What is the Shim Sham?
The Shim Sham is one of the most iconic routines in the swing dance world, a joyful dance that nearly every Lindy Hopper learns and dances together at socials and festivals around the globe. The routine is composed of many older steps; the exact history of the dance is not easy to credit accurately.
Laura Glaess has made a great video on an abbreviated Shim Sham history, which you can watch on YouTube:
The dance was later adopted and adapted by Lindy Hop dancers, with legendary dancer Frankie Manning helping to popularise the version most swing communities dance today.
Watch Frankie Manning and Erin Stevens performing the ShimSham together:
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Why take this workshop?
Learn the basic steps and structure. We will break down the core patterns (like stomps, pushes, Tackie Annie, and more), building confidence piece by piece.
Build rhythm and musicality
The Shim Sham is most commonly danced to a classic swing tune, Tain’t what you do. Take a listen on Spotify. It’s a great way to internalise rhythm and timing in a fun, social setting.
https://open.spotify.com/track/6omAOQxWzNUuE3DZkI4cwr?si=01a82ef223a04972
Develop confidence in solo dancing
Unlike partner dance, this is danced solo. Solo dancing is a great way to connect with your own body, the music, and feel more confident. Solo dancing also helps with your partnered dancing.
Feel connected to swing history
You’ll be learning a tradition with deep roots in jazz and swing culture. A bridge between historic tap choreography and social dance.
Who is it for?
This workshop is beginner-friendly. You don’t need any Shim Sham or solo dancing experience to join in. If you’ve danced Lindy Hop or swing for a little while, it’ll also deepen your connection to the community and the music. Everyone moves at their own pace, and the emphasis is on fun, rhythm, and shared learning.
Venue
Bournville Quaker Meeting House
65 London Road Birmingham
B30 1JT
The Meeting House is a beautiful Grade II listed building based in the heart of Bournville Village Green, close to Cadbury’s. It is quiet, spacious and ideal for focused practice. The venue has its own car park, which can be accessed from Linden Road, and there is additional free parking nearby if needed. Bournville is also on a train line and the station is a 15 minute walk from the venue.
Meet your teacher: Sophie
Since her first lindy hop taster class at university, Sophie has been hooked on the joy of dancing, swing music and the connections and community it brings. Her teaching style aims to guide others to find more joy through dance, becoming more connected to the music, their own bodies and each other. She has travelled to dance festivals around the UK, Europe and danced in cities around the world. Sophie has been teaching for a few years and is excited to delve into new content with you.
Also check out other Workshops in Birmingham, Festivals in Birmingham, Entertainment events in Birmingham.
