Swing Patrol
Lindy Hop, Charleston, Solo Jazz and Shag across Berlin — no partner needed
A swing dance studio offering instruction in East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, and related swing styles.
Before your first class
No partner or prior experience needed; classes rotate partners and cater to complete beginners.
Comfortable clothing that allows free movement, such as T-shirts or a change of shirt; flat shoes with a small heel are recommended over high heels, though wear whatever feels most comfortable.
About this studio
Swing Patrol Berlin teaches the swing dances of African-American culture from the 1910s–1940s, with Lindy Hop as its core offering. The studio runs drop-in classes across five Berlin neighbourhoods — Prenzlauer Berg, Wedding, Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg, and Neukölln — on a rotating weekday schedule, with no registration or partner required. Classes rotate partners so you can come alone; instruction is offered in both German and English.
Lindy Hop originated in the mid-1920s at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, New York. Beyond Lindy Hop, Swing Patrol teaches Collegiate Shag, St. Louis Shag, Balboa, Charleston (1920s solo and partner versions), and Solo Jazz (also called Vernacular or Authentic Jazz). The music ranges from Blues, Hot Jazz, Ragtime and Swing to Early Rhythm & Blues, and occasionally modern tracks. The teaching philosophy centres on "Social Dance"—learning to relax and enjoy time on the dance floor with partners—though the studio also creates performances and shows for those interested.
Weekly drop-in classes run at set times at each location: Mondays in Prenzlauer Berg at Kolle (19:00 and 20:15), Mondays in Wedding at Panke (18:15 and 19:30), Tuesdays in Friedrichshain at Frankfurter Allee (18:15 and 19:30), Tuesdays in Kreuzberg at Prinzenstrasse/Kottbusser Tor (18:15 and 19:30), Wednesdays in Neukölln at Rollberg/Schillerkiez (18:15 and 19:30, with summer break 15 July–19 August), and Thursdays in Prenzlauer Berg at Kulturbrauerei (18:15, 19:30, and 20:30 social dance). Class names follow a progression: "Starter - Take The A Train" for beginners, "Drop Me Off In Harlem" for those with experience, and open classes for intermediate and advanced dancers.
Beyond weekly classes, Swing Patrol runs full-day workshops—"Learn to Dance in a Day" formats—for Lindy Hop, Solo Jazz, Shag (Collegiate and St. Louis), and Charleston, available to beginners and those with some experience. Registration for workshops can happen without a dance partner. The studio also offers private instruction for individuals, couples, and groups on request.
Social events include the Red Rhythm Swing Dance Night on Thursday evenings at Frannz Club (20:30 onwards), featuring an outdoor dance floor in summer. Swing Patrol collaborates with Swing & Wine on festivals and special events. The studio's history goes back to 1998 in Australia; it arrived in Berlin in 2011. The community emphasises safe spaces: all groups are open to those who respect others, with zero tolerance for racism, homophobia, sexism, or intolerance. Teaching includes the history and cultural context of these dances—understanding why they emerged and their positive and negative backgrounds—to avoid cultural appropriation.
What to expect
Your first visit
Drop in to any of the five weekly class locations without booking or bringing a partner. Classes are taught in German and English, with partners rotated throughout. Starter classes introduce the basics; more experienced dancers move to different levels at the same venue.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
No partner or prior experience needed; classes rotate partners and cater to complete beginners.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
What to bring
Comfortable clothing that allows free movement, such as T-shirts or a change of shirt; flat shoes with a small heel are recommended over high heels, though wear whatever feels most comfortable.
Studio history
Swing Patrol was originally founded in Australia in 1998. The organisation arrived in the UK in 2009 and has been teaching in Berlin since 2011. The studio deliberately chose to teach at public venues—bars, clubs, cultural and social centres—reflecting where these dances were born and to support diverse local spaces.
Styles offered
9 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
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Claim this studioClass schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
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Frequently asked about Swing Patrol
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Swing Patrol teach?
Swing Patrol teaches Swing, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Collegiate Shag, St Louis Shag and 3 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Swing Patrol located?
Swing Patrol is located in Berlin. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Swing Patrol offer private lessons?
Contact Swing Patrol directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Swing Patrol teach kids and adults?
Swing Patrol 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 Patrol?
The fastest path is to visit Swing Patrol via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.
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Upcoming opportunities
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