have to think about what step is coming next, and you can instead focus on *how* you want to style each movement. That is what makes it fun.
Prior Solo Jazz experience helps, but beginners are welcome!
Have more questions? Feel free to reach out to us at info@stampijamsterdam.com, We’re here to help!