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, 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 beginner swing and blues dance classes are open for individuals. You don’t need a partner to sign up. And of course Solo Jazz classes are designed for individuals.
For higher levers (Lindy Hop and Blues) you can also sign up individually. You usually have to sign up within a role (follow or lead). 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 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 swing dancing you can join in with regular shoes, no problem. The longer you dance, the more you’ll probably want to invest in specific swing 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 swing dancers prefer to dance barefoot, especially in styles like blues or solo jazz.
Most of our dance 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. In order to making swing dancing possible for as many people as possible we offer discounts for students and artists (musicians and dance professionals). Visit our Pricing Page for detailed information.
If you are unable to pay full price for classes, just use one of our available discount codes, no questions asked.
We want everyone to feel welcome and able to participate any swing or blues dancing, so feel free to choose the code that fits your situation.
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 dance classes are conducted in English to accommodate our diverse community.
Our dance instructors are often multilingual and most of them can assist in Dutch if needed.
We aim to keep our classes intimate, typically accommodating 10-20 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.
Yes you can!
We have drop-in classes you can attend every week. Please check our schedule for dance classes you can drop-in.
Some swing dance classes ask for a fixed 7-week commitment due to the class structure. We advice to register in advance to secure your spot, as dance classes can fill up quickly.
Absolutely!
Many of our students explore various swing and blues styles, such as Lindy Hop, Solo Jazz, and Blues. We encourage you to diversify your dance experience.
Occasionally we also offer other jazz-related dance styles like House, Waacking, Hip-hop etc.
‘Lead’ and ‘follow’ are the two roles in partner (swing) 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 dance 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. This is a class for absolute beginners. After 7 weeks you will be able to go to your first social dance and explore in the swing dance universe. During our beginner classes we will focus on learning some of the basic footwork and jazz steps, jazz music and culture.
No dance experience or partner needed, just bring comfy clothes, water, and good vibes!
You’ve done a beginner Lindy Hop 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.
Here’s where it gets juicy. This Lindy Hop level is about refining your role, deepening partner connection, and expanding your vocabulary. We’ll explore call & response, groove, and creative expression.
You should feel solid in all basics—6-/8-counts, swing outs, Charleston, hand-to-hand, and jig walks.
You’re out there dancing swing at socials regularly and ready to be challenged. These Lindy Hop 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 swing dancing (Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz). These classes are everchanging – 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 swing and jazz dancing in all its forms.
This is a feedback-based group for experienced Lindy Hop dancers who train regularly and attend international swing dancing 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 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 Blues dancer you will likely stay at this level for around a year.
This block we will dig into Ballroomin’ Blues, which combines nicely with swing dancing (Lindy Hop & Solo Jazz). This is a good dance 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 Blues or beginner swing dancing (Lindy Hop or solo jazz) 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 in dancing solo jazz. 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!