Dance Classes
Authentic jazz dances emerged on the dance floors in the early twentieth century and evolved in response to the innovations of jazz itself, from Ragtime through the Jazz Age and into the Swing Era. I specialise in Solo Jazz and Balboa, a partnered swing-era style from California
Spring/Summer 2026
For PRIVATE LESSONS in Camden, Tues/Thurs
Contact Nikki: hotjazzrag @ gmail.com
Regular classes & courses below
WEDNESDAYS
Balboa & Bal-Swing
Upper Hall, Hargrave Hall,
Archway, N19 5SP
Spring/Summer courses:
20 May
Balboa by Tempo Workshops
Book your place >>
— 27 May. Closed —
3-24 June
Intermediate level
Book your place >>
1 July & 8 July
TBC
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THURSDAYS – London Bridge & Online
JAZZ STEPS
Charleston to Rock n Roll!
Early Jazz Steps: Rhythms & Routines
7-21 May
Studio – sold out
Online Tickets >>
4-18 June
Studio – Book (limited places) >>
Online – Book here >>
Dance studio (5th floor) The Bridge, 73-81 Southwark Bridge Rd, London SE1 0NQ
OR join me Online! (livestream via zoom – link provided with booking confirmation)
SATURDAYS
Balboa & Bal-Swing
South London Irish Assoc,
138-140 Hartfield Road, SW19 3TG
Spring/Summer courses
23 May
Balboa by Tempo workshop
Book your place >>
— 30 May closed —
6 – 27 June
11am. Improv/Intermed Book your place>>
12.30pm Intermediate/Adv
Book your place >>
4 July & 11 July Workshops (content TBC)
***
Saturdays 3pm – 4.45pm
Swing Dance
at Morley College London
25 April – 27 June
Performance Course
Book >>
All swing courses take place at Morley College London Waterloo campus
All students enrol with the college.
Enquiries welcome: email nikki.santilli@morleycollege.ac.uk
Minimum numbers required.
1 May – 19 June
Friday Night Swing Time at Oxford University
I’m very happy to have been asked to teach for Oxford University Dancesport Club (OUDC) in partnership with Summertown Swing. A “town & gown” initiative, this is a drop in class also open to the public. Come and learn to Lindy Hop with me at Oxford University!
6:00pm – 7:00pm Beginner’s Lindy Hop
7:00pm – 8:00pm Improver Lindy Hop
OUDC Members £6 – Non-Members £11 (OUDC Membership is available to everyone for £35 for the year)
Venue: The Oxford University Club, 11 Mansfield Road Oxford, OX1 3SZ.
Balboa
What is Balboa?
A partner dance that uses various shuffling rhythms to connect the lead and follow to the music – typically, gypsy jazz or fast swing music.
What is Pure Balboa?
When lead/follow disappears and both dancers respond to the music and each other in a closed hold embrace. Any speed of music, but particularly useful for fast tempos!
More information
A guide to levels & venues.
If you are unsure, please email me: nikki@hotjazzrag.com
BALBOA: Missing a class? Catch up at the ‘other’ venue. The benefit of running parallel courses in north and south London means that you can take your class at either venue, a great way to meet and dance with more people! This option is not currently available, due to different levels being taught in the venues in May-June 2025
All Levels – a class that does not require previous experience but which may rise in level over the course of the session
Beginners – designed for learning the dance from scratch
Improver – you can lead or follow the Uphold & Downhold basics.
Intermediate – you can dance both Uphold and Downhold rhythms and the classic Bal-Swing figures: a Comearound, Throwout, Lollies, Out & Ins.
Venues:
“WIMBLEDON” (Saturdays): South London Irish Association, 138-140 Hartfield Road, Wimbledon SW19 3TG
Travel: Walking distance from Wimbledon station (overground/underground) and South Wimbledon (tube)
“ARCHWAY” (Wednesdays & Sundays): Paper Moon, Hargrave Hall, Hargrave Road London N19 5SP. Travel: Archway (northern line – High Barnet/Mill Hill branch); Upper Holloway (overground).
“LONDON BRIDGE” (Tuesdays & Thursdays): Dance studio (5th floor) The Bridge, 73-81 Southwark Bridge Rd, London SE1 0NQ. Travel: London Bridge (mainline) / Borough (northern line)
Live streamed via Zoom. Link will be provided.
Authentic Jazz Dance
Rhythm / Solo Jazz
General Level: short courses Book a place in the studio or join via livestream
Rhythm, technique, musicality work. Classic routines and original pieces choreographed by Nikki Santilli.
Book your place in the studio or online.
Solo Jazz: Sometimes referred to as Jazz Roots or Authentic Jazz Dance. Learning the rhythms, steps and history of solo jazz unquestionably makes you a better dancer and enriches all your partnered swing dancing too.
This is a regular class that works on rhythm, authentic jazz steps, routines by original early jazz dancers and original material.
Venue: Dance studio (5th floor) The Bridge, 73-81 Southwark Bridge Rd, London SE1 0NQ. Live streamed via Zoom. Link will be provided.
Questions? Contact me: nikki @ hotjazzrag.com
I’m happy to help.
Reviews
"A massive cheer up in these lockdown weeks"
"Haven't laughed so much in ages!"
Charleston to Swing
Morley College London
Saturdays: 3.15pm – 4pm
Saturdays: 4pm – 5pm
Dance Studio, Waterloo/Lambeth North
Term 1 (Sept 2023) Authentic Jazz Dances
Term 2 (Jan 2024) Authentic Jazz Dances
Term 3 (May 2024) Performance Courses (levels 1 & 2) with optional performance at Morley College
- Facilities: Large studio.
Full details and booking through Morley College London website