History & Activities

On returning from a trip to New York in 1986, where Simon had been introduced to the New York Swing Dance Society, he realized that London was in need of its own organization that would encourage the existing London swing dance scene and actively promote the modern bands that were playing swing dance music.

So the idea for the London Swing Dance Society was formed. Not much happened at first - occasional gatherings used to take place but it was not until a couple of years later that more regular events were organized. At the time it seemed such a novel idea to have live bands play for dancing and not just for listening. Looking back over the years we have had the pleasure of introducing swing dance to literally thousands of people and encouraging many wonderful bands.

Some highlights from the London Swing Dance Society:

• 1986 The London Swing Dance Society is born
• 1987 Stompin' opens at the 100 Club
• 1990 Jazz FM Marathon Dance Porchester Halls
• 1993 Capital Gold Open Jive Championship
• 1994 Teaching Lindy Hop as part of a programme of introducing Lindy Hop around the UK from Bristol to Aberdeen
• 1995 Organised three giant outdoor Lindy Hop classes, as part of the official 50th anniversary VE Day celebrations in London's Hyde Park
• 1995 - 2000 Coin Street Festival
• 1996 The Joint Is Jumping with the BBC Big Band - a series of live recorded concerts
• 1996 Hangar Dances for the US Army Air force Stationed in England
• 1996 to date - South Bank Centre Jive Tea Dances
• 1997 to date - Fund raising events for the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research
• 1997 to date - Annual London Lindy Hop Festival in conjunction with the Jiving Lindy Hoppers
• 1999 Provided background dancers for the feature film 'Swing!'
• 2001 United Kingdom Open Lindy Hop Championships
• 2006 Provided featured dancers for ITV's 'Foyle's War'

We have introduced many dancers to different styles of Swing and related dances, including Blues, Boogie Woogie, West Coast Swing, Hollywood Swing, St. Louis Shag, Balboa, Collegiate Shag and Charleston. Amongst the guest teachers at some of our workshops have been members of the Jiving Lindy Hoppers, The Rhythm Hot Shots, The Harlem Hot Shots; Jonathan Bixby and Sylvia Sykes and Lance Benishek and Betty Wood from the USA; David Dalmo, Ivan and Elizabeth, Michael and Maria, Ann and Christer from Sweden; Melanie Bucher from Switzerland and Christian Thompson, Andrew Sutton, Patrick Germain all from USA.

Since 1987 Simon has been organizing and running the UK's first & favorite weekly swing dance club "Stompin". Introducing a frequently copied formula of beginners and intermediate classes followed by the cream of the UK's top swing and jump jive bands, such as Blue Harlem, King Pleasure and Ray Gelato, plus the ever popular resident DJ 'Mr.Kicks' and guests playing the most danceable music of the 1930's, 40's & 50's through to the music of today's modern swing bands. Always a friendly and welcoming crowd at Stompin' you will find the best of London's Lindy Hop scene, dancing the hottest Lindy Hop around.