Downtownswing
Lindy Hop, Balboa, Collegiate Shag & Solo Jazz in Zürich
A swing dance studio offering instruction in East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, and related swing styles.
Photo: Downtownswing via Google
Before your first class
The studio recommends beginners start with Lindy Hop and offers free taster sessions and Basic 1 courses with no prior dance experience needed.
Comfortable everyday clothes; special sportswear is only needed for occasional workshops like Aerials or Fast Lindy.
Comfortable everyday clothes with movement freedom, a spare shirt, and comfortable everyday shoes or fitness trainers with soles that do not mark the floor.
About this studio
Downtownswing teaches four swing dance styles at Hohlstrasse 86A in Zürich's 8004 district. The studio runs a structured programme of Lindy Hop, Balboa, Collegiate Shag, and Solo Jazz & Charleston across multiple ability levels, from Basic 1 for beginners to Intermediate-Advanced and specialist classes.
Lindy Hop dominates the schedule, offered on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 18:00, 19:15 and 20:30. The studio names specific Lindy Hop variants: Lindy Hop Basic 4, Lindy Hop Pre-Intermediate, Lindy Hop Intermediate 1, Intermediate 1 Plus, Intermediate 2, and Intermediate-Advanced. There is also a class called Lindy Cracks & Nerds on Wednesday evenings at 20:30. Balboa runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and includes a Fast-Track Balboa Starter option. Collegiate Shag classes run on Thursdays. The studio also runs a Slow Balboa Mini-Workshop on Friday afternoons and a weekend Balboa Lab 7 intensive on Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00–17:30.
Beginners are encouraged to start with a taster session: a Lindy Hop Taster at Idaplatzfest on Saturday 15 August, or free Lindy Hop Crash Kurse. The Basic 1 series run for eight weeks (17 August–12 October for Lindy Hop; 20 August–15 October for Collegiate Shag; 19 October–14 December for Balboa). Courses run from Monday to Thursday at 20:30, with earlier slots from 18:00 to 19:15 for intermediate students. The studio organises regular events on Friday evenings (19:00–23:30) and special multi-day events such as a swing weekend in February (12–14 February, running 19:30–01:00 on Friday and Saturday, 11:00–20:00 on Sunday).
All swing dances taught here are partner dances with regular role-switching in class. The studio actively works to balance leader and follower spots and maintains a dance partner exchange (Tanzpartnerbörse) to help solo students find partners. Classes are taught in Swiss German (Schwyzerdütsch), with instructors switching to High German if needed; questions may be asked in German or English. The studio is an official member of the Tanzvereinigung Schweiz and recognised by SWICA health insurance, so students may claim up to CHF 900 in annual sport subsidies depending on their coverage.
Downtownswing offers Early Bird discounts for courses booked before a stated deadline, with the discount value equalling roughly one lesson and effectively covering one week of annual holiday absences. Students can upload proof of course attendance to their profile for insurance reimbursement. Missed lessons cannot be made up or refunded, but the studio runs Swing Practice Sessions as an additional way to perfect learned steps. Automatic enrolment in consecutive course series is offered to secure spots and apply the Early Bird rate to follow-on courses; students may cancel without penalty up to 14 days before the next series starts.
What to expect
Your first visit
On your first visit, you'll register on the Downtownswing website to book a Basic 1 course or a free taster session. Classes run 1–1 hour 10 minutes and emphasise partner-switching, so you do not need to bring a partner. Wear comfortable everyday clothes with enough freedom of movement; no special dance clothes are required for beginners, but bring a spare shirt as you will sweat. Comfortable everyday shoes or fitness trainers are fine, as long as the sole does not mark the wooden floor—no street shoes on the dance floor itself.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The source lists instructor names against specific courses: Valérie and Stefan teach Lindy Hop Taster and the free Crash Kurs; Leonie and Jan teach Lindy Hop Basic 1 on Mondays; Maria and Nick teach Lindy Hop Basic 1 on Tuesdays; Véronique and Dima teach Collegiate Shag Basic 1; Ingrid and Samir teach Balboa Basic 1; Anna-Maria and Ralf teach the Slow Balboa Mini-Workshop and Balboa Lab 7.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
The studio recommends beginners start with Lindy Hop and offers free taster sessions and Basic 1 courses with no prior dance experience needed.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Comfortable everyday clothes; special sportswear is only needed for occasional workshops like Aerials or Fast Lindy.
What to bring
Comfortable everyday clothes with movement freedom, a spare shirt, and comfortable everyday shoes or fitness trainers with soles that do not mark the floor.
Styles offered
7 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Downtownswinghasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Downtownswing, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Downtownswing
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Downtownswing teach?
Downtownswing teaches Swing, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Balboa, Collegiate Shag and 1 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Downtownswing located?
Downtownswing is located in Zürich. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Downtownswing offer private lessons?
Contact Downtownswing directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Downtownswing teach kids and adults?
Downtownswing welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Downtownswing?
The fastest path is to visit Downtownswing via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.