Edinburgh Swing Dance Society

The Edinburgh Swing Dance Society is an informal society of dancers, which exists to introduce and promote social Swing Dancing in Scotland, by organising classes, workshops, dance nights. The ESDS mainly offers classes in Lindy Hop, but we also dance Boogie Woogie, Balboa,Charleston,Collegiate and St. Louis Shag and various swing line dances including the Shim Sham (several versions), Jitterbug Stroll and The Madison.

The ESDS was formed in 1996, by local dancers Rhona and Niall Davies, along with Russell Sargeant and Carolene Hinds, leading members of The Jiving Lindy Hoppers - making it the longest established swing dance organisation in Scotland. The ESDS also has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with all members able and willing to share their experience, knowledge, and passion for Swing Dance, music and culture.

The ESDS runs on a non-profit basis - none of the local organisers take fees for the regular teaching, administration, or organising of events. Any excess funds are put back into providing the very highest-quality teachers from around the world.  Donations and other payments to The Edinburgh Swing Dance Society are not considered tax-deductible.

Over the years, ESDS have brought to Edinburgh top-class teachers from all over the world such as Rob and Diane van Haaren from San Francisco, Angela Andrew from London, Marcus & Bärbl from Germany, various members of the Harlem Hot Shots, Dorry Segev and Sommer Gentry from Baltimore,USA, Stricly Dance Fever stars Paul and Natasha, Richard Dixon from the London Swing Dance Society, Matt and Sarah, Graeme and Ann from Hoppin' Mad (Bath)and of course Carolene & Russell, Theresa and Warren & Maxine from the Jiving Lindy Hoppers.

The ESDS's emphasis is very much on learning social dancing. When on the floor socially, dancing is not about impressing the crowd, it's about dancing with your partner and sharing your interpretation of the music. This means that when ESDS members do get involved in performance or demonstrations, they do so with confidence, enjoyment, and quality. As well as numerous charity performances throughout Scotland, over the years ESDS members have performed with Craig McMurdo in The Queens Hall, the Herb Miller Orchestra in The Festival Theatre, and as guest performers with The Jiving Lindy Hoppers in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

You don't have to be a member of the ESDS to attend our events, but if you do join you get discounted prices at ESDS and other reciprocal events, and an opportunity to input to the running of the society. Annual membership costs £8, and runs from January to December. Term memberships are available (£3 per term).