Big Mama Swing
Swing, blues and lindy hop classes in Madrid, plus live music venue Big
A swing dance studio offering instruction in East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, and related swing styles.
Before your first class
The school has dedicated beginner groups and encourages newcomers to start from scratch without prior experience.
€20 for a placement test class, €64 per month or €156 per trimester (20% discount); intensive workshops also available; discounts for enrolling in two or more courses
About this studio
Big Mama Swing is a dance school and live music venue in the Arganzuela neighborhood of Madrid, founded in 2013 by Gastón Fernandez and Alba Mengual. The founders wanted to create more than just a dance academy—they built a project that honors the African-American roots of swing and blues music by combining live instruction with live performance. The school teaches North American dances from the early twentieth century: Lindy Hop, Balboa, Blues, Solo Blues, Solo Jazz, Charleston, Rhythm Tap, Body Percussion, and Footwork y Técnica. In honor of swing and blues's African-American heritage, they also offer Afrobeats classes. Classes run at multiple times throughout the day, from morning through late evening, with both pair and solo (individual) options available.
You can join as a complete beginner or take a test class (€20) if you're entering at a higher level, which helps the instructors place you in the right group. Test classes also include the option to work one-to-one with a teacher if your schedule aligns with theirs. Each class runs for 55 minutes. The school offers intensive 3-hour workshops on swing and blues foundations for faster learning, and special summer intensive classes in Lindy Hop, Solo Jazz, Charleston and Boogie.
Big Mama Swing also runs a connected live music venue, Big Mama Ballroom, which opened in 2015. The ballroom hosts live jazz and blues performances, cocktails and events. The school and venue operate from the same location and reflect a shared philosophy: these dances were born alongside live jazz and blues music, so teaching and performing go hand in hand. The school organizes regular social dance events for students to practice what they've learned—including Big Mama Ballroom nights, the Spanish Blues Festival and Nubalboa—and can arrange private wedding choreography lessons and corporate team-building activities. You can also rent the space for private events.
Payment options include monthly subscriptions (€64 per month) or trimester payments (€156 for three months, a 20% discount). If you enroll in two or more courses, discounts apply; paying for three courses trimestrally includes a free fourth course. You can recover one missed class per month per discipline if spaces are available, provided you request it in advance. The school asks for 24 hours' notice if you cannot attend, and requires written notice the month before if you wish to drop a course.
What to expect
Your first visit
Classes are 55 minutes long and cater to soloists and pairs alike. Beginners are welcomed into dedicated groups; if you're returning or entering at a higher level, a €20 test class or one-to-one placement session helps the instructors find your right fit. The venue operates from a single location in Arganzuela, with evening hours (17:00–22:00 Monday–Thursday, 17:00–21:00 Friday) for most enquiries.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The school was founded by Gastón Fernandez and Alba Mengual. The source does not name individual current instructors beyond stating that the team shares a unified approach and values, and that they are passionate about teaching these dances in a welcoming and safe environment.
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What beginners can expect
The school has dedicated beginner groups and encourages newcomers to start from scratch without prior experience.
Studio history
Big Mama Swing was founded in 2013 by Gastón Fernandez and Alba Mengual. The project grew until it secured its own space in Embajadores. Because swing and blues dances were born alongside live jazz and blues music, the founders created a sister venue, Big Mama Ballroom, which opened in 2015 as a concert hall where the essence of jazz and blues comes to life with live music, cocktails and events.
Styles offered
13 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
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Class schedule
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Frequently asked about Big Mama Swing
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Big Mama Swing teach?
Big Mama Swing teaches Swing, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Balboa, Juke Joint Blues and 7 more.
Where is Big Mama Swing located?
Big Mama Swing is located in Madrid. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Big Mama Swing offer private lessons?
Contact Big Mama Swing directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Big Mama Swing teach kids and adults?
Contact Big Mama Swing directly to ask which classes suit your age and experience level.
How do I sign up for classes at Big Mama Swing?
Sign up through Big Mama Swing's website, or contact the studio directly.
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Upcoming opportunities
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