summer shag series (3 Week Course)
Tuesdays
Beginners & Improvers Courses
£25 per course
Ready to take your first steps into the world of Collegiate Shag? Got some steps under your belt and looking for more adventures in Shag? We got you this summer!
Collegiate Shag is a partnered swing dance, full of fast footwork and energetic, playful rhythms. Originating in the African American communities of the Carolinas in the 1920s, Collegiate spread across the US in the 1930s. It is now danced in swing dance communities across the globe and we want you to find your fast feet this summer!
We’re excited to invite Sophie and Catrin, two local dancers in our community and shag sisters to share their love of Collegiate with you all, whether you’re new to Shag or looking for more tricks for your pocket!
We are offering two courses in Collegiate Shag, taught over 3 weeks.
Shag Fundamentals - perfect for those starting their journey with Collegiate Shag or those looking to brush up on their basics and build dancefloor confidence
Shag Adventurers - aimed at those already comfortable with shag rhythms and basic partnering skills aka. you are comfortable social dancing an entire song.
WHEN
We’re offering a three week series of Shag Fundamentals and Shag Adventurers, on Tuesday 19th August, Tuesday 26th August and Tuesday 2nd September 2025.
7.15-8.15pm Shag Fundamentals
8.15-8.30pm Mini Social
8.30-9.30pm Shag Adventurers
9.30-9.45pm Mini Social
WHEre
Classes are held at St Mary’s Hall, Talbot Street, Pontcanna.
How Much
Each three-week course is £25 per person. If you sign up to do both courses, it is £45 per person.
Shag Adventurers is also available as drop in classes, at our drop in rate of £9pw.
A percentage of the proceeds from this course will be donated to organisations championing dances of the African diaspora as well as those supporting antiracism and social justice initiatives. Learn more here.
Terms & Conditions
Bookings are non-refundable unless this event is cancelled by the organiser. In the case that the event is cancelled, all attendees will be fully refunded or offered a chance to pass their booking over to a new date.
If you book on and find yourself unable to join the course, you are welcome to transfer your booking to the next month’s course, provided you let us know up to 24hrs before the start of the first session. You may postpone your booking twice, but after that your booking will expire, and you will need to re-book your place.
Safety Measures
From January 2023, we no longer require proof of a negative lateral flow test at check in for class. If you feel unwell or test positive for COVID, please do not attend class.
All classes have limited numbers, ensuring plenty of space for everyone to feel comfortable dancing. The room is well ventilated with windows and doors open where possible.
If you wish to wear a mask during class, please feel empowered to do so however it is not required. We encourage dancers to sanitise before, during and at the end of class.
“Absolutely addictively awesome! Benjie and Jessie have true skill, style and charismatic styles of teaching which makes every class a pleasure with every step learnt. It’s a great friendly atmosphere and a fabulously fun way to spend an evening!”
“Jessie and Benjie couldn’t have introduced this dance to me better - they really took a good care of everything, and the classes were well structured but also such a good fun. You basically learn to dance before you know it.”
“Jessie and Benjie run a brilliant Intro class, perfect for beginners. They create such a welcoming and safe space and Classes are always fun and informative - I couldn’t recommend them more!”
“I’ve dabbled in Lindy Hop lessons over the years as I love to dance, but having two left feet it never stuck - until I met Jessie! Her classes are a good mix of easy to learn instruction and plenty of fun. Jessie has made Mondays a fun place to be, and her enthusiasm for teaching and Lindy Hop never fail to get you up and trying new moves. I’m looking forward to seeing where the adventures in class take us next.”