We hope you all enjoyed learning St. Louis Shag with us last Monday! Let’s keep exploring new styles and different ways to dance in Swing, and next Monday is .… Slow Bal! 😊
Ever wondered what you can dance to slower songs? Slow Bal could be a great option! Balboa doesn’t always have to be danced to fast music — it can be just as groovy, smooth and relaxed.
Graeme and Sarah will be teaching us next Monday. Join them from 7:30 pm for both beginner taster classes. It’s for everyone, even if you’ve never danced Balboa before. So come along, give it a try and have some fun! 😄
We hope you’re enjoying the rest of the summer! Here are some amazing events coming up that you won’t want to miss! 👇
Hosted by Geoff and Mim, the monthly free social dancing returns at Holy Hobo from 2:30 to 5:45 pm. Dress in vintage if you like and come along for a relaxed afternoon of dancing, a bring-&-share table, and a bring-&-buy vintage rail. A friendly and welcoming event, especially for newer dancers.
Join Anders, Alec, Owen and Jon for a laid-back, rootsy acoustic take on classic blues, jazz, country and soul. Relaxed and soulful, while bringing these varied styles back to their roots and the dance floor. Performance starts at 7:30pm – free entry!
We hope you all enjoyed learning the Shim Sham on Monday! Hopefully, the next time you see people dancing the Shim Sham, you’ll be able to jump in and join them too. 😊
Next Monday, Hillary & Mike will be teaching St. Louis Shag. Both classes are beginner-friendly taster sessions, so come along and give it a try!
St. Louis Shag is an energetic swing dance that developed in St. Louis, Missouri, during the mid-1930s. Unlike the Collegiate Shag you’ve been learning in our regular classes, it features a rhythmically varied eight-count basic and starts in a side-by-side position. Historically, St. Louis Shag wasn’t a stand-alone dance but formed part of the wider family of Shag and jitterbug styles.
Feel free to invite your friends too! Newcomers are always welcome to join us and try dancing completely free of charge. Doors open at 7pm — no booking or partner is required.
Check out these amazing events happening for the rest of the summer! 👇
Graeme and Sarah from ST will be teaching an introductory Slow Bal workshop, suitable for complete beginners with no previous Balboa experience. Discover a more relaxed side of Balboa through musicality, connection, and expression.
Join them for a fantastic evening of blues dancing, starting with a beginner-friendly class. It’s the perfect chance to enjoy great music, groovy moves, and a welcoming dance community.
Join them every other Sunday for a free social swing dance in Carlisle! This week’s social is a Slow Bal Special, giving everyone a chance to practise what they learned at the Slow Bal workshop the day before. With music spanning a wide range of jazz styles, there’s something for everyone. 7:00–10:00 pm – everyone is welcome!
Hosted by Geoff and Mim, the monthly free Bal Brunch returns at Holy Hobo from 2:30 to 5:45pm. Dress in vintage if you like and come along for a relaxed afternoon of dancing, a bring-&-share table, and a bring-&-buy vintage rail. A friendly and welcoming event, especially for newer dancers.
Next Monday we’ll be running Lindy Hop and Balboa classes for beginners and improvers.
Don’t forget it’s the second class of our Balboa beginners’ block! New dancers are still very welcome, as we’ll be revisiting the fundamentals before building on them with new skills.
🚪 Doors open at 7:00 pm. 💃 No booking or partner needed – just turn up! ✨ Newcomers are always welcome to join their first night for free
Check out these amazing events happening this summer! 👇
Join a special summer evening of live music, food, and community spirit. This free charity concert is raising vital funds for Ukraine and features performances from House of the Black Gardenia, Strictly Smokin’, alongside a range of talented musicians and performers, bringing a mix of jazz, folk, swing and contemporary music throughout the evening.
Join Hoodoo Blues for a fantastic evening of blues dancing social, starting with a beginner-friendly class. It’s the perfect chance to enjoy great music, groovy moves, and a welcoming community. Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience.
A welcoming social evening with a varied mix of music and tempos. Come along to dance, chat, and enjoy a relaxed night on the dance floor. All levels are welcome!
Hosted by Geoff and Mim, monthly Bal brunch returns to Holy Hobo from 12:30–16:00 (please note the new time!) with a Hawaiian theme. Dress colourfully and enjoy a relaxed afternoon of Balboa, alongside a bring-and-share table and vintage sale rail. A friendly and welcoming event, especially for newer dancers.
Enjoy a free evening of live blues with Twenty One Twenty, a four-piece band playing an energetic mix of Delta and Chicago blues. Grab a drink, have a dance, and experience a different flavour of American roots music at The Heart of Northumberland after a day at the Bluegrass Festival.
The King Bees, a five-piece Rhythm & Blues band from Newcastle, will be playing live at Billy’s from 8pm. Expect an evening of Chicago blues and plenty of opportunities to hit the dance floor.
Graeme and Sarah from ST will be teaching an introductory Slow Bal workshop, suitable for complete beginners with no previous Balboa experience. Discover a more relaxed side of Balboa, exploring musicality, connection, and expression.
💥November 27 – 29th – Slow Bal on Tyne – weekender💥
Tickets are now all sold out! Thank you all for your amazing support—we can’t wait to see you soon.
💥 December 5th – Winter ball at John Marley Centre💥
More details to follow when the time comes, but save the evening for our annual Christmas Ball.
💥 January 29 – 31st – Balboa weekender💥
More details to follow when the time comes, but save the dates first.
Looking ahead to next Monday, we’ll be running Lindy Hop & Shag classes for beginners and improvers. Doors open at 7pm. No booking or partner needed, just come. Newcomers are always welcome to come along and try it out for free of charge.
If you have a birthday during that week and would like a birthday jam during the social dance (where the birthday person dances in the centre of a circle while different partners take turns joining in throughout the song), please don’t be afraid to ask to us or the DJ on the night. We’d be thrilled to celebrate with you through dancing. 🥳🥳
To mark the end of June, don’t forget to join some of the fabulous events👇:
27th June – Bal Brunch
Join us for our monthly fast-tempo social dance, hosted by Geoff and Mim at Holy Hobo, from 14:30–18:00. Dedicated to lovers of Balboa and Shag, this event is the perfect place to enjoy great music, lively dancing, and a welcoming community. Newcomers are always encouraged to join and experience the joy of swing dancing. To celebrate their SUMMER MADDNESS theme, dress in your most colourful, vibrant, or outrageously fun outfit! 👉Details
27th June – House of Black Gardenia
With support from Magpie of Swing, House of Black Gardenia will be bringing live music to the outdoor terrace at the Cumberland Arms from 2pm. Join them for a relaxing afternoon with live music, dancing, and good company in the open air. Everyone is welcome! 👉 Details
28th June – Social dance at Carlisle
Join them every other Sunday for free social swing dance event in Carlisle! Music for all range of jazz, 7pm-10pm, Friendly community and beautiful venue. Everyone is welcome. 👉 Details
💥November 27th – 29th – Slow Bal on Tyne – weekender💥
We’re excited to present a weekend dedicated to Slow Balboa. We’re delighted to welcome Carolin and Iacopo, whose passion for elegant movement, musicality, and thoughtful teaching will guide us as we explore a blend of original Slow Balboa vocabulary and timeless classic movements, helping dancers deepen their technique and expression. This weekender is designed for improvers+, and is limited to 40 dancers due to venue capacity. Tickets go on sale at 6pm. 👉 https://swingtyne.dancecloud.com/dance/39872
Tomorrow is our very own Balboa Beginner/Improver Day Workshop, taught by Graeme & Sarah. This workshop is ideal for anyone looking to strengthen their fundamentals, and is particularly designed for those who have completed one of our Beginners Balboa 4-week block over the past two months. Grab your last-minute ticket now: 👇
Looking ahead to next Monday, we’ll be running Lindy Hop & Balboa classes for beginners and improvers. We’ll also be starting a new Beginners Balboa 4-week block, perfect for anyone completely new to the dance style. The course will cover all the fundamentals from the ground up, gradually building your moves and skills over the four classes.
No reservation or partner needed. Newcomers are always welcome to come along and try it out for free. 👇
We’ve got plenty happening over the next few weekends, so be sure to mark in your calendars 👇:
20th June – Cumbria Swing Dance Summer Party
Join them to celebrate the summer solstice at their big summer social, with fabulous live band THE LOUNGE LIZARDS, and dance the night away. DJ sets suitable for Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston, and more. 👉 Details
21st June – Magpies of Swing
Apart from regularly playing at ST, Magpies of Swing is also playing that Sunday night at The Globe, and there will be space for dancing – though please look out for each other as the floor might be crowded. 👉 Details
27th June – Bal Brunch
Join us for our monthly fast-tempo social dance, hosted by Geoff and Mim at Holy Hobo, from 14:30–18:00. Dedicated to lovers of Balboa and Shag, this event is the perfect place to enjoy great music, lively dancing, and a welcoming community. Newcomers are always encouraged to join and experience the joy of swing dancing. To celebrate their SUMMER MADDNESS theme, dress in your most colourful, vibrant, or outrageously fun outfit! 👉Details
27th June – House of Black Gardenia
With support from Magpie of Swing, House of Black Gardenia will be bringing live music to the outdoor terrace at the Cumberland Arms from 2pm. Join them for a relaxing afternoon with live music, dancing, and good company in the open air. Everyone is welcome! 👉 Details
💥November 27th ~ 29th – Slow Bal on Tyne – weekender💥
We’re excited to present a weekend dedicated to Slow Balboa. We’re delighted to welcome Carolin & Iacopo, whose passion for elegant movement, musicality, and thoughtful teaching will guide us as we explore a blend of original Slow Balboa vocabulary and timeless classic movements, helping dancers deepen their technique and expression. This weekender is designed for improvers and above, and is limited to 32 dancers due to venue capacity. 👉 Details
We’re still on a high from an incredible Summer Tyne weekend! We’re delighted that the event was such a success, and we hope you’re all carrying home plenty of wonderful memories from a fantastic few days of dancing, live music, and community.
We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks once again to the Weekender Committee, our volunteers, everyone who lent a helping hand, and, of course, our wonderful Swing Tyne community. Your enthusiasm, warmth and support what make events like this so special.
But don’t let the swungover stop you dancing—there’s plenty more to come 👇👇
Our regular Monday classes return next week, featuring both Lindy Hop and Shag for beginners and improvers. Newcomers are always welcome to come along and try it out for free. Doors open at 7pm, with social dancing continuing until 10:30pm.
We’ve got plenty happening over the next few weekends, so be sure to mark in your calendars 👇👇:
13th June – Cullercoats Festival
Cullercoats Festival brings visitors and local communities together through a vibrant programme of arts, crafts, music, dance, and family-friendly activities. Be sure to check out the festival programme, which includes free taster sessions in Salsa, Blues, and Tango… as well as opportunities for social dancing after classes. 👉 Details
13th June – Alright for Dancing at Penrith
A welcoming social evening featuring a diverse mix of tempos. The focus is entirely on enjoying the music and grooving the night away in a judgement-free environment. All levels are welcome to join us for a fun, friendly night on the dance floor! 👉 Details
13th June – Hoodoo Blues Monthly Party
Join them for a fun night of dancing to live blues from Anders. Beginner-friendly dance class, then dancing until midnight. Live music from Anders, a Newcastle-based guitarist and singer who draws on a wide variety of styles from pre-war blues, early jazz, country, and soul. 👉 Details
14th June – Swing Out at Cluny
Join us for a free swing dance taster class, then swing out to a live set from Front Porch Band, plus DJs playing the hottest jazz music from the 20s – 50s. Non-dancers welcome. The bucket and card machine will be on site to take cash and card donations toward the band, pay as you feel. 👉 Details
14th June – Venus Beach Club
After Swing Out at Cluny, why not pop to Billy Bootleggers to enjoy a mix of swinging soul, rocking rhythm & blues, jump jive. Music kicks off around 5pm. 👉 Details
20th June – Balboa Beginner/Improver Workshop
Our very own ST day workshop is designed for everyone who has taken our Fundamental/Beginners Balboa block of classes over the past few months. It is a more intensive recap, designed to build stronger foundations and cover any class material missed. 👉 Details
20th June – Cumbria Swing Dance Summer Party
Join them to celebrate the summer solstice at their big summer social, with fabulous live band THE LOUNGE LIZARDS, and dance the night away. DJ sets suitable for Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston, and more. 👉 Details
21st June – Magpies of Swing
Apart from regularly playing at ST, Magpies of Swing is also playing that Sunday night at The Globe, and there will be space for dancing – though please look out for each other as the floor might be crowded. 👉 Details
27th June – Bal Brunch
Join us for our monthly fast-tempo social dance, hosted by Geoff and Mim at Holy Hobo, from 14:30–18:00. Dedicated to lovers of Balboa and Shag, this event is the perfect place to enjoy great music, lively dancing, and a welcoming community. Newcomers are always encouraged to join and experience the joy of swing dancing. To celebrate our summer theme, feel free to dress in your most colourful, vibrant, or outrageously fun outfit! 👉Details
27th-29th November – Slow Bal on Tyne – weekender
We’re excited to present a weekend dedicated to Slow Balboa. We’re delighted to welcome Carolin and Iacopo, whose passion for elegant movement, musicality, and thoughtful teaching will guide us as we explore a blend of original Slow Balboa vocabulary and timeless classic movements, helping dancers deepen their technique and expression. This weekender is designed for improvers and above, and is limited to 32 dancers due to venue capacity. 👉 Details
Summer Tyne Swing is kicking off TOMORROW, we can’t wait to welcome everyone joining us from near and far! Please refer to the information pack for all event details, including timings and locations.
If you’ve still got some energy left after the weekend, our regular Monday classes will be here for you, featuring Lindy Hop and Balboa👇👇!
This Monday also marks the final class in our current 4-week Fundamentals block. Wondering what comes next? Our Balboa Beginner/Improver Workshop is the perfect opportunity to recap everything you’ve learned so far, strengthen your foundations, and continue building new skills and confidence on the dance floor.
And the dancing doesn’t stop after our great weekender! We’ve got plenty more happening over the next few weeks, so be sure to get those dates in your calendar👇👇:
13th June – Cullercoats Festival
Cullercoats Festival brings visitors and local communities together through a vibrant programme of arts, crafts, music, dance, and family-friendly activities. Be sure to check out the festival programme, which includes free taster sessions in Salsa, Blues, and Tango… as well as opportunities for social dancing after classes. 👉 Details
13th June – Hoodoo Blues Monthly Party
Join them for a fun night of dancing to live blues from Anders. Beginner-friendly dance class, then dancing until midnight. Live music from Anders, a Newcastle-based guitarist and singer who draws on a wide variety of styles from pre-war blues, early jazz, country, and soul. 👉 Details
14th June – Swing Out at Cluny
Join us for a free swing dance taster class, then swing out to a live set from Front Porch Band, plus DJs playing the hottest dance music of the 1920s, ’30s, ’40s and ’50s – big band swing, jazz manouche, jumpin’ jive, rockin’ rhythm ‘n’ blues. Non-dancers welcome. The bucket and card machine will be on site to take cash and card donations toward the band. Pay what you feel. 👉 Details
20th June – Balboa Beginner/Improver Workshop
Our very own ST day workshop is designed for everyone who has taken our Fundamental/Beginners Balboa block of classes over the past few months. It is a more intensive recap, designed to build stronger foundations and cover any class material missed. 👉 Details
20th June – Cumbria Swing Dance Summer Party
Join them to celebrate the summer solstice at their big summer social, with fabulous live band THE LOUNGE LIZARDS, and dance the night away. DJ sets suitable for Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston, and more. 👉 Details
21st June – Magpies of Swing
Apart from regularly playing at ST, Magpies of Swing is also playing that Sunday night at The Globe, and there will be space for dancing – though please look out for each other as the floor might be crowded. 👉 Details
27th June – Bal Brunch
Join us for our monthly fast-tempo social dance, hosted by Geoff and Mim at Holy Hobo, from 14:30–18:00. Dedicated to lovers of Balboa and Shag, this event is the perfect place to enjoy great music, lively dancing, and a welcoming community. Newcomers are always encouraged to join and experience the joy of swing dancing. And since it’s summer, feel free to dress in your most colourful and outrageous outfit! 👉 Details
We’re back to our usual Monday with two dances across two venues, featuring Lindy Hop + Shag. Doors open at 7pm, with social dancing ends at 10:15pm. Full details are in the poster below.
The next few weeks are packed with wonderful events — the perfect way to kick off the summer. We can’t wait to dance with you all!
30th May – Bal Brunch
Join us for our monthly fast-tempo social dance hosted by Geoff and Mim at HOLY HOBO, 14:30–18:00. This event is a dedicated space for Balboa and Shag enthusiasts, yet we warmly welcome newcomers looking to join the community and experience faster swing rhythms. 👉 Details
31st May – Tea Dance at the Glasshouse
Enjoy a free afternoon of live music, dancing, and timeless classics at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music. Performed by Sinfonia of London, the programme features music made famous by legends such as Glenn Miller and George Gershwin. Everyone is welcome — whether you want to dance, listen, or simply enjoy the atmosphere. 👉 Details
5–7th June – Summer Tyne Swing
It’s just one week to go until our most exciting weekender! Let’s get ready and celebrate together.
The info pack has been sent to your email, where you’ll find everything you need to know before the weekend. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch — we can’t wait to welcome you all soon!
Your last chance to grab your ticket before it closes at midnight.
Join them for a fun night of dancing to live blues from Anders. Beginner-friendly dance class, then dancing until midnight. Live music from Anders, a Newcastle-based guitarist and singer who draws on a wide variety of styles from pre-war blues, early jazz, country, and soul. 👉 Details
14th June – Swing Out at Cluny
Join us for a free swing dance taster class, then swing out to a live set from Front Porch Band, plus DJs playing the hottest dance music of the 1920s, ’30s, ’40s and ’50s – big band swing, jazz manouche, jumpin’ jive, rockin’ rhythm ‘n’ blues. Non-dancers welcome. The bucket and card machine will be on site to take cash and card donations toward the band. Pay what you feel. 👉 Details
20th June – Balboa Beginner/Improver Workshop
Our very own ST day workshop is designed for everyone who has taken our Fundamental/Beginners Balboa block of classes over the past few months. It is a more intensive recap, designed to build stronger foundations and cover any class material missed. 👉 Details
20th June – Cumbria Swing Dance Summer Party
Join them to celebrate the summer solstice at their big summer social, with fabulous live band THE LOUNGE LIZARDS, and dance the night away. DJ sets suitable for Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston, and more. 👉 Details
21st June – Magpies of Swing
Apart from regularly playing at ST, Magpies of Swing is also playing that Sunday night at The Globe, and there will be space for dancing – though please look out for each other as the floor might be crowded. 👉 Details
Next Monday, 25th, is a bank holiday, so ST will continue with just one venue: Balboa at Summerhill – improver class followed by beginner class. During our beginner class, we’ll carry on with our foundational block – make sure you don’t miss it! Details are in the poster below.
The coming weeks are set to be busy:
22nd May – Rob Heron and The Tea Pad Orchestra at Billy Bootleggers
Free tonight? Come down to Billy’s for Newcastle’s finest honky-tonk swing rockabilly! Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra will bring their signature swing across two free 45-minute sets. The band is based in Newcastle but hails from across the UK.👉 Details
23rd May – Cumbria: Saturday Night’s Alright For Dancing A welcoming social evening featuring a diverse mix of tempos perfect for Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa, and Collegiate Shag. The focus is entirely on enjoying the music and grooving the night away in a judgement-free environment. All levels are welcome to join us for a fun, friendly night on the dance floor!👉 Details
30th May – Bal Brunch Join our monthly fast-tempo social dance hosted by Geoff and Mim at HOLY HOBO, 14:30–18:00. This event is a dedicated space for Balboa and Shag enthusiasts, yet we warmly welcome newcomers looking to join the community and experience faster swing rhythms. 👉 Details
5–7th June – Summer Tyne Swing It’s just under 2 weeks to our biggest festival in a decade! We have over 220 dancers arriving from near and far, so let’s get ready and celebrate together.
Stay tuned to your email – you should begin receiving important notices. Please contact us if you don’t.
13th June – Hoodoo Blues Monthly Party Join them for a fun night of dancing to live Blues from Anders. Beginner-friendly dance class, then dancing until midnight. Live music from Anders, a Newcastle-based guitarist and singer who draws on a wide variety of styles from pre-war blues, early jazz, country, and soul.👉 Details
20th June – ST Balboa Beginner/ Improver workshop Our very own balboa day workshop is designed for everyone who has taken our Fundamental/Beginners Balboa block of classes these past few months. It is a more intensive recap, designed to give more foundation and cover any class material missed.👉 Details
20th June – Cumbria Swing Dance Summer Party Join them to celebrate the summer solstice at our big summer social, with fabulous live band THE LOUNGE LIZARDS, and dance the night away. DJ sets suitable for Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston and more.👉 Details
21st June – Magpies of Swing Apart from regularly playing in ST, Magpies of Swing is also playing on that Sunday night at The Globe, and there will be space for dancing – though please look out for each other as the floor might be crowded.👉 Details
