The Edinburgh Swing Dance Society (ESDS) is an informal society of dancers, which exists to introduce and promote social swing dancing in Scotland, by organising classes, workshops, dance nights. ESDS mainly offers classes in Lindy Hop, but we also dance Balboa and Charleston, plus Jazz routines known as Strolls (such as the Shim Sham and the Jitterbug Stroll).
ESDS was originally 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. Rhona and Niall are still teaching with the club today, along with a number new teachers from across Europe and North America. ESDS has a warm and welcoming atmosphere with all members able and willing to share their experience, knowledge, and passion for swing, music, and culture.
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 ESDS are not considered tax-deductible.
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 the dance-connection with your partner and sharing your interpretation of the music. This means that when ESDS members get involved in performance or demonstrations, they do so with confidence, enjoyment, and quality.
You don’t have to be a member of 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. 7-week term memberships are available for £3. After the 7-week term, we ask that you move into the level 2 classes and continue to take the level 1 classes. Taking two classes in a night is the same price as taking a single class. We’re cheap and Awesome!!! Enjoy!!! 
