Based in London, Swingcopation are the UK’s premier providers of vintage swing dance entertainment, through performance, music, instruction and choreography.
Swinging beats and jiving jazz, the big band era makes everyone want to dance! Bring your event to life (no need to go black and white!); appoint Swingcopation to create a fabulous atmosphere with a vintage twist. We provide a range of services that can cater to all needs, and will tailor our services to your specific requirements.
With many years experience, Swingcopation are experts in every aspect of the vintage world; all members are teachers, DJs, and professional performers.
"THERE IS A BIT OF INSANITY IN DANCING THAT DOES EVERYBODY A GREAT DEAL OF GOOD." -EDWIN DENBY
Lindy Hop is an amazing, high-energy, entertaining dance, and so performance is the perfect way for you and your guests to enjoy it. Whether as a single couple or the visual spectacle of The Hotfoot Strutters dance troupe, we can perform several routines in a variety of styles to provide that special something at your event.
We’ve performed for companies like Hermés, Vogue, Universal Pictures, Ernst and Young, the BBC, ITV, QVC, New College Oxford and even at Buckingham Palace, so you can be sure of our professional attitude and exceptional abilities.
What better way to get people dancing with your live band, or as an icebreaker so your guests can get to know each other, than learning how to dance like a jitterbug from the 40s or a flapper of the 20s. Whether a birthday or hen party, a wedding, or a corporate function, a swing lesson can get everyone up, moving and having a ball.
Swingcopation have taught lessons at many iconic music festivals like Secret Garden Party and Bestival, for companies such as Cancer Research UK and the Marriot Hotel Group, as well as dozens of private parties and weddings.
Whether it’s the distinctive crooning of Louis Armstrong, killer rhythms of Count Basie or the catchy numbers by Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller, swing music is happy, energetic, and has wide appeal for all generations. It’s impossible to not want to jump up and dance! Swingcopation can DJ a set or entire evening and cater it specifically to your needs. Flappers and Gangsters event? 1920s hot jazz coming right up. Wartime theme? Big Band swing is the thing to do!
We’ve played all over town at events like the Blitz Party, and venues such as Proud Cabaret and the Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club.
At Swingcopation we not only have great dancers, but also experienced choreographers. Whether for TV, film, or a stage show we will be able to create original and authentic dancing that is historically accurate and amazing to watch. We specialise in dances anywhere from the 1920s, 30s, and 40s like Lindy Hop and Charleston, to early 1900s animal dance fads and one-step ballrooming.
Previous choreographies have been created for Call the Midwife (BBC), The History of the Big Bands (touring show), Hermés’ Swinging Silk (Vogue Fashion Night Out), Virgin’s ‘V Festival’ TV spot, Marcella Puppini (of the Puppini Sisters) music video, and all the routines of London’s finest Lindy Hopping troupe The Hotfoot Strutters.
Your first dance as a married couple should reflect your personalities and bring joy to you and your guests. We can teach you some simple swing moves to your favourite song, or choreograph a routine to dazzle and impress. The scope is up to you!
Several packages are available, see our Getting Married page for more details.
Want to do something a little different for your hen party? Leave the ‘L’ plates at home, come and learn some 1920s Charleston in style before heading out and hitting the town instead. We will organise studio hire, a routine for you to learn, and leave you with some great moves to bust out at one of the vintage nights in London, or even at the wedding!
We’ve taken over 50 hen parties on a vintage flapper escapade, and all have been over the moon! 1930s/40s/50s themes available on request also.
"There are short-cuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them." -Vicki Baum
A selection of performances and events that Swingcopation has been involved in, or you can see all our videos on our YouTube page.
1920s Charleston with DTFC Big Band
The Hotfoot Strutters perform at the London Swing Festival
Performing with the Bristol Swing Festival teachers
Competing at the European Swing Dance Championships
"WHEN YOU ARE DANCING WITH YOUR PARTNER, FOR THAT TWO AND A HALF MINUTES IT'S A LOVE AFFAIR, BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR PARTNER AND THE MUSIC." -FRANKIE MANNING
Swingcopation have been involved with many amazing people, and have brought our services to hundreds of events. Here is just a short compilation of our accomplishments and endorsements.
“The performance was fun, energetic and very well received by all of our guests. I would not hesitate to recommend them in the future.”
Laura Kennedy, New College Commemoration Ball, Oxford University (2013)
“We all had a fantastic time. You did a brilliant job and judged the level just right. A great idea for a hen!”
Charlotte May, Hen Party (2014)
“They gave us a really great show… the lindy hop lesson Swingcopation provided was fantastic, they are really friendly and a pleasure to work with.”
Jen Walke, Rock a Hula (2012)
“Swingcopation performed so flawlessly we only needed two takes to shoot it. We couldn’t have been more delighted with Swingcopation’s artistry.”
Alex de Campi, 'Monster Mae' music video (2009)
“Everything was outstanding... They were fantastic teachers; enthusiastic, approachable, knowledgeable and fun.”
Bindi Dulku (Student) (2010)
“They were brilliant. Highly recommended!”
Simone Edwards (Student) (2010)
Swingcopation are a Professional Member of the Foundation For Community Dance, and a member of the International Dance Council (CID). We pride ourselves on operating with professionalism and utmost attention to our customer's needs.
"As to dancing, my dear, I never dance, unless I am allowed to do it in my own peculiar way." -Lewis Carroll
Send us a message with the details of your event or enquiry, we don't bite!
+44 (0) 753 868 4292
London, United Kingdom