swing dance courses & parties in bAsel
Forget everyday life and immerse yourself in the exciting world of swing dancing. Lindy hop, solo jazz, balboa, shag, parties and everything you need.
Forget everyday life and immerse yourself in the exciting world of swing dancing. Lindy hop, solo jazz, balboa, shag, parties and everything you need.
We're not just about dancing - we're about fun, energy and meeting new people. Whether you just want to try something new or have been into swing for a while: our classes, parties and festivals will get you moving and let you forget the daily grind.
You don't need any previous experience, anyone can dance!
Alone or with friends? It doesn't matter, the main thing is that you have fun.
Lindy hop, solo jazz, shag or balbao? Try it out!
Swing will make you shine, that's a promise!
Swing is more than just dance - it's pure joy of life !
All swing dances come from African-American culture and are social dances: you can improvise, have fun and meet new people. Just start with one dance - the rest will come naturally.
The classic! Lindy Hop is probably the best-known swing dance - easy to learn, full of energy and perfect for cool moves to slow or fast music.
Not in the mood for couple dancing? No problem! Solo Jazz is for you alone - with casual steps, cool choreos and lots of groove.
Elegant, playful and fast feet - that's Balboa. If you like flow and dynamism, you'll love this dance.
Wild, exuberant and full of energy! Shag will make you sweat. Perfect if you fancy a sporty and cool dance!
Not sure what suits you?
Just try it out at the free crash course at our parties, at the In a Day workshop or in the Beginner 1 course.
Our parties are full of joy of life. DJs, live bands and you on the dance floor in a cool location in Basel.
Whether you're a total beginner or a dance pro, we're relaxed, open and stress-free. German or English? Both! It's easy to make friends with us - the main thing is that you want to dance.
We offer pure joy of life 24/7: cool moves, great people, good music and parties you won't forget. Sometimes with a DJ, sometimes with a live band, but always with 100% good vibes.
With us, you forget everyday life with every beat, every step. After dancing, you feel free, relaxed and full of energy. Ready for whatever comes next.
Youdon'tneeda fixed partner- we change partners and roles and get to know each other. Just come along on your own and you'll be right in the middle of it.
Curious? Then just give it a try - we look forward to hearing from you!
With us, you can get started right away, whether you're new or already have experience. Our aim is for you to feel comfortable right from the start and always!
With us, you can get started however it suits you - with an In a Day workshop, our Beginner 1 course or a free crash course at one of our parties. Just give it a try!
Just start with one of the swing dances.
Alone or with a partner? Neither is a problem!
New courses every 8 weeks, workshops every month.
Our courses will take you further. And best of all: you dance with a great, motivated group!
The basics in one afternoon. Perfect if you just want to get a taste of it!
Let's find out together which course suits your level. You can simply check our overview or book a private lesson to get you off to the best start.
Listen to what our dancers have to say. We are proud of our community.
The Lindy Hop scene in Basel is fantastic and these guys are the best! Enthusiastic, but patient instruction and the classes are really fun. They also throw great Lindy Hop parties. Make sure to check them out if you love to dance and live in Basel.
Swing dancing not only makes you fit, it also brings joy, friends and unforgettable experiences. Listen to how others have found their way to the Jitterbugs.
"My fitness and condition have improved massively through swing dancing. (...) And the cool thing about swing dancing is that you can join in very early on."
"The music is the greatest thing about swing dancing. (...) It's really about living out what you hear in the music and having fun."
"The parties are so wonderful and the live music it feels magical...after we went to the first party we were totally hooked. "
Over 3,000 dancers are already celebrating life with us. Now all that's missing is you!
You don't need any previous experience - just a desire for movement, music and fun.
No, you can come alone or with someone. We change dance partners during the course.
With us, you learn both roles and that has many advantages:
You become more versatile.
You understand the dance more deeply.
You can dance with everyone, no matter what role.
It improves your technique, strengthens the connection with your dance partners and is simply fun!
Does this have to do with gender roles?
No! Leaders & followers have nothing to do with gender.
Anyone can do both - regardless of experience, personality or identity.
What if I've only danced one role so far?
No problem! We in the team also started classically.
We'll show you the other role step by step - at your own pace.
How does the course work?
From the beginning, we dance alternately in both roles.
In advanced courses, we slowly broaden the perspective.
Nobody is overwhelmed - you discover the other role in a relaxed way.
If you realize that you only want to learn one role, that is possible.
Why is this important?
Because it has helped us move forward!
We believe that learning both roles means: more freedom, more empathy, more togetherness.
Our goal: an inclusive, flexible community where everyone can dance everything.
Questions? Write to us, we will be happy to help you!
Simply register online for the relevant course. If you have several courses individually, we will combine them for you. Write to us if you have any questions, we are here for you!
You will find the prices in the respective course description.
A course lesson costs CHF 25/23* for 70 minutes including video recap.
Several courses per week = more discount.
1 course: 25/23* CHF
2 courses: 23/21* CHF = -16 % on the 2nd course
3+ courses: 21/19* CHF -32% on the 3rd and all subsequent courses.
*For students, trainees & KulturLegi.
If the price is a problem, talk to us and we'll find a solution!
Basel Jitterbugs is a member of the Swiss Dance Association: find out from your health insurance company whether dance courses are subsidized and benefit from subsidies of up to CHF 600/year. Find out more here.
No, but you can try swing dancing at one of our free crash courses at our parties .
Let us know in good time if you are going to be absent.
With our video recap you can stay on the ball and catch up on missed content yourself.
Longer absences (3+ weeks):
Contact us before the start of the course, then a partial credit or a private lesson compensation is possible.
Recommendation: Free catch-up private lesson to catch up.
If it suits you, you can make up a lesson in another course (same or lower level). There is no entitlement. Ask your teachers or simply write to us.
Comfortable clothes that you feel good in. Flat, clean shoes, no black soles, a change of shirt if necessary - that's it!
No street shoes and black soles - protect our wooden floors!
Sneakers with smooth soles or leather soles are ideal.
For Balboa: shoes that slip well, optionally with a stable heel.
Tip:
Favorite shoes? → Have chrome leather glued on at the shoemaker!
Shoe stores: Remix Vintage Shoes, Madame Dynamite, Saint Savoy or Swingin Shoes.
Just ask our teachers, we are happy to help!
After starting out, you will progress step by step in our courses. You'll learn new techniques, moves and concepts - always tailored to your level. In higher courses, there are special topics and more depth.
Level overview:
Beginner 1-3: up to 6 months
Beginner/Intermediate 1-3: 6-12 months
Intermediate 1-3: 12-18 months
Intermediate+: 18-36 months
Intermediate/Advanced: from 36 months (intensive)
Write us an e-mail. We usually reply within 24 hours.