Join our Summer Classes!

This summer, we are hosting a number of classes and workshops! Many of them are aimed at beginners. Have a look at the schedule below and scroll further down to see class descriptions, including levels and costs.

All classes take place at our studio in Volkshuis Leiden, Apothekersdijk 33.
Please note that we have a ballet floor in our studio, so we recommend wearing leather or suede soled shoes. In most cases, non-grippy sneakers work too.

Summer Schedule

Wednesday 6 August
19:00-20:00 Solo Jazz Open Level
20:00 Practice Session
Monday 11 August
19:30-21:00 Tap in Lindy Hop
Tuesday 12 August
19:30-21:00 Tap Shim Sham
Wednesday 13 August
19:00-20:00 Swing Out Clinic
20:00 Practice Session
Monday 18 August
19:30-21:00 First Stops Routine
Tuesday 19 August
19:30-21:00 Tap Drop-In
Wednesday 20 August
19:00-20:00 Lindy Hop Taster Class
20:00 Practice Session
Thursday 21 August
19:30-21:00 Balboa (1/2)
Monday 25 August
19:00-21:15 St. Louis Shag
Wednesday 27 August
19:00-20:00 Collegiate Shag Taster Class
20:00 Practice Session
Thursday 28 August
19:30-21:00 Balboa (2/2)

Class Descriptions

Listed in order in which they appear in the schedule above, find each class, taster, practice and social dance here, each time with dates and times, cost per class, and a short description of what each event is about and if there are any level requirements.

Solo Jazz Open Level

Wednesday 6 & 13 August, 19:00-20:00 - €12,50
Open Level means all levels are welcome. Not partnered.
We will go through a series of Solo Jazz moves and techniques, to form a short routine. Both newer and more experienced dancers will be challenged in these classes!

Practice Sessions

Every Wednesday from 20:00 - €5
These Practice Sessions are open to all level dancers.
Though our main focus will usually be Lindy Hop, you can request different style songs (within Swing dancing) and tempos. Expect an easy-going atmosphere where you can hang out, practice your moves and sharpen your technique. There will always be at least one teacher available for questions.

Blues Taster Class

Thursday 7 August, 19:30-20:30 - €5
Taster classes are always aimed at complete beginners.
This is your introduction to Blues dancing! Exploring the mellow side of Swing dancing, Blues offers a lot of room for improvisation and styling, where playfulness and elegance blend together perfectly.

Blues Social Dance

Thursday 7 August, from 20:30 - €5*
For all levels of Blues dancers, including those who just joined the taster.
We'll turn the lights down low and create a cosy atmosphere in our studio. DJ Ron will provide a nice blend of your favourite Bluesy tunes, including some slow New Orleans Jazz, Chicago Blues, Gospel, and many more.
*) Free if you already paid for the taster class

Tap in Lindy Hop

Monday 11 August, 19:30-20:30 - €15
For Lindy Hop dancers with at least a few months experience (KTS level 2 and up).
Learn some cool (soft) tap steps and rhythms that you can mix into your Lindy Hopping! In this short workshop you'll get used to creating rhythms with your normal dance shoes and then apply those while moving around. No tap shoes required - we recommend wearing leather sole shoes.

Tap Shim Sham

Tuesday 12 August, 19:30-21:00 - €12,50
No experience required. Not partnered.
The Shim Sham routine is a staple for Lindy Hop dancers. So now it's time to learn the original! The Tap Shim Sham is a routine that was created in the late 1920's, and is a great introduction to tap dancing. No tap shoes required - we recommend wearing leather sole shoes.

Swing Out Clinic

Wednesday 13 August, 19:00-20:00 - €15
For Lindy Hop dancers with at least a few months experience (KTS level 2 and up'.
Take a deep dive into Swing Outs! Finetune your technique, and focus on a couple of cool and fun variations, like the Savoy style Swing Out, the Whip, Six Count Swing Outs and the Choo-Choo. This class of course requires you to be able to dance a Swing Out, as it will not be about learning this move from the ground up.

First Stops Routine

Monday 18 August, 19:30-21:00 - €15
For Lindy Hoppers with at least 6 months experience, preferably you know some 30's Charleston.
Originally called the Stops routine, this fast paced combination of partnered and solo dancing was created in the Savoy Ballroom as an ensemble dance. Join us in learning the steps, putting it all to music, and cranking up the tempo! The A-Frame jump at the very end is not included in this workshop, as that is a class in itself.

Soft Shoe Tap Drop-In

Tuesday 19 & 26 August, 19:30-21:00 - €12,50
No experience required. Not partnered.
Learn basic steps and rhythms, and work up to a few short routines in these soft tap sessions. Soft Shoe Tap simply means we will not be wearing tap shoes, but can dance on our normal dance shoes. We recommend wearing leather sole shoes.

Lindy Hop Taster Class

Wednesday 20 August, 19:00-20:00 - €5
No experience required.
The original Jitterbug that took over the ballrooms in the late 1920's is still very actively being danced today, by tens of thousands of dancers worldwide! Learn the basic steps and a bunch of cool moves - get ready to swing!

Balboa for Beginners

Thursday 21 & 28 August, 19:30-21:00 - €35
No experience required. This is a two-class workshop!
When the dancefloors were getting super crowded, and some venues even had "no-breaks" policies to prevent wild and unruly dancing, dancers in the early 1930's had to get creative. Dancing in a close connection, and still whipping out some flashy moves and footwork: Balboa was born. Learn the basics and a number of cool moves and get ready to dance to faster tempo's!

St Louis Shag for Beginners

Monday 25 August, 19:00-21:15 - €25
No experience required.
Quickly gaining in popularity in more recent years, this partner-dance from the 1930's has clear ties with Charleston and Lindy Hop, and a form of competition dancing known as the Little Apple. In this 2-hour workshop (note the extra 15 minutes for a break!) you'll learn the basic steps and connections, as well as some fun moves to try out on the social dance floor!

Collegiate Shag Taster Class

Wednesday 27 August, 19:00-20:00 - €5
No experience required.
Known as the wackiest of the dances we offer at Key Town Swing, Collegiate Shag is a fast-paced, fun partner dance with roots in Tap and Vaudeville dancing. As one of the many dances named Shag, this particular variation was popular among college students in the 1930's, giving it its name. Get ready for fast footwork, jumpy moves and playing around with the music!