Swing Dance Sydney
Lindy hop, solo jazz and swing dancing in Ashfield. No experience needed.
A swing dance studio offering instruction in East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, and related swing styles.
Before your first class
Beginner classes are designed for people with no dance experience; you start at the beginning of each 4-week block and will make new friends immediately.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that stay on your feet.
Water bottle (essential).
Club Ashfield is next to Ashfield train station (take the north exit to Station Street).
About this studio
Swing Dance Sydney teaches lindy hop, solo jazz, and rhythm tap on Saturday afternoons at Club Ashfield Games Room in Ashfield. The studio was founded by Sam Carroll in 2012. Sam discovered lindy hop in 1998 and began teaching in 2002. She takes a student-centred approach where teachers act as guides to learning, prioritising fun alongside serious training. Sam regularly travels to major international events to DJ and learn—she DJs yearly in Sweden, Korea, and across Australia, and teaches workshops on DJing, music history, and dancing.
Beginner lindy hop classes run on Saturday at 2.00pm in 4-week blocks, with new cohorts starting Saturday 18 April, Saturday 16 May, Saturday 13 June, Saturday 15 August, Saturday 12 September, Saturday 31 October, and Saturday 28 November. Solo jazz classes meet Saturdays at 3.00pm and accept drop-ins from Saturday 30 May onwards. Extender classes for those with at least three beginner blocks are coming soon after August 2026. A single class costs $20, paid online or at the door. Classes are held in the Games Room (floor 2) at Club Ashfield, 1–11 Charlotte St, Ashfield, next to Ashfield train station.
The studio specialises in the dances of the swing and jazz eras. Beginner lindy hop teaches foundational steps including swing out, circle, charleston, pass-by, mini dip, send out, under-arm turn, and texas tommy, alongside solo jazz footwork like triple step, boogie forward, boogie back, and trucking. Classes emphasise music first, with focus on staying on beat, finding phrase beginnings, syncopating, and recognising instruments. You'll learn by watching-and-trying rather than lecture. Solo jazz classes are taught on a drop-in basis; you learn historic steps then experiment with music and classmates, without drilling routines or choreography.
Swing Dance Sydney runs occasional parties featuring live bands and DJs playing swinging jazz from the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. Past events include Frankie Fest 2026, Jazz with Ramona (with Andrew Dickeson's Blue Rhythm Band), and Frankie Fest Ball. Workshop weekends bring international teachers and include parties and social dancing. The studio emphasises safe workplaces, inclusive practices, and community values rooted in Black American jazz and dance culture of the swing era. They welcome LGBTQIA+ dancers, offer same-gender and queer partnerships, and encourage any gender to lead or follow. Classes close between Friday 3 July and Friday 14 August 2026 when Sam travels to Herräng Dance Camp in Sweden, and again in October when she DJs in Seoul, Korea.
What to expect
Your first visit
Walk into your first class ready to move. You'll warm up with authentic jazz steps, then learn foundational rhythms and key moves, with plenty of time to practise. You'll rotate partners throughout, making new friends in the process. Expect to work up a sweat—classes are moving continuously at beginner tempos—but the pace is gentle and you're always free to rest or take water without asking. No experience necessary; everyone starts at the beginning of a 4-week block.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Sam Carroll (she/her), founder and manager, teaches lindy hop and solo jazz. She discovered lindy hop in 1998 and has taught since 2002, taking a student-centred approach. She attends international workshops several times yearly and regularly DJs at major events in Sweden, Korea, and Australia. The studio invests in regular training for all teachers.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Beginner classes are designed for people with no dance experience; you start at the beginning of each 4-week block and will make new friends immediately.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that stay on your feet. Avoid backless dresses or shirts for partner dancing; recommended shoes are Keds, Converse, or similar. For tap, you'll eventually need tap shoes with a slight heel, though a hard-soled dress shoe works for first classes.
What to bring
Water bottle (essential). For solo jazz and tap, bring a hand towel or handkerchief to wipe your face. Deodorant and breath mints are recommended for parties. For parties, a change of shirt is a good idea if you sweat heavily.
Studio history
Swing Dance Sydney was founded by Sam Carroll in 2012. The studio specialises in the dances of the swing and jazz eras, rooted in the legacy of Black American dancers and musicians. Classes and parties are held on the lands of the Wangal people of the Eora nation, whose sovereignty was never ceded.
Styles offered
7 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Swing Dance Sydneyhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Swing Dance Sydney, 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 Swing Dance Sydney
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Swing Dance Sydney teach?
Swing Dance Sydney teaches Swing, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Solo Jazz, Rhythm Tap (Hoofing) 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 Swing Dance Sydney located?
Swing Dance Sydney is located in Ashfield, NSW. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Swing Dance Sydney offer private lessons?
Contact Swing Dance Sydney directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Swing Dance Sydney teach kids and adults?
Swing Dance Sydney 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 Swing Dance Sydney?
The fastest path is to visit Swing Dance Sydney via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.
Is there parking at Swing Dance Sydney?
Club Ashfield is next to Ashfield train station (take the north exit to Station Street). Buses stop on Liverpool Rd and Brown St nearby. Street parking is available in the area; a Park and Ride lot serves the station on the Brown Street side of the tracks.