The Swing Project

The Swing Project is a Swing Dance organization based in Cardiff, UK, that hosts classes, workshops and events for dancers of all levels, with a primary focus on Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz. The organization believes that connecting with another person through music and dance has the ability to improve fitness, mental health and transform lives. The Swing Project emphasizes that Lindy Hop and Jazz are Black American art forms, and the team is passionate about creating a scene that is respectful, inclusive and reflective of the values Lindy Hop was built on.

Classes run on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays as weekly sessions, with monthly drop-in classes on the first Wednesday of the month. The studio offers a progressive pathway: Intro to Lindy Hop (4-week introductory course), Lindy Hop Level 1 (4-week course for newer dancers), Lindy Hop Level 2 (4-week course for dancers with at least a year's experience), and Lindy Hop Level 3 (invitational class for experienced dancers). Solo Jazz classes are open to all levels and focus on rhythm, improvisation and vernacular jazz steps. Private tuition is also available. Monthly drop-in classes are held at Bootlegger.

The social scene is central to The Swing Project's ethos. Wednesday Night Hop at Bootlegger (first Wednesday of every month) includes a beginner-friendly class followed by two hours of free social dancing. Weekly class socials run between Monday and Thursday classes at First Space in Chapter Arts Centre from 8.05pm–8.30pm, open to all. The organization hosts regular socials throughout the year with quality DJs and live bands, plus weekend events including the Summer Swing Out (with Friday night social, Saturday night live band and Sunday tea dance). Urban Lindy Pop Ups offer free social swing dancing at various locations across South Wales. Lindy Picnics are held throughout summer, and Swing the Pier provides live music and dancing at Penarth Pier Pavilion.

Workshops are organized monthly, hosting local and international teachers at various venues in and around Cardiff. The Swing Project also holds multiple weekenders throughout the year to immerse dancers in learning, dancing and sharing, with live music, great teaching and a community welcome. The organization offers space hire for external bookings.

The Swing Project recognizes that trying a class for the first time can create anxiety and has resources to help ease new dancers in. Classes are designed with supportive and inclusive teaching; you'll learn with others who are at the same stage, and there's a beginner-friendly pathway through Intro to Lindy Hop courses.

Introductory courses, drop-in taster classes and a beginner-friendly Wednesday Night Hop at Bootlegger are designed specifically for those new to swing dancing.