Lindy classes
Wednesdays 7.30 pm - 10.30 pm at St Michael's Church Hall, corner of Banbury Road & Portland Road, Summertown, Oxford OX2 7EZ. Map
You can mix and match classes to suit your ability. If in doubt, come along at 7.30pm to be ready for the Basics class. There's also time to practise what you've learnt to some great Swing music during the Social Dancing sections. Check out the brief descriptions below to choose the right level for you.
Cost: £6 for the evening / £5 concessions - or buy a book of 10 tickets for the price of 9.
SPECIAL OFFER: First timers get an introductory voucher which entitles you to free entry the next time you come.
| Times (pm) | Upper Hall | Lower Hall | |
| 7.40 - 8.20 | Basics Class | ||
| 8.20 - 8.30 | Social Dancing - all levels | ||
| 8.30 – 9.10 | Intermediate 1 Class | Basics class continues | |
| 9.10 – 9.20 | Social Dancing - all levels. | ||
| 9.20 – 10.00 | Intermediate 2 Class | Int 1 class continues | |
| 10.00 – 10.30 | Social Dancing - all levels |
Basics class
If you're new to Lindy Hop, we suggest you start with the Basics course which starts twice a term and runs for approximately 6 or 7 weeks. The content of the two basics courses will vary slightly each time but, in the main, this level aims to get you out on the dance floor as soon as possible. Feel free to do the Basics course as many times as you wish until you feel ready to move on to the Intermediate 1 class.
Intermediate 1 class
The Intermediate 1 course also runs twice a term and is designed as stepping-stone between the Basics and Intermediate 2 classes and focuses on dance technique. It covers the core Lindy Hop moves such as Lindy Turn, Lindy Circle, Swingout and Back Charleston and some of the basic strolls and jazz steps.
Intermediate 2 class
Once you have mastered all the core Lindy Hop moves, you're probably looking for some more challenging and complex variations to spice up your social dancing and improve your musicality so this class is suitable for dancers who are already comfortable with both basic and core moves.
What to wear?
Clothes should be loose and comfortable allowing freedom of movement for turns and other moves. Try to make sure that you have comfortable shoes that don't grip the floor too much. Trainers are a good start but you'll soon start looking for dance shoes!
Balboa classes
Mondays 7.15 pm - 10.30 pm at New Marston Pastoral Centre (behind church), corner of Marston Road & Jack Straw's Lane, Oxford OX3 0DL. Map
If you're completely new to Balboa partner dancing, please contact our Balboa teachers, Richard and Pam. You might find it helpful to book an introductory session. This will give you a head start on the basic rhythms so you can make the most of the Beginners/Improvers class.
If you've already tried Balboa before or have done a taster class you're welcome to jump straight into the Beginners/Improvers class.
Cost: £6 for the evening / £5 concessions.
| Times (pm) | Main Hall | |
| 7.15 | Doors open / Warm up | |
| 7.30 | Beginners / Improvers Class | |
| 8.20 | Tea, coffee, biscuits & practice time | |
| 8.40 | Intermediate Class | |
| 9.30 | More tea, coffee, biscuits & dancing |
What to wear?
Clothes - as for Lindy. Shoes - you'll find turns easier if you have smooth soled shoes which slide easily. Ladies, a heel is better but not essential if you have back problems or other health issues. And, remember, Balboa is a close dance!
Private Classes
Need at bit of help with your triple-step? Your lead and follow needs a brush up? You’ve got the UK Lindy Hop or Balboa championships coming up and need to polish your routine? Then why not book a Private Class?
OSD runs occasional Private classes for regular class members on a Sunday evening. These sessions are designed for all abilities and are an opportunity for one-on-one tuition, building on the Monday & Wednesday classes. They are bookable in advance only so, if you'd like to come along please contact us at least two days before. (Maximum 4 people per session).
Price: £12 per person per hour for regular members of Monday or Wednesday classes. If you don't attend our classes but would like a one-off private session, please contact us to discuss details and prices.
Wedding Dances / Birthday surprise!
We're also available for one-off group taster classes or we can choreograph a routine for special occasions. Please contact us to discuss details and prices.
