A little guide for Lindy Jazz members
Very soon a group of us will be heading to Edinburgh for a very special celebration – the 30th anniversary of the Edinburgh Swing Dance Society, Scotland’s oldest swing dance organisation.
When I first discovered Lindy Hop back in 1993, it was a life-changing moment. But at the time there were no local swing dance groups where I could keep learning and dancing.
A few years later I found the wonderful Edinburgh Swing Dance Society, and I used to travel there regularly just to get my dance fix.
So it feels incredibly special to be going back now with our Lindy Jazz group, enjoying a weekend of classes, live music, and dancing as they celebrate 30 wonderful years of swing dancing.
Moments like this remind me why we created Lindy Jazz in the first place -to build a friendly community where people can keep learning, keep dancing, and share the joy of swing music together.
Think of It as a Dance Adventure
Events like this are a fantastic opportunity to take your dancing to the next level.
You’ll experience:
- inspiring workshops with wonderful teachers
- social dancing with people from many different dance communities
- live bands and great DJs
- lots of time dancing and enjoying wonderful swing music
- and the chance to make new dance friends
Every dance partner brings us something new. It’s always a new connection. Sometimes it’s a new move, sometimes it’s musicality, and sometimes it’s simply learning to relax and enjoy the moment.
My “Survival Tip”
The weekend includes around six hours of workshops on both Saturday and Sunday, which is wonderful… and also quite a lot!
Thirty years ago, when I first started travelling to events like this, I definitely had serious FOMO. I was also about 30 years younger and happily went to classes all day and then social danced into the early hours.
These days I’ve learned something important.
A good night’s sleep, some fresh air, and a proper meal can make the whole weekend far more enjoyable.
So here’s a tip:
- It’s perfectly fine to skip a class if you need a rest.
- Shhh… we’re not at school. No awards for full attendance.
- Pace yourself and enjoy the experience.
Practical Dance Weekend Tips
A few things that will make life easier:
- Pack spare tops — you will definitely get warm dancing
- Bring a fan — surprisingly useful
- Comfortable shoes for both dancing and walking
- Drink plenty of water
- Take fresh air breaks between classes
- Plan some good meals so you keep your energy up
Think of it as a dance marathon with lovely coffee breaks in between.
Friday Night: Represent Lindy Jazz ❤️
Traditionally, the Friday night welcome dance theme is “Dance Community.”
So if you can, wear something red and grab a Lindy Jazz badge from us.
And if you have a Lindy Jazz or DJam T-shirt, bring it along and wear it on Friday so we can represent Lindy Jazz together.
Let’s also gather for a Lindy Jazz group photo at some point during the evening.
Enjoy the City Too
Depending on everyone’s schedules, we may also sneak in a little exploring.
Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK, so there may be opportunities to enjoy:
- a stroll through the historic streets
- a coffee stop between workshops
- or a relaxed meal together
Sometimes those quiet moments are just as memorable as the dancing.
Most Important of All
Remember why we go to events like this.
- Not to be perfect.
- Not to learn the most moves.
But to enjoy the music, the dancing, and the wonderful community we share.
I can’t wait to see everyone dancing together in Edinburgh.
It’s going to be a very special weekend. 🩷